How to Plan a Productive & Enjoyable Corporate Retreat

Corporate retreats are slowly getting a much-needed makeover. The annual tradition of pool parties, late nights out, and four-star accommodations are gradually being replaced with quieter gatherings that foster creativity and teamwork — the essence of what a retreat is all about. 

This go-to business tool for executives has seen its share of criticism for privileging leisure and entertainment over more constructive activities that actually drive innovation and productivity. But, regardless of its reputation, there are many reasons why leaders should consider hosting a company retreat.

Employee burnout is at an all-time high; our goal is to produce effective getaways that spur productivity, juice up morale, and lead to more meaningful relationships. Balancing an enjoyable and productive environment in a new setting with a large group can be challenging but certainly not impossible.

EXEC is enabling leaders to revamp the average corporate retreat and rethink what a great one looks like with our unparalleled travel, lifestyle, experience and hotel benefits for entrepreneurs and their teams. This guide will outline the top features to consider when planning a memorable getaway for you and your team.

Planning a Corporate Retreat, Demystified

Define Goals and Set Expectations

Clarity, clarity, clarity! One of the keys to a successful corporate retreat is defining the objectives and goals of the trip and then setting expectations to satisfy those goals. Whether it’s to advertise a new product or concept, coordinate team-building, nurture company culture, or even celebrate a recent accomplishment and boost morale — determine a clear objective for the trip. 

Upon identifying the purpose of your retreat, set the expectations and address them with your company. The word ‘retreat’ can have varying meanings to employees depending on the language surrounding it. A disconnect can occur when employers plan a retreat for work and employees plan for a work-funded vacation. 

Providing a tentative agenda during the retreat announcement is a great way to set expectations as early as possible. Then, incorporate activities in the schedule that ensure you’re meeting the goals of the getaway. Finally, ask for feedback to ensure your retreat has the personality it needs to be memorable. 

Budget Well

Setting a budget to plan every aspect of your corporate retreat is essential. From accommodations and transportation to activities and entertainment, remaining financially responsible is a no-brainer. 

Consider recruiting sponsors for your company’s retreat in exchange for advertising their brand during your getaway. Also, reach out to vendors and venues as early as possible to prevent any last-minute decisions that may be costly. 

In addition, it’s helpful to coordinate the retreat during the slow season. This will increase company-wide participation and reduce the stress of leaving work during a busy period. It’ll also ensure you get the most value out of your retreat when everyone is present and participating. 

Read more: How to Get Corporate Travel Discounts

Choosing The Right Location

The world is your oyster when deciding where to host your company retreat. However, location is a vital component of your getaway, especially when considering the goal and objective of the trip. 

For example, glamping in the mountains can serve as an excellent scene for team building, while the sandy beaches of a lush island make for the best celebration of achievements. Likewise, busy cities are ideal for companies looking to train or teach as you’ll have easy access to all the amenities you and your team may need. 

We’ve listed some of the country's top destinations for company retreats and some of our favorite hotels for business and leisure travelers. 

Miami, Florida

• Nautilus South Beach
• YOTELPAD Miami
• YOTEL Miami
• 1 Hotel South Beach

Las Vegas, Nevada

• Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Los Angeles, California

• The Hoxton, Downtown LA
• SLS Beverly Hills
• The Line LA
• NoMad Los Angeles 

New York City

• Conrad New York Midtown
• Conrad New York Downtown
• Arlo Hotels, Midtown
• YOTEL NY at Times Square
• The Carlyle

San Francisco

• The St. Regis San Francisco
• W San Francisco
• San Francisco Proper

Read more: Top Airports for Domestic Travel 

Booking Activities 

Activities on the agenda are one of the most essential components of a company retreat; however, it’s just as important to give your team allotted time to do their own thing. Avoid bombarding the agenda with back-to-back sessions and activities. If you have early mornings planned, highlight them to ensure everyone can plan their evenings accordingly. 

Team building activities, self-care sessions, and group nights out are great ways to spend free time. Reach out to vendors ahead of time to book your group and to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Here are some ideas for your next corporate retreat: 

• Five Iron Golf — This is a high-tech, urban golf experience especially great for large groups looking for an indoor group activity. Featuring top-of-the-line equipment, full bar service, and a wide food menu, current locations include Vegas, NYC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, and Singapore. 

EXEC Members receive a range of benefits including deals on membership, lessons, simulator rentals, leagues, and private events.

• Soothe — sometimes, all one needs is a deep tissue massage and a cleansing facial. Soothe is an excellent wellness platform that connects you to professionals who come to you whenever you need it, offering skincare, haircare, beauty, and massage services. 

EXEC Members receive ongoing discounts for their Soothe bookings.

• EXEC Private Label Tickets — sports games, concerts, comedy shows, or Broadway; our Private Label Tickets provide you with access to tickets to just about anything. We utilize a wholesale secondary market and transparent pricing, ensuring you won’t be surprised with costly service fees at checkout. 

Read more: Saving on Last-Minute Event Tickets

Wrapping Up 

In a world where everything has become virtual, corporate retreats may be the first time some of your team members are meeting, let alone spending time with one another. It also allows for internal networking, and the change in environment can spark creativity and innovation. 

Plan it well and your team will be raving about it for weeks and then asking when the next one is.