Team Building Event Planning 101
Planning a Team Building Event
The staff at NEXTeams has been running quality team building and adventure instruction programs since 1998. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with all types of groups, under many different circumstances (we recently ran a Team Re-Energizer for 110 participants in a room that was only large enough for 75 people to stand in a circle – WOW!), and after over a thousand programs, we have learned a thing or two about TEAMS!
Many of the clients who contact us are uncertain of the goals of their teambuilder. Some clients have been assigned the task of booking the yearly off-site, and “thought we’d do some team building.” Others have a vague recollection of participating in a ROPES Challenge Course in school, and, while they “aren’t sure if everyone would participate…” the boss wanted them to improve their teamwork.
Things to consider when preparing to book a team building event.
- What is the major goal? Fun off-site or challenging and goal-driven teamwork enhancer.
- How many participants and will they be required to participate?
- What is your budget? Is there any flexibility?
- Where are you planning to hold the event? Office, school, park, hotel, conference center?
- What time of year will your event take place? Do you require an inclement weather alternative?
- Will the teambuilder be a stand-alone event, or part of a larger team development initiative?
- What do you see as the benefit of taking part in a team building event as opposed to some other experiential activity (paintball, laser tag, a sports bar, etc…)
- And more…
The bottom line is, there are lots of reasons to participate in a team building program, and knowing your group’s goals will help you differentiate between the myriad of activities that fall under the search term: team building.
