Creating a Theme for Your Next Offsite
Creating a Theme for Your Next Offsite
BoomPop Team · 10/9/2024
Creating a theme for your next offsite is a great way to simplify the planning process. It may seem surprising, as you might think a theme would complicate things, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Your theme will guide you as you consider every aspect of the retreat—from where you're staying to the activities you plan and even the dinner menus. The theme creates clear parameters, making it easier for everything to fall neatly into place. And that’s exactly what we want.
Let’s explore how a theme can streamline your planning.
Benefits of Theming
Saves on Planning Time: You’ll no longer spend countless hours researching every type of hotel or activity just to find an idea your event planning team might like. A theme acts as a filter, helping you quickly narrow in on an idea.
Example: If you’re planning a “nature-themed” retreat and choosing between a safari tour or indoor paintball, you’ll instinctively know paintball isn’t a priority. Instead, researching adventure experiences in your offsite location will be a better use of time.
Cohesive Story Telling: Think of a theme as the story of your offsite. You are weaving a story through the experience and your guests get to be the characters. Immersing in the programming allows them to recall the experience more deeply as it opens up their sensory perception.
That theme begins to add cohesion between the activities, the meals, the conversations, and the overall aesthetic experience. The offsite isn’t trying to be everything. It follows its purpose while also being tied up nicely with the bow of a theme.
How to Begin Theming
Coming up with the theme is the best part! Regardless of where you are in your offsite planning, it’s never too late to weave a theme throughout. How immersed you become in the theme is up to you. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Take a Vote from Colleagues: An effective way to engage your team in the upcoming offsite is to have them vote on a theme. This not only helps you but also generates buy-in from those who will attend.
Start by laying out three different themes and putting them to a vote. You can also allow write-in votes. If there’s enthusiasm for a write-in option, consider sending it to a second round of voting.
Begin Weaving: Your theme can touch every aspect of your offsite plan, including the simple touches like RSVPs and internal comms.
For example, if you choose a “pirate” theme, your invites might start with “Ahoy matey!” and continue using that tone in all communications.
Depending on the offsite's level of seriousness, you can decide where to weave in the theme and how much you want to amplify it.
Opportunities for Theming:
Communications: Invites, guest websites, offsite channels, etc.
Interactive Meetings: Presentation designs, talking points, guest speakers, snacks, decor, etc.
Entertainment: Music, performances
Meals: Food, drink, custom menus
Activities: Venues and guest interactions
Swag: Gift bags or memorable take-home items
Costumes: For closing events or themed evenings
And much more!
Need more inspiration on theming your next offsite? Check out our post on examples of themes you can use at your next offsite.
We’re Here to Help
Planning an offsite shouldn't be stressful. Our team of experts can handle everything from venue sourcing to activity coordination, allowing you to focus on weaving fun thematic touches for your offsite and bonding with your colleagues. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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