Top Tips to Make Your Away Day an Unforgettable Experience

One of the most common questions we get asked by clients is ‘How can I make the event more memorable?’ Over the years we've noticed that people want more from events and not just an away day, training or conference in a basement that no one will remember. You want to create a bit of a buzz, refresh the team and give them something fun to talk about for months to come!

An away day is more than just a day out of the office; it's an opportunity to bond, rejuvenate, and refocus your team. Here are our top tips for making your away day into a really memorable experience!

1. Understand Your Team's Interests

Before diving into the logistics, take time to understand what your team enjoys. Conduct a survey or hold a meeting to gather input on preferred activities, locations, and themes. This will not only ensure higher participation but also show that you value the team's opinions.

2. Set Clear Objectives

What do you hope to achieve with this away day? Whether it’s improving communication, fostering teamwork, or simply unwinding, having clear objectives will help you plan activities that align with your goals. This also gives your team a sense of purpose and direction for the day.

3. Choose a Unique Venue

The environment plays a significant role in setting the mood. Consider venues that are a departure from the usual – a countryside retreat, a skyscraping showstopper, or even a treehouse! The novelty of the location can spark creativity and enthusiasm - and it'll definitely make it stick in attendees' minds for longer!!

Venues are our bread and butter so you're in the right place to find the perfect venue for your event! Check out our blog on the most memorable away day settings in London for some inspiration or browse all of our favourites on our site below!

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4. Plan Engaging Activities

Engage your team with activities that encourage collaboration and communication! Problem-solving challenges and creative workshops can help break down barriers and foster a sense of unity. Here's some to get you started.

• Outdoor Challenges: Activities like obstacle courses, treasure hunts, or team sports can foster teamwork and challenge individuals to step out of their comfort zones.
• Creative Workshops: Painting, pottery, or even cooking classes can be a fun way for team members to express themselves and discover hidden talents.
• Problem-solving Games: Escape rooms or strategy board games can stimulate the mind and encourage collaborative thinking.

5. Provide Good Food and Refreshments

Good food is often the highlight of any event. Cater to various dietary preferences and ensure there’s a variety of options. Healthy snacks, gourmet meals, and refreshing beverages can keep your team fueled and happy throughout the day.

• Local Delicacies: If you're in a new location, explore local cuisines. It can be a culinary adventure that the team can share.
• DIY Food Stations: Taco bars, pizza-making stations, or DIY sandwich counters can make mealtime interactive and fun.
• Stay Hydrated: Ensure there's a mix of beverages, from refreshing juices and water to coffee and perhaps a selection of wines or local brews for the evening.

We work with some fabulous caterers and can heartily recommend them! Check out some of the best below!

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6. Ice Breakers to Kickstart the Day

Starting the day with icebreakers can set a positive tone and help everyone feel comfortable. Here are a few ideas:

• Two Truths and a Lie: A classic game where each person shares two truths and one lie about themselves, and others guess the lie.
• Human Bingo: Create bingo cards with fun facts or experiences. Team members mingle and find people who match the facts on their cards.
• Speed Networking: Just like speed dating but for professional connections. It allows team members to get to know each other beyond their job titles.

7. Get Fired Up for the Next Quarter

• Vision Boarding: Have team members create vision boards for the next quarter, using magazines, printouts, and markers. It's a visual and creative way to set goals and helps to shake up the standard presentation format.
• Guest Speakers: Invite motivational speakers or industry experts to inspire and provide fresh perspectives. Better yet, keep it a surprise so that your team has something to delight them and talk about for months afterwards!
• Recognition Ceremony: Celebrate the achievements of the past months. Recognising hard work can be a significant morale booster and make your team excited for the year or quarter ahead.
• Group Reflection: Allocate time for team members to share their highlights from the past quarter and their aspirations for the next. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and helps to take on board feedback in a relaxed and informal setting.

8. Follow Up

An unforgettable away day shouldn’t end when you return to the office. Follow up by reinforcing the key takeaways and applying what you’ve learned. Whether it’s implementing new ideas or maintaining the connections built during the day, the follow-up ensures the positive effects of the away day are long-lasting!

An away day is a great tool for building team cohesion, boosting morale, and setting the stage for future successes. With these tips, and our expert venue finding guidance, you're sure to get ahead in the new quarter!

Check out our top away day venues for some more inspiration, and get ready to give your team something to remember!!