Let’s face it—with summer upon us, everybody is itching to get out of the office and enjoy some sun and fresh air. So why not take advantage of the beautiful weather with some outdoor office bonding?
We’re not talking about your basic company picnic filled with burnt burgers and watery lemonade—these five events will have employees and coworkers talking well into the fall.
Murder Mystery
Games are always fun, but this one is to the extreme. Like a game of Clue come to life—just bring the billiards room, conservatory, and kitchen outside to find out whodunit amongst the company.
Mini Golf
Whether you set up a course on company grounds or rent out a mini golf park, employees can compete within their putting groups and as an entire company to see whose stroke is up to par. Bring in a few pizzas or Italian ice to gnosh on and print up some shirts so that participants will always remember their mini golf outing.
- Take your company’s team building events outside this summer! (photo by on1stsite via flickr)
Retreat
Sometimes it’s nice to get a change of scenery, and planning a retreat—whether for a weekend or just a day—is a great way to get employees out of the office environment, which often allows them to loosen up and relate to each other on a different level. Whether zooming down a zipline or clinging on to a rope during a climb, hiking a scenic mountain or sitting around a campfire, get back to nature and get back in touch with your team.
Field Day
Go back to your high school days with Field Day. Have employees split up into teams to compete in relay races, water balloon tosses, dance offs, scavenger hunts, basketball, whiffleball, bocce, tug-of-war, three-legged races, wheelbarrow races, and hula hoop contests. And with real prizes like gift cards, iPods, or even extra days off for the winners, participants will be enthusiastic to compete!
Boat Cruise
If you’re near a harbor or a river, chances are you can set up a boat cruise for your staff. A little food, a few drinks, some music, a sunset, and hopefully a great view will all add up to a relaxing, fun company bonding event.
Need more ideas or some help planning your corporate bonding event? Contact Iris Fields!
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
Follow Iris Fields on Twitter: @IrisFields
I was one of two speakers at the Financial Planners Business Association of Miami last night. The event inspired me to write about waste. No, I don’t think the engagement was a waste of time, after all networking is priceless. I hitched a ride with a board member so it was not a waste of gas. I did however realize that businesses have a long way to go when it come to the eco-conscious movement. As the financial planners, analysts, newspaper columnist, lawyers and banking personnel trickled in; I noticed the standard 3.5 by 2.0 size business cards were being passed around like hot potatoes intended to generate new business relationships. I thought to myself, what a waste of paper! I remembered reading an article in the New York Times about “The Shrinking Business Card” a while back. I read that more and more companies are reducing paper consumption by printing business cards one-fourth smaller than the standard size card. It’s definitely a step in the right direction. I opted not to bring business cards because I believe their value is not what it use to be. Information on people and companies is so readily available these days, I figure they can either go to my website, Google me, find me on LinkedIn, add me right then and there to their smart phone, etc… Mashable.com has a great article on “8 Ways to Create Paperless Business Cards” highlighting SMS, Mobile Web, iPhone, Social Networks, Google Profile, Twitter, and Profile Aggregators.
It’s important to know that I practice what I preach. Some employees at Iris Fields, request to use business cards so I ensure that we only use green vendors to supply our cards which proudly display a recycled paper logo. However, I opt to not use them at all because Iris Fields is a “green” company and there is something I just don’t like about the idea of wasting resources while claiming to help save them…
- Melissa Raskin of Iris Fields
Follow Iris Fields on Twitter: @IrisFields
Do you feel that your event budget is well, in need of a little boost? Tax season is upon us and if you get a good return you can add it to your event budget to afford that something extra that you’ve been wanting.
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Remember Tax Day is April 15, 2010 so make sure you file in time to get a great return to bump up your event budget!
- Ariana Gordon Stecker of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
What truly makes an event stand out is the details; the choice of colors, the presentation of food, room decor, favors, etc. A unique way to set your event apart from the rest is by having custom art work done for the occasion. While some people may have the skills and programs to create their own art work, most will have to turn to professionals – which can be quite costly. So if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, look into custom magazine covers from Your Cover.
At Your Cover, you upload and design your own custom magazine cover with their online software. You can chose to have the design professionally printed by Your Cover or download a file to print at home or at a local print shop. With these custom magazine covers from Your Cover you can be a star at your own even! Give them at as a favor, use them as part of the decor, or use your favorite picture from the event for fun a keepsake!
Be sure to take advantage of this offer: FREE Shipping on all Personalized Magazine Covers!
- Ariana Gordon Stecker of Iris Fields
www.irisfields.com
Ariana Gordon Stecker