​Breaking the Mold: 7 Innovative Team-Building Activities to Transform Your Corporate Event

In today’s fast-paced world, team-building activities have become a cornerstone for fostering camaraderie, promoting collaboration, and bringing fun to the work world. But gone are the days of traditional icebreakers and trust exercises. Modern corporations are seeking out more engaging and unique ways to bring their teams together. In this blog, we’ll explore seven innovative team-building ideas that have the power to transform your corporate event into an unforgettable experience. These ideas include workshops and training sessions, health and wellness challenges, arcade games, Casino Nights, and more. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can add a touch of creativity and fun to your next corporate event.

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1. Workshops and training sessions

Workshops and training sessions offer more than just opportunities for skill development; they also act as a powerful driving force for cultivating robust teamwork among members. Example sessions include leadership seminars, diversity and inclusion workshops, and innovation discussions. To make these workshops and training sessions even more effective, incorporating technology is highly recommended. For instance, a  55″ monitor can be utilized for showcasing high-definition presentations, encouraging active participation through its larger-than-life visual impact. On the other hand, a 42″ Giant Android can keep attendees engaged and interested, promoting a more hands-on learning experience. Moreover, a touchscreen kiosk can streamline processes, making it easier for attendees to sign in, access materials, and provide feedback. Aside from technological considerations, physical comfort is also a vital aspect of successful workshops. Event planners can consider renting nomad chairs, which are known for their stylish design and exceptional comfort. 

2. Cooking activities

Cooking classes are another great team-building activity, fostering a sense of collaboration and creativity while providing a fun, relaxed environment. To enhance this culinary adventure, consider integrating specific equipment. A  Cotton Candy Machine can provide team members with a joyful opportunity to create their own sweet treats. For the main event, a professional-grade Cooking Station becomes the heart of the activity, where teams collaborate, experiment, and showcase their collective culinary skills. Finally, to ensure the freshness and quality of ingredients, a robust Freezer is essential. These additions will heighten your guests experience and facilitate bonding, transforming your corporate event into a memorable culinary journey.

3. Arcade games

Arcade games are fast becoming a popular team-building option, merging fun with healthy competition. Classics like Fast & Furious, Pac Man, and Donkey Kong offer a retro-themed backdrop that encourages team member interaction, while reminiscing about their favorite childhood games. The thrill of car racing in Fast & Furious, the strategic maze navigation in Pac Man, or the adventurous challenge in Donkey Kong can ignite camaraderie and bonding among colleagues. Incorporating these arcade games into your event not only adds an element of nostalgia but also creates a lively, engaging atmosphere that can transform any event into a memorable experience.

4. Breakroom games

Breakroom games are a fantastic choice for team-building activities at corporate events, combining relaxation with friendly competition. They promote communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking in a casual, low-pressure environment. For example, a pool table encourages precision and cooperation, a ping pong table tests agility and coordination, while a foosball table demands quick decision-making and teamwork. Providing these games can not only break the ice among team members but also create an engaging and enjoyable atmosphere. Incorporating these elements into your event can transform it into a fun-filled experience that strengthens team bonds.

5. Health and wellness activities

Health and wellness activities are gaining popularity as a corporate event team-building opportunity. For instance, yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, or group fitness challenges, foster a sense of well-being and resilience among employees. To create a comfortable and serene environment, consider renting key pieces of furniture. A plush pearl white rug can provide a soft, welcoming space, while a stylish metal lamp adds warm, calming light. Cozy pillows and comfortable sofas further enhance relaxation and promote a sense of tranquility. These elements, combined with health-focused tasks, can turn your event into a rejuvenating experience.

6. Talent shows and plays

Talent shows or crowd-involved plays are exciting team-building activities for corporate events, allowing team members to showcase their unique abilities and build closeness. Such events not only encourage creativity and cooperation but also help in boosting the confidence of the employees. To ensure smooth execution, proper planning for the necessary setup is crucial. A performance backdrop, such as the Miami City Skyline Backdrop, can create a visually striking stage. A luxurious red carpet adds glamor and importance to the performance space. For musical events, a giant piano can offer an engaging and interactive element.

Miami City Skyline Backdrop – Event-Options

7. Casino night

Hosting a Casino Night presents a creative and enjoyable team-building opportunity for companies. This enables the members of the team to participate in amicable rivalry, enhance their tactical thought processes, and cultivate a spirit of togetherness. To create an authentic casino experience, consider renting specific gaming items. A Poker Table provides a professional setting for strategic gameplay. A Slot Machine adds a touch of luck and excitement, while a Blackjack Table encourages quick decision-making. Lastly, a Roulette Table brings a classic casino game to your event.

