I live in Illinois now, but my friends from NY and I get together for a retreat usually a couple of times a year. My friend did own a quilt shop, so she 'sponsors' it...which means, she sets it up with a local hotel. We have a banquet room (holds around 18 of us)...they provide the tables, etc...usually only 2 of us to an 8-ft. table. We start Fri. mornings and go thru Sun. afternoons. We have rooms at the hotel, and they provide dinner on Fri., 3 meals on Sat. and a brunch on Sun. I think the cost if about $135. I think it's really cheap. We all just do our own things, but usually play a few games, have shown and tell, etc. Many times one of the ladies that attends is a massage therapist. She brings her table and offers massages at a discount! (She also sews, but just takes a break when someone wants a massage). We have LOTS of fun, and you can get a lot accomplished! I'd love to do a couple more throughout the year...I highly recommend!