Designing Engaging Activities for Your Next Offsite: A Guide to Success
Corporate events are more than just networking and business discussions—they’re opportunities to build team spirit, celebrate achievements, and strengthen company culture. The activities you choose can truly shape the experience. Thoughtfully planned activities can energize your team, encourage collaboration, and create lasting memories. Here’s a guide to planning impactful corporate event activities that leave a lasting impression.
1. Understand the Event's Purpose
Before diving into details, clarify the event’s objective. Is it a team-building retreat, a product launch, or a celebration of a company milestone? Each purpose influences the types of activities you should consider:
Team-building retreats benefit from activities that foster collaboration and communication.
Product launches might include interactive demonstrations, contests, or creative workshops.
Celebrations often call for light-hearted, entertaining activities focused on fun and relaxation.
2. Book Your Venue with Activities in Mind
Many clients plan activities after booking the venue, but it’s essential to ensure your space aligns with your event’s goals. Here are some considerations based on your location type:
City Venues: Choose a central location with easy access to local attractions. For instance, we recently wrapped up a three-day conference at Kimpton Hotel Eventi in NYC, where guests could easily explore both uptown and downtown within a 20-minute train or car ride. The hotel’s location also offered access to nearby activities, including boxing, Peloton classes, aerial arts, Chelsea gallery tours, and the flower district.
Resort Venues: Many resorts offer group activity packages, often showcased in their sales materials. Explore on-site options and local partnerships. At Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia, for instance, guests enjoyed on-site tennis, golf, and spa services, as well as local experiences like farm tours and cooking classes with the Jean-Georges team. Working with a local Destination Management Company (DMC) can also expand your options.
3. Carefully Plan Activity Timing
Consider your guests’ schedules and comfort as you outline the event flow. For instance, if attendees arrive after a long flight and lengthy transfer, a low-key first day might be best. However, after a full day of meetings, getting active outdoors could be just the right balance.
Offer Activity Choices: Provide at least three activity options to allow guests to pick between relaxation, physical activity, or learning, such as a spa visit, a round of golf or skiing, or an educational cooking class.
Optional Morning Activities: Offering exercise classes before the main sessions—like yoga or a walk for a gentle start or spin for a more intense option—can help guests who want an active start. Make the activities optional in case some guests have their own morning routines.
Afternoon Team-Building: Afternoons, when attendees may feel more tired, are ideal for group-focused activities that foster teamwork and participation.
4. Plan Beyond the Activity
Effective communication before, during, and after activities boosts attendance and enjoyment. For optional activities, consider sending a survey for guests to rank their top choices; depending on capacity, you may need to go to secondary picks. Be sure to email all of the details in advance like time, location, attire. We also suggest:
Event Apps: Mobile apps like Cvent for ongoing events or Sched for one-off events help attendees stay updated with schedules and activity info.
Photography and Videography: Capture group activities to share the event’s energy. A professional photographer and videographer can create a social media-friendly reel, showcasing highlights and promoting next year’s event.
Conclusion
Designing engaging activities for a corporate event is an opportunity to create meaningful, enjoyable experiences that resonate with your team. Whether it’s a retreat or a celebration, well-crafted activities foster connection, boost morale, and leave lasting impressions that support ongoing company success.
