Say “Yes” to Summer in Chicago

Give your team a taste of Chicago this summer—interactive challenges, riverside adventures, and citywide scavenger hunts await! CEI has the ideas, experience, and insider know-how to make your event shine.

Watch the video to see the Best Big City in action!

Explore how CEI helps your team experience Chicago to the fullest with our customizable game: iQuest Chicago.

Building Wellness One Team at a Time

SDG #3: Good Health & Well-being

Everyone deserves access to quality health care—and yet, millions still go without it. While global health has improved in recent decades, inequalities persist. From surging vaccine gaps to rising rates of preventable disease, the path to “Health for All” needs urgent support.

At CEI, we believe teamwork can drive real change. Through purpose-driven programs, we can help your team directly support people facing health challenges with these team-building activities:

Provide comfort and strength to individuals undergoing cancer treatment by assembling thoughtful, practical care kits.

Support the well-being of service members with morale-boosting care kits filled with essentials and appreciation.

Create colorful murals to uplift and warm the spirits of those in local health care facilities, children’s shelters, or senior centers.

Make a difference in the lives of amputees using teamwork to create prosthetic devices for people in need around the world.

Healthy people build healthy communities. Let’s take action together to promote well-being—one team, one kit, one act of kindness at a time. Join the Movement!

CEI’s Journey: Spotlight on SDG #2

SDG #2: Zero Hunger

Right now, 735 million people face chronic hunger—and that number keeps rising. Hunger holds people back from health, education, and opportunity.

At CEI, we believe team-building should do more than connect—it should create change. That’s why several of our experiences support Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger.

Your team can take action through:

Giving Chicago – Assemble meal kits for local families in need.

iQuiz For A Cause – Compete for hunger relief.

One Team: Community Care Packages – Pack essentials for shelters and food pantries.

Let’s work together to fight hunger—one event, one kit, one team at a time.

Join the Cause!

CEI’s Journey: Spotlight on SDG #1

SDG #1: No Poverty

Poverty affects millions—even in the world’s wealthiest countries. CEI is taking action through offering these team Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events that support local shelters, housing services, and community organizations: 

At CEI, our team-building experiences go beyond connection—they drive real change. Through collaboration, community-building, and social responsibility, we make every event meaningful. Sustainability is at our core. We minimize waste, support local communities, and align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create lasting impact. 

LEARN MORE

We support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Join Us on Our Sustainability & Social Responsibility Journey!

Hello There!

At CEI, we believe that every team building event is an opportunity to create lasting impact. Thanks to the dedication of our clients, we’ve already made incredible strides in giving back— donating thousands of essential items to communities in need.

Now, we’re taking our commitment even further. We’re excited to introduce our Sustainability & Social Responsibility Journey—a new initiative designed to enhance the way we create meaningful experiences while making a positive impact on people and the planet.

Through this initiative, we’re focusing on:

  • Sustainable event practices to reduce environmental impact
  • Minimizing waste and using eco-friendly materials
  • Supporting local vendors and communities
  • Expanding our charitable giving even further

We are looking forward to partnering with you in 2025!

All the best,

Linda & The CEI Team

P.S. Keep an eye out for future updates on how our different programs specifically strive to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Incorporating Wellness into Corporate Events: Boosting Employee Well-being and Productivity

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the focus is increasingly shifting toward employee well-being. The traditional concept of corporate events — conferences, workshops, and team-building activities — has evolved. Companies are now recognizing the importance of incorporating wellness into these events, not only to improve employee health but also to boost productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. Corporate Event Interactive is here to integrate wellness into your next event!

A little yoga and time in the sun is good for the whole team!

1. Physical Wellness: Energize and Move

A sedentary lifestyle is a common problem in the corporate world, and long hours spent sitting in meetings or at desks can take a toll on employees’ physical health. Incorporating physical wellness activities into corporate events can offer a refreshing break and help employees recharge.

