Ever wondered what it's really like to host your first business event?
In this candid behind-the-scenes episode, Maggie shares the raw, unfiltered lessons from organizing and leading her very first in-person retreat—the 10X Expansion Retreat. From last-minute planning to unexpected challenges, discover what worked, what didn't, and what she'd do differently next time.
What You'll Learn:
• How a client's casual suggestion turned into a transformative business event
• The 5 critical areas every event organizer must master (theme, venue, food, flow, vendors)
• Why starting small was the best decision for a first-time event
• The unexpected challenges that no one warns you about
• How to turn your long-term vision into immediate opportunities
• Real lessons from venue selection, timeline management, and vendor coordination
Key Takeaways:
✨ Always visit your venue before booking (learn from Maggie's leap of faith!)
✨ Less content is better than rushing through—plan for participation time
✨ Food elevates the entire sensory experience for attendees
✨ Over-communicate with vendors—assumptions lead to surprises
✨ Small, intimate events can be more powerful than large conferences
Perfect For:
• Entrepreneurs considering hosting their first event or retreat
• Business owners wanting behind-the-scenes insights from event planning
• Anyone curious about turning vision into reality
• Service providers looking to add events to their business model
Episode Highlights:
• The serendipitous venue discovery story
• Why the 10X theme created perfect client attraction
• How meditation and grounding transformed the day's energy
• The vendor management lessons that only experience teaches
• Why this "accidental" event aligned perfectly with long-term vision
Featured Concept:
The 10X Expansion philosophy based on Dan Sullivan's "10X is Easier Than 2X"—why thinking bigger requires becoming a different person, not just doing more of the same.
Connect with Maggie:
🌐 Website: hhtps://stairwaytoleadership.com
📧 Email: maggie@stairwaytoleadership.com
📅 Free Consultation: https://calendly.com/maggie-s2l/discovery-call
Have Your Own Event Stories?
Maggie would love to hear your event organizing experiences and lessons learned! Reach out and share your stories.
More Episodes: Subscribe to Diamond Effect Podcast for weekly business growth strategies, client success stories, and entrepreneurial insights.
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