If you can't find the answer you are looking for below, feel free to contact us!
Q: What is this exactly?
A: The Get-Together is a hybrid of retreat, conference, and house party in Chicago, IL. We are offering a veritable smorgasbord of workshops, presentations, performances, and opportunities to write, read, connect, listen, learn, share, socialize, and become inspired. We are radically inclusive, friendly, welcoming, and interested in you.
A: The Get-Together is a hybrid of retreat, conference, and house party in Chicago, IL. We are offering a veritable smorgasbord of workshops, presentations, performances, and opportunities to write, read, connect, listen, learn, share, socialize, and become inspired. We are radically inclusive, friendly, welcoming, and interested in you.
Q: Wait - how can this be so inexpensive compared to some other retreats/conferences? You know you could charge much more for this, right?
A: We are looking to break the typical model of a retreat/conference, so it is vital to us that this is accessible and affordable. Creativity belongs to us all, not just those with endless free time and a hefty disposable income. This isn't an annual fundraiser for an organization or entity, so we don't have a profit goal, just a mission to cover our expenses and pay everyone involved a respectable amount (even our "volunteers" get something!) Also, we are experts at being resourceful and budgeting carefully with the attendee experience in mind. We don't waste funds on anything frivolous or fancy. It might help to think of this a sort of co-op model.
A: We are looking to break the typical model of a retreat/conference, so it is vital to us that this is accessible and affordable. Creativity belongs to us all, not just those with endless free time and a hefty disposable income. This isn't an annual fundraiser for an organization or entity, so we don't have a profit goal, just a mission to cover our expenses and pay everyone involved a respectable amount (even our "volunteers" get something!) Also, we are experts at being resourceful and budgeting carefully with the attendee experience in mind. We don't waste funds on anything frivolous or fancy. It might help to think of this a sort of co-op model.
Q: Doesn't 95 people seem like a lot for a retreat?
A: We have ample space to spread out, with three venues at 400+ combined capacity. Our venue for presentations seats 125+ comfortably, so there is no danger of being left out of a session you'd like to attend. Also, we have the goal of connecting people with each other all weekend, so we hope you'll leave with close to 94 new acquaintences or friends.
A: We have ample space to spread out, with three venues at 400+ combined capacity. Our venue for presentations seats 125+ comfortably, so there is no danger of being left out of a session you'd like to attend. Also, we have the goal of connecting people with each other all weekend, so we hope you'll leave with close to 94 new acquaintences or friends.
Q: I don't live in Chicago. Am I welcome to attend?
A: Of course! We love meeting folks from out of town. We just wish we had couches for all of you to crash on. If you'd like some information on travel, lodging, or local attractions, just ask!
A: Of course! We love meeting folks from out of town. We just wish we had couches for all of you to crash on. If you'd like some information on travel, lodging, or local attractions, just ask!
Q: I know personal narrative storytelling shows are a thing in Chicago. Is this just for those folks, or only for people interested in being performers?
A: No! We believe that every single one of us is a storyteller of some sort. Some people share their stories on a stage, others in classrooms, courtrooms, boardrooms, or over beers, coffee, or porch railings. Some people write their stories, and others draw, program, or sing them. We know people who are in love with orally told personal stories, and others who enjoy nothing more than a supernatural, sci-fi, historical fiction graphic novel. It's all storytelling to us, and no matter which flavor of it lights you up, there will be something of value for you at this retreat, and you are 100% welcome. If you have even a slight, vague interest in storytelling, we can't wait to have you with us.
A: No! We believe that every single one of us is a storyteller of some sort. Some people share their stories on a stage, others in classrooms, courtrooms, boardrooms, or over beers, coffee, or porch railings. Some people write their stories, and others draw, program, or sing them. We know people who are in love with orally told personal stories, and others who enjoy nothing more than a supernatural, sci-fi, historical fiction graphic novel. It's all storytelling to us, and no matter which flavor of it lights you up, there will be something of value for you at this retreat, and you are 100% welcome. If you have even a slight, vague interest in storytelling, we can't wait to have you with us.
Q: Is this appropriate for all ages?
