CNS - The Lodge at Rush Lakes - Your Step-By-Step Guide to Organizing a Productive Corporate Retreat
Planning a corporate retreat can be a lot of work, but it’s an incredibly rewarding and productive venture when you get the details put together. From choosing a retreat venue in Chicago to figuring out activities, meals, and accommodations, you need solutions that can align with your goals and give your employees a much-needed break from their daily work routines. To make the most of such an adventure, you need a plan.
In this guide, we share a step-by-step process to help you organize and plan the best possible corporate retreat you can imagine.
- Know Your Retreat Purpose
One of the first and most important steps to take in planning is to determine the purpose of this retreat. Do you want to give your employees a chance to relax and unwind, while still team building and bonding? Maybe you want to provide education and training, intermixing fun and play time in the process. You need to know the purpose so you can shape the retreat based on these objectives.
- Set a Budget
You’re going to need to establish your budget fairly early on. Some corporations are very restrictive on just how much can be spent, while others might have endless funds to work with. Knowing a budget limit can help establish expectations so you know precisely what you can or cannot plan. For example, if you have a limited budget, this might impact the length of the retreat or travel to access the retreat.
- Choose the Right Location
One of the biggest expenses of a retreat is going to be the location. Choose a location that works for the goals and needs of your retreat. You can benefit from many different options, whether you want a specific venue or just want a certain type of area. Are you considering a beachfront escape, a mountain lodge, or a quiet countryside? Maybe you want private meeting spaces or plenty of nature and relaxation. Locate venues that can meet your needs.
- Build a Balanced Itinerary
Your itinerary should incorporate a variety of things, like these:
- Strategy sessions or workshops
- Educational opportunities
- Team building activities
- Free time or downtime
- Social events and meals
- Engagement-based activities
Each of these things can look different for any retreat. They will be unique to your planning, but they are details you should purposefully incorporate or schedule as you build that itinerary.
- Gather Feedback During and After
A corporate retreat is most effective when you consider the needs and concerns of your employees. Don’t just haphazardly throw something together that nobody is going to enjoy. We highly recommend getting feedback and opinions before you even start planning. Both when the retreat is over and throughout the event, you should continue to collect feedback so you can use that to shape your next retreat.
Final Thoughts
According to experts who write for us on travel, the retreat venue in Chicago that you choose can shape your entire retreat. Look for flexibility and space so you can design an event that will mix work and play for your team. With these steps, you can start to shape your event and watch the details come together for success.
