2025 Leadership Retreat   |   Travel Information 2025

Welcome to Chuck Town! or the Holy City! or Palmetto City!

A bustling port city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston is home to a plethora of historic sites and architecture, beautifully scenic outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. 

The city provides three free downtown area shuttle (DASH) routes around the peninsula, from the Aquarium to the Citadel to Broad Street and Waterfront Park. Strolling around downtown Charleston is a great way to spend the evening and any free time. For recommendations about activities or where to eat on your free night in Charleston (Thursday evening), check out the information below.

Taxi & Ride Share

For those flying into the retreat, the best airport to fly into is Charleston International (CHS). The hotel is approximately 20-30 minutes from CHS. 

Rental Cars/Driving

If you are planning on driving to join us in Charleston, please note that valet parking is provided on-site for $40 per day.

Getting Around Charleston

The city provides three free downtown area shuttle (DASH) routes around the peninsula, from the Aquarium to the Citadel to Broad Street and Waterfront Park.

For those flying into the retreat, the best airport to fly into is Charleston International (CHS). The hotel is approximately 20-30 minutes from CHS. Our 2025 Leadership Retreat is being held at the Courtyard Charleston Historic District. Wednesday and Thursday night accommodations are included in the retreat fee.

Upscale

167 Raw Oyster Bar (Close to Hotel) Seafood of all kinds, from fresh oysters on the half shell to fish and shrimp tacos, a sure hit for your seafood cravings.

Fig Full of southern charm, and food that pays homage to the Lowcountry.

Lost Isle (John’s Island) On New York Times’ list of America’s Best Restaurants of 2024, Lost Isle serves up Lowcountry staples like grits and roasted clams.

Magnolia’s A forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, presenting traditional ingredients and cooking techniques elevated by modern flair and artful presentation.

Casual

Poogan’s Porch Widely known for their biscuits, brunch, She-crab soup, and heaping helpings of hospitality!

The Archer Offering elevated comfort food that always hits the spot, along with creative cocktails, great tunes, and a buzzing yet relaxed vibe.

The Obstinate Daughter (On Sullivan’s Island–Super Popular make reservations asap) A Southern restaurant, influenced by French, Italian and Spanish cuisine with a wood fired oven, plancha and island kitchen range.

While there is plenty to do and see in Charleston itself, it is perfectly situated among other port towns and islands for those looking to explore the surrounding area. Click on the following links to learn more about some of the surrounding areas (almost all of which provided the setting for the Netflix series Outer Banks!) :

Seabrooke Island  (An Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community and Hone to Strand-Feeding Dolphins)

Folly Island and Beach

Mt. Pleasant

Sullivan’s Island

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2025 Leadership Retreat
Charleston, SC
October 1 – October 3

REGISTER HERE

Retreat Price Includes:

  • 2-night stay at the Courtyard Charleston Historic District
  • daily breakfast
  • dinner upon arrival
  • lunch & snacks during sessions
  • hosted happy hour
  • a copy of Managing Partner Simon Barker’s book “Preventing Crises at Your Institution”

Designed For:

Leaders with a role in their institution’s response to significant issues, crises, or events including:

  • AVPS & VPs in:
    • Advancement
    • Academic Affairs
    • Communications
    • Legal
    • Student Affairs
    • Risk/Business Continuity
  • Chief of Staff to President
  • Police & Public Safety Leadership
REGISTER HERE

RETREAT HOMEWORKSHOP LEADERSWORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONFOCUSED BREAKOUTS