Ideas to consider:

  • Stretching or Yoga Sessions: Start the day with a guided group yoga session or a stretching routine to release tension and increase flexibility.
  • Walking Meetings: Instead of sitting in a conference room, take the discussion outdoors with a walking meeting. It’s a great way to engage in conversation while boosting circulation.
  • Team Sports or Outdoor Activities: If you have access to an outdoor setting, make time to get fresh air. CEI can help you host your own Olympic Games or arrange a scavenger hunt with one of our iQuest programs.
A team pretends to lose a member in a small waterfall.
A team having some fun with one of the challenges during an iQuest event.

2. Mental Wellness: Promote Relaxation and Focus

Corporate events can be overwhelming and even sometimes stress-inducing. The constant pressure to network, learn, and perform can leave employees mentally drained. To counteract this, it’s essential to build in activities that support mental relaxation and clarity.

Ideas to consider:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Schedule guided mindfulness or meditation sessions to help employees reset their minds. This practice can reduce stress, improve concentration, and foster a calm atmosphere.
  • Relaxing Activities: Gather together and relax with soothing activities. CEI’s Bright Horizons program has your team all work together on painting a mural for a local school, healthcare facility, or shelter.
  • Giving Back: Studies have shown that finding ways to give back to the community is a great way to boost mental health. Check out CEI’s One Team: Chemo Care Kits that show a little love to people undergoing chemotherapy.
A large stack of completed care kits bound to help chemotherapy patients.

3. Nutritional Wellness: Fueling the Body Right

The food and beverage offerings at corporate events can play a pivotal role in supporting wellness. Instead of relying on processed snacks and sugary treats, incorporate healthier options that nourish and energize attendees.

Ideas to consider:

  • Healthy Snack Stations: Set up stations with fresh fruits, nuts, granola bars, and smoothies. These options will give attendees the energy boost they need without the sugar crash.
  • Nutritional Workshops or Cooking Classes: Organize interactive workshops where employees can learn about healthy eating habits or participate in a cooking class to create nutritious meals together. Make it a competition where teams make their very own Food Truck.

4. Social Wellness: Foster Connection and Team Building

Building strong relationships among employees is a key component of workplace wellness. Corporate events provide a great opportunity to foster social wellness by encouraging meaningful connections.

Teams love coming together to clean-up community parks!

Ideas to consider:

  • Wellness Challenges: Incorporate team challenges that promote both wellness and collaboration. This could include step challenges, hydration challenges, or fitness goals.
  • Group Volunteer Opportunities: Let CEI organize your next Community Clean-Up day. Giving back to a cause can be a meaningful way to bond with colleagues while also benefiting others.
  • Social Events with a Wellness Focus: Host social gatherings with wellness themes, such as hitting the greens (of your very own making) with Putt Putt Engineering.

The Benefits of Wellness in Corporate Events

By integrating wellness into your corporate events, you’re not only helping employees improve their overall health, but you’re also fostering a culture of care and empathy. Here are some key benefits:

  • Increased Productivity: Wellness activities can improve focus, reduce burnout, and ultimately boost work output.
  • Enhanced Creativity: When employees are mentally and physically refreshed, they’re better able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.
  • Improved Employee Engagement and Retention: Demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being strengthens loyalty and morale, leading to higher retention rates.
  • Positive Company Culture: A wellness-oriented corporate event cultivates a supportive, inclusive, and healthy environment for all employees.
A team jumping for a photo outside.

Conclusion

Incorporating wellness into corporate events is more than just a trend — it’s a commitment to fostering a healthier, more productive, and happier workforce. From physical activities and mental relaxation techniques to healthy food choices and team-building experiences, there are countless ways to enhance the well-being of your employees during events. By prioritizing wellness, companies not only create a positive event experience but also lay the foundation for a more vibrant and successful workplace culture. Contact Corporate Event Interactive to find out how we can bring wellness to your next corporate event today.

Festive Holiday Corporate Events to Spread Cheer to Your Team

Welcome to the Holiday Season!

CEI is always ready to help your team come together and spread some seasonal cheer! We have so many customizable fun and festive team building programs designed to engage, inspire, and give back. From exciting activities perfect for the winter season to charity-focused initiatives, we have options to warm your team’s heart.

Holiday Charity Challenges

Bike Building Workshop

Bike Building Workshop

Transform your event space into a fully functional bike shop to provide a fun and healthy form of transportation for children in the community! Teams must work together to assemble and accessorize bikes, compete in challenges, and give back to those in need.

