In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal and professional growth as I prepare to sit for the Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) exam—the gold standard in the events industry. 🎓

If you're a coach or small business owner looking to build a million-dollar event arm in your business, this episode explains why partnering with certified professionals matters more than ever. I get real about why I waited, what the credential means for my business, and how this process is shaping my approach to event strategy, sponsorships, and high-level planning.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What the CMP credential is and why I’m pursuing it now
✔️ The qualifications required to sit for the CMP exam
✔️ How continuing education makes me a better event strategist for you
✔️ Real talk about imposter syndrome and procrastination
✔️ Lessons from studying: budget forecasting, nonprofit events & international conferences
✔️ Why sponsorships are a game-changer for retreats and conferences
✔️ How I plan to bring more luxury to your events—without raising ticket prices

🎯 Whether you're planning a retreat, conference, or live mastermind, this episode is a reminder that education, excellence, and experience matter. I’m committed to leveling up so I can bring the most value to YOUR events.

👇 Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome + Attendee Experience = The Real ROI
2:05 – What the CMP credential is (and why I want it)
6:20 – Why I’ve delayed it—and why I’m doing it now
9:10 – Lessons learned from studying: budgeting, health meetings, forecasting
14:00 – Event cost planning as attendance grows
16:30 – Learning the art of sponsorship for events
20:15 – My vision for bringing more luxury without raising prices
23:00 – Final thoughts + the importance of continued growth

📩 Want to host a high-impact event without the stress?
Let’s talk about how we can make it happen:
📧 [email protected]
📲 DM me on Instagram: @milliondollareventspodcast

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on luxury retreats, small conferences, and profitable live events.
https://www.youtube.com/@retreatswjamij

In this episode of the Million Dollar Events podcast, Jami delves into the critical aspect of managing foot traffic at conferences. Jami explains how thoughtful planning of attendees' paths can significantly impact their experience, starting from their arrival at the hotel through various touchpoints like registration, networking receptions, and meal buffets. Emphasis is given to the importance of strategic placement of registration tables, clear signage, and avoiding bottlenecks to ensure a smooth attendee flow. Jami also shares tips on visualizing foot traffic during site visits, creating an agenda-oriented flow, and effective crowd management strategies, especially for high-end conferences. This episode is a must-listen for business coaches aiming to host seamless and enjoyable in-person events.00:00 Welcome to the Million Dollar Events Podcast00:29 Understanding Foot Traffic at Conferences03:39 Planning Foot Traffic During Site Visits05:38 Optimizing Flow Based on Agenda07:41 Avoiding Bottlenecks at Your Event13:38 Final Tips and ResourcesResources:Subscribe to the Million Dollar Events PodcastConnect with Jami on Instagram:  @retreatswjamij ​

If you're an online entrepreneur planning a retreat, mastermind, or conference, this episode is your must-listen guide to understanding exactly what a professional event planner brings to the table.

In this episode, I break down the real ROI of hiring an expert planner versus trying to DIY your event. You’ll learn how professional planners manage the entire backend—from project timelines and contract deadlines to banquet orders and vendor coordination—so you can focus on delivering a standout guest experience.

🔍 In this episode, we cover:
✔️ What professional event planners actually do (and what they don’t)
✔️ Why DIY event planning leads to disorganization and overwhelm
✔️ The hidden value of venue sourcing and vendor management
✔️ How to avoid costly contract mistakes and missed deadlines
✔️ Why automation and onboarding matter more than you think
✔️ What tasks fall outside the planner’s role (graphic design, websites, etc.)

Whether you're planning your first event or ready to elevate your next one, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and deliver a smooth, luxurious experience your attendees will rave about.

00:00 Welcome to the Million Dollar Events Podcast

00:16 Why You Need an Event Planner00:52 The Importance of Event Management

01:45 Automations and Processes

06:16 Venue Sourcing and Negotiations

07:28 Vendor Sourcing and Cost Savings

11:49 Event Layout and Foot Traffic

15:04 Run of Show and Time Management

16:05 Gifting and Registration

19:52 Recap and Final Thoughts

23:00 What Not to Expect from Your Event Planner

28:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Planning a retreat, mastermind, or conference? Before you book that gorgeous venue, there are 5 critical questions you must ask to avoid unexpected surprises, protect your profits, and deliver a luxury-level experience.In this episode of Million Dollar Events, I’m sharing real stories from the field—including events disrupted by loud construction, shared spaces gone wrong, and venue contracts that backfired. Whether you're planning a 6-person retreat or a 300-person event, these tips will save you time, stress, and money.✨ What you’ll learn:0:00 – Intro1:20 – The nightmare construction story4:00 – The #1 question most hosts forget to ask7:30 – Why walkability matters more than you think10:00 – The big red flag no one talks about13:15 – My go-to script for asking hotels the tough questions✅ Subscribe for more weekly episodes on luxury retreat planning, high-ticket event strategy, and behind-the-scenes tips from 15+ years in the game.📲 Follow me on Instagram for daily tips: @retreats.w.jamij💼 Learn about our done-for-you event services: https://jamileighjohnson.com/corporate-retreat-planning-services/#EventPlanning #LuxuryRetreats #MillionDollarEvents #RetreatPlanner #HotelContracts #ConferenceTips #EventHost #EventStrategy #BusinessEvents

Is selling just a retreat enough anymore? In today's saturated event market, standing out takes more than just picking a pretty location.

