My purpose of attending a retreat is of course getting to know others and just enjoy their company. But almost as importantly, I go with one project to be finished, start to finish. It feels just wonderful to come with a stack of cut pieces and a pattern and leave with a finished quilt. I never take more than two projects to work on. My quild's three day retreat format is perfect to finish one quilt start to finish, so for me to bring 5 project just leaves me with 4 UFO's. My choice, my way, and others do differently and love retreats just as much.