Embracing Change: Outdoor Corporate Event Trends
This year we’ve seen a tangible rise in the popularity of corporates moving their events outside or incorporating an outdoors element into their conferences.
Employees now crave a relaxed event that is in keeping with the flexible and comfortable approach they have towards the working environment post Covid. Just as dress codes, working schedules and meeting formats and have been relaxed, employees are keen to have a more informal company meeting.
This shift towards informality suits using an outdoor event space, and this informal approach should be incorporated into every aspect of outdoor event planning, from the way food is served to the delegate activities.
Outdoor events are preferred by companies who are conscience of the health and wellbeing of their teams; with a newfound emphasis on holistic well-being, event menus have been reimagined to accommodate a diverse range of dietary preferences and nutritional needs, whilst still being as sustainable as possible. From hearty BBQ fare to lighter, more health-conscious options, such as plant first options and desserts made without dairy, the focus is on inclusivity and catering to the evolving tastes of a health-conscious workforce.
Relaxed food options pair perfectly with outdoor events; they suit the spontaneity of ‘grab and go’ food chosen from street food vans or BBQs. Delegates want to choose food they can eat at their leisure over the course of the event without having to keep to a strict timetable.
With most outdoor events, there will be an element of teambuilding incorporated into the day. Martin Stephens, director of Off Limits says they are seeing an increase in the influence of TV shows, with Task Masker and Traitors themed activities becoming popular. “These shows are topical, fun and engaging, so they fit perfectly with the teambuilding ethos,” he says. Martin also highlights that most corporates are now risk adverse so many traditional driving activities have fallen out of favour.
When choosing activities, it is worth remembering that inclusivity is key. Not everyone is sporty; we are seeing a rise in popularity of craft sessions and treasure hunts offering more inclusive alternatives to the traditional physical or sporty options.
Deciding when to include a team build is also important. “Having a team build at the beginning of an event will act as an ice breaker – this is especially important for new teams or those working remotely,” comments Martin. “It’s really helpful for disparate teams to be connected from the very beginning of an event to ensure they get the most out of the day; and having an opening session as an ice breaker can also really help take any nervousness away from the company MD who will inevitably present the welcome address.”
We have found that the type of company that chooses to go outdoors are often from the more ‘conservative’ type of sector; those operating in the finance, logistics, pharmaceutical and insurance industries. But I can only speculate on why; perhaps they are keen to shed their stuffy image; or perhaps their professional workforce is keener to relax and enjoy the outdoors? Either way, the winds of change are blowing and companies are embracing the relaxed vibe of outdoor events as an opportunity to create team cohesion and employee engagement.
The outdoor event format is fairly compact. We are seeing a rise in two distinct formats: a morning meeting with an afternoon team building activity; or a lunchtime start, followed by an afternoon activity/team build and an evening dinner and overnight stay. Either way, these events are condensed and direct, with a lot packed into the delegate’s day.
Outdoor events do come with their own set of considerations. Safety is paramount with planners needing to have meticulous attention to detail in areas such as health and safety. We can’t forget that we are in the UK and the weather is at best unpredictable so wet weather contingencies are essential. Whether it’s a sturdy marquee or ample indoor space, preparations must be made to ensure the show goes on come rain or shine. At The Venues Collection we always allocate inside space to our clients in order provide a wet weather alternative.
Outdoor corporate events represent more than just an opportunity for companies to come together; they are a reflection of the evolving priorities and values of today’s workforce. By embracing the shift towards relaxed, inclusive, and experiential gatherings, organisations can cultivate a culture of belonging that goes beyond the confines of the office or meeting room walls.
Inclusivity remains a key aspect of the event planning. From wheelchair accessibility to diverse activity options that cater to varying levels of physical engagement, every aspect of the event must be thoughtfully curated to create inclusivity and ensure that all attendees feel valued and included.
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