If you’re a bookkeeper looking for inspiration, collaboration, and professional development, a bookkeeping retreat might be just what you need.
I recently hosted a bookkeeping weekend in Syracuse, New York, and it was an incredible experience.
Here’s a look at what made this retreat so special and why I plan to host more events like this in the future.
Why a Bookkeeping Retreat?
As bookkeepers, we often work in isolation, whether from home offices or co-working spaces.
While this setup has advantages, connecting with like-minded professionals can be refreshing and motivating.
The goal of this retreat was simple: to create a space where bookkeepers could step away from their daily grind. Allowing them to work on their business, not just in it.
This retreat was open to anyone interested, with no admission fee. It was designed to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and network with fellow bookkeepers.
Whether you were just starting out or running an established bookkeeping business, this event provided value to all attendees.
The Experience: A Weekend of Growth and Connection
The retreat took place over a weekend, with attendees arriving Friday and Saturday and leaving Sunday and Monday.
Our main working day was Saturday, where we gathered in a rented hotel conference room from 8 AM to 8 PM. Here’s what the experience looked like:
Friday: Welcome Lunch and Casual Networking
- We kicked off the weekend with a lunch at Strong Hearts, a vegan restaurant in Syracuse.
- After lunch, we gathered in the hotel lobby to discuss our businesses, challenges, and goals for the retreat.
- This informal discussion set the stage for a productive weekend by helping attendees clarify their goals.
Saturday: Deep Work and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Attendees worked on their projects in a supportive, distraction-free environment.
- Our conference room was set up in a U-shape, allowing for easy collaboration and discussion.
- Office supplies and power outlets were readily available, ensuring a smooth workflow.
One of the most valuable parts of the retreat was the ability to ask questions and get feedback in real-time.
Throughout the day, bookkeepers shared insights on:
- Best practices for engagement letters
- Handling tricky sales tax situations
- Managing payroll efficiently in QuickBooks
- Organizing client receipts and documentation
Even those who didn’t have specific questions benefited from hearing others discuss real-world bookkeeping challenges.
Saturday Evening: Unplanned But Memorable Conversations
- After the conference room closed at 8 PM, we continued our discussions in the hotel lobby.
- We ended up chatting, laughing, and sharing experiences until 1 AM!
- Conversations ranged from bookkeeping strategies to personal stories about business ownership and life balance.
This organic, relaxed networking time was just as valuable as the structured work sessions.
Lessons Learned and Future Improvements
Hosting this retreat taught me a few important lessons that I’ll apply to future events:
Plan for Meals:
- Since everyone was deeply engaged in work, we forgot to make meal plans in advance. Next time, I’ll arrange group orders or pre-scheduled deliveries.
Keep the Group Small:
- With eight attendees, the retreat felt intimate and productive. I’d likely cap future events at 12 participants to maintain this balance.
Less is More for Supplies:
- I brought an entire cart of office supplies but realized that a few essentials were enough. In the future, I’ll bring only the basics.
Consider Charging a Small Fee:
- While this retreat was free, future events may have a small fee to cover conference room costs and ensure a high level of commitment from attendees.
The Value of In-Person Collaboration
One of the biggest takeaways from this bookkeeping retreat in Syracuse was the power of in-person collaboration. Unlike working alone in a hotel room, being in a space with other bookkeepers created a unique energy.
The ability to bounce ideas off peers, ask spontaneous questions, and hear different perspectives added so much value to the experience.
Attendees ranged from new bookkeepers to seasoned professionals, and the variety of expertise levels led to dynamic discussions.
Even those who primarily listened and took notes found the event to be an eye-opening experience.
What’s Next? More Bookkeeping Retreats!
Due to the success of this event, I plan to host similar bookkeeping retreats in different locations across the U.S. I aim to create quarterly events where bookkeepers can gather, learn, and grow together. Each retreat will focus on:
- Deep work and personal business development
- Collaborative discussions on industry challenges
- A supportive community for bookkeepers
Join Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad Community for updates if you’re interested in attending a future bookkeeping retreat!
I’m excited to continue building a community where bookkeepers can connect, inspire each other, and achieve their business goals.
Final Thoughts
The bookkeeping retreat in Syracuse was a refreshing, productive, and inspiring experience. It reinforced the importance of stepping away from daily tasks to reflect on bigger business goals while surrounded by supportive peers.
If you’ve ever considered attending a bookkeeping retreat, I highly recommend it whether you join one of my future meetups or create your own.
Investing time in professional growth and collaboration can be a game-changer for your business.
Would you be interested in a bookkeeping retreat in your area? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
