A retreat is what you make it. You will either have a good attitude and sew, and learn and laugh or not. As for me, I love them. I always talk a little, laugh alot, sew a bunch, teach a ton, help with a smile, meet new friends and enjoy old and precious ones. It doesn't get any better, your with other quilters for goodness sake! What's not to love. If cell phones bug......then have a vibrate only rule and go outside to talk, easy peasy. Someone brings a machine they don't know, the host should take care of that. I have pitched in many times and in 30 minutes or so, problem solved....basics taughtand we are "all" on our way. I just came from one this last weekend and it was AWESOME! Did I help others with their machines? Yep. Did I help others with their projects? Yep. Did I still get 3 quilt tops done? Yep. You help others and they help you. It's what we do, along with laughing, joking, teasing, eating and just having the best time ever.