I have already told you about the history, venue and leaders for our once a year event.
Today I wanted to tell you about the agenda, price and our guarantee.
The Agenda
The agenda for the Elite Retreat is very unique, and we think it provides the best way for our attendees to get the most out of the event. The first day we usually start with breakfast around 8am till 9am. Then we start off the day with a brief introduction of all the leaders, and also all of the attendees. This way, everyone can start to feel comfortable around each other.
The rest of the day will be filled with short presentations by the leaders, and open Q&A after each one. We serve lunch from 12pm – 1pm usually, with some breaks in there as well. Usually by 6pm your brain might feel like it’s on overload, or you might be dying to ask one of the leaders a question, so we take a break and then reconvene for cocktails and dinner. The cocktails and restaurant are usually a really fun and relaxed atmosphere to discuss all that you have learned or still want to learn from the first day.
The second day starts off much like the first, with breakfast at 8am – 9am. This day will consist of what we call 1on1′s. We start to schedule the 1on1′s the first day, so we can ensure you get face time with the leader or leaders you most want to talk with.
We will also be bringing in some ad-hoc speakers on the second day to speak to the rest of the group as the 1on1′s are going on in the other meeting space. This way no time is wasted. We want you to walk away from this event feeling like you can’t absorb any more information or learn anything else, and can’t wait to get home and implement some of the ideas in your current business.
Why You Should Come
First of all, this event is not for everyone. We truly believe that for the right person, this event is priceless. Nowhere else will you get the amount of attention from the leaders and attendees alike at this event. But, if you are unsure if this is right for you, we do take time to screen all of the registrants. After registering, we will send a brief questionnaire asking you to tell us about yourself and your goals you want to accomplish at the Elite Retreat.
After a review of all the attendees, we will notify you whether we think you are a good fit or not. If we feel we do not have the proper expertise to ensure you will be able to accomplish your goals by coming, we will do our very best to get that person to the event. But if we are unsuccessful and do not feel we have a 100% chance of meeting your expectations, we will let you know and refund your money.
Who Should Come
We always say the Elite Retreat is where you “take your business to the next level.” But that is a very broad statement, right?
The fact is, previous attendees are all over the map.
I would say about 1/2 are affiliates looking for new ways to generate traffic and some ninja tips on how to improve what they are currently doing.
The other half is a big mix usually consisting of people with their own products looking to take them online or drastically increase their online revenue.
In the past we have had everyone from bariatric surgeons, mom and pop travel agencies, plumbers, dentists, you name it!
We have also had some big company people like an EVP from Ford Motor Company, Intel, nVidia, Chitika, MySpace, Facebook, Google, Yahoo and many others. These are obviously huge contacts for people to network with.
The bottom line is everyone, no matter what they are doing, is looking to grow their business, and that is exactly what we do for you at the Elite Retreat.
The Guarantee
We have never had one unsatisfied attendee at our event in the past seven years of having it. This makes us fairly confident in our abilities and in the event itself. We are so confident that we offer a money back guarantee to all of our attendees. If for any reason after the first day, you feel this event isn’t for you, just find one of the staff and we’ll get you a plane ticket home and refund you your registration fee. No joke. It is more important to us that our attendees go home happy and satisfied than it is to take your money and not care.
The Cost
The price of the event is $4,995 per person. The only other thing you need to cover is your flight and hotel. All meals and nightlife are included with your registration.
In the 7 years we have been doing the event, we have never raised the price. Countless attendees keep telling us we need to raise the price to $10-15k, but we feel the event is an unbelievable experience for $4,995 and I do not see increasing the price anytime soon.
I always like to surprise attendees with a bonus gift, which by itself is worth 2-3x the cost of the event. I already pitched my idea to the alumni and they loved it. I think you will too!
The After Care
Once the event is over, the value does not stop. We have once a month Alumni mastermind calls and even some exclusive Alumni events. But perhaps the biggest value is you can feel free to call on me for anything you need. Ask any previous attendee. The Elite Retreat Alumni is a very close knit group of experienced, accomplished, entrepreneurs, and we have created quite a tribe.
