Although hosting multi-day, residential workshops for university faculty requires a tremendous amount of work, the rewards are well worth it.
Participants appreciate the time to interact with each other and share resources and ideas.
They report that the workshops have provided a network of colleagues upon whom they can call for help and support. They leave the workshops full of enthusiasm, new ideas, and a renewed commitment to continuing their work. Make sure everyone knows what to expect, what they need to do, and when they need to do it way in advance. If at all possible, pay all costs of travel for participants. Engage participants in helping you plan the program.