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Team-building activities are not just about fun; they are strategic investments that can yield substantial benefits for your organization. The examples we’ve explored in this blog can all contribute to a more engaged, collaborative, and productive team. Remember, the key is to choose activities that resonate with your team members, promote their strengths, and encourage interaction. So, whether you’re planning your next corporate event or simply looking for ways to invigorate your team, these engaging games and interaction ideas offer exciting possibilities!

2023 Florida Event Trends: 9 Key Insights for Corporate Event Professionals

Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com

So you have a corporate event coming up in the sunshine state of Florida? Maybe you already have an idea of what the look and feel should be or maybe not. Corporate event planning is constantly changing, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the top nine trends that have emerged in Florida and beyond in the events industry. From hybrid events that offer the best of both virtual and in-person worlds to sustainability and unique event venues, we’ll take a deep dive into what’s trending in 2023. ​​Whether you’re an event planner or simply interested in the latest event trends, this blog post has got you covered.

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1. Hybrid Events

Corporate event planning has undergone a significant shift in the past couple of years, primarily due to the pandemic. Virtual events saw a massive increase in popularity as businesses sought to engage with their audiences online. However, as the world opens up again, we’re seeing a decrease in virtual events’ popularity. Instead, event planners are opting for hybrid events that offer the best of both worlds. According to Google Trends, the top-rising related topic to “corporate event” during the past five years has been “Virtual events”¹.  However, during the last 12 months, this topic has been searched less. The search, “hybrid events” has seen a significant rise in popularity during the last year and reached an all-time high in early April 2023. Florida is among the top 6 states searching this term ². In 2022, 71% of organizations with 5000+ employees had included hybrid events in their event planning ³. As such, event planners must look into renting unique event spaces (which we’ll discuss later) and AV equipment for virtual attendees like monitor rentals, touchscreen kiosks, and giant iPhones to provide a seamless hybrid event experience for their attendees.

2. Event Sustainability

Sustainability has emerged as a growing trend in the Florida events industry. For the search “sustainable event management”, Florida ranks second in the search term ⁴. Event planners are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their events to reduce waste and minimize their carbon footprint. In 2022, both attendees and event professionals became more aware of the environmental impacts of physical events, such as food waste and travel-related carbon emissions ⁵. As a result, event planners are being evaluated more and more on their ability to create unique events that are sustainable and socially aware. Social awareness means being environmentally aware and supporting the community through using local vendors and suppliers. One creative sustainable corporate event idea is to rent reusable dishware, such as the Bella Collection China sets and GOA Collection Flatware set, to reduce single-use waste. Using fine China instead of plastic also adds a feeling of elegance to any occasion. 

3. Event Technology

The modern digitalization trend requires event planners to adopt more up-to-date event technology. AR and VR have surged in popularity as businesses seek to engage attendees in new and exciting ways. AR overlays digital information in the real world, while VR immerses the user in a completely digital environment. Both are being gamified to help people learn, such as using VR simulations to train employees in different scenarios. Event apps are also becoming popular for providing schedules, speaker bios, and other important information to attendees. To make events more interactive and fun, interactive virtual games like Virtual Escape Castle and Virtual Hypnotherapy can be rented for team-building or unique experiences for attendees.

4. Health & Safety Protocols

The pandemic has significantly raised people’s awareness about the importance of health and safety in the events industry, making it paramount for corporate events in Florida to prioritize safety protocols. Event planners can take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of all attendees, by providing ample hand sanitizing stations and partitions like sneeze guards. One way to make these safety protocols more fun and usable is to add charging options and company logos to hand sanitizer stations. These hand sanitizing stations can be strategically placed at high-traffic areas, such as entrances, registration desks, and networking areas, to provide safety to attendees and free marketing opportunities for the hosting company. By implementing safety protocols, corporate events can be conducted with the utmost care and consideration for the health and well-being of all participants, creating an environment that instills confidence and peace of mind. 

5. Unique Event Venues

In today’s event planning landscape, finding a unique venue is becoming increasingly important to make your event unforgettable and to ensure repeat clients. Miami, in particular, has an abundance of unique event spaces, including museums, art galleries, and rooftop spaces, that offer a unique backdrop for corporate events. Hotels are also offering more non-traditional event spaces such as rooftops and outdoor venues. According to Marketing Insider Group, over 90% of event planners agree that events are more likely to be booked in non-traditional venues than they were five years ago ⁶. So if you want to make a statement with your event, consider stepping outside the box and looking for a unique venue that will wow your guests. One great option to consider is the Bubble City Wynwood, a unique venue that features a pop-up bubble installation in the heart of Miami’s arts district. Another amazing option is the Topgolf Doral Rooftop Terrace, which offers stunning views of Miami and is perfect for a corporate gathering or team-building event.

