Author: Linda Whitlock

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.

Goodbye to 2021 and Welcome 2022!

Over the past two years, staff have been scrambling between working in the office, hybrid work, working from home, hiding in basements and closets to get a quiet space, flooding coffee shops, sometimes wishing they could connect by Starlink from the ISS. No matter the predictions (and even the outcomes) for this new year, one thing is certain: you need to keep your team motivated!

Capture Company Culture By Linda Whitlock Hi Everyone, With so many teams working remotely from home, maintaining company culture has been challenging, to say the least. The days of gathering together for lunch or after work socials are long forgotten (if non-existent). Impromptu outings now resemble meetings where arrangements have to be thought through, planned and scheduled in advance. Any gathering or activity with your team is an opportunity to help encourage better communication practices, build trust and values, and promote moments of joy at work. We all need to feel connected. Team building is one way to develop a strong company culture, providing a sense of community. It could be as simple as sharing stories of favorite childhood memories or recipes. Or, creating a fun and friendly competition between departments. There are many options that can be delivered virtually or in-person. When a team works together to achieve common goals, everyone wins! Individuals, the organization and customers. The benefits of team building go a long way, long after the activity experience ends. Contact us to help build and strengthen your company culture in 2022. From our CEI team to yours, wishing you all a safe and relaxing holiday season. We look forward to working with you in 2022. ~ Linda

Holiday Season is Near … Let’s celebrate another year! By Linda Whitlock Hi Everyone, And just like that we are winding down another year! Are you making plans for a fun celebration or meaningful give back with your group? Remote or in-person, ’tis the season to celebrate your team’s resilience and hard work navigating through another unprecedented year. Let’s team up and plan a festive event that your team will love and remember! ~ Linda

Adding Value to Valuable Meetings

By Linda Whitlock

Every gathering with your team is valuable. Providing a chance to share, learn and grow company culture. It takes a lot of time and effort to bring everyone together – in person or virtual – and you want to make the most of it.
In addition to meeting business objectives in a formal meeting, strategic social activities connect your group in different ways.
They help:

• Foster attendee relationships
• Breakdown barriers and create trust
• Promote corporate culture
• Boost morale and team spirit
• Provide opportunities to give back to the community

 It is more than just fun and games. Let’s connect and explore how you can incorporate a strategic activity that adds value to your next valuable meeting.
~ Linda

Chicago’s Team Building Company

At CEI, we are proud to celebrate over 30 years as Chicago’s Team Building company. From our founding as birthday party and corporate picnic creators in the 80’s to our current innovative team events, CEI has grown into a respected force in the hospitality industry. Our roots and connection to Chicago remain strong as we collaborate with outstanding organizations and support local charities. We are thankful for all the amazing relationships we’ve established over the years and we appreciate your continued support! 
~ Linda

Chicago Gets Back to Business!

We are so excited that our hometown, Chicago, is finally on its way to fully and safely reopening! With increased capacities at restaurants, convention centers, event venues, theaters and summer festivals – visitors can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer and Chicagoans can get back to business!

We look forward to helping you to create a dynamic interactive experience (virtual, hybrid or in-person) for your team this summer!! 

~ Linda

Another Virtual Summer for Corporate Groups

Things are looking better each day for getting back together in-person! But, we are not quite there yet…  Most corporate groups continue to plan for virtual or hybrid programs throughout the summer. It is encouraging to see companies starting to rebuild after major downsizing and restructuring last year — now is the time to capture the momentum and unify these new organizational structures. Team building can help! National sales meetings, new-hire training sessions, group outings, and other corporate gatherings are still happening and can all benefit from interactive fun! At CEI, we continue to innovate with our clients to meet their needs and deliver unique interactive events.   

Let’s connect and get innovative for your group this summer! 

~ Linda

We Want to Network!

It has been sooo long since we could shake hands, pat each other on the back, and network in person. Are we losing touch? Or are we more connected than ever? With social media at our fingertips, however, it is relatively simple to find friends and colleagues. Getting to know new people in a work setting is more challenging and takes a bit more effort. At CEI we like to provide gamification at meetings and events to help attendees network and bond. Zoom fatigue diminishes if you are actively engaged. Friendships develop in a fun atmosphere!

Enhancing Virtual Meetings and Incentive Trips

Planners are getting creative when it comes to presenting exciting entertainment for virtual destination meetings and incentive trips. After all, what can compare to actually spending a week in Costa Rica or Italy? How about tasting wines from around the world or a hands-on cooking class with a celebrity chef in your own home? Enjoy front-row seats to a sought-after concert or amazing magician. At CEI, we team up with planners to offer interactive team events to enhance the virtual travel experience. Check out two of our newest programs!