Planning a Corporate Away Day: 14 Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Let's Explore Together

• Set Clear Objectives
• Choose the Right Venue
• Include Professional Headshots
• Plan Engaging Activities
• Consider Catering Options
• Communicate Clearly and Early
• Gather Feedback Afterwards
• Incorporate Sustainability Practices
• Leverage Technology
• Plan for Post-Event Follow-Up
• Include Personal Development Opportunities
• Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
• Prepare for Contingencies
• Highlight the Importance of Fun

1. Set Clear Objectives

Before anything else, define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to boost team morale, strategise for the upcoming quarter, or foster better communication across departments?

This day is your unique chance for different tiers within your organisation; CEOs, middle management, and staff to interact in ways they normally wouldn't. By setting clear goals, you provide direction for the event and establish a benchmark for measuring its success.

Clear objectives allow you to tailor the day's activities to meet specific outcomes, ensuring everyone leaves feeling the day was valuable.

2. Choose the Right Venue

The venue sets the tone for the entire day. Select a location that aligns with your objectives and accommodates your planned activities. Whether it's a serene countryside retreat for strategic discussions or an energetic urban space for team-building exercises, the environment plays a crucial role.

Enhance the Experience:

• Welcoming Reception: Start the day with a warm reception area where team members can mingle and set a positive tone
• Welcome Gifts: Provide small tokens like an agenda booklet, branded stationery, or treats, that attendees can keep as mementos
• Comfort and Accessibility: Ensure the venue is comfortable and accessible to all, with spaces for both group activities and quiet reflection

3. Include Professional Headshots

Adding professional headshots to your away day offers lasting benefits. It's an engaging activity that everyone can participate in, and it provides team members with updated images for their professional profiles.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Professional Image:High-quality headshots can boost LinkedIn profiles and company bios, presenting a consistent and polished image
• Team Unity:A shared experience that contributes to a cohesive corporate identity
• Memorable Activity:It's a fun addition that attendees will appreciate and remember

Make It Happen: Arrange for a professional photographer to be on-site. ProHeadshots UK offers expert services tailored for corporate events, ensuring everyone looks their natural best while feeling comfortable in front of the camera.

4. Plan Engaging Activities

Activities are the heart of your away day. They should be inclusive, engaging, and aligned with your objectives.

Ideas:

• Team-Building Exercises: Workshops or challenges that require collaboration can strengthen teamwork and communication
• Inspirational Speakers: Bringing in a motivational speaker can offer fresh perspectives and energise the team
• Creative Breakouts: Activities like art projects or team-building sessions encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking

Tips:

• Cater to All Abilities: Ensure activities are accessible to everyone, considering different physical abilities and comfort levels
• Balance: Mix high-energy activities with more relaxed sessions to keep everyone engaged without causing fatigue

5. Consider Catering Options

Good food fuels good moods. Providing quality catering shows you value your team's wellbeing.

Suggestions:

• Variety: Offer a range of options to cater to different dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
• Local Flavours: Incorporate local cuisine to give a unique touch to the event
• Flexible Timing: Schedule regular breaks for refreshments, allowing informal networking and relaxation

Meals are not just about sustenance; they're opportunities for team members to connect in a casual setting.

6. Communicate Clearly and Early

Transparent communication ensures everyone knows what to expect and feels included.

Best Practices:

• Advance Notice: Send out invitations and agendas well ahead of time
• Detailed Information: Include what to bring, dress code, and any preparations needed
• Build Excitement: Regular updates and teasers can increase enthusiasm and anticipation

Outcome: Clear communication reduces uncertainty and helps attendees feel more comfortable and engaged.

7. Gather Feedback Afterwards

The event doesn't end when everyone goes home. Collecting feedback is essential for continuous improvement.

How To Do It:

• Surveys: Use anonymous surveys to gather honest opinions on what worked and what could be improved
• Open Discussions: Encourage team leaders to hold follow-up meetings to discuss the day
• Express Appreciation: Thank everyone for their participation and input

Benefits:

• Show You Value Input: Demonstrates that you care about your team's experience and opinions
• Improve Future Events: Provides insights to make the next away day even better

8. Incorporate Sustainability Practices

Adding a focus on sustainability can reflect positively on your company's values.

Suggestions:

• Eco-Friendly Venue: Choose venues that prioritise sustainability, such as those using renewable energy sources or implementing waste reduction practices
• Green Activities: Include activities that promote environmental awareness or community service projects
• Reduce Waste: Opt for digital agendas instead of paper, and use reusable or biodegradable materials where possible

Demonstrating a commitment to the environment enhances your company's reputation and appeals to eco-conscious employees.

9. Leverage Technology

Utilising technology can streamline the planning process and enhance the attendee experience.

Ideas:

• Event Apps: Use apps for scheduling, notifications, and interactive maps of the venue
• Virtual Participation: Offer virtual options for team members who cannot attend in person
• Instant Feedback: Implement real-time polling or Q&A sessions during presentations

Benefits:

• Engagement: Interactive tools can increase participation and keep attendees engaged
• Accessibility: Technology can make the event more accessible to everyone

10. Plan for Post-Event Follow-Up

Extend the impact of your away day by planning follow-up activities.

Strategies:

• Share Event Highlights: Distribute photos (including the professional headshots) and summaries of key discussions
• Action Plans: Develop action items based on the day's outcomes and assign responsibilities
• Feedback Review: Analyse feedback to implement changes and recognise achievements

This keeps the momentum going and reinforces the objectives set during the event.

11. Include Personal Development Opportunities

Offer sessions that contribute to individual growth alongside team goals.

Options:

• Skill Workshops: Provide training on relevant skills or industry trends
• Career Coaching: Offer one-on-one sessions with mentors or career advisors
• Health and Wellness: Include activities like mindfulness, stress management, or fitness classes

Employees appreciate opportunities to develop personally and professionally, increasing job satisfaction and retention.

12. Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion

Ensure your away day is welcoming and beneficial for everyone.

Considerations:

• Inclusive Activities: Plan events that respect cultural differences and are accessible to people of all abilities
• Dietary Needs: Be mindful of dietary restrictions and preferences in your catering
• Language and Communication: Provide materials in multiple languages if necessary

This promotes a culture of respect and belonging within your organisation.

13. Prepare for Contingencies

Having a backup plan is essential for any event.

Tips:

• Weather Plans: If activities are outdoors, have indoor alternatives ready
• Health and Safety: Ensure first aid kits are available and staff know emergency procedures
• Vendor Reliability: Have contacts for alternative suppliers or services in case of last-minute changes

Being prepared minimises disruptions and shows professionalism.

14. Highlight the Importance of Fun

Don't forget that an away day should also be enjoyable!

Ideas:

• Entertainment: Include live music, comedy acts, or interactive games
• Relaxation Spaces: Provide areas where employees can unwind and socialise informally
• Themed Events: Consider having a theme to add an element of fun and encourage creativity

Fun experiences boost morale and make the away day memorable.

Conclusion

Planning a corporate away day involves many moving parts, but with clear objectives and thoughtful details, you can create an event that resonates with your team. From choosing the right venue and activities to including meaningful touches like professional headshots, every element contributes to a day that boosts morale, fosters connections, and aligns everyone with the company's vision.

Remember, the success of an away day is measured not just by the enjoyment of the event but by the lasting impact it has on your team's cohesion, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. By incorporating sustainability practices, leveraging technology, and emphasising diversity and inclusion, you're not only planning a day out but investing in the future of your organisation.

Ready to Make Your Away Day Unforgettable?

Enhance your corporate away day with headshots. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your options.