Getaways are excellent opportunities for people to forge stronger bonds. Your employees might enjoy visiting a new location and learning together if you know how to plan an incredible corporate retreat. Consider these five strategies when researching destinations to create an unforgettable experience with an itinerary that takes care of all attendees.
1. Find Proximity to an Airport
In-person meetings are still in high demand. Research shows 80% of people planning big events and corporate gatherings prefer face-to-face experiences when building relationships. Hotel owners also know that attendees arriving for those events will likely fly into town.
Check hotels near airports to narrow your search for a conference center. You’ll simplify navigation for everyone, especially since airports are near highways. Anyone driving to your retreat will easily find your destination. If you start your search early, you’ll have more options around your desired travel dates.
2. Locate Affordable Hotel Rooms
Larger companies often pay for attendees to stay in their selected hotels. If you own a smaller business, covering everyone’s travel costs might not be financially feasible. Compare nightly reservation prices once you find a few potential venues. The managers may arrange room block pricing if your party is large enough, which often comes with a slight discount. More people can attend if you make your retreat affordable.
3. Consider On-Site Catering
People may want to know about their available dining options before signing up for a corporate retreat. Many conference centers and hotels provide on-site catering, which might be the easiest way for everyone to get a meal. See if your preferred venues include this amenity once you have a final attendee headcount.
Catering teams should be able to serve vegan and vegetarian guests without complicating the final bill. They may also work with you to create custom menus. The staff could serve your meals at times that are best for your itinerary. Consider arranging food delivery if on-site catering isn’t available. Attendees may not return in time for ongoing learning opportunities if they must leave the venue for every meal.
4. Explore Activities of All Kinds
The employees attending your corporate retreat know they’re reserving seats to spend time learning together. However, the presentations and lessons won’t last all day. Compare venues to discover available off-site activities. Ideas like escape rooms, ax-throwing or trivia nights help everyone relax while still facilitating bonding. A public festival or hiking trail could be other ways to have fun, depending on where and when you travel.
5. Prioritize Budget-Friendly Pricing
Professional getaways are always an investment. Consider how much your company can spend on an upcoming retreat and prioritize getting deals whenever possible. While some earplugs can block out noise up to 33 decibels, no one will sleep well if your economical hotel is next to an airport or train station. Your attendees will be unhappy about your retreat if the food is bland or the venue has no parking.
Researching your options is the best way to prevent those snags from happening. List venues according to their location, room prices and amenities provided to corporate gatherings. Call site representatives for more information if needed. You’ll know you’re planning an incredible event when you find budget-friendly options with glowing reviews. The success could make more people want to sign up for your next getaway.
Find the Best Destination for a Corporate Retreat
There are numerous factors to consider when planning a professional getaway. Remember your budget, look for activities near your hotel and see what each venue offers for corporate gatherings. Your attendees will have fun and gain valuable takeaways once you take care of the finer details.
