Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sell my boss on the idea?

While Retreats 4 Geeks workshops are hosted in beautiful locations, our primary focus is to provide world-class training to improve participants’ skill sets. Whether you run a small agency or are a member of a large corporate team, the purpose of professional education is to improve some aspect of your business, and that is what we do best. Each of our workshops is taught by industry leaders and practicing professionals with a proven track record of educating web teams.

What content will be covered?

Each retreat has a distinct curriculum. We understand that the web is an ever-changing medium and our curriculum needs to adapt as things change and new best practices are codified; consequently, each session is crafted to highlight current best practices, taking into account the facilitators’ expertise and our participants’ needs. If you have a specific topic you want covered at a retreat, please contact us to find out how we can incorporate your needs into our curriculum.

What topics are covered in the curriculum?


Each retreat is unique, but past, present and future training topics include: HTML5 (semantics, native audio and video, and forms); CSS (advanced selectors, adaptive layouts, media queries); accessibility (including WAI-ARIA); JavaScript (fundamentals, DOM manipulation, performance tuning, object-orientation, jQuery); progressive enhancement; and designing (and developing) for mobile.

What will the curriculum schedule involve?


The first two days of our curriculum typically includes interactive lectures, tutorials, engaged conversations, and presentations of best practices lead by the retreat’s facilitators. The final day is usually dedicated to a hands-on project where attendees will apply the skills they’ve learned, working closely with our facilitators and their peers to refine their own process. Each retreat is different, so it’s best to consult the schedule for the particular retreat that interests you.

What’s included in the training package?

The retreat fee includes all training sessions, meals, lodging, downloadable slides of presentations (for participants only), event schwag, related literature, and evening activities. Airfare and other travel-related costs are not included.

Why such a small classroom size?

We believe that maintaining a small classroom size allows for more personal communication and one-on-one attention. Class sizes are capped at between 10 and 20 participants in order to foster a friendly, approachable environment and ensure that every attendee gets the attention he or she needs.

Will there be wi-fi and running water?

Most definitely! Our retreat locations are intended to remove participants from the everyday distractions of life, so they can focus on the subject at hand. However, while the destinations may be cozy, the retreat lodges are fully equipped with luxury amenities and modern conveniences.

We would never deny you Twitter. (Except while you’re in class, of course.)

What is the transfer/cancellation/refund policy?

In the event that you cannot attend and want to transfer your registration to another person, you must contact us us no less than 3 days (72 hours) in advance with the replacement attendee’s email address and pertinent contact information. We will process the request and a confirmation email will be sent to both you and the person taking your place.

Cancellations must take place no less than 2 weeks prior to the retreat and will be refunded at 90% of the original purchase price via the same payment method of the purchase.

Persons who notify us of cancellation less than 2 weeks in advance or who fail to attend without notification will be responsible for the full registration fee. Retreats 4 Geeks is not responsible for fees associated with transportation.

When will I receive directions to the lodge?

We will provide detailed driving directions, closest airports and other pertinent information in the Attendee Guide for each event once your slot has been confirmed.

How can my company host a customized retreat?

We also specialize in both on-site and destination training and can customize workshops to suit the needs of your business and employees. If you can’t bring everyone to us, allow us to bring our resources to you, setting up a private retreat in your area or even in your conference room. Contact us to find out more details about booking a retreat for your company.