2022 BK Authors Retreat
September 30 – October 3 (Friday - Monday), 2022
We’re back! Please hold the dates for the 2022 Authors Retreat: September 30–October 3 (a Friday through a Monday). We have a great committee working on refreshing our retreat while keeping the magic. We will be returning to one of our favorite spots outside San Francisco, the Jesuit Retreat Center at Los Altos.
What is the BK Author Retreat?
The BK Author retreat is an annual event where Berrett-Koehler authors can 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?
The Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way
Los Altos, CA 94022-4659
The Jesuit Retreat Center is a perfect setting for our retreat. Located on 38 acres of ecologically diverse hillside land, situated within 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.
The town of Los Altos, a short walk down the hill, offers coffee shops, restaurants, and wine bars.
What’s included?
- Room accommodations Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night, September 30–October 2
- Catered breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from Friday dinner to Monday lunch
- Four days of structured conversations, activities, sessions, and group interactions, as well as unscheduled time for mingling or personal renewal. See the full schedule (PDF) for more details.
Why should I come?
We’ve all been through a lot. 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. That’s the goal of this year’s theme: Reboot-Reflect-Relate: Showing Up Renewed in the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
Activities
Concurrent Conversations and Connections
A variety of topics and activities will be offered throughout the retreat, from conversations about social issues and marketing topics to group activities and games—all with the purpose of helping authors connect with, support, and learn from each other.
Homerooms
Homerooms are a retreat within the retreat: a small group of 4–6 authors that will meet together at the end of each day to process the event and share insights and any feelings that come up. If done right, your homeroom experience can be the richest part of the retreat and lead to lifelong friendships.
Open Space
Open Space is a time to talk about what you want to talk about. First we will meet all together to propose and identify 6–10 topics for each breakout period; then you get to decide which conversation you want to join. You are welcome to propose your own topic, so get thinking!
We look forward to you joining us for this truly life-changing experience!
—Your BK Retreat committee
Julie Winkle Giulioni (chair), Delatorro McNeal, Juana Bordas, Kami Anderson, Maren Showkeir, Tamara Winfrey-Harris, John Kador, Jennifer Kahnweiler, Pete Neuwirth, and Steve Piersanti
2022 Retreat Location and Dates:
Jesuit Retreat Center of Los Altos
300 Manresa Way
Los Altos, California 94022-4659 (View on Google Maps)
September 30 – October 3, 2022 (Friday dinner – Monday lunch)
Registration for the 2022 Retreat is now closed.
Mark your calendars for our 2023 retreat:
Pendle Hill Retreat Center
338 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, Pennsylvania (outskirts of Philadelphia)
September 28 – October 1, 2023 (Thursday dinner – Sunday lunch)