Growth & Connect Series
THE summer RETREAT
July 14-16, 2026
Join us for a three day event of growth, connection and community. Expand your business and your mindset while surrounded by small, intimate group of like-minded women in Chicago, IL.
Spend three days in downtown Chicago surrounded by women who want to grow their business just like you do. Dream big. Go bigger.
You will hear from guest speakers on marketing, AI, content creation and business strategies.
Enjoy dinner and cocktails at restaurants in Chicago surrounded by women who want to support you.
"Before I came to this retreat, I felt overwhelmed and unsure about what my next step would be. After this retreat, I now feel confident in what I want for my business and what I bring to the table, supported in my next steps, and excited to see what the next year holds for me."
Amy K.
the details
Tuesday, July 14th -
Thursday, July 16th
in Downtown Chicago
Your full 3 day event ticket includes meals, drinks & access to all event happenings.
*Does not include hotel and travel accommodations.
Come for the strategy, stay for the support.
Summer represents expansion, momentum, play, presence and creation.
In summer, we experience growth, refocusing and a reminder that success and fulfillment don't have to be separate.
Also, we give ourselves the space for new ideas, offers and new ways of showing up.
limited spots available
Payment plans available
"Before I came to this retreat, I felt like an employee in my business... After this retreat, I now feel like I matter and so do my dreams. I feel confident putting myself in a room where I don't know many people and learning from them. I feel like I am stepping into my true owner role."
Jessica W.
$1297
Price goes up to $1597 JUNE 1st, 2026
For the entire 3 day event
payment plans available
Your Host:
Lauren Najar
retreat host, founder of lauren najar coaching, speaker and business strategist
Welcome to the retreat that is designed for people like you; where you want support, to be listened to but also to get personalized help in your business.
The Growth & Connect retreats & events are creating spaces for people who want “more” and not just more “stuff” but deeper connection & personalized help.
Think of this as a VIP day on steroids where you come to learn about your business, take home actionable plans but build real relationships and community in the process.
As the host of the Growth & Connect event series, I welcome you in this space where your dreams are realistic and your struggles are heard and supported without judgement.
Our speakers
Learn from these industry experts at our retreat to help you with your business.
Zhanna Blazej
Business & messaging strategist
Messaging strategist, copywriter, and creator of The Conversion Method.
Zhanna helps founders articulate what they do in a way that feels like them, converts like crazy, and positions them as the only choice in their space.
She’ll be your guide for turning your expertise into clear, differentiated messaging and a content strategy you can actually follow through on.
What will we be doing each day?
OPTIONAL (July 13th) Come for a welcome reception and get to know everyone for a special kick off dinner.
July 14th - We will kick off late morning for a day of mindset and nourishment followed by dinner for the evening.
July 15th - We will have 2 guest speakers to speak on marketing strategy, content creation and other business strategies. We will also have a photographer on hand grabbing headshots and content.
We will have time to do co-working and work through any of the new topics you learned.
July 15th - Dinner and drinks at Siena Tavern in Chicago.
July 16th - Brunch and meetup before departures. (Location & time TBD)
July 16th - Pack up and leave
Getting in the room and surrounding yourself with like-minded women can 10x your business growth
Price goes up June 1st
Payment plans now available.
Location & Agenda
We will have two bonus group calls for meetups & additional guest speakers for early signups
Agenda will be updated here closer to the date.
This space will be updated with specific timing and details as it becomes available such as locations for our business and content creation sessions, dinners and brunch.
FAQ
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE EVENT?
Bring yourself. Your laptop. Your notebook but also your thoughts, dreams and feelings because we are about to share all the things!
WHAT'S THE DRESS CODE?
For our dinners out, dress in business casual and if you need ideas for specifics I'm happy to help! For our full learning morning/afternoon, wear whatever you feel comfortable in wearing but also know you will be photographed!
WHAT'S THE REFUND POLICY?
I can offer a partial refund up (50%) up until 03/ 1/ 2026. (Partial refund timeline has passed.) After this date, I will not be able to give any refunds due to deposits and minimums needing for our locations.
HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM OTHER RETREATS?
Each retreat will vary with topics & guest speakers & locations depending on who is coming.
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE FOR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
Absolutely! Please let me know in advance as soon as you sign up.
I NEED HELP WITH TRAVEL. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THAT?
Yes! Chicago is very familiar to me and can help verify hotels, travel and other locations you need. I can give recommendations. Also, most of our locations will be as walkable as possible.
WILL WE HAVE ANY DOWNTIME?
Yes! Please enjoy Chicago because it's literally my favorite place. Outside of our dinners and our full day of learning on day 2, you will have time to do what you like or get together outside of our group. Of course participate in whatever you want!
Let's get uncomfortable.