See You There
I can’t wait to meet you and work with you one on one for 2 solid days. This event is my baby and I feel I really have a gift for analyzing what people are working on and coming up with many ways they can grow. I have also assembled like-minded people with different backgrounds to give you even more angles of attack.
Registration will open at 10am EST tomorrow. Check out http://www.eliteretreat.info for details. Remember, there are ONLY 30 seats available for this once a year event.
FYI – We have plenty of sponsorship opportunities available and will have a media kit out soon. Email ersponsorship@shoemoney.com
About the author...
Jeremy Schoemaker – who has written 2424 posts on ShoeMoney.com.
Hi I am Jeremy Schoemaker and ShoeMoney.com is my blog. 99% of the post here are done by me but you will see others occasionally make guest posts. This blog is fun to write but for my day job I run several online companies.
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Perception is Everything (or “Fake It ‘Til You Make It”) 
Why Do You Give A Crap About What People Think About You? 
My Secret To Dominating Digg.com (years ago) 
{ 79 comments… read them below or add one }
I have no doubt that it’s going to be an awesome event. I sure hope I’ll be one of the 30 who’ll comprise this year’s group.
It’s one of the events that seems to be worth every cent. I’ll definitely take a shot at it.
I had an opportunity to listen to the following individuals during the past Elite Retreat happenings: Jeremy Schoemaker, Neil Patel, Aaron Wall, Chris Winfield, Brian Norgard, Jon Kelly, Loren Feldman and Seth Godin. Isn’t that just priceless or what?
“After registration, each attendee is screened to ensure the Elite Retreat will full-fill your expectations. If there is any doubt in our minds, that we can’t 100% achieve your goal, we will not allow you to come and waste your money.” Isn’t that the best money-back guarantee you’ve seen ever since forever?
I saw at the ER site that there are only 21 passes available. Does that mean the other 9 slots are already taken?
Jeremy, is there a chance you could open a Junior Elite Retreat for students and newbie web marketers? Some of us can’t afford the 4.9K price tag but we can surely sign up almost instantly if we can avail of a lower fee…
If I had a surplus $5,000, I’d probably get a 13-footer boat, travel, and bank the balance. Oh, who am I kidding, I’d use it to fix my house and its ailing fences. It’s just too expensive, buddy
The price is holding me back, actually. I’m not just sure if it’s going to be worth all that money. I’m giving myself a few days more to think about signing up.
I suggest you don’t take too long making that decision. Last year the slots were sold out only a few days after registration opened.
Michael Sprouse as keynote speaker? That is so cool! Will he be giving away a Playboy Mansion party ticket during the workshop?
They gave away a ticket last year, right? I remember reading about that in the post-event recap.
Why not join the Shoemoney jingle-making contest and experience the Playboy Mansion party like web marketing rockstar, Jeremy Schoemaker? (Shoe, I’m just wondering. Don’t you have more NSFW pics left from the shindig?)
I could just imagine how priceless the experience would be. Unfortunately, the price is quite steep for a student like me. Is there any chance you can organize a scaled down version of that event? Perhaps one that a student could afford?
I hear you.
At $4,995, Elite Retreat is not for everyone. Ideally, you should already have an internet business set up and making money. Elite Retreat will give you the tools, advice and one-on-one time to take that business from good to great. It all boils down if you’re serious about making money off the web or not.
I’m putting this workshop in my wish bucket. I hope they continue to organize it for many years to come so I’d get the chance to be part of it.
I don’t see why they would stop offering it. A lot of good reviews generated a lot of interest. Many would want to pay for a unique opportunity like that.
Why don’t you look for a sponsor? Please do check out the previous ER7 posts for more information on how you can just do the same. See you at the Clifton, Shoe.
Or do you mean the Clift? Many people usually get the name wrong since the hotel doesn’t have a formal signage for tourists to see.
I met Andy Liu at the 2008 Elite Retreat. He really made me see the value in being analytical and testing stuff to no end. I’ve never been into testing ideas, but it’s amazing how big of a difference testing can make in your business.
