I will say that when I went to retreat I never talked on my cell phone in the room. For one, it was too noisy for me. For another, those are private conversations. The talking I do is to others there about their projects, their homes, their families, their life experiences, etc...
I did learn things at retreat and people learned things from me. We showed one another pictures (on our phones) and how to do something a little different. I did not know the "proper" way to use a seam ripper.
I had fun but I do get nervous that I bother other people because I am just not the type to sit quietly and ignore those around me. Why go if you don't want the interaction? Rent a hotel room and sew alone.