(Remote) Team Building Trends & Networking News, July 2020

Corporate Groups Earnestly Embrace Change

By Linda Whitlock

Hello Everyone,
For most corporate groups, it appears that we may be interacting remotely for a bit longer. Kudos to planners who are finding new platforms, programs, and partners to produce their virtual experiences. Who knew we would all become tech experts overnight? Check out the  BizBash Virtual Event Guide – an excellent source of information!
Our CEI team is navigating the trend — creating more innovative activities to help keep your remote employees and attendees engaged. Whether you are looking for an energizing break in your virtual conference, an exciting activity to help boost morale or an inspiring way to give back to the community, our programs are completely customizable to your company and message that you would like to convey.

(Remote) Team Building Trends & Networking News, June 2020

From the Expert

Summer! Undoubtedly the favorite season for Chicagoans as everyone gets outside to play. Even with social distancing in place, being outside is a great stress-reliever and can provide mental clarity after being shut in place for so long.  
Innovative activities and programs are popping up all over – yoga in the (virtual) park, online concerts, farmers markets, drive-in movies! Even summer camps and festivals are being reimagined to help us come alive in the summer.  
Another favorite summer experience is Adventure Hunts. Whether remote, in-person with small groups, or a hybrid – these engaging and enlightening activities continue to be popular options for corporate groups and new student orientation.  
It is exciting to see how organizations are adapting to create innovative events to free our summer spirit! How will you spend your summer this year?
Let’s connect

(Remote) Team Building Trends & Networking News, May 2020

From the Expert

By Linda Whitlock

Hello Everyone!
For many of us, our new daily routine includes video conference meetings, schooling our kids, sharing photos from our WFH offices and ordering take-out. Now is the time to think about next steps!
How will you navigate through this?
What are your professional goals and objectives?
What are your biggest challenges?
Who can you depend on for support and information?
Each day I work to answer these questions for myself and I am grateful to be part of a progressive and compassionate industry with a vision! Our community is coming together to discuss what really matters, best practices and how to navigate our now reality.
Would you like to join us?
Let’s connect

(Remote) Team Building Trends & Networking News, April 2020

Remote Team & CSR Experiences

By Linda Whitlock

Hello Everyone,It is difficult to comprehend our new world — very surreal! Like many of you, our events disappeared virtually overnight. We had to change our way of thinking about “interactive events” and innovate.
Staying true to our company mission, we’ve developed a series of Remote Team & CSR Experiences to keep employees motivated, inspired and connected — all without leaving the comfort and safety of home.
I hope that we can help bring some joy and ‘interaction’ to your team during this time.
Contact usto find out more.

Team Building Trends & Networking News, February 2020

Corporate Social Responsibility: Why & How to Give Back

By Linda Whitlock
Practicing Corporate Social Responsibility is essential for today’s business owners. When companies are aware of the way their business practices affect both their stakeholders and the general public, this practice is valued as corporate citizenship.
Here is the Why:
In today’s media climate, customers, clients and employees are paying more attention to a company’s integrity and culture.Providing CSR opportunities at your event helps to foster a positive corporate image and promotes loyalty both internally, between employees and the company, and externally, between the company and its patronage.
Here is the How:
The following should considered to determine the ideal way to give back at your event.Amount of time you’d like to spend on your eventNumber of participants you’d like to involveDesired location for your eventSpecified budget for your eventSelected cause, corporate alignment, or local need
Facilitate anything from cleaning up a beach or park toparticipating in a combination team-building, care-package event!
Here Is How Your Company Can Execute a Rewarding CSR Event:
Send out pre-event info to your employees to garner excitement. Engage employees physically and mentally with contests that foster friendly competition.Invite a representative from the benefiting charity to speak.End with a photo opp of the team showcasing what they accomplished.Hire a team building company to bring your event to life!

Team Building Trends &Networking News, January 2020

Team Building 2020: More Than Just Fun & Games

By Linda Whitlock
It is no secret that we are more globally connected than ever. We can thank social media for keeping us in touch with friends and family around the world and smart phones for being our pocket-sized personal assistants. Because of this, it is even more important to capitalize on the time people spend together. Team building is the perfect approach to meaningful engagement. Stepping up the fun & games game!
Team Building 2020 is relationship building. In-person gatherings are invaluable! Use this time to allow attendees to foster relationships with authentic well-planned activities. This is especially important for companies with remote employees, or who have recently merged or reorganized — and essential for established teams at an annual meeting. Give people an opportunity to connect and discover someone or something new.

Team Building that Rocks in the New Year

The start of the new near is a great time for companies to set the tone for the year ahead. Team building creates an experience that builds community and personal connections. We design programs to engage everyone in the activity.

Creating a Yes, and… Atmosphere

Mention improv in almost any business setting and people think of “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” “Saturday Night Live” and pretty much any Judd Apatow film. The idea of getting up to perform in front of a group of peers can be terrifying. The idea that improvisational acting is only about being funny is a common misconception.

CASE STUDY: Philanthropic Event for Pharmaceutical Company Multi Focus Event for 1,200 people

Challenge/Opportunity:
This pharmaceutical company wanted to provide a meaningful charitable team event for 1,200 attendees during their National Sales Meeting. The event would support the client’s larger overall Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and annual day of service, benefiting local non-profit organizations in the Las Vegas area where the meeting was taking place.

Dos and Don’ts of Communication in the Workplace

Good communication is a key ingredient for a successful company. Employees experience an increase in morale, productivity and commitment if they are able to communicate effectively with one another. Here are some do and don’t tips to improve communication in your workplace.