The magic of company events lies in the heartfelt moments they create. Picture this: a group of employees, each unique in their backgrounds, talents, and aspirations, brought together by the shared experience of working together daily. There is extraordinary value in creating opportunities for team members to come together outside of the regular work environment. These events allow for authentic interactions, where individuals can build personal relationships, forge bonds, and strengthen the community within the organization. To kick off the summer, we helped a finance company execute an event to celebrate its organization's heart and soul - its dedicated employees.
The Purpose
The 3-day weekend event aimed to accomplish three objectives Firstly, they expressed gratitude and celebrated their employees' valuable contributions. Secondly, the event provided an opportunity for employees to strengthen existing bonds and form new connections. Lastly, it offered a refreshing break from the daily grind, allowing everyone to relax, rejuvenate, and return to work with renewed energy.
The Process
Step 1: Conceptualizing the Adventure
The first step was to develop a theme that would spark excitement among the employees. We embraced an 80s retro vibe - an era of vibrant colors and a carefree spirit paired with a place surrounded by nature's beauty. "The Great Outdoors" theme embraced the idea of camp with all its quirks and irony, which added an extra layer of fun to the event.
Step 2: Scouting a Location
Finding the perfect setting led us to Golden Lakes Village, Belgium, a picturesque location amidst the Eau d'Heure lakes. Its lakeside charm and range of outdoor activities made it an ideal canvas for the weekend getaway. Food trucks, bars, charging stations, and signage were set up throughout the venue as attendees were assigned their villas.
Step 3: Curating the Adventure Lineup
We curated a lineup of activities to cater to diverse interests, from exhilarating outdoor sports to wellness experiences, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Step 4: Engaging the Employee's Imagination
We implemented a pre-event engagement strategy by sharing teasers, merchandise, and personalized invitations to plant the seeds of curiosity for each participant.
Safety & Comfort: We enforced vigorous safety measures, medical support, and accommodation arrangements to guarantee a seamless and secure experience.
The Days of Adventure, Connection, and Celebration
As the sun set on the first day of the event, attendees arrived at Golden Lakes Village by private train charter, filled with anticipation for the extraordinary days ahead. The evening set the tone for the weekend as everyone unpacked and said hello to their colleagues amidst the cozy outdoor set up.
The following 2 days were filled with various activities lead by camp leaders. Action sports enthusiasts could choose from mountain biking, jet skiing, kayaking, ziplines, scooters, climbing, and more. At the same time, those seeking a more tranquil experience enjoyed the spa and wellness facilities, hikes, and gliding over the beautiful lake.
Evenings came alive with dance performances, acts, DJs, and themed parties along side the lake and at the nearby barn. Laughter filled the air as everyone let go of their inhibitions and embraced the joy of being together. The nights became a time of connection as attendees bonded over drinks, food trucks, and music.
Results
350+ employees joined for “The Great Outdoors" weekend escape, and attendees experienced firsthand the power of shared experiences to strengthen bonds, foster collaboration, and invigorate company spirit. These moments of celebration and camaraderie are what make company events special, and we are honored to have been a part of it all.
