Meetings have gotten a bad rap in work culture. Some avoid the get-togethers that they would rather see written up in an email. In reality, meetings should be seen for what they are: a revitalizing time to interface with colleagues and maintain commitment to company directives and coworkers. This is easier said than done when meetings occur in the same place where daily routines play out. If your company is looking for a place to hold end-of-year, beginning-of-year, quarterly, sales, or other types of meetings, you may consider doing them off-site. That way the appropriate energy and focus can be applied in a refreshing setting. Similarly, you may be looking for an event space where your company or team can unwind. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a company meeting or retreat venue.
1. Intention
What do you want to accomplish? Do you have specific meeting directives? If so, what sort of tone or setting will assist the conversation? Do you want something to do before and/or after your meeting that will strengthen your team connection? Regardless, we suggest emphasizing connection before content. Even if you cover your entire agenda for the meeting, your team may not take away much from it if they do not see eye to eye. Chad Littlefield is a friend of Group Dynamix and an advocate of the Connection Before Content philosophy, which you can learn more about here.
What if you’re looking to do a retreat? Do you want something that is more fun and intentional, or in between? Are you looking for an overnight option? These types of questions will help your search. Sometimes, the specific setting isn’t as important as choosing something that is new and different. It all depends on your goals for the retreat.
2. Amenities
After honing in on what you want to accomplish, you may ask yourself what additional amenities you want in an outside event facility. Do you want staff that tends to the space? Do you want catering?
Some other amenities you may consider are audio-visual equipment, reliable Wi-Fi, restrooms, and the location’s accessibility. If any of these concerns are in your agenda, ensure that the facilities you are considering have the accommodations you need.
3. Layout / Activities
If you want a space that offers activities, it is important to consider how those activities facilitate team growth. Do you want your activities to be more fun, more purposeful, or do you want the option for both? Different places and activities are designed for different purposes. For example, putt putt is a great activity where people can pair off or play in small groups. But if you want the group to be intermixing and even doing some activities all together, putt putt might not be your best option.
The setup of your venue also might help or hinder the group’s interaction. What is the overall atmosphere? Will it clash with your objectives? How many groups and what size groups are ideal at the venues you’re browsing? Some venues are designed to accommodate groups of 5-10 people. Other businesses are more flexible and can accommodate groups as small as 5 or as big as 500.
4. Variety
If you do want a venue that offers the possibility of other games or activities, you may ask yourself how much freedom you want in choosing which activities to engage in. Some venues might have a basketball court, offering limited choice in how your free time is spent. Other venues might have more options and allow your group to determine what activities or objectives are important. Of course, no matter your goals, it is important that the venue you are choosing is one where your employees will feel seen, accepted, and heard. This level of engagement will produce the highest amount of engagement from your team.
5. Cost
Of course, you do want to consider your budget as you browse options. Be on the lookout for hidden costs as you weigh your objectives and desired amenities against any budgeting constraints.
Group Dynamix is an ideal space to accommodate your offsite meetings and retreats. Our trained event facilitators are experts at building connection between coworkers before you take the reins and work through your own agenda. We also have the infrastructure and the space to end the day on a fun note. We offer meetings plus more, understanding that sometimes work looks like bonding, and bonding usually produces good work. Whether you are choosing to combine the two or simply looking for a retreat atmosphere to refresh your team’s connection, we’ve got you covered. Start the process by filling out our inquiry form or calling us at (972) 416-9646 to receive a quote today!