In this episode of Million Dollar Events, Jami dives deep into whether you should bundle your retreat into a membership or mastermind — and how doing so can actually make it easier to sell high-ticket experiences.

With the increasing saturation of retreats in the marketplace, it's crucial to find creative ways to sell out your event. One powerful method discussed is integrating the retreat into a larger high-ticket offer, such as a mastermind or membership.

This allows you to sell a comprehensive, value-packed program without the pressure of filling retreat slots alone. The key takeaway is to remain convicted in your offer, whether it's a standalone retreat or part of a larger package.

The podcast also discusses pricing strategies, emphasizing the importance of covering costs and ensuring profitability. Retreats typically cost around $4,000 per person, and accurate budgeting using tools like those offered in Retreats on Repeat Academy is essential.

Additionally, the episode provides practical advice on launching, marketing, and maintaining energy and focus throughout the duration of your program.

Retreats on Repeat Academy is highlighted as a comprehensive resource, offering prerecorded videos, group support, templates, and calculators, designed to simplify retreat planning. Various case studies illustrate the importance of clarity and conviction in your offering, whether it's a standalone retreat or part of a mastermind.

The episode concludes by reinforcing that the retreat should be the 'cherry on top' of a larger transformational journey. Listeners are encouraged to engage on Instagram to share insights and continue the conversation.

00:00 Introduction to Million Dollar Events Podcast

00:31 The Saturation of the Retreat Market

02:03 Selling Retreats Through Masterminds and Memberships

04:07 Pricing Strategies for Mastermind-Inclusive Retreats

07:22 Building and Marketing Your Mastermind

08:45 Real-Life Examples and Lessons Learned

11:30 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Grab your kombucha and notebook — this is a masterclass on event selling you don’t want to miss!

• Why the retreat space is getting crowded (and how to stand out)

• How to use a no-sales sale to enroll clients into retreats

• The strategy behind bundling a retreat into a high-ticket mastermind

• How to price your mastermind correctly so you don't lose money

• Why conviction in your offer matters more than strategy

• Real-world launch lessons from retreat and mastermind hosts

• Retreats on Repeat Academy – Jami’s hybrid course for building luxury retreats profitably and sustainably.
  👉 DM "RORA" on Instagram @retreats.w.jamij to learn more! or CLICK HERE

Connect with Jami:

• Instagram: @retreats.w.jamij

• Website: https://jamileighjohnson.com/

• Join the conversation: Tag us with your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!

Today, we’re diving into six game-changing things you can negotiate when hosting a conference at a hotel. With years of experience in conference logistics, I see so many entrepreneurs leaving money on the table simply because they don’t know what to ask for.

This episode is all about saving you money, upgrading your event experience, and making sure you get VIP treatment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to negotiate free WiFi in both sleeping rooms and meeting spaces 🔥

✅ Why double (or even triple) meeting planner points can fund your future travels ✈️

✅ How to secure complimentary sleeping rooms for staff, speakers, or AV teams 🏨

✅ The AV discount strategy that can save you tens of thousands of dollars 🎤

✅ How to negotiate free shipping & box handling for all your event materials 📦

✅ The bonus tip: Extending your group rate so attendees can turn your event into a mini-vacation 🏝️

Why This Matters: Too many event hosts overpay or miss out on these perks simply because they don’t know what’s possible.

With the right negotiation tactics, you can cut costs, boost luxury, and create an event experience that’s truly next-level.💬

Tell me in the comments or on Instagram: What was your biggest “aha” moment from this episode? What shocked you the most? Let’s talk about it!

📸 Take a screenshot, share it on Instagram stories, tag me (@retreats.w.jamij), and let’s connect!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

🔹 Apple Podcasts

🔹 Spotify

🔹 YouTube

🔥 Want expert help planning your next luxury retreat or conference? Let’s make your event unforgettable.

Website

Instagram

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Million Dollar Events Podcast

01:20 Negotiating WiFi at Hotels

03:09 Maximizing Meeting Planner Points

04:04 Securing Complimentary Sleeping Rooms

05:08 Discounts on Audio Visual Services

07:20 Handling and Receiving Boxes for Free

09:05 Bonus Tip: Extending Group Rates

10:41 Conclusion and Call to Action

Welcome back to the Million Dollar Events Podcast with your host, Jami Johnson.

