{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 273 How Venue Networks & Influencers Are Changing the Industry with Anna VanAgtmael","description":"If you\u2019ve ever felt like hosting a retreat is way more complicated than it should be\u2026 You\u2019re not wrong. In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with returning guest Anna VanAgtmael to talk about what\u2019s broken in the retreat industry-and what she\u2019s building to fix it. Because right now: \ud83d\udc49 Retreat leaders have the audience but not the logistics \ud83d\udc49 Venues have the space but can\u2019t fill it consistently \ud83d\udc49 And everyone is trying to figure it out on their own Anna shares her new venture-a curated retreat center directory and collaboration with Tiny Habitat-designed to bring retreat leaders, venues, and influencers together into one aligned ecosystem. This model is built to: \u2022 Simplify retreat planning \u2022 Reduce overwhelm for retreat leaders \u2022 Help venues fill off-season dates \u2022 Create better guest experiences \u2022 Support local communities They also get into: Why hosting too many retreats leads to burnout Why most retreat leaders struggle with logistics What makes a venue actually \u201cretreat ready\u201d The power of specialization vs trying to serve everyone Why honest marketing matters more than ever If you\u2019re a retreat leader OR a venue owner trying to connect the dots\u2014this conversation will give you a much clearer path forward.   What You\u2019ll Learn in This Episode \u2022 A new model for running a retreat business \u2022 How venue networks can simplify retreat planning \u2022 Why influencers are becoming part of the retreat ecosystem \u2022 The biggest disconnect between retreat leaders and venues \u2022 How to create better alignment and profitability \u2022 Why specialization is key for both leaders and venues   Key Takeaways The Industry Is Disconnected Retreat leaders, venues, and audiences are not aligned-and it\u2019s costing everyone time and money.   A New Model Is Emerging Venue networks + curated partnerships + influencer alignment = smarter retreats.   Burnout Is Real Hosting too many retreats is not the goal. Sustainable models win.   Logistics Is the Biggest Gap Most leaders don\u2019t struggle with ideas-they struggle with execution.   Specialization Wins Trying to serve everyone = diluted experience and harder marketing.   Honest Marketing Matters Overpromising kills trust. Clear positioning builds it.   About Anna Anna VanAgtmael is the founder of Wandering Roots. She hosts adventure retreats for women all over the world and helps entrepreneurs plan and host their own profitable retreats. Learn more: https:\/\/www.yourwanderingroots.com\/  Contact Anna at anna@yourwanderingroots.com Listen to the previous episode with Anna: https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/the-retreat-leaders-podcast\/id1186563181?i=1000730960525    The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links: Learn to Host Retreats Join our private Facebook Group Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide Get your legal docs for retreats Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum  Join our LinkedIn Group Apply to be a guest on our show Grab the AI + SEO Mini Course   Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let\u2019s create a vibrant retreat community together!   Subscribe:  Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify ------- TIMESTAMPS Introduction to Anna (00:00:50) Host Shannon Jamaal welcomes two-time guest Anna to the show and discusses their upcoming in-person meeting at a retreat forum. Anna's New Venture (02:05) Anna explains her transition from hosting her own retreats to planning them for others, seeking more freedom and flexibility. The Evolution of a Retreat Host (03:20) Shannon and Anna discuss the natural evolution of hosting retreats full-time, moving from many events per year to just one or two. Solving a Problem for Wellness Influencers (04:54) Anna introduces her collaboration with Tiny Habitat, a company that helps wellness influencers host retreats by providing vetted venues and staff. Benefits for All Parties (08:03) The discussion covers how this new model benefits retreat leaders, venue owners, and Anna's role in creating the experience. Filling Off-Season Bookings (09:10) Anna explains how her model helps venues fill their calendars during slower seasons, creating a symbiotic relationship with hosts. Venue Expectations (12:02) Anna details the criteria for venues in her directory, emphasizing nature-based, secluded locations with connections to local vendors. The Importance of Picking a Niche (14:30) Shannon and Anna discuss why it's crucial for retreat venues to "pick a lane" and not try to be everything to everyone. Managing Expectations (17:23) The conversation highlights the importance of accurately representing a venue's offerings to attract the right guests and avoid disappointment. How to Connect with Anna (19:44) Anna shares how listeners, both venue owners and retreat leaders, can get in touch with her to learn more. ","author_name":"The Retreat Leaders Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/retreatleaders.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"