10 Corporate Event Ideas Your Co-Workers Will Never Forget
Your boss comes in and announces that the whole department is going on a corporate outing. At first, you’re thrilled. After all, who wouldn’t love a few hours of recreation during their workday?
Then the boss announces that the outing is yet another catered lunch. Yawn.
If you’re tasked with planning your next company outing, a little creativity can go a long way. Check out these corporate event ideas that’ll give your co-workers the fun day out they need.
Corporate Event Ideas
Want to get your co-workers excited for the next adventure? Try these cool ideas.
1. Go Axe-Throwing
Ready to blow off a little steam and learn a new skill at the same time? Axe-throwing can be a great group outing.
Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do this. Many cities today have axe-throwing centers. These entertainment venues are set up with safe throwing lanes and safety equipment. They also have a staff of experts to teach you what you need to know.
If your area doesn’t have an axe-throwing facility, perhaps find a local axe-thrower who can help you coordinate the event. Either way, don’t try to DIY this one if you don’t know what you’re doing.
2. Become Scavengers
Scavenger hunts never get old. Take your co-workers on a trip around your facilities or widen the scope to involve a whole section of your fine city.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance trip, there may be organized group scavenger hunts in your city. If you’re focusing more on cost, it’s not hard to design your own scavenger hunt instead.
3. Solve the Case
Murder mystery nights are popular when you want to inject some originality and mystery into the event.
Most major cities have murder mystery dinner theaters where you can bring your group. You’ll be able to arrange for dinner and a show in one fell swoop, making it an event planning dream.
You may also be able to find an acting company who will come to your location to perform instead. This makes scheduling easier and takes away the transportation challenges.
4. Take It Live
Live music is always a hit and it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might expect. Chances are that you can’t afford a big name, but talent isn’t always pricey.
You can find affordable local talent through this website and similar sites. Keep in mind that not everyone enjoys dancing and listening to music, though. Be sure to set up an area where guests can relax, play games, or have a chat as well.
5. Turn It Into a Circus
If you’re planning a major blow-out, it may be time to take it a step beyond a DJ and strobe lights. For more unique entertainment, hire a circus troupe.
These troupes can include dancers, acrobats, daredevils and more. The key is making sure you have a facility that works with their needs. This type of performance only works with a large or outdoor venue.
6. Commune With Nature
Perhaps your crew is more interested in fresh air than fresh dance moves. If that’s the case, a team hiking trip or camping trip could be the perfect people-pleaser. Why not get your cardio workout in the books while you enjoy time with your work buds?
Look for hiking areas near you that have a great view to enjoy. Of course, they need to be easy enough to accommodate everyone in your group.
If you go this route, make sure to take safety into account as well. Pack plenty of water and snacks for those who need an energy boost. Make sure you have a way to call for emergency services as well.
7. Hop Onto a Horse
Let’s say you love the idea of an outing in nature but the exertion of hiking doesn’t sound as enticing. Horseback riding could be the perfect solution.
Depending on where you are, you could have plenty of horseback riding services to choose from. Do your research first and make sure they know what they’re doing.
If you have a large group, it’s also important to make sure you find a horseback riding center who can accommodate your group. If not, perhaps you could set up a tailgate party in the parking lot and have the group take turns riding the horses.
8. Go Grown-Up Go-Karting
For kids, pre-teens, and teenagers, go-karting is a favorite among the adrenaline junkies. Who said you can’t enjoy it as an adult, too?
There are plenty of entertainment centers that offer go-karting for adults. Make sure they have the resources to handle your large group, though.
If you have a bigger budget and you’re looking for a more impressive option, we have one word: racecars.
Many cities have facilities where you can take turns putting the pedal to the metal around a track. It’s a great way to encourage a little friendly competition among co-workers.
9. Get Wet
Perhaps you’re looking for a little less action and adventure and a little more class. Have you thought about a short cruise?
Chances are that you have some type of lake, river, or ocean nearby. If you do, you can bet someone has a yacht or other type of boat they rent out for parties on the water.
A word of caution, though: ask around to see if anyone’s prone to seasickness before you put down the deposit.
10. Get Locked Up
Escape rooms are another great activity that more and more people are enjoying today. Your small group heads into an intricately laid out locked room. To find the key and get out, you have to complete puzzles and find hidden items.
Most escape rooms handle groups of 10 or fewer. Depending on the size of your group, you may need to find a facility that can manage multiple rooms at the same time.
Planning a Great Event for Your Team
You and your co-workers spend forty hours together working away. The next time you get an opportunity to have fun together, make it count. The corporate event ideas above can make your next outing a memorable one.
If you’re looking for more great ways to stand out at the office, check out our business tips blog.