The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Corporate Away Day

Written By Matthew Walker

A corporate away day is one of the best ways to bring your team together, boost morale, and improve collaboration outside the office environment. Whether you’re planning a fun team-building event, a strategy-focused retreat, or a relaxed social experience, the key to success is in the planning.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when organising a memorable and effective corporate away day.

Why Organise a Corporate Away Day?

A well-planned corporate away day provides real benefits beyond just a fun day out. Here’s why businesses invest in them:

  • Strengthen Team Bonds – Encourage collaboration and communication in a non-work setting.

  • Boost Employee Morale – Show appreciation for your team’s hard work.

  • Enhance Productivity – A refreshed and engaged team works more effectively.

  • Improve Problem-Solving Skills – Many team-building activities enhance strategic thinking.

  • Encourage Creativity – A change of scenery can spark fresh ideas and innovation.

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step guide to planning your perfect corporate away day.

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you start booking venues and activities, it’s essential to determine the purpose of your away day. Ask yourself:

  • What do we want to achieve? (e.g., team bonding, leadership development, company strategy)

  • Who will be attending? (e.g., full company, department, leadership team)

  • What’s the ideal balance between fun and work-related activities?

Once you’ve established your objectives, you can tailor the event to meet your team’s needs.

Step 2: Set a Budget

Your budget will influence where you go, what you do, and how long the event lasts. Consider:

  • Venue hire

  • Activities and entertainment

  • Food and drinks

  • Transport and accommodation (if applicable)

  • Miscellaneous costs (e.g., event facilitators, branding materials, prizes)

By setting a realistic budget, you can create an unforgettable experience without overspending.

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

Your choice of venue can make or break the event. Popular options include:

  • Countryside retreats – Ideal for relaxing and unwinding.

  • City-based venues – Great for a mix of business and entertainment.

  • Coastal locations – A refreshing break from the office.

  • Activity centres – Perfect for adventure-based team-building.

When selecting a location, consider accessibility, capacity, and facilities to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.

Step 4: Plan Engaging Activities

The activities you choose should align with your goals. Here are some top corporate away day ideas:

Fun and Competitive Team-Building Challenges

  • Master of Tasks – Inspired by the hit TV show Taskmaster, this fast-paced event involves quirky, hilarious, and strategic challenges that encourage teamwork and problem-solving.

  • The Big Fat Quiz – A high-energy, interactive quiz featuring general knowledge, music, and creative rounds.

  • BOXT – Inspired by The Cube, this challenge tests precision, teamwork, and quick decision-making.

Business-Focused Challenges

  • Dragons' Chamber – Teams must develop, market, and pitch a new product to a panel of judges.

  • The Apprentice Challenge – A thrilling event where teams compete to impress the "boss" with a creative business project.

Relaxed and Social Events

  • Casino Royale Night – A fun, glamorous casino-themed event with classic games like blackjack and roulette.

  • House of Games – A laid-back social event with darts, table football, and giant Connect 4.

Selecting the right mix of activities will keep your team engaged, motivated, and entertained throughout the day.

Step 5: Organise Logistics and Communication

To ensure everything runs smoothly:

  • Confirm the date early to avoid scheduling conflicts.

  • Arrange transport if necessary to ensure easy access for all attendees.

  • Plan food and drinks – cater to different dietary needs.

  • Communicate all details to your team in advance (e.g., itinerary, dress code, location).

A well-organised event creates a stress-free experience and maximises participation.

Step 6: Gather Feedback and Follow Up

After the event:

  • Send a feedback survey to gauge what worked well and what could be improved.

  • Share event highlights – photos, videos, and testimonials boost morale.

  • Recognise participation – whether through prizes or a simple thank-you email.

By reflecting on the experience, you’ll gain insights to make the next corporate away day even better.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Away Day Unforgettable

A well-planned corporate away day is an investment in your team’s success. Whether you want a competitive team-building event, a strategy retreat, or a social bonding experience, choosing the right activities and location will ensure an unforgettable day.

Need expert help? Let Standout Events handle the details. We specialise in bespoke corporate team-building experiences that drive engagement, collaboration, and fun.

Get in touch today at events@thestandoutcompany.com or call 0207 088 8085 to start planning your perfect corporate away day.

Matthew Walker
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