Today's episode dives into the intricacies of hosting high-end events, whether it's a retreat or a conference. Jami discusses the key elements that distinguishes high-end events from basic ones, such as a thoughtfully curated landing page, an automated checkout process, seamless onboarding, and the importance of keeping attendees well-informed with dedicated communication channels.

She emphasizes the need for quality in every aspect, from meals to event gifts, and the importance of evoking all five senses to create unforgettable experiences. Jami also touches on logistics, such as providing clear timelines, necessary materials, and fostering engagement through private groups. She wraps up by stressing the importance of intentionality and thought in every event detail. If you found value in this episode, don't forget to screenshot it and share it on your IG stories, tagging Jami at 'Retreats.w.JamiJ'

.00:00 Introduction to High-End Events

00:46 Defining a High-End Event

01:42 Creating a Seamless Onboarding Experience

03:02 Engaging Attendees Before the Event

03:38 Ensuring a Smooth Event Experience

05:02 The Importance of Quality in Event Planning

08:54 Incorporating All Five Senses

13:21 Final Thoughts and Recap

Resources:⁠The Ulitmate Retreat Planning Guide⁠: https://jamileighjohnson.com/ultimate...⁠Retreat in a Box- Retreat Planning Toolkit⁠: https://bellaeventsllc.thrivecart.com...⁠Top 20 Cities to Host a Retreat⁠: https://bellaeventsllc.thrivecart.com...

How to Sell Out Your Retreat: Key Strategies for Coaches and Community Leaders who want to host retreats but are on the fence about hiring a retreat expert

Welcome back to the Million Dollar Event Podcast!

Join host Jami Johnson, a luxury retreat planner, as she shares essential strategies to ensure your high-end retreat sells out. In this episode, Jami covers how to identify your ideal retreat attendee, analyze your current audience, and create effective lead magnets.

Whether you're just starting to plan or looking to build an impactful audience, Jami's insights will guide you through the process of crafting a transformative and profitable retreat experience.

Grab your journal and pen, and dive into today's episode to elevate your retreat planning skills!

If something clicked in this episode, screenshot it-- and share it to your IG stories tagging me! @retreats.w.jamij and @milliondollareventspodcast

Don't forget to Subscribe!

00:00 Welcome to the Million Dollar Event Podcast

00:32 The Importance of Retreat Sales

01:00 Visualizing Your Perfect Retreat

03:46 Analyzing Your Audience

06:00 Building Your Audience

10:05 Creating a Retreat Experience

14:04 Recap and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Retreats on Repeat Academy is opening in February- follow Jami on IG retreats.w.jamij for details

⁠Top 20 Cities to Host a Retreat⁠

The Ultimate Retreat Guide

DIY Retreats vs. Hiring a Planner: The Honest Truth

Welcome back to the Million Dollar Events podcast!

Join Jami Johnson as she delves into the controversial topic of hypocrisy in retreat planning. Addressing a crucial question—should you DIY your retreat or hire a planner?

Jami reveals her personal experiences, business strategies, and the profound realization that both DIY-ing and hiring a planner have their place.

Discover who should be DIY-ing their retreat, who needs a planner, and how to successfully elevate your coaching business with retreats.

Grab your notebook, pen, and favorite drink, and dive into this honest and insightful episode.

Be sure to take a screenshot, share to IG, and tag @retreats.w.jamij and @milliondollareventspodcast

Resources:

The Ulitmate Retreat Planning Guide

Retreat in a Box- Retreat Planning Toolkit

Top 20 Cities to Host a Retreat

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Million Dollar Events Podcast

00:27 The Hypocrisy of DIY Retreat Planning

01:06 Who Should Hire a Retreat Planner?

02:14 Strategizing with Retreats on Repeat Academy

03:01 The Reality of Selling DIY Retreat Courses

05:12 Reflecting on the DIY Retreat Narrative

08:37 Who Should DIY Their Retreat?

10:48 When to Hire a Retreat Planner

12:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Game-Changing Systems to WOW Retreat Attendees and Simplify PlanningPlanning and hosting retreats can be overwhelming if you aren't leveraging technology to your advantage! In this video, we’ll explore the essential systems and technology you need to create a seamless experience for both you and your attendees. From attendee process flows to communication platforms and behind-the-scenes organization hacks, these game-changing solutions will elevate your retreat experience and make planning a breeze.What You’ll Learn:✅ The must-have systems for effortless retreat planning✅ Tech tools to enhance the attendee experience✅ Insider tips to save time and reduce stressWhether you’re a seasoned retreat host or planning your first event, these tools will help you stay organized, deliver a WOW experience, and make every retreat a success.🎯 Ready to level up your retreats? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on hosting unforgettable retreats!👉 Free Resource: Ultimate Retreat Planning Guide

👉 Retreat In A Box Digital Toolkit👉 Learn More: Check out my course, Retreats On Repeat, to master the art of retreat planning! Next cohort opening January 2025