Four tips for planning a productive and enjoyable corporate retreat

By Nikole Halaka, group sales manager at Margaritaville Hotel Nashville As employee burnout continues to rise, employers need to consider how to help their workforce feel engaged, rejuvenated and rewarded for their long hours. While corporate retreats are a great way to boost employee morale and ensure the team feels aligned on goals, it’s easy to miss the mark when planning these trips. Employers and event planners should consider several factors to balance productivity, bonding and enjoyment at retreats. Find the right atmosphere and amenities for your group While it’s important to find venues that encourage productivity and relaxation, corporate events are never one size fits all. For that reason, it’s crucial to choose a venue with the right amenities for your group. Perhaps your employees need some relaxation, so they would enjoy having access to an on-site pool, fitness centre and spa for their downtime. Sometimes, the biggest priority is having convenient options for team bonding over meals and happy hours. At our Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, for example, there are  various on-site dining options, including an upscale restaurant, a coffee shop and a rooftop bar. Whatever your team is looking for, I recommend finding the right balance of amenities to meet your group’s needs. Keep group size in mind when selecting a venue Many planners often choose venues that are too large by mistake, making attendees feel lost in the crowd. Since you want your employees to feel like VIPs, you should opt for an appropriately sized venue to encourage more robust group engagement and ensure the staff is attentive to your group. Many venues also have flexible event spaces to allow smaller group activities and breakouts. To decide if a space will be a good fit for your group, consider reaching out to the venue’s event planning staff, conducting a virtual tour or visiting the venue in person before booking. Choose venues with ample natural light and outdoor spaces After being cooped up in home offices for years, hosting meetings in bright and open spaces can be a refreshing change of pace. According to a study by Future Workplace, natural light and access to the outdoors ranked as the two most valued workplace perks. Select a venue with naturally lit meeting spaces and places to gather outside to maximise employee engagement during conference sessions.  Prioritise location and proximity Location and proximity continue to be the most important factors for planning an exceptional retreat. When I first began working at Margaritaville Hotel Nashville, I was thrilled to learn that the hotel was just steps away from several major Music City attractions, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway and Bridgestone Arena. Choosing a venue within walking distance of restaurants and attractions provides additional opportunities for team bonding, as you can explore the destination together at shows, sporting events and more. If your attendees are coming from multiple locations, it’s also smart to choose a venue with convenient airport access and transportation options. While planning for corporate retreats will vary based on the needs of your specific team, keeping these tips in mind will help you plan an event that’s productive, enjoyable and memorable for all parties involved. Nikole Halaka has over 20 years of combined experience in sales & marketing, administrative support, catering services, event management, partnerships and business development.