Starting to think about an offsite for your team? As an Assistant with 15 years experience, here is what I would do:
Start with purpose, not logistics. The spreadsheets come later!
Strategy first
Before picking a venue, I would align with leadership on what they really want from the offsite. Is it connection? clarity? creativity?
The right setting
I would source a venue that encourages these goals. You won’t feel creative in a hotel meeting room, but you will in a different setting.
Agenda with impact
From team retros and future planning workshops to informal bonding time, I’d build an agenda that balanced structure with space. No death-by-PowerPoint.
Voices heard
With LT approval, I would run pre-event surveys to understand what the wider team wanted from the day, to make sure it’s not just top-down. In my experience, this will mean more engagement.
The ideal outcome?
– Leave with clear priorities
– Cross-team silos get broken down
– Morale gets a noticeable lift
…And the team have some fun
I offer offsite planning as part of my services, and it is one of my favourite things to do!