How Great Retreats Are Built Behind the Scenes

SummaryIn this episode, Holly Porter interviews Melanie Ireton, a fractional COO and operational strategist, about how retreat leaders can optimize their operations, marketing, and systems to scale their businesses effectively. They discuss the role of a COO, current retreat industry trends, operational mistakes, and how AI can be a game-changer.TakeawaysRole of a COO in retreat businesses2026 retreat industry trends and marketing strategiesCommon operational mistakes retreat leaders makeImportance of systems and SOPs in retreatsUsing AI to streamline retreat operationsChapters00:00 Introduction to Melanie Ireton01:49 Understanding the Role of a COO03:56 Challenges for Retreat Leaders05:31 Trends in the Retreat Industry07:32 Marketing Gaps for Retreat Leaders09:11 Operational Problems in Retreat Businesses11:06 Common Operational Mistakes13:18 Essential Systems for Retreat Leaders14:56 Preparing for Unexpected Challenges18:52 Leveraging AI in Retreat Planning20:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts23:42 RNR Outro Final.mp424:20 RR.Gift.RetreatRnR.com.mp4🔗 Connect with Mel Ireton | Ireton Consulting📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.iretonconsulting.com🔗 LinkedIn: Mel Ireton📸 Instagram: @thecoo_room📘 Facebook: thecooroom🔗 Connect with Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 📧 Email: [email protected] 🔗 LinkedIn: Holly Porter | Retreat RNR 🎵 TikTok: @retreatrnr ▶️ YouTube: @intlretreatassociation📸 Instagram: @retreatrnr | @hollyporterinternational 📘 Facebook: HollyAnnPorter