Tag: team building

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!

Values, Purpose, and Passion

In this turbulent time it is easy to get swept up in the rhetoric of politics, covid, vaccines, violence, depression and more. It takes enormous effort to look beyond this and focus on what is really important — our values, purpose and passion. I am grateful to be part of a resilient industry and know that it will come back stronger than before. Proud to have forged the way for others and built an admirable business. And, most importantly, honored to have developed lasting partnership and friendships. Though we were shaken in 2020, our mission and values at CEI remain the same – we are your trusted partner for producing dynamic interactive and team experiences (virtually or in-person). And, we look forward to teaming up with you soon!

Celebrate Virtually

Virtual holiday parties and year-end celebrations are happening! Employees, colleagues, members, students and families still want – or need – to connect and celebrate.

Show appreciation and let everyone know that they are a valuable part of the organization. Messages, calls or cards go a long way! And, there are many options for virtual gatherings. From chocolate and wine tastings to gift box deliveries and care package building to dance parties and game-sharing experiences, the possibilities are endless. If you need ideas, we are happy to share resources!

It isn’t what you say — it’s how you celebrate it!

Virtual Holiday Team Experiences

Hello Everyone, It’s hard to believe we’re already midway through October, and quickly transitioning into the Holiday season. Our celebrations will certainly be different this year as companies and families gather virtually or in small groups. And, though we may not be able to break bread in person, we can still enjoy the season and be grateful for what we have.   At CEI, we’ve developed a series of virtual team experiences that add joy to the festivities. We would love to partner with you to help spread cheer at your holiday party!

Celebrate the season with your team in a new way!

Introducing iQuiz/iQuest CVB

Hello Everyone,
Suddenly it’s September! Is it much different than April? Students are logging in to remote classes, trade shows have simulated exhibits, conferences choose from a variety of platforms to best present their educational sessions, corporate groups search for new experiences and the virtual craze continues.
With an eye on 2021, we are helping our industry partners stay connected with their clients in an entertaining and fun way. Using our innovative technology, we are developing programs that give DMCs (Destination Management Companies) and CVBs (Convention and Visitor Bureaus) a new means to show off their city I’m very excited to introduce iQuest CVB and iQuiz CVB – two virtual interactive alternatives to showcase your destination.

See your city and its possibilities come to life in a new and exciting way!