Nature’s bounty, refreshing air, tranquil waters, and... corporate meetings? Absolutely!
A Stanford study showed a person's creative output increased by an average of 60 percent when walking, and another study showed that 75% of participants felt more rejuvenated and prepared for meetings after spending time outdoors.
Needless to say, planning a meeting in nature can play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and productivity.
Stonewall Resort believes in combining business with a breath of fresh air. We're not just talking about a simple retreat into nature but reimagining how you conduct meetings altogether.
Robin Poling, our sales manager here at Stonewall, highlights the growing desire among attendees for experiences that break the mold of traditional settings.
Corporate Meeting Trends - Get Outside
Embracing Nature for Enhanced Engagement and ROI
Robin says attendees nowadays want to do something different. They're tired of staring at a screen all day in a stuffy classroom or a conference room.
The solution? Outdoor venues that offer a breath of fresh air—literally.
From patios and grass seating to a classroom on a cruise, the options for infusing nature into your next gathering could be as vast as the outdoors itself.
Imagine discussing quarterly reports with the backdrop of spring blossoms or brainstorming next year's strategy aboard a lake cruise.
"What a difference I think it would make in engagement and return on investment. If your attendees are engaged, they and the company will get more out of the meeting. Something different is what attendees are looking for.," Robin adds.
Balancing Fun with Business Objectives
One might wonder how to balance the invigorating outdoor atmosphere and the meeting's business objectives.
Robin suggests, "I think you have to have an agenda so attendees know what to expect."
This approach prepares everyone for the meeting's flow and enables them to engage more deeply with the content, making the meeting memorable beyond just its novel setting.
Here at Stonewall, the feedback on outdoor meetings has been positive, albeit with a few logistical considerations to keep in mind, such as ensuring the activity's accessibility to all attendees.
"So it's a new concept, and there are a few logistics that you have to think about," Robin notes, emphasizing the importance of advance notice and appropriate attire for participants.
Our Tips for Hosting Incredible Outdoor Meetings
For those eager to venture into the realm of outdoor meetings, Robin offers this advice:
- Inform Participants Ahead of Time: Ensure everyone knows the meeting will be outdoors so they can dress appropriately.
- Have a Backup Plan: Weather can be unpredictable, so always have an alternative indoor option ready.
- Keep Content Engaging: Leverage the outdoor setting to enhance your meeting content and keep participants engaged with the surroundings.
Despite the many benefits, outdoor meetings aren't without their challenges.
Logistics can be a significant hurdle, from transporting attendees to the outdoor venue to ensuring comfortable seating options are available.
"Logistics is probably the toughest part," Robin admits, highlighting the importance of planning for these aspects in advance.
Let the fresh air invigorate your team's creativity and collaboration, proving that the great outdoors can be the perfect backdrop for breakthrough ideas and impactful discussions.
Creative Ways to Breathe Fresh Inspiration Into Your Next Corporate Meeting
Here are some innovative outdoor meeting trends to help make your business sessions anything but ordinary.
1. Take a Hike (Literally!) - The ‘Take a Hike’ concept integrates trail walking with brainstorming sessions. As you breathe in the fresh air, walk past rustling leaves, and listen to the distant chirping of birds, you’ll find creativity and ideas flowing freely.
Carry along a small notepad, or simply voice record your thoughts.
The change of scenery, combined with light exercise, can do wonders for your productivity.
2. Corporate Olympics - Bring out the team spirit, encourage healthy competition, and take a break from the usual PowerPoints and spreadsheets.
3. Pop-Up Challenge - Surprise "pop-up" challenges will emerge for your team members throughout the day. These challenges could range from solving a puzzle to crafting an impromptu presentation about the beauty they observe in nature.
It’s all about thinking on your feet, and it brings an element of surprise and excitement to your corporate retreat.
4. CraigCat Riding Meeting - If you've never experienced the joy of CraigCat riding, then you're in for a treat! These compact and agile watercrafts are not just for leisure; they’re the new face of 'boardroom' discussions. Picture this: a serene setting on the lake, a gentle breeze, and you discussing strategies while riding a Craig Cat.
It's engaging and refreshing and will definitely be a meeting to remember.
5. Mindful Meditation Breaks - Incorporate short meditation or mindfulness breaks between sessions. Even a brief 10-minute meditation session by the lake or under a canopy of trees can help attendees refocus, rejuvenate, and engage better.
6. Nature's Art Workshop - Blend creativity with team-building by setting up art workshops. It's a great way to channel creativity while appreciating nature's bounty.
7. Scavenger Hunt Meetings - Turn your meeting agenda into a scavenger hunt! Each point or objective on the agenda can be a clue, leading to a different location within the resort. Not only does this make the meeting more interactive, but it also ensures attendees remain active and alert.
8. Outdoor Tech-Free Zones - In an era dominated by technology, create tech-free zones for certain sessions. No laptops, no phones, just pure human interaction. Eliminating distractions encourages attendees to listen, engage, and collaborate fully.
9. Campfire Conversations- This informal setting is excellent for open discussions, storytelling, or a simple reflection session on the day's proceedings.
The crackling fire, starlit sky, and intimate circle can foster deep, meaningful conversations.
At Stonewall Resort, we believe nature has an immense power to rejuvenate, inspire, and foster connections.
By introducing these unique outdoor meeting trends, we aim to reinvent how you think about business gatherings. After all, why confine your big ideas to a boardroom when the vast expanse of nature awaits?
It's time to think outside the 'office' box. Join us and experience a refreshing change of pace in your meeting’s productivity.
