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2023 BK Authors Retreat

September 28 – October 1, 2023

The 2023 BK Authors Retreat will be held September 28–October 1 at the Pendle Hill Retreat Center in Pennsylvania. Registration is open now. We look forward to you joining us!

Registration is now open for our 2023 retreat!

September 28–October 1
(Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch)

Pendle Hill Retreat Center

338 Plush Mill Road (view on Google Maps)

Wallingford, Pennsylvania (outskirts of Philadelphia)

Pricing

Stay-In OptionsEarly Bird
(June 1–July 15)
Full Price
(July 16–August 15)
Regular$500$550
Subsidized price
For those with tight budgets
$350$400
Patron price
For those who want to pay extra so other authors can come at the subsidized price.
$650$700
Commuter Options (Meals included but not a room)Early Bird
(June 1–July 15)
Full Price
(July 16–August 15)
Thursday evening$45$55
Friday$75$85
Saturay$75$85
Sunday morning$45$55

Financial assistance is available for BK authors: See our scholarship page.

What is the BK Author Retreat?

The BK Author retreat is an annual four-day event where around 40–50 Berrett-Koehler authors gather to connect with, learn from, and help each other.

At the retreat, you will:

  • Meet and get to know (or reconnect with) other BK authors
  • Learn from people with perspectives and backgrounds different from your own
  • Discover possibilities for collaboration
  • Take a break from the grind of the digital work world
  • Spend time in personal reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation


What is the location?

Pendle Hill Retreat Center
338 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, Pennsylvania

(view on Google Maps)

Located in a suburb of Philadelphia, the Pendle Hill Retreat Center is a perfect setting for our retreat. 

Established in 1930, Pendle Hill is a Quaker retreat center that welcomes all for learning, retreat, and community. Their vision is “to create peace with justice in the world by transforming lives.”

Located on 24 wooded acres, Pendle Hill includes gardens, picnic benches, a meditation labyrinth, and a 1-mile-loop walking trail. See a map of the campus.


What’s included?

  • Room accommodations Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night, September 28–30
  • Catered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Thursday dinner to Sunday lunch
  • Snacks throughout
  • Four days of structured conversations, activities, sessions, and group interactions, as well as unscheduled time for mingling or personal renewal. See the agenda for more details.


Why should I come?

The Retreat is an opportunity to flourish. It’s an opportunity to welcome new authors into the fold and help old authors find fresh ideas and connections.

The decision to show up is not just an estimation of the risks and benefits of an in-person retreat. It’s about deciding who you are when you show up. We’re hoping to see you in all your glory, ready to face what needs to be faced, open to whatever wants to find you.

We also hope to make the retreat a valuable learning opportunity, with sessions and conversations designed to introduce you to new ideas and trends and help authors learn from each others’ extensive experience and wisdom.


Frequently Asked Questions


What activities will be included?

  • Breakout Discussions: Pre-planned discussions on topics of interest and value to our authors, from marketing ideas to social issues.
  • Open Discussions: First we will meet all together to propose and identify 4–6 topics to discuss; then you get to decide which conversation you want to join. You are welcome to propose your own topic, so get thinking!
  • Talent Show: Authors will share songs, poetry, recitations, magic tricks, and other talents. Start thinking of what you want to share!
  • Other Activities: Indoor and outdoor, fun and reflective, educational and inspirational.

See our agenda for details.

If you want to lead any discussion or activity, please email our operations manager, Jeremy Madsen, at [email protected].

Pendle Hill Photo Gallery

Past BK Retreats Photo Gallery

Agenda


September 28, 2023

2 pm
Room check-in begins
2–6 pm
Informal gathering and first-timer orientation
6–7 pm
Dinner
7:30–8:30 pm
Welcome and getting-to-know-you activities

September 29, 2023

7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30–9:15 am
(Optional) Quaker silent worship/meditation service at The Barn
9:20–9:40 am
All-together gathering, welcome, and intro to the day
9:40–10:40 am
Breakout discussions (TBA)
10:50–11:50 am
Breakout discussions (TBA)
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:15–2:30 pm
Group session or activity (TBA)
2:40–4:00 pm
Open discussions
4–6 pm
Unstructured time
6–7 pm
Dinner
7:30–9:30 pm
Talent show

September 30, 2023

7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30–9:15 am
(Optional) Quaker silent worship/meditation service at The Barn
9:40–10:40 am
Breakout discussions (TBA)
10:50–11:50 am
Breakout discussions (TBA)
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1:15–2:30 pm
Group session or activity (TBA)
2:40–4:00 pm
Open discussions
4–6 pm
Unstructured time
6–7 pm
Dinner
7:30–9:30 pm
Evening party or activity (TBA)

October 1, 2023

7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30–9:15 am
(Optional) Quaker silent worship/meditation service at The Barn
9:30–11:50 am
Group closing activity (TBA)
12:00–1:00 pm
Lunch
1–2 pm
Farewells and check-out

Registration

September 28–October 1
(Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch)

Pendle Hill Retreat Center
338 Plush Mill Road (view on Google Maps)
Wallingford, Pennsylvania (outskirts of Philadelphia)

Financial assistance is available for BK authors: See our scholarship page.

Your Info

Registration Options

We have 4 rooms with two twin beds each. Attendees who arrange to share a room will each receive a $100 discount.

Room-sharing arrangements must be made before you register.
Subsidized price: For those with tight budgets.

Patron price: For those who want to pay extra so other authors can come at the subsidized price.
This fund will be used to purchase beer and wine for Friday and Saturday evening. If you plan on drinking, please contribute.

Other Info

All Pendle Hill meals include gluten-free, vegetarian, and/or vegan options. Pendle Hill does not have an exclusively gluten-free or peanut-free kitchen, nor is it a kosher kitchen.

If you have severe food allergies or a specialty diet, consider bringing supplemental food. Refrigerators are available in each building.
Most rooms share a hallway bathroom with 1–3 other rooms. Bathrooms are family style (single-occupant), not dormitory style.

Some rooms are in a second building that's a 3–5-minute walk away from the main retreat building.

Payment

$ 0.00