[e_w]

From the company, not the participants of the retreat! That percentage is also not unusual; 1/4 - 1/3 of the first year's salary seems like a pretty common range. Who would you rather have your future employer pay that fee? Some annoying headhunter, who only connects 2 parties or a skill-boost camp that supports your growth as a developer over several months. Just my 2 cents.