I almost got lost in Union Square looking for this hotel. Don’t you think the almost exclusive vibe for this baby is a marketing strategy? Or just a way to get the most interested clients?
Will there be VIP status tickets up for grabs this year?
What’s the VIP status for?
“VIP – For an additional fee you can attend an intimate business dinner meeting with all four leaders for an additional $500.00. Dinner will be included except alcohol. Max number of attendees is 5. This is on a first come first serve limited basis . . . “
Does this include the after-parties with the Bunnies?
It’s the first time I heard of a conference that offers money back guarantee. I’m not very familiar about the previous ERs but I’m convinced that this event is going to be worth the investment.
I hear you. So is the upcoming conference worth $5,000+? Absolutely. There are tons of single ideas that I will get from Elite Retreat that will make up $5k in no time. The overall business models that I will learn will pay dividends for a long time, not mentioning the contacts I’ll have in the next few weeks. Sign up now. Last time I checked there are only 21 available spots left.
Shoemoney está tan seguro de que Elite Retiro puede ayudar a su negocio que le ofrece un precio mejor que el 100% garantía de devolución. Si no está satisfecho con el retiro de élite por cualquier razón después de que el primer día, no sólo de calzado le dará un reembolso completo, que incluso le devolvemos su costo billete de avión para llegar al refugio! Ahora, que está de pie detrás de su producto. ¿Seguro que no están mordiendo más de lo que puede masticar?
Count me in!
Michael Sprouse will be there? Enough said. That man is a legend!
I heard over the grapevine that there will be a surprise number from Playboy Bunnies on Day 2. (Reserve a spot for me, Shoe. Just don’t ever tell my wife about this info.) ROFL
Is it possible to score a big discount for the ER7 if I mentioned I learned of the event from the Shoemoney Blog? What do you say, Shoe?
It may be too pricey for me but I don’t doubt at all that it’s exactly the type of event that’s worth more than the rate you’re asking.
At $4,950 before travel expenses it’s not for the feint of heart and the price tag is most certainly to discourage people that aren’t already very serious about earning money online. Nonetheless, to make money, you first have to spend money. Capische?
This is not your average get rich quick seminar. There are only 30 spots available (which keeps decreasing by the minute) and even if you have the $4,950 entry fee, it doesn’t mean you can join. Participants will be chosen by an application process. The purpose of this event is to take your business to another level. Elite Retreat wants you to bring your business plan or current site objectives with you so they can help you optimize your business structure.
Anything from Shoe is regular, my friend. You should expect fireworks everytime the Shoemeister has something in mind. Keep up the good work, buddy!
I agree. Imagine learning first hand from industry experts and having the opportunity to ask for more insights during the face-to-face sessions. It’s not everyday that anyone gets to do that.
I think there’s also an opportunity to learn from the other attendees. The diverse backgrounds can offer perspectives and experiences that could be helpful in the long run.
Good point.
Shoe, I truly agree when you said the event was priceless. Apart from taking marketing and business whether it’s online or offline up a notch, ER7 also weeds out all the people who aren’t serious with the directions their ventures are going. I want to make a real change in my business and my life. See you at the home of the Padres. Best wishes from Detroit.
I’m a huge fan of John Carlton. I’ve been following his blog for over a year now. He’s definitely the best in copy writing IMHO.
Marketing Rebel’s copywriting legend will definitely blow us away with superb tips and tricks that only pros know about. Who else wants to unlock the secrets to effective copywriting? Join ER7 now!
I am retweeting all of his daily newsletter entries. They’re just awesome. I never knew you can convince a potential customer to make a sale if you load the post with call-to-action terms like “now” and “better.” Hope to catch more copywriting gems from the legend himself in the next few days.
Shoe, is this the final line-up for ER7? Please do confirm. Thanks a million.
Confirmed Speakers:
John Carlton – Expert Copy Writer
Stephan Spencer – SEO/Entrepreneur
Jeremy Schoemaker – SEM/Entrepreneur
Matt Mickiewicz – Entrepreneur, Business Growth Expert
Allen Baler – Super Affiliate, Product Fullfilment, Business Advisor
Andy Liu – Startup, Merger & Acquisition, Investor expert
Troy Meyerson – Legal – General Council
Pat Cooper – Legal – Chief Litigator
Michael Sprouse – Marketing Mastermind
Keynote speaker: Epic Direct Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Michael Sprouse.
