Corporate meetings and events are a crucial platform for organizational communication, collaboration, and productivity. Fostering employee engagement and satisfaction is essential for an organization to thrive, and allowing employees to step out of the office and into a new space can increase productivity and mental wellness. This is also an opportunity for creativity to become a forefront in your business, as employees can brainstorm and collaborate on new ideas or become inspired by different processes.

A productive meeting can range from a small group discussion to a large staff banquet or dinner. It's a chance to brainstorm new projects or celebrate your team's achievements—each company can customize these events to fit their specific needs.

When planning your next meeting, consider these trends to develop a plan that best fits your company.

Step Outside of the Box

Select a venue that captivates and excites your guests. Hosting an event in-house is becoming less effective, as employees want to get out of the office and head to new places. This also presents an opportunity for travel or 'stay-cations', which some employees may take advantage of. 

Some venues - especially if they have a historical background - can offer tours to your team to help ease into the day. Settling in and becoming comfortable with your venue offers visitors a more enriching experience and an additional dose of inspiration for the day ahead.

Whether the venue is just around the corner or in a neighboring city, a fresh setting can invigorate your team, inspiring them to embark on new projects, generate innovative ideas, or strengthen team bonds. Prioritizing an engaging and suitable venue should be at the forefront of your event planning. Additionally, consider venues that offer unique experiences or amenities that align with your event's goals, enhancing the overall impact and enjoyment for your team.

Personalization is Key

There is no universal structure or plan for all corporate events. Your team, business, purpose, and goals are unique, and your meeting plan should reflect that. From the structure of the event, to the menu, or activities during the day, the details should directly relate to your team and what you want to achieve during the meeting.

Fun ways to personalize your meetings include active team building activities, which can range from organized sports tournaments to field day activities. Switching up the typical work day routine of sitting at a desk and allowing employees to be active can reset their mental 'meter' and reduce the risk of burnout.

Give Attendees Control

From breakout sessions to food choices, empower your attendees by letting them choose elements of their day. When employees have the freedom to path their day, their enthusiasm for attending increases. Your meeting or event will become more meaningful and effective when you give your team the keys to drive their own creativity, knowledge, and purpose.

Through the planning process, pick multiple options for meetings, activities, and food. Instead of commanding the day, provide variety and allow each team member to personalize their schedule. This could allow you to incorporate multiple new ideas or activities throughout the day that may not have been possible with one large group. 

Wellness Integration

Let's face it - the 'wellness era' is upon us and it's stronger than ever. People are focused on healthier living and increased activity, and this includes your team. A driving force of off-site meetings and events is the ability to allow employees to get outside of their desk or cubicle, stretch their legs, and take a break from their daily work routine. You have the opportunity to capitalize on this by implementing physical activity, team bonding activities, and fitness into your meeting schedule. 

Here are some examples of how you can integrate physical activity into your next event:

• Active team building exercises - From adult field days to organized sports games, you can turn any physical activity into a bonding experience for your team. Whether you randomly select teams to encourage communication between unlikely coworkers or strengthen department connections by putting together the ultimate showdown, these activities will prove successful for communication, collaboration, and physical health.
• Consistent breaks - Avoid burn out and mental exhaustion by providing frequent and consistent breaks throughout the day(s). Whether it's a 10 minute break to stretch and walk around the room or an hour long break to explore the venue, eat lunch, and relax, allowing your team to mentally reset will make meetings more effective. A fresh mind is more productive!
• Healthy catering - An overpowering, heavy lunch can weigh down the second half of your day. Work with your catering team to discover lighter, healthier meal options that guarantee your team receives the necessary nutrition for a successful day. By prioritizing well-balanced meals, you can enhance focus and energy levels, ensuring a productive and enjoyable event for everyone involved.

Interested in maximizing your next meeting or event? Explore meeting opportunities at Champion Mill and allow our team to help create the most ideal day for you and your team. From team building to catering, we can do it all in Champion Mill!