Corporate events for clients, customers or colleagues can be a highly effective way to facilitate and improve working relationships. Traditional corporate events have a reputation for being bland and stale, so if you’re looking to craft a successful corporate culture, you’ll need an event to help you stand out from the crowd.
With emphasis shifting to focus on corporate culture, not perks, choosing a great corporate event offers you the best of both worlds. The right corporate event encourages your guests to really engage with you and with each other, and it will foster communication and improved working relationships.
Here are 5 alternative corporate events to give your company and clients an experience that is truly memorable!
Enjoy a sporting spectacle
If they are so inclined, going to a lively, luxury sporting event can be a great way to break the ice with new clients. We recommend these rugby hospitality packages at Twickenham, because they combine the excitement and drama of international rugby with first class facilities designed for true connoisseurs of the game. At The Clubhouse, your guests can enjoy the company of rugby celebrities, match day competitions, a three course meal and complimentary bar featuring cask ales, fine wines and liqueurs.
If your guests prefer a little less rough and tumble, consider the hospitality packages at Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, from venues as renowned as the intimate Captain’s Lounge to the stunning Nursery Pavilion. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the best seats in the house for England’s biggest international fixtures.
Cook up a storm
Cookery events are the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself while satisfying your stomach. They say food is one of the great unifiers, so why not don your chef’s hat and go a-la-carte with an interactive and creative cookery workshop! The culinary craftsmen at Food at 52 have a wide range of cookery events for you to choose from and they keep the wine flowing as you create and cook your very own restaurant menu. From a food focused workshop to a food themed business challenge, there’s something to offer every palette.
Following the continued success of the Great British Bake Off there’s also ample opportunity to put your baking skills to the test with The Event’s Company, with training from a professional pastry chef, team challenges, and (hopefully) no soggy bottoms in sight! Improve your communication skills and add a spark of creativity with this fabulous treat.
Prove you’re tougher than the rest
Unlike marathons or triathlons, Tough Mudder events do not feature a competitive format or a finishing time. Together, your team will work their way through Tough Mudder’s series of obstacles, plunging into cold ditches of muddy water, crawling through clouds of teargas, jumping over fire pits, scrambling up walls and running through a field of dangling live wires.
If that’s not enough gruel and hard work, take a look at Bear Grylls Survival Academy courses. This is a rare chance for lucky outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe to be taught Bear’s extreme survival techniques on ‘the most challenging but empowering survival courses on the planet.’ Master the practice of working together to achieve more than survival—strive for success.
If that won’t give you something epic to talk about at the water cooler on Monday, what will?
Solve murder on the Orient Express
Everyone loves a little workplace drama, so where better to let those sneaking suspicions play out than with a Murder Mystery event. Don your costumes and get your magnifying glasses at the ready for a classic case of whodunnit.
A crime investigation event is engaging and practical—teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving skills will be put to the test. They are specifically structured to improve communication and relationships between participants, and in a way that encourages full participation by everyone.
So prepare for a truly immersive mystery experience and remember: trust no one.
Go straight to the source
If chock a-bloc city bars and black-tie schmoozers seem a little old hat to you, why not cut out the middleman and rent a brewery, vineyard or distillery in which to host your corporate event. A tour of a brewery has the making of a fun and unique work night out that combines a little education with a lot of booze. Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick can set you up with beer tastings and exclusive venue hire, or take a bespoke tour at Meantime Brewing’s headquarters.
England’s South Coast is dotted with wineries set in idyllic settings, and the Rathfinny Estate in Sussex is one vineyard that doubles as a venue that caters to work weekends away. If gin is more your thing, the City of London Distillery have been running gin tours and tastings since 2012, they even offer companies the opportunity to develop their own small-batch gin.
Yes, you might come away with a hangover to rival the one after last years Christmas do, but you’ll also come away with a bunch of conversation-worthy, oh-so-hipster skills and swag to boot.