It’s great that you didn’t listen to former attendees about jacking up the price. I get their point though. From everything I’ve read and heard about ER, 10-15 grand doesn’t sound like a bad deal.
It’s only cool to do to that if you’re as successful as the top guys. If you’re just a newbie without the funds and the hype, you’d better stay at home and read Shoe’s blog and wait for something cheaper to come your way.
Are you talking about ER7 or the current state of economy? LMAO
Indeed, it’s not. Still, I’m glad his sticking with the current rate. With airline tickets and hotel booking fees, I’m looking at $6,000++ in expenses (i.e. if I manage to secure a slot).
still saving up for it. maybe next year.
I don’t know man. $10K is too far out for a 2-day conference. Can you name any event that costs that much?
Well, I suppose it depends. If it’s the kind of workshop that will teach you a few tricks that could help you recoup the amount you spent then I guess it’s worth both the time and money.
Not only can I have the chance to rub elbows with the best and brightest minds at the 7th Elite Retreat Conference, I can also meet and greet upcoming web marketing superstars on their way to the big league. I’m definitely joining, Jeremy. ** NYC Shoemoney Fan Club **
As an avid Shoemoney follower for almost two years, I have always followed your advice about making a name for myself when it comes to web marketing. I’ll just keep an eye open for re-echo posts since I just can’t eke out an extra 5 big ones especially when I just moved to a new apartment.
My business partner and I registered last year but weren’t able to get slots. I’m hoping this year we could get lucky. Looking forward to this conference.
Last year’s Elite Retreat was a blast. The speakers at the event were awesome and they really went out of their way to help. There was Brian Clark, Aaron Wall, Neil Patel, Andy Liu, Jeremy (of course) and there was a special segment by Guy Kawasaki and Matt Mullenweg. Divine, huh?
Why is the number of participants decreasing each year, Shoe? Is this a strategy to concentrate on more focused students or just an accommodation issue? I am sure there are a lot of individuals who would love to join this year’s ER7.
Any contest I can join to win a free pass, Jeremy?
I’d also like to find out the answer to that. I’ve won a few contests over the years so I always feel lucky
I’ve been looking for an eye-opening web marketing event since March 2010 and I’m sure this one will be the mother of all web marketing events. see you there, Shoe!
You couldn’t have said it better, chum. The greatest web marketing minds all in one roof, eager to teach their secrets to zealous apprentices. Is that a perfect combination or what?
Great line-up! Truly a gathering of the best minds in the industry.
Is ER7 web marketing Heaven?
One of the many perks I see is that $150/per night group rate at the Clift. Nice deal!
Sweet! Will it revert to the regular rate after the 2-day event or will it still cover for another night or two if an attendee wishes to extend his/her stay?
I know chivalry is not the trend these days but who wants to spare 5 grand ER7 fee for a poor lady like me?
I’m wishing all the would-be participants and leaders all the luck. I am sure you’ll be having a blast at the Elite Retreat 7. Shoe, kindly post pictures of the event for us who can’t attend, alright? Thanks in advance.
I like this! Is this the elevator pitch? –> “The Elite Retreat is a small, once a year event, that connects people who want to take their business to the next level with the experts who can take them there.”
This event is aptly named. The limited slots, screening process and the pricey pass put “elite” to a whole new level.
Good one. You got there the best guarantee I’ve heard in years.
My idea of a good investment. I’ll register now.
I’ve never been to one of these… Can anyone confirm that it’s worth your time and money?
Impressive speaker list you have for this year’s event.
Good day I live in Erie, Pennsylvania. I had to stop and comment on your site. Thank you very much for sharing your blog with us.
Does this price include all night access to handjobs and blowjobs??????
IT SHOULD…
does anyone know how long it usually takes after you have registered to get a confirmation that you have been chosen?
or even what the criteria is?
thanks in advance for any insight.
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