6. Event Data Analytics

Event planners in Florida are increasingly recognizing the significance of event data monitoring and analysis. Gone are the days of simply hosting an event and hoping for the best. Today, event planners want to measure the effectiveness of their events and gain insights that can help them plan even better events in the future, and outdo their competitors. To achieve this, various event platforms and mobile apps are available to collect and analyze data such as registration numbers, attendance rates, returning participants, engagement rates, and session popularity. Clear goals and objectives should be set for each event, and then measured to gauge success. This deep dive into event data allows event planners to determine what worked and what didn’t, and make data-driven decisions for future events. For a Florida-based event, two data management partner options to consider are Syncron Tampa and MAS Global Consulting. These companies specialize in event data analysis and provide valuable insights that can help event planners improve their events and stay ahead in the competitive corporate event-hosting landscape in Florida.

7. Social Media Integration

Social media has proven to be an effective tool to create buzz and foster engagement for corporate events. Real-time networking, facilitated by social media, has become a crucial trend in the event-hosting landscape. Attendees can connect with each other, as well as with event organizers and sponsors, both online and offline, through forums, social media platforms, or event apps. This real-time networking allows for genuine involvement and fosters enduring ties with brands. The majority of attendees now base their decision to attend an event on information found online, making social media an essential component of event promotion. Event planners should use every event as a chance to gain marketing material for their next event. You can do this by encouraging social media participation from your attendees by asking them to tag the event in their posts for a chance to win in a drawing, be featured on a conference’s “big screen”, or announce that the best post will win free tickets to next year’s event. To make the most of social media for event marketing, event planners can check out Event-Options’ social media platforms, which can be used as an event marketing idea board. On our social media, you will find marketing templates, ideas, and inspirations to enhance engagement and create memorable experiences for your attendees.

8. Wellness Hubs/Quiet Rooms

In recent years, there is a noticeable shift in focus toward the health and well-being of employees. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of building a healthy company culture and promoting the well-being of their employees, especially during corporate events ⁷. In the past, events were often packed with back-to-back-to-back sessions and networking opportunities, leaving little time for attendees to relax and rejuvenate. However, there is now a growing recognition of the need to provide downtime during busy events. This has led to the introduction of quiet rooms or ‘wellness hubs’ at events, where attendees can take a break, unwind, and prioritize their well-being. Event planners in Florida are now incorporating these well-being spaces into their event designs, and a recommendation is to consider renting relaxing and comfortable furniture products to provide guests with a conducive space to relax and recharge. Some potential furniture options for relaxing and unwinding are the Licorice Sofa in Green and the Red Leather Sofa from Event-Options.

9. Micro Events

With the previous restrictions on the size of gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, micro-events have emerged as a current trend in the corporate event-hosting landscape in Florida. Instead of hosting a large conference or trade show, organizations are now considering the option of hosting smaller, more intimate micro-events. These micro-events typically feature a single speaker, providing attendees with the opportunity to truly interact with the speaker and engage in meaningful discussions, unlike events with packed auditoriums. Event planners can enhance the intimate ambiance of these micro-events by using sofas instead of chairs, which creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for attendees. For example, you could use Biscayne Loveseat and Boca Sofa, to create a new modern micro event feel for your next conference. 

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Corporate event planning in Florida is constantly evolving, and event planners must keep up with the latest trends to create unforgettable experiences for attendees. Hybrid events, sustainability, event technology, health and safety protocols, unique event venues, and event data analytics are some of the top trends shaping the industry. Incorporating these trends not only enhances the event experience for attendees, but it also helps event planners stand out in a competitive market. If you found this blog post helpful, share it with your friends so they can be up to date with the latest trends as well!

7 Tips for Successful Virtual Meetings

All over the world, businesses have transitioned to remote work, having to modify schedules, assignments, and communication methods. One of the most important aspects of the workplace is the meetings where all team-members come together. Virtual meetings pose many challenges, so understanding how to hold a successful virtual meeting is essential in gearing your company toward success during this chaotic period.

1. Use Video

Take advantage of the technology we have in order to improve communication and fluidity of a virtual meeting. We are much better able to comprehend tone and emotion when we can see each other’s faces! Some great platforms for virtual meetings are Roundee, Highfive, and GoToMeeting.

