Fun isn’t the first word that comes to mind when people think of corporate events. While it can feel like an impossible mission to create a fun atmosphere for a corporate team-building event, it’s very doable with a little bit of inspiration and direction. We’ve compiled a list of valuable tips on how to make corporate events fun to help get you started. This includes strategies on how to plan a team building event that will resonate with your team. 

You’ll also find a list of some ideas for fun and effective virtual and in-person team-building events companies are using today to help you generate your own unique concepts.

Define your goals and objectives. 

Before planning your event, clearly define what you hope to accomplish. Are you looking to build team morale, launch a new product, or foster networking opportunities?  

Choose the right location

Location, location, location is the age old saying, and it holds true when you start thinking about holding a conference or how to plan a corporate team building event. Your location will have a big impact on how successful your event is.

1. Select a location that aligns with your event’s goals and objectives.
2. If you’re looking for team building, consider outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or obstacle courses.
3. If you’re having an event as a part of a larger conference, choose a location with ample space and the necessary technology.

Plan your agenda

Whether your event is an afternoon or several days, you’ll want everything planned out. Create a detailed agenda that includes key activities, speakers, and sessions. Keep in mind that attendees may have different interests and schedules, so if you’ve got a large group for several days, be sure to provide some optional activities to choose from.

Promote your event

Use various channels to promote your event ahead of time, such as email campaigns, social media, and word-of-mouth. Highlight the unique features and of participating; use images and videos to showcase the experience.

Provide comfortable accommodations

If your event is out of town be sure to choose accommodations that will make your attendees feel comfortable and well-rested. Consider factors such as location, amenities, and sleeping arrangements.

Offer great food and beverage options

Good food and beverage options can make a significant difference in the success of your event. Offer healthy, diverse options that cater to all dietary needs and preferences.

Keep attendees engaged

Plan activities and sessions that keep attendees engaged and excited. Consider team-building exercises, workshops, or guest speakers. Provide opportunities for networking and socializing, such as cocktail hours or group outings.

Solicit feedback

After, before, and during your event, solicit feedback from attendees to learn what went well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to plan future events and create a better experience.

Include some downtime

While team-building activities are key, it’s also important to include some downtime for your team to relax and socialize. It will give your team a chance to recharge and connect on a more personal level.

Have a debriefing session

After the event, it’s important to have a debrief session to discuss what went well and what could be improved for future events. This will not only help you improve your planning skills but also ensure that the team-building event was effective and achieved its objectives.

Planning a Virtual Event: Identify Your Target Audience

Just like with physical events, it’s essential to document your target audience personas and plan for their needs in your virtual event. However, now that your event is virtual, you can market to a wider audience because travel and time out of the office are not issues. Therefore, think bigger and global when identifying your virtual target audience.

Think beyond the livestream 

The live stream is a primary element of the event experience, covering all your content. However, meeting the needs of your online audience goes beyond just streaming content from a stage. Therefore, take advantage of the engagement tools that a virtual environment provides, like real-time Q&A, polling, and live chat.

Craft a unique and compelling virtual experience 

It’s important to understand that a great digital event is not the same as a successful live event. Focus on your audience and take advantage of the unique opportunities online communication provides.

Use engagement features 

User-generated content is how attendees engage with each other in a virtual event, making it essential to have these options available. Examples of engagement features that can be used in a virtual event include moderated chat, networking lounge, and private chat.  

Use gamification 

Gamification is the use of game design techniques to drive participation, engagement, and loyalty with an audience. Points, levels, challenges, virtual goods, leaderboards, gifting, and charity can be used in virtual event platforms to drive engagement around human desires and motivations.

Ideas for Virtual Team Building Events

Here are some examples of virtual corporate team-building events that promote bonding, stress relief, creativity, mindfulness, problem-solving skills, wellness, or healthy competition:

1. Virtual Murder Mystery (we’re experts at these – learn more here)
2. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
3. Virtual Cooking Class 
4. Virtual Escape Room
5. Virtual Trivia Night
6. Virtual Karaoke Night 
7. Virtual Fitness Challenge 
8. Virtual Paint and Sip Night 
9. Virtual Mindfulness Workshop

Examples of Effective Corporate Team-Building Events

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to throw a good soirée. Let’s take a look at some epic team-building events other companies have used in the past. You can use these events for ideas and add your own spin. 

Amazing Race

Everyone loves innovative team-building events, and one great idea is the Amazing Race, which mimics the popular TV show. In this event, teams race around a city (or building, campground, etc.), completing challenges and solving puzzles. The first team to complete all the challenges wins!

A Day in the Life – Job Swap

“A Day in the Life,” allows employees to spend a day working in another department, giving them a better understanding of how the company operates as a whole.

Puzzle Day

“Puzzle Day” is a fun and challenging team-building event where employees work together to solve complex puzzles and brain teasers in a competitive format. This has been used at companies like Amazon to help build camaraderie amongst teams.

One Less Thing

A “One Less Thing” event is a team-building event where employees work together to complete tasks that make their coworkers’ lives easier. This event promotes teamwork, communication, and empathy among team members.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. But, if you need a hand you can always get help.

You Could Always Leave it to the Pros!

If you want to try a truly unique approach to team building, we suggest you contact our team of professionals to discuss setting up a murder mystery team building event. Our team of experienced professionals have worked with everyone from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. We’ll customize your event to help you meet your goals, stay on budget, and have a murderously good time in the process.

Give our team a call at (888) 643-2583 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you set up a truly unforgettable event.