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What to look for in a team building venue

So, you’re ready to take your team-building game to the next level! Woohoo! Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will bring your team closer together and boost morale. After all, team building is not only a fun activity, but it’s also essential for creating a more cohesive and productive team. However, to ensure a successful team-building experience, you need to choose the right venue. 

Now, don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed. We’ve been in the team-building game for 29 years and have worked with venues of all shapes and sizes. So, we’ve put together a complete guide to help you find the perfect venue for your team-building event.

Here are some of the key factors to consider:

Location, Location, Location!

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating, location is everything! No matter what city or country you are looking at holding your event in, it is important to first think about location.  Do you want to be removed from the hustle and bustle of normal routine? Or do you want something more easily accessible?  It might be the most beautiful venue in the world, located on a remote hilltop with spectacular views… but can your attendees get there?  If the answer is no, and you don’t have the budget to organise accommodation or transfers for your attendees then you may not want to get too attached to this venue, no matter how pretty it is! When choosing a venue, think about the convenience for your team. Is it easy to get to? Is there public transportation nearby? How about onsite parking?

Finally, don’t forget the power of the setting! A natural or scenic location can provide a refreshing change of pace and a relaxed atmosphere, which can work wonders for team morale. So, whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat or a lively city location, keep your team’s convenience and needs in mind when choosing your perfect team-building venue.

Accessibility

It’s super important to make sure that everyone on your team can easily access the venue, regardless of any mobility challenges or special requirements they might have. You don’t want anyone feeling left out or uncomfortable during the event, right?

Don’t be afraid to ask the venue if they have any accessibility features or if they can make any accommodations to ensure that everyone is comfortable and included. It’s always better to be upfront and ask these questions rather than finding out too late that the venue isn’t suitable for everyone. Remember, the goal is to bring your team closer together, not to create barriers!

Indoor/Outdoor Space

When selecting a venue, think about the type of team-building activity you’re planning and whether it requires indoor or outdoor space. Do you want your team to enjoy the great outdoors, or do you need a more focused indoor setting?

A good venue should offer both options, so you can choose what works best for your team. If you’re planning an outdoor activity, make sure the venue has a suitable space for it, such as a park or an open field. If you’re going for an indoor event, you’ll need to consider factors such as the size of the space and the layout. To really make the most of your space, take the time to do a thorough site inspection. Visualise your event from start to finish and think about how you want to use the space. Is there enough room for all your activities? How will you set up the room to make it flow smoothly?

Don’t forget to talk to your team building provider about what equipment they will be bringing and how much space they will need. They have the expertise to help you plan ahead, so make sure to take advantage of their knowledge. Also, consider whether the venue has any restrictions on the use of outdoor space, such as noise or time limits and be sure to check for any local council permits or additional room/space hire fees that may apply.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

What we mean here is the vibe and feel of the venue you choose. Does it match the theme you’re trying to achieve for your event? If you’re planning a fun and energetic activity, you’ll want a venue that can match that energy. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, a cosy indoor space might be just what you need.

It’s also important to consider the venue’s existing style and decor. If you don’t have a massive styling budget to add all the bells and whistles, taking advantage of what the venue already has to offer can be a great idea. For example, if you’re planning a Survivor-style program, a venue on the beach with a tropical vibe could be a perfect fit.

Don’t forget to talk to your team-building provider about what atmosphere and ambiance you’re hoping to achieve. They may be able to bring props and decor to help bring your theme or activity to life.

Amenities and Equipment

Don’t forget to check if the venue has all the necessary amenities and equipment you’ll need for your team-building activity. This could include audio-visual equipment, tables, chairs, and any other supplies required for the activity. For example, if you’re planning a team-building event that involves cooking, you’ll need access to running water. Or if you’re planning an outdoor event, you may need access to water stations or outdoor power for audio. It’s important to confirm these details with the venue before the event to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Inclement Weather Options

You want to be prepared for anything, including the weather! You don’t want your plans to be ruined by a sudden storm or scorching heatwave. So, it’s important to have a backup plan in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Make sure to ask if they have a backup option for inclement weather. This could be an indoor space or a covered outdoor area. You might even want to consider a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options, so you have a backup plan no matter what.

Having a backup plan can give you peace of mind and ensure that your team-building event goes off without a hitch, rain or shine!

Conference Facilities

Finally, if you plan to incorporate any presentations or meetings into your team-building event, you should check whether the venue has conference facilities. The facilities should be comfortable and equipped with everything you need for a successful presentation or meeting, such as projectors, screens, wifi and microphones.

Final advice

One final piece of advice before you head off on your journey to venue bliss.  You may not always be in a position to do a site visit, but if the opportunity does arise we cannot recommend this enough.  Seeing a venue in person, being able to walk through and actually see and feel what your attendees will experience is invaluable.  

A good venue can make all the difference, so take your time to find the perfect one and get ready for an unforgettable team-building experience that will bring your team closer together and boost morale. Happy team-building!