It’s no easy feat to craft a corporate event that bonds colleagues, inspires business breakthroughs and is unexpected. There’s always a place for the tried-and-true cocktail party or ice breaker, but getting your guests engaged (and maybe out of the comfort zone) has its benefits, too. Here are three ideas to level up the fun and ensure your offsite gathering doesn’t fall flat.
1. Sip ‘N Fuse with Willows Lodge
From board meetings to corporate events of up to 140 attendees, this Woodinville, Washington-based retreat bursts with creative programming opportunities. A local glass studio, Moltenworks, can introduce smaller groups to the art and science of glass fusion during a Sip N’ Fuse class. Groups receive the tools and instruction to support the creative process plus something delectable to drink, and participants head home with a glass art piece to keep. A warming fire can play a part in your meetings at Willows Lodge, too – many of the event spaces feature fireplaces to create a cozy ambiance.
2. Cruising with Snow King Resort
The mountains of Wyoming are calling, and Snow King Resort will be your basecamp for team adventure in Jackson Hole. In the warm season, get the best views in the valley while your group cruises the treetops at the Treetop Adventure Course. The experience will have groups looking at problems to solve – and opportunities to explore – with fresh eyes. When the ground is blanketed in snow, consider a snowmobiling trip through nearby Yellowstone National Park to visit Old Faithful. The magic of exploring this national treasure will be an experience not soon forgotten.
3. Cake Wars at The Heldrich
King of the king cake? Master of the marzipan? Let colleagues duel it out at The Heldrich in New Brunswick, New Jersey. A “Cake Wars” exercise lets groups compete to build the most delectable and visually appealing confection. The result is better comradery and a sweet feast at the end of the event. Group planners will find The Heldrich very well suited to corporate gatherings with 25,000-square-feet of ergonomically-engineered meeting space.
