We could learn a lot from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, while others bright, some have weird names, but they all have learned to live together in the same box. 
- Robert Fulghum¹

What is a group?  Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary gives us many points of view including but not limited to:

1. two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition
2. 
   a:  a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
   b: an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit²

As group leaders we are challenged to find the best possible ways to meet the needs of the "complete unit" as well as the special needs of the "individuals assembled together".  In some cases we  will receive requests from individuals that are personal preferences.  In other cases these may actually be life threatening steps if they were not heeded for allergy precautions.  So how do we enhance the conference and retreat experience for all our guests while working within logistical and budgetary limits?