HATCH Guest FAQ

What is the weather like?

Dress for sun, snow, and everything in between – from 20 to 70 degrees. When the sun is out, it is typically very comfortable. At night, it can get chilly…perfect for the campfires that will be nearby.

What is the dress code?

Be comfortable, be you, come in your style! With that said, Montanans typically enjoy a more relaxed dress code (think boots and jeans). During HATCH you may have the opportunity to participate in outdoor experiences, so it will be helpful to bring layers of clothes that allow for cold and warm weather, and appropriate footwear for outdoor activities.
Dress shoes are NOT recommended. Dress clothes may be appropriate for dinners, but certainly, aren’t expected – we want you to feel comfortable exploring your amazing surroundings at any time.

What are the accommodations like…do I have to share a room?

While many of the guest cabins at Mountain Sky date back to the ranch’s beginnings in the 1920s, all have been carefully restored and refurbished to provide luxurious comfort amidst rustic surroundings. Each cabin is unique, and they have a combination of one, two and three-bedroom units available. The HATCH venue will include beautiful rooms and/or guest cabins that have all the comforts of home, plus the jaw-dropping views of the Mountains. Since the HATCH experience revolves around making strong connections, you will have a HATCH roommate. We’ve heard it all (“What? I’m 48 yrs old and I haven’t had a roommate since I was 21!”), but you’ll be thoughtfully paired up. HATCH alumni have thanked us in the end, embracing all the opportunities to connect on a deeper level.

Wifi and phone access?

Yes, there will be wifi and access to wifi, however, we ask that you unplug and disconnect and be present as much as possible. At times, we will ask that phones be turned off completely. On a side note, it’s a good idea to label your cords/electronics in case they get accidentally get misplaced.

Who will meet me at the airport?

We are looking forward to meeting you! We’ll make sure we connect about your flight information and pick-up plans in advance of your arrival. When you arrive, a HATCH guest coordinator holding a HATCH sign will meet you at the airport (typically we meet at the bottom of the stairs after you leave the secure area). Montana awaits.

What about presentations?

Some HATCH participants will be presenting, while others have the opportunity to soak it all in. If you are presenting, we’ll provide a separate FAQ document in advance of HATCH to give you a heads up on how to prepare.

Do I have some time to connect with work during the day?

Some white space will be provided, however, HATCHers tend to enjoy using that time to recreate and connect with other HATCHers. HATCH seeks to get you off-line, fully present, and ready to immerse yourself in the experience. Let your colleagues and clients know you’ll be disconnecting in order to recharge your ideas!

Can I personally contribute to the future success of HATCH?

Absolutely. On your registration there was an opportunity to offer financial or volunteer contribution; if you did not take that opportunity and would still like to contribute before or during the event, please let Yarrow know – we will have the capability of receiving your contributions at the event including credit cards.

What’s the policy on taking and sharing pictures?

By all means, take pictures! HATCH is an invite-only event in order to create an atmosphere of deep, meaningful connections among a limited number of participants – but we’re excited to share the HATCH story and experience with a much wider audience! Please feel free to post your photos to your social media accounts throughout our time together. We’ll provide this year’s hashtags at the beginning of the event.
Montana also offers some amazing opportunities to take photos of wildlife. As a rule, it is good to keep 30 yards from a non-predator, while at least 200 yards from a predator if you are away from your vehicle. If you are in a vehicle, you are typically just fine, with the exception of buffalo who have responded to vehicles getting too close. Many people live and recreate safely in Montana while respecting that wildlife is unpredictable and using appropriate precautions. It is not recommended that you walk in the wilderness alone, so take a partner or two.

What happens if I arrive a day early or stay late? Who will pick me up and can you arrange a hotel for me?

We encourage you to stay as long as you would like in Montana. If you choose to arrive prior to the event or remain after the event, all arrangements of travel, food, and accommodations are the responsibility of the guest for those additional days. We have a few accommodations available at the venue before the event that you can purchase on-site from the venue provider. Just let your guest coordinator know if you are coming early or staying late.

Can I change/update my profile picture or bio?

Yes. Please email your requested change to Ed < iamedwardjohnson@gmail.com >.

What are the recreational activity opportunities?

Montana attracts millions of visitors from around the globe for good reason – it’s incredibly beautiful here, and there’s plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. If you have extra days before or after the event, the HATCH venue is within a couple of hours drive to Yellowstone National Park, and within minutes of blue-ribbon trout streams, amazing hiking trails, and a wide range of recreational activities (including scenic tram rides and ziplining) at nearby Big Sky Resort. Check out all Montana has to offer here: http://www.visitmt.com.
Don’t worry – HATCH isn’t one of those conferences where you park it in a chair for hours at a time. We will have activities planned to get your body moving and engage your brain in creative thinking and out-of-the-box problem solving throughout our time together. And, of course, we strongly encourage self-expression through dance and movement!

May I bring a guest?

Unless specifically arranged prior to the event, guests are asked not to bring company with them. HATCH creates an intimate atmosphere where guests are asked to dial in, while also respecting budget and accommodation boundaries.

Who can I contact to ask questions?

You are welcome to contact your Guest Coordinator for any additional questions or needs you may have.
Note: Coordinators are volunteers with work schedules and will get back to you at the soonest possible. Contact your coordinator by email, or for more immediate needs, feel free to call their cell. You are also welcome to call one of the other Guest Coordinators if you have an immediate need and are not able to get in touch with your personal coordinator.

• Dawn Long: < dawn@hatchexperience.org >, 406.580.0220 cell
• Michelle Schlegel: < michelle@hatchexperience.org >, 406.529.4788 cell

Where can I go to see other guest bios and the schedule?

It’s all here: http://hatchexperience.org.

Is it required to attend all HATCH scheduled events?

We strongly prefer all guests to attend all scheduled events, not only to gain the most from your experience, but also to contribute to the experience of others with your unique contributions, talents, and energy! HATCH creates a cohesive environment with the help of HATCHers being fully immersed into the experience.

HATCH venue?

Here’s a sneak peek…more information to come.