Winter Wonderland Adventure

iQuest Around the World

Grab your passport and get ready for a virtual globe-trotting trip celebrating festivals and holidays around the world! iQuest is a lively game-sharing experience that tests teams’ travel acumen, communications skills and creativity as they learn about unique traditions of different nations across the globe!

Season of Giving Workshops

Toy Building Workshop

We transform your event space into a fully functional toyshop as guests channel their creativity and ingenuity to build toys for a local children’s charity! Hammering, gluing and decorating are the activities for the event as participants enjoy the spirit of the holidays by creating/assembling red wagons, coloring books, musical instruments and other toys. With the help of tools and our friendly elves from the North Pole, guests not only enjoy doing good for the community but also the unique opportunity to network with coworkers and friends!

Let us make this holiday season unforgettable for you and your team! Reach out to discuss a custom experience for your team.

WARM WISHES & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Globally-Minded CSR Team Events and Building a Brand for the Future

In an increasingly interconnected world, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead and support global sustainability efforts. By aligning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), companies can position themselves as champions of international progress while engaging their employees, clients, and stakeholders. This strategy not only strengthens a company’s global footprint, but also creates a powerful brand narrative centered on responsibility and impact.

SDGs: A Blueprint for Global Prosperity

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals are an ambitious yet achievable framework for peace, prosperity, and planet protection. Adopted by 193 countries in 2015, these goals are designed to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation by the year 2030. The SDGs emphasize that these issues are interconnected, requiring collective action from governments, businesses, and civil society.

Corporate Events as Catalysts for Global Initiatives

Aligning corporate events with the SDGs allows businesses to contribute to international efforts while engaging their teams and building meaningful relationships. Events can serve as powerful catalysts for action, helping businesses amplify their commitment to global sustainability and rally employees around common goals.

Understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

What Are the SDGs?

The 17 SDGs represent a shared blueprint for addressing global challenges and improving life for current and future generations. These goals range from ending poverty and hunger to combating climate change and ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. While government and nonprofit organizations are vital to achieving these goals, businesses of all sizes play a crucial role.

Why Companies Should Align with Global Goals

Businesses are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change by leveraging their resources, innovation, and global reach. By aligning CSR efforts with the SDGs, companies can help address complex global issues (while enhancing their brand reputation), and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Hosting CSR Team Events That Contribute to Global Sustainability

Corporate events offer a tremendous opportunity to promote global sustainability initiatives. Whether raising awareness, generating funding, or gathering supplies and/or food, CSR events can directly contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

How CEI Can Aid Your Global Initiatives

Corporate events not only create engagement opportunities but also help businesses actively contribute to global causes. Partnering with CEI ensures that your CSR initiatives will align with the SDGs and have a lasting impact on global issues, all while engaging your team in a fun and interactive way.

Choosing SDGs That Reflect Global Priorities

When planning a CSR event, it’s important to focus on SDGs that address global priorities and have far-reaching impacts. Here are a few SDGs to consider:

SDG 13: Climate Action  

Host events focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, and educating employees on sustainability practices.  

Program Spotlight: Green Team Challenge—This initiative encourages employees to engage in eco-friendly activities, from reducing office waste to planting trees, as part of the company’s sustainability pledge.

A team pretends to lose a member in a small waterfall.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger  

Organize food drives, fundraising events, or partner with local or global organizations to combat hunger worldwide.  

Program Spotlight: iQuest for a Cause—This program challenges teams to participate in fun, competitive events with proceeds that can go to international hunger relief organizations.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation  

Support access to clean water in underserved regions through partnerships with nonprofits or by hosting charity runs.  

Program Spotlight: Clean Water Challenge—This campaign raises awareness about global water shortages and funds clean water projects in developing countries.

photo of a group of people huddled close to an ipad wearing goofy and festive accoutrements

How Your CSR Events Can Drive Global Change

Corporate events have the potential to bridge the gap between corporate social responsibility and global development programs, making a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world.

Bridging the Gap Between Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Goals

CSR events aligned with the SDGs can support international development programs in several ways:

  1. International Aid and Relief Efforts  

Partner with organizations like the Red Cross or UNICEF to support international crises, providing necessary resources or financial aid.