2. Accomodate

By virtue of the global pandemic, every individual is bound to have their own unique living situations and challenges. Consider that some people are not in the same timezone, some do not have access to virtual meetings, and some are dealing with issues that must be prioritized over work.  

3. Test Technology

It can be extremely frustrating to have your whole meeting planned out and then for the technology to not work properly. Don’t risk wasting your and everyone else’s time, and ensure that both the platform and internet are running well. 

4. Create Clear Agenda

Consistent virtual meetings are a change for everyone, so it is important that communication is as consistent and coherent as possible. Outline an agenda with the aims of the meetings and hand this out beforehand so everyone is on the same page.  

5. Modify Presentations

While virtual meetings are a huge blessing, it is no secret that they are quite different than in-person meetings. With little visual engagement, It can be much more difficult to pay attention to long presentations. Take this into consideration and consider shortening presentations or modifying them by breaking them up. 

6. Be Kind

Virtual work has presented ultimately everyone with impediments and difficulties that cause anxiety and overwhelmingness- it is not difficult to feel isolated when we lack human interaction. Thus, remember to be kind and show the people around you that they have support.   

7. Write a Report

It is essential that someone writes a report or overview of the meeting so that individuals can have the comfort that if something else demands their attention during a virtual meeting, life will not turn upside down. 

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6 Ways to Protect F&B Staff during COVID-19

As covid-19 continues spreading, life goes on. If you are someone who was planning a food and beverage (F&B) event during the rise of the pandemic, keep reading. Understand how to safely plan an F&B event or maintain an F&B business in the face of Covid-19. 

1. Create a Safe Environment

It is extremely essential to be considerate in thinking about staff members. Each individual might have their own worries or accommodations; staff members are of the utmost importance right now, since they are the people keeping operations running at a time of great risk. Seriously consider hiring an in house doctor and/or EMT that can be on call for staff. in addition, enforce new cleaning and sanitizing procedures to reassure staff that their health is taken seriously. 

2. Spread Awareness

Make sure to continually inform staff members about current pandemic status and how we should be treating our bodies. Hold meetings that outline important facts and safety measurements we should be taking. Finally, make sure your staff members have the correct facts about how the virus spreads and how to safely cook and prepare food.  

3. Outline Changes

Frequently check in with your staff members- encourage them to voice their questions and concerns about the status of the pandemic and the future of your company. Directly inform staff members of any and all changes, as they are likely overwhelmed.   

4. Modify Kitchen and Dining Practices

It is inevitable that all F&B events and practices are modified right now, as COVID-19 is not slowing down. Consider all aspects of your company that might need to be modified. For instance, it might be necessary to remove self-serve coffee machines and water jugs and to rearrange floor and seating plans. 

5. Communicate with entire “food chain”

It is important to be vocal with each piece of an F&B event when considering modifications. For instance, accordingly communicate with the BOH/FOH workers, let purveyors know your plans and do necessary research if you will need to hire more, and be conscious of all clients and guests that are relying on your event company.  Find information on event planning tools here. 

6. Risk Management 

In an effort to reduce health and food incidents, modify contracts that clearly outline expectations, service methods, training, and safety guarantees. Remember that your staff members likely have many questions about how to be safe with F&B events right now; reassure them by demonstrating your commitment to following health guidelines. 

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Wedding Planning during COVID-19

If you are currently planning a wedding, or more likely, trying to plan a wedding, you’re probably facing many challenges stemming from the effects of COVID-19. Venues are being closed, vendors and catering companies are shutting down, and most things are extremely up in the air.

When planning a major event, some of the most important assets are communication, organization, and flexibility. In regard to weddings, this might involve communicating with catering business, planning the seating chart, or seeking your prime wedding spot. Some of the key points to prioritize when planning your wedding in the midst of a global pandemic are the guests, the date/venue, and the items to be purchase.

Communicating to your guests is very important, as they too had to make arrangements to celebrate you. Communicate modifications when they are set in stone- consider that this is a stressful time for many; it is poor etiquette to disregard those who were looking forward to your celebration.

Likely, your options include either either postponing or majorly modifying your wedding. This involves careful consideration of the when and where of the event. For instance, if your wedding was set to be international during 2020, you are likely going to be looking at the potential of postponing, as many areas have requested a limit on international travel. If you are still set on getting married during 2020, you should consider choosing a backup domestic option. If your location was a dealbreaker, stick to your guns and postpone the event.  

