4 offsite planning tips for small teams
Team size plays a major role in how you plan offsites and retreats. Here are our tips to make sure your event is the perfect fit.
Offsites and retreats have incredible benefits no matter the size or type of your team. Although large teams might be more actively feeling the social strains of remote work and disconnection, small teams have just as much of a need to gather.
Cohesion, communication, and strong relationships are essential to thriving as teammates. So let’s take a look at some tips to help you make sure your small team or company’s next event makes a lasting impact.
Choose a destination you can explore together
Whether you’re scattered across the globe or all live in one city, getting your team together in a brand new environment you can discover together is an incredible way to bond. You’ll all be experiencing something new for the first time and walk away with stories, memories, and experiences you’ll cherish.
We have plenty of recommendations for destinations, but the best approach is to collaborate on finding a place everyone’s excited about. Which leads to our next tip…
Let everyone get involved
For small teams, a more hands-on approach to planning is often the best. Let everyone chime in with ideas for destinations, accommodations, and activities, so that you can make sure you’re planning something everyone will love. Or, if your team just wants to sit back and have someone else create the perfect itinerary, you can let our experts take care of it.
No matter what, the most important thing is making sure your team’s personality shines through in the vibe and content of your event.
Make the most of your budget
A small team might mean a small budget, but that doesn’t have to hold you back-–it just means you’ll have to be smart about where your spend goes. We’ve got tips for how to create and track your budget, but financial choices are about much more than logistics.
Maybe you’d rather go for a luxury hotel than travel somewhere far, or alternatively, invest in travel to a remote destination where most of your activities are outdoors and free. It all depends on your own priorities and the goals of your event. Which leads to our next tip…
Don’t forget to create and meet goals
Just because you don’t have a long attendee list doesn’t mean your event doesn’t require intentionality and purpose. Every event’s agenda should be oriented around goals and have a clear plan to accomplish them.
Those goals can be as simple as getting to know each other better—but don’t just assume that will happen organically. Create intentional time and space for those things to come to fruition. If you want to become better collaborators, find opportunities to solve problems together. If you want to become a more focused team, develop a strategy to get clear on your workflows and how to improve them. Offsites can serve a variety of functions, but you have to be specific and clear with your team about the outcomes you’re all hoping for.
Start planning the best small team offsite
Need help planning your team’s next great adventure? Our expert planners are ready with the tips, recommendations, and guidance you need to craft the perfect event for your unique team. Get in touch with us today.
Featured resources
8 Steps for Planning Your Company Retreat
A resource for new organizers on creating fun, productive, and successful corporate events.