Team-building events are a valuable way to foster camaraderie among coworkers, so if you’re the designated organizer, you know you have a big job on your hands. From booking charter services to drafting the day’s menu, planning an outing is a logistical challenge. Here are a few ground rules to follow for a successful time.

Do:

Set a realistic budget.

Determine how much your company can spend on the outing, then start working from there. The amount sets the tone for the event—will it be extravagant or simple?

Once you have the numbers, do a rough estimate of the cost of every item or party essential. Get at least three quotes to compare rates and inclusions before making a commitment. 

Work with a team or professional planner.  

A cardinal rule in planning corporate events and outings is to never do everything on your own. If you have the budget, hire a trusted planner; otherwise, form a team that will share the workload with you.

If you want to stay on top of every single thing, draft a checklist and timeline that your teammates can follow as their guide. As a team, you can streamline the process. 

Don’t:

Stick to the same old activities.

Although keeping costs to a minimum is a priority, don’t lose sight of the event’s main objective, which is to form healthy relationships among employees. Skip the usual venues and same, boring activities with speakers and discussion groups—instead, plan for something fun like games and team sports. Come up with activities that will test the mind with tactics and strategies or encourage friendly competition with other departments.

Another fun part of planning a retreat is the menu. If you intend to keep the participants active throughout the day, they need proper nourishment as well. Rather than sandwiches and drinks, cap off the day with a hearty meal and the companionship of newfound friends.

Forget transportation arrangements.

Make the outing worth the trip by holding it out of the office. Find an off-site location that looks fun and can accommodate your entire company.

If the venue is a distance from the office, arrange for charter services to ferry everyone. This will remove the burden of figuring out the logistics of carpooling and ensure no one is left behind.

If you’re planning to hold your corporate outing outside the office, don’t forget to book charter services from Minnesota Coaches, Inc. As the premier provider of private transportation services in and around Hastings, MN, they offer tours and charter buses for school trips and team-building activities. Call (651) 437-9648 for a free quote on charter services or go online to learn more about their extensive fleet.