If you have made the decision to continue with the original wedding date, it is important to consider that there will be definite modifications:

First, you should prepare for a different guest count; it is evident that many guests will be hesitant to attend a wedding whether for a fear of flying, hesitancy to attend a gathering, or due to other personal reasons. In addition, you are likely going to want to reduce guest number, due to the health recommendations during this time. 

A good way to gage interest is to send a survey- through platforms like Survey Monkey or Typeform, it is easy to send a free survey in which you can asses guest interest. From there, you can make a new guest list. Consider to continue communicating with all initial guests, as they will still care about your celebration; easy ways to share your day with those who can’t be there are by live streaming certain parts of your day or making sure to capture all moments through video or camera!

A wedding might involve communicating with multiple parties about venues, food, outfits, and entertainment. This is the most important time to acknowledge the gift of technology- we are lucky to be living during a time in which we can hold large meetings from our living rooms. Use FaceTime and zoom to continue planning your day; you can now take tours over zoom, in which you can have multiple people attend, regardless of physical location. Services have gone virtual, so you can shop online and meet with your vendors and planners.

More than ever, it is now essential to communicate openly and frequently, think rationally about the logistics of the event, and embrace the technology at our fingertips. We cannot ignore all that is occurring in the world around us, but disregarding our lives is not the answer. Instead of us shutting down too, it is essential that we take action to avoid more chaos and panic.

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Unleashing Creativity During Quarantine

If you are cooped up at home, you likely have found yourself restless throughout your days of social isolation. Even for those of us who have jobs or daily commitments, there is inevitably more time in our days right now, as many of us can no longer hit the gym after work, enjoy happy hour with our friends, or enjoy a night out at the movies. I have compiled a list of ways to get your creative juices flowing during a time where creative projects are a must. 

Painting

Painting is something to which I have always been somewhat averse, as it always seemed very tedious with how thick the paint comes out and the difficulty of mixing the right color. However, once I let go of this grudge, I found that painting is truly liberating. Once I realized there was no pressure since it was just for me, I embraced that I have the power to paint whatever I desire.

Writing

I have found that when I am stressed or worried, writing helps me gather my thoughts, soothe my mind, and understand more about why I’m feeling certain ways. If you have an active brain and it feels like too many thoughts are moving through your head, I highly recommend taking up writing or keeping a journal.

Meditation

We often underestimate the power of thinking- our days can be extremely fast paced and hectic, and it is rare that we have ample time to sit with ourselves and check in. In addition, we tend to have some of our most creative thoughts when we allow ourself time without distractions (phone, friends, TV), so you might even find that giving yourself time to think leads you to uncover newfound creative projects. 

Yoga

Through yoga, I have learned about the power of meditation and that mindful thinking is a wonderful way to check in with your body and give yourself time to unwind. In addition, it is a wonderful tool to use to learn about your strengths and weaknesses and then uncover new potential. 

Music

Creating playlists is a great way to relax while discovering new music. Again, it is not often that we have this much free time; take advantage of it and finally listen to all of those artists for which you would never typically have the time. 

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Supporting Employees during COVID-19

As it is clear that COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important to consider how companies can best support their employees.

1. Communicate

As many workers have modified their work schedule to follow health guidelines, it is important to frequently and consistently check in with employees about projects and progress. In addition, simply being there for one another at a time like this is essential in nurturing community and maintaining trust. 

2. Utilize Technology 

Take advantage at the various forms of technology that allow us to continue communicating with one another when physically distant. Consider setting up weekly video calls to ensure cohesiveness within a company. Accessible video-call software includes Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and U Meeting. 

2. Accommodate Individual Conditions

It is important to recognize that COVID19 has impacted everyone in unique ways; we have been presented with different challenges, so we must be understanding. For instance, some people are worrying about older family members, some individuals are concerned for their own health, and many people are simply fearful and anxiously awaiting the future.

3. Be Compassionate

Remember that your employees are not simply your workers- you are connected within a community, and community requires empathy. Without it, a community would lack trust and openness, both of which are essential for a company to grow. Think about ways in which you can demonstrate your care for your employees-weekly check-in’s can be a wonderful simply way to be there for your employees.

4. Active Listening

Practicing empathy without active listening is near impossible. Allowing employees to feel heard and confident about their voices enables room for development and the sharing of honest ideas. 

5. Share Optimism and Hope

During a chaotic time, it is essential to be conscious in searching for positivity inside of us. This does not mean ignoring our anxieties- contrastingly, allowing ourselves to feel our emotions, we become more able to overcome these worries and ultimately develop strength. 

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