  1. Empowering Communities through Education (SDG 4)  

Host virtual or hybrid events that offer educational resources and training programs to under-served communities, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

  1. M&IW’s 5 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Event

CEI’s partners over at Meetings and Incentives Worldwide have compiled a list of 5 ways to create a more sustainable event. Making sure that every event you host moving forward will continue to show your company’s buy-in to a more sustainable future.

The Benefits of Hosting Global CSR Events

Aligning CSR efforts with global initiatives offers numerous benefits for businesses, from enhancing brand reputation to improving employee engagement.

Elevating Your Brand as a Global Citizen

By contributing to international goals, your company demonstrates a commitment to being part of the global solution. This enhances your brand’s reputation and aligns it with the growing global movement toward sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Building Long-term Relationships through Global Impact

When your company contributes to worldwide causes, it fosters strong relationships with partners, clients, and stakeholders. These connections not only enhance your company’s global presence, but also drive collaboration and innovation.

Boosting Employee Engagement through Global Participation

Employees are more likely to be engaged and loyal to companies that prioritize social and environmental challenges. Hosting CSR events with a focus on global issues increases morale and retention by giving employees a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

Conclusion

Corporate events provide an incredible opportunity to support global sustainability efforts and make a lasting impact. Partner with CEI to plan your next CSR event and become a key player in the global movement to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can build a better, more sustainable future for all.

Give Back Locally to Make a Global Impact

In 2015 the United Nations laid out and adopted The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In that, they are focusing on 5 key areas: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. They expand on the idea of sustainability with the understanding that building a better tomorrow isn’t just about protecting natural resources, but includes protecting and supporting people.

At Corporate Event Interactive (CEI), we give back in many sustainable ways, but one of our primary goals is to help companies partner with local organizations through local Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events. These events lift up the people in the community and support organizations that provide opportunities through educational and/or essential care packages. Our CSR events support the global efforts of the UN Sustainability Goals by bringing the focus into local communities, and making sure that nobody is forgotten.

Importance of Supporting Local Organizations

Every community is different, but the issues they face are very similar. Generally, they revolve around homelessness and poverty, health and well-being, and a quality education. These correlate to the first four Sustainable Development Goals laid out by the United Nations. Every region has its local organizations devoted to addressing these needs, but figuring out who to partner with can be daunting. 

1. CSR Event Addressing Homelessness/Poverty

One Team: Community Care Packages

Gather your team to help impact the community with One Team: Community Care Packages! Participants strategize the best way to tackle challenges in teams and earn essential supplies for care packages. This may be designed as a team building program or station activity. Previous kits have included everyday items for veterans, boxed lunches for food pantries, and relief supplies for those displaced by natural disasters.

2. CSR Event Supporting Health and Well-Being

One Team: Chemo Care Kits

Guests build relationships as they engage in a friendly competition and assemble items for Lemons of Love, a non-profit organization that provides support and community to people living with cancer. They ‘help cancer suck less’!

3. CSR Event Supporting Education

STEM Team Challenge

Bring your team together to make an impact with the STEM Team Challenge, an exciting high-tech team-building initiative designed to foster teamwork while making a positive impact on children’s education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Guests assemble kits that promote STEM learning. These kits are then donated to a local educational organization.

4. CSR Event Addressing the Climate Crisis

Green Team Challenge

Experience the thrill of The Green Team Challenge, where teams delve into exhilarating eco-challenges that go beyond the usual ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ approach. Teams engage in a series of unique green-focused trivia and tasks right in the meeting room. They earn valuable points and bragging rights on the way to being crowned Champions of Sustainability.

5. CSR Event Giving Back to Several Initiatives

Crocs & Socks

Upon arrival, guests are presented with a vibrant croc or sock, and their task is to find their perfect match. Working in pairs, they collaboratively curate a care package that includes the crocs and socks, ready to be donated to one or more local organizations. You have the option to select from one, two, or all four types of care packages, ensuring a diverse and impactful contribution to the community.

