Blog

How to Plan a Corporate Retreat

Planning a successful corporate retreat requires a specific checklist

Planning a corporate retreat may seem a daunting task – after all, there are many factors that go into a successful retreat. And bringing people together to achieve a better understanding of both company goals and each other requires an understanding of both the individuals involved and what they hope to accomplish.

However, there is one immutable truth to all successful corporate retreats: location.

No matter who is involved or what they hope to achieve, without the right place to bring people together, you will be very lucky to come away with the desired results.

Why is this? Because, as much as anything else, the location sets the tone for the entire event. And when we say location, we don’t just mean locale but also the physical setting – because the building which you choose lays the groundwork for a sense of unity and comfort that is the basis for all successful retreats.

The location also sets the tone for any team building exercises, dining, and downtime opportunities.

With all that in mind, how do you select the right setting and ensure that your retreat is best set for success? Let’s take a closer look at these factors and some possible solutions to each.

 

NEEDS

If you are looking for a spot for your corporate retreat, it is important to follow these guidelines. Select a property that provides:

Easy access

Picking a beautiful spot on the coast or deep in the mountains may sound like a great idea, but when you are asking people to get there, you really should consider how easy it will be for them to reach the destination. If you make people work too hard to reach the location, they will already be in a bad mood when they arrive, and then you’re automatically working from behind. Therefore, it is beneficial to select a place that you can reach with a relatively simple car ride – and one that does not require four-wheel drive to get up the driveway (as you find with some mountain retreats).

Promote seclusion

You may think that the most convenient thing to do is to host a retreat in the same city where your office is located – and that can work. However, if you’re doing it in a hotel or convention center, there will be the distractions of other people. The whole point of a work retreat is for your workforce to focus – on each other and the goals of the company. That is why the most successful corporate retreats offer seclusion, a chance to get away from all distractions so that people may turn all their thoughts toward the task at hand. That can be accomplished in the same town in which you work, but it still requires a facility that is set aside from the hustle and bustle of other people.

Reasonable costs

While you expect some expense for the right retreat, you do not want to burden your company or employees with skyrocketing costs – especially not in the current environment. Therefore, you should search for somewhere that offers reasonable rates for the amenities offered. The money that you save on this event can be put into other necessary aspects of your business.

Team bonding opportunities

While it is important for your workforce to come together and discuss company goals and the best paths to success, the most successful retreats offer unique routes to do so. That means finding a place that does not sequester people in a board room for hours on end – do that and your employees are likely to find their minds wandering or, worse yet, actively disliking the experience. The best retreats actively engage people and challenge them to accomplish tasks – and those tasks are not always based on work. Some people cringe at the words “team bonding” but it is extremely effective and can be shaped in specific ways to produce the right results for your retreat. For instance, many companies get employees to attack obstacle or ropes courses so that employees can learn each other and how they work together in a stressful (but fun) manner. Or you could do something as simple as a pickup basketball game or cornhole competition. Therefore, it is imperative that the location you choose offer easy access to such opportunities. Otherwise, you risk people spending more time in transit than in actually doing things.

Good food

What is a corporate retreat other than a bonding and communal opportunity? And what offers a more communal setting than eating together? It is perhaps the longest lasting and most effective methods in which friends, family, and – of course – co-workers can come together and bond. With that in mind, it is important that the eating experience is positive – that means good food that does not break the budget and (once again) does not force people to spend more time in transit. That’s why it’s best to find a location that offers quality onsite dining. Of course, you can have pizza delivered, but why not take the opportunity to serve a delicious meal that people will remember and look forward to? It only adds to the atmosphere and improves the chances that employees will succeed in their goals. For instance, some settings offer professional chefs on site that will create specific meals for employees. Or you can have the entire event catered. The presence of an on-site kitchen also allows employees ready-made access to refreshment.

Space

Corporate retreats come in all sizes, whether it’s just a handful of people or a couple dozen. And when you book your retreat location, you need to understand that it is important for these people to have their own space. As much as we like to think of our company as a family, it is unrealistic for co-workers to want to share space with each other like they are an actual family. Do that and you can guarantee that many employees will feel uncomfortable and focus on that discomfort rather than the task at hand. Therefore, you need to supply as much personal space as possible – while also allowing employees to have communal space. It is a delicate balance, but there are plenty of options available geared toward that very thing.

Amenities

The final touch on the perfect corporate retreat is the opportunity for employees to feel like they are on a mini vacation in their spare time. This will not only increase their enjoyment and engagement but also get them eager to take part in the entire process. Therefore, it is pivotal to select a site that has things such as a pool, gym, outdoor activities, inspiring views, and comfort.

 

SOLUTION

If your company is located anywhere in north Georgia or metro Atlanta, there is a property that addresses all the above needs.

The Ark on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga., offers convenience, as well as beauty, recreation, and space at a reasonable price. Featuring an easy drive to or from Atlanta that is accessible by Interstate I-985 or Georgia Highway 400, you can reach the Ark quickly and without the need for all-wheel drive. Check out our photo gallery to view the property!

Perched on the shores of scenic Lake Lanier, the Ark boasts 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms – allowing it sleep and easily accommodate 45 guests over its 12,000 square feet property. And those guests will be closely situated to several team building sites – including zip lines, ropes courses, escape rooms, etc. in the Gainesville and northeast Georgia area (including Dahlonega, Helen, and Braselton).

Looking for relaxation or amenities? The Ark comes complete with a hot tub, pool, full size lighted volleyball court, home theater, huge fire pit, billiards, table tennis, and a large, covered porch that has plenty of comfortable seating. And because it’s on the lake, there’s also a double dock to for boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddle boards – as well as plenty of parking for your vehicles.

The Ark also features an expansive kitchen with a professional chef that can be hired to supply all your dining needs.

And because of its locale and amenities, it will help you keep costs down – instead of paying for travel or eating out. And because your staff may prefer to meet during the week, The Ark offers the prefect midweek getaway.

 

To learn more you can contact us or call us at 770-741-2674. The Ark is here to provide you with the absolute pinnacle in corporate retreat options – no matter your situation or time of year.