A: We'd say 13+ accompanied by an adult is probably a good cut off, with the understanding some storytelling performances could include adult material or language (but nothing gratuitous or graphic).
A: We'd say 13+ accompanied by an adult is probably a good cut off, with the understanding some storytelling performances could include adult material or language (but nothing gratuitous or graphic).
Q: Will I be OK attending this alone?
A: You won't be alone, as you'll be surrounded by new colleagues and friends. We will be working hard to connect everyone all weekend, and our staff will be personally introducing you to dozens of great people. (We'll also leave you in peace if and when you'd prefer that!)
A: You won't be alone, as you'll be surrounded by new colleagues and friends. We will be working hard to connect everyone all weekend, and our staff will be personally introducing you to dozens of great people. (We'll also leave you in peace if and when you'd prefer that!)
Q: I have enough structure and scheduling in my everyday life. Can I just do my own thing?
A: You are the designer of your own weekend. If you just feel like simply hanging out, do it! If you want to check out half a session and then go read a book, perfect! If you want to show up late or call it a day early, we've got your back.
A: You are the designer of your own weekend. If you just feel like simply hanging out, do it! If you want to check out half a session and then go read a book, perfect! If you want to show up late or call it a day early, we've got your back.
Q: Will I be put on the spot to tell a story, share some writing, or do any public speaking?
A: Absolutely not. We respect everyone's level of comfort and their right to remain a listener. However, there will be endless opportunities to share in both small and large group environments at the retreat. We'll encourage you, if you are feeling up to it! And no one is going to force an unwanted critique or notes on you at any point.
A: Absolutely not. We respect everyone's level of comfort and their right to remain a listener. However, there will be endless opportunities to share in both small and large group environments at the retreat. We'll encourage you, if you are feeling up to it! And no one is going to force an unwanted critique or notes on you at any point.
Q: Is it possible to get a discount on the registration?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. We've already priced this as low as we could possibly go. However, we are soliciting gift registrations for those in financial need, so we may end up with some sponsored or discounted spots. If you want to inquire about these, please contact us. There are no guarantees, but we'll do our best.
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. We've already priced this as low as we could possibly go. However, we are soliciting gift registrations for those in financial need, so we may end up with some sponsored or discounted spots. If you want to inquire about these, please contact us. There are no guarantees, but we'll do our best.
Q: Can I get a refund? I forgot I had concert tickets that weekend.
A: Unfortunately, no. However, you would be welcome to pass along your registration to a friend or family member. We'd also be happy to gift it to someone in financial need.
A: Unfortunately, no. However, you would be welcome to pass along your registration to a friend or family member. We'd also be happy to gift it to someone in financial need.
Q: Do I have to stay for the entire weekend?
A: Not at all! You are free to come and go as you please. However, we'd love as much quality time with you as possible.
A: Not at all! You are free to come and go as you please. However, we'd love as much quality time with you as possible.
Q: Are there any mask/vaccination requirements?
A: We are following the lead of state and national health organizations, so not at this time. However, you are welcome to mask up and receive a fist bump for knowing what you need in order to feel comfortable.
A: We are following the lead of state and national health organizations, so not at this time. However, you are welcome to mask up and receive a fist bump for knowing what you need in order to feel comfortable.
Q: I'm vegan/dairy free/gluten free. Am I going to starve?
A: Nope. We've got you covered with delicious options all weekend.
A: Nope. We've got you covered with delicious options all weekend.
Q: Why are alcoholic beverages and soft drinks not included in the meal plan?
A: We looked at drink packages, and it drove the cost up for registration and looked like a real mess for the service staff. It didn't feel right to charge everyone substantially more when we weren't even sure how many folks would be imbibing cocktails or colas. However, the fluids will be flowing at our venues, and you are welcome to purchase anything you'd like!
A: We looked at drink packages, and it drove the cost up for registration and looked like a real mess for the service staff. It didn't feel right to charge everyone substantially more when we weren't even sure how many folks would be imbibing cocktails or colas. However, the fluids will be flowing at our venues, and you are welcome to purchase anything you'd like!
Q: Are all of your venues ADA accessible?
A: Yes!
A: Yes!