Benefits of These CSR Initiatives

We’ve said before and we’ll say it again, Corporate Social Responsibility events boost company morale because employees enjoy the feeling of giving back. This feeling is compounded with the knowledge that their efforts are benefitting people within their own community. In return, the community also feels a stronger affinity towards the company. This improves the overall reputation of the company and boosts brand loyalty. It’s the best win-win out there, plus it has the support of the United Nations!

Conclusion

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates the well-being of people with the protection of our planet. Corporate Event Interactive (CEI) aligns with this vision through its focus on facilitating impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) events that address critical community needs. 

Partnering with local organizations and engaging companies in hands-on initiatives, CEI helps address homelessness, supports health and well-being, and fosters educational opportunities. These efforts not only benefit communities but also enhance employee morale and strengthen corporate reputation. In essence, CEI’s approach exemplifies how local actions can contribute to global sustainability goals, creating a tangible and positive impact for both people and the planet. Reach out today to start planning your own local CSR event.

Stay tuned to find out CEI can help your event have more of a global impact!

The Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Building a Better World and an Even Better Business

In today’s competitive business landscape, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a crucial piece of long-term success. CSR refers to a company’s commitment to manage its social, environmental, and economic effects responsibly and ethically. The practice not only fosters a positive impact on the world, but also brings numerous benefits to your company. Corporate Events Interactive understands the benefits of corporate social responsibility and its necessity for companies aiming to thrive in today’s world.

The CEI team standing behind tables covered in bags of different colors filled with donations.
One of the largest benefits of CSR is that everyone wins!

Enhanced Corporate Reputation and Brand Image

One primary benefit of CSR is the improvement of company reputation and brand image. When a company actively engages in socially responsible initiatives, it projects a positive image to the public. Consumers today are more informed and concerned about the ethical practices of the companies they support. As a result, they tend to favor brands that demonstrate a commitment to social, environmental, and global causes.

Hands-In Challenge

CEI’s Hands-In Challenge is an immersive team-building experience that fosters fun and camaraderie, all while creating a global impact.  Teams complete a series of challenges to earn prosthetic hand kits. Once assembled, the hands are quality checked by a team of experts before being sent around the world to amputees who cannot afford prosthetic devices. Enjoy the profound learning opportunities related to purpose-driven work and collaboration as your group builds a better team and a better world!

Strengthened Customer Relationships and Loyalty

CSR activities are instrumental in building trust and loyalty among consumers. When companies engage in responsible practices, they create a bond of trust with their customers, who feel good about supporting a brand that cares about the community and the environment.

Studies have shown that consumers are more likely to support brands that are socially responsible. For instance, a 2017 study by Cone Communications revealed that 87% of consumers would purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they cared about, and 76% would refuse to buy from a company if they learned it supported an issue contrary to their beliefs.

Hour of Power (Solar Lights)

The Hour of Power is an immersive, hands-on solar light assembly program designed to raise awareness about energy poverty. Our skilled team helps participants work together to build solar-powered lights, which are then gifted to children living in energy poverty. This not only brightens their living conditions but also enhances their educational opportunities so they can read, cook, study, and more after dark! Check out the Solar Buddy video.

Improved Employee Engagement and Morale

CEI has seen our CSR activities make a profound impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Employees feel proud working for a company that is committed to making a positive difference in the world. This increased morale can lead to higher productivity and reduced turnover rates.

Clean Water Challenge

The Clean Water Challenge is an immersive team-building experience that fosters camaraderie while creating a global impact. Through a series of dynamic and interactive activities, teams learn about the mechanics of water filtration, gaining an appreciation for the vital role of clean water in sustaining life.

Teams actively assemble water filters, gaining firsthand knowledge of the global water crisis and how clean water transforms communities. These filters will be distributed in remote areas like refugee camps and regions affected by natural disasters. Each filter is designed to provide clean water for up to 12 people for an impressive duration of 10 years!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of corporate social responsibility (especially global CSR) are manifold, ranging from enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty to improved employee engagement and morale. By integrating CSR into their core strategies, businesses can not only build a better world but also secure long-term success. CEI encourages companies to embrace CSR and leverage its benefits to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Find out more about how CEI can help you create a global impact while fostering more camaraderie by checking out all of our Sustainability Events.