Location, Location, Location…How to Create the Perfect Business Event
Many of us have experienced corporate events, and we all know some work so much better than others… but why? Well, we believe that the way to encourage creative minds, build relationships, formulate solid strategies, and come away with an energised team, relies on the ability to feel at ease in your environment. Here at Silchester Farm, we have built a creative nest that’s perfect for getting the best out of your team.
Want to learn more about how to organise the perfect business event? Here’s our eight-step guide to finding the perfect location for your team to be innovative in.
1. Location – we know it’s a cliché, but it really is about ‘location, location, location’.
By getting out of your office and experiencing a place first hand will always make the right decision easier. We recommend that you visit the venue to make sure that it has everything that you may need, from the right vibe to the practical elements such as accessibility, space, activities, dining, and technical requirements. Read on through this blog to see more specific details.
2. Flexible spaces – when searching for the perfect venue, you need to look at what it offers in terms of flexibility, whether that’s room configurations, multiple spaces with the ability to meet inside (or outside if you prefer), and various breakout areas for networking opportunities or for urgent work requirements that need to be completed. Whether an intimate gathering or a large-scale sales kick-off for 140 people, the ability to tailor the space to meet your specific requirements is key. You may also need to have onsite accommodation for your team as well as head-turning food in various catering areas at your fingertips.
3. Ambiance – often overlooked but an essential element is a venue’s atmosphere - the setting should align with the tone and objectives of your event. If you're looking to inspire innovation or create connections among your teams, look for spaces with warmth and a welcoming feel. The decor, the lighting, the architecture of the space and the style of furniture all contribute. Even the venue's history can help set the tone, adding a touch of glamour, charm, or excitement. In addition, welcoming staff can ‘make or break’ an event. The Silchester event team are renowned for their dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, blending knowledge, passion, and professionalism through every element of our service.
4. Accessibility – now that we work in such fluid environments, whether co-location, home working or office-based, the ability to come together is vital. This may mean keeping it local, but you may need to consider access to airports, motorways, and the onset of associated travel costs. Here at Silchester Farm, we are set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, yet conveniently based between the M3 and M4, close rail links to Reading and Basingstoke, and within an hour of London Heathrow airport. We offer ample onsite parking and so there are no hidden parking charges.
5. Team building – many locations offer team building opportunities, but few have the flexibility to cater for a vast array of activities. Consider whether you’re looking for tranquil walks & trails through ancient lands, skill refining activities such as archery, or adrenaline filled experiences such as segway tours. Think about the overall outcome of your offsite event, what will interest your team the most, and how you can best achieve it. At Silchester Farm we provide a diverse range of activities, from laid-back challenges to exhilarating adventures, there's something for every member of your team to enjoy.
6. Food & drink - keeping delegates fed and watered throughout the day is central to a successful event. Whether your requirements are for breakout nibbles between sessions, a networking lunch, an intimate end-of-day dinner party, or a large-scale gala, finding delicious, responsibly sourced catering that is from sustainable agriculture can be challenging. Whatever your food and beverage requirement is, Silchester Farm’s in-house Rural Luxury Kitchen and licensed bars have everything you need. The food is a laid-back, luxurious celebration of modern British countryside dining (much sourced locally), why not take a look at our sample menu?
7. Sustainability – more and more companies have a sustainability agenda, and even the impact of a one-off event needs to be considered when being organised. Large scale events create a mountain of waste, and you should want to consider how you can hold the most empowering team occasion and still be environmentally responsible. At Silchester Farm, it is our mission to be sustainable. From foraging food grown on our own land to use in the kitchens, sourcing produce from local suppliers, offsetting our footprint with tree planting and building relationships with recycling partnerships, it is always at the front of what we do to limit the impact we leave on the environment.
8. Technology & equipment – in today’s world, having unlimited Wi-Fi and state of the art technology is essential to offsite events. Check if the location offers amenities such as AV equipment, Wi-Fi, microphones, and lighting. Depending on your requirements, you may also need features like stage setups, podiums, or exhibition space. If your event demands technical support, inquire about the venue's technical capabilities and whether technical assistance is provided.
Great minds need space to think freely and be creative, so why not set out to make a memorable business event that will be different from anyone’s expectations. Host your meeting at Silchester Farm, escape the stuffiness of the boardroom and give your guests a tranquil, unique experience tailored to your company. Farm life naturally fosters team building with a strong sense of cooperation and comradery, so escape to our rural retreat here at Silchester - a farm without the need to get your boots muddy, unless you want to that is! 😊
Discover inspiration from Wavelengths' 'Reconnect 2023' event held at the farm. As part of their nine-month leadership program, 'Wavelength Connect,' participants embarked on a three-day rural retreat at Silchester Farm. This immersive experience embraced all the farm has to offer, allowing attendees to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with their creativity. Contact us to start shaping your bespoke event today.
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