2024 BK Authors Retreat
November 1–4 (Friday–Monday), 2024
The 2024 BK Authors Retreat will be held November 1–4 at the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos, California.
Registration now open!
November 1–4
(Friday dinner through Monday lunch)
Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way (view on Google Maps)
Los Altos, California (Bay Area, close to San Jose)
What is the BK Author Retreat?
The BK Author retreat is an annual four-day event where around 30–50 Berrett-Koehler authors and staff 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, BK staff members, and friends of the BK community
- Talk about trends, topics, and issues that are important to you
- 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?
The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way
Los Altos, CA 94022-4659
Established in 1925, the Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos is a perfect setting for our retreat. Located on 38 acres of ecologically diverse hillside land, situated near the quaint town of Los Altos, the retreat center offers splendid meeting and breakout rooms, single bedrooms each with a private bath (a few doubles available), and nourishing and healthy meals for all dietary desires, in a dining room overlooking the valley and bay.
The grounds, peaceful and isolated, offer plenty of opportunity for outdoor events, walking meditations, and solitude. See a map of the grounds.
What’s included?
- Room accommodations Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night, November 1–3
- Catered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Friday dinner to Monday lunch
- Snacks throughout
- Four days of structured conversations, activities, sessions, and group interactions, as well as unstructured 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].
Pricing
| Stay-In Options | Early Bird Price (Closes June 30*) | StillTime Price (July 1–July 31) | Full Price (August 1–October 1) |
| Regular | $650 | $695 | $750 |
| Subsidized price For those with tight budgets. This is paid out of our scholarship fund. | $500 | $530 | $600 |
| Patron price For those who want to pay extra so other authors can come at the subsidized price. | $695 | $745 | $795 |
| Commuter Options (Lunch and dinner included but not overnight accommodations or breakfast) | Early Bird Price (Closes June 30*) | StillTime Price (July 1–July 31) | Full Price (August 1–October 1) |
| Thursday evening | $90 | $95 | $105 |
| Friday | $120 | $130 | $140 |
| Saturay | $120 | $130 | $140 |
| Sunday morning | $90 | $95 | $105 |
*For BK authors and BK staff, we’ve extended the Early Bird discount to August 31.
Financial assistance is available for BK authors: See our scholarship page.
Jesuit Retreat Center Photo Gallery
Past BK Retreats Photo Gallery
Agenda
November 1, 2024
November 2, 2024
November 3, 2024
November 4, 2024
Registration
November 1–4
(Friday dinner through Monday lunch)
Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way (view on Google Maps)
Los Altos, California (Bay Area, close to San Jose)
Financial assistance is available for BK authors: See our scholarship page.