Outdoor corporate events offer an intriguing alternative to more traditional indoor gatherings, combining stunning natural vistas with innovation. Whether you’re aiming to encourage collaboration with team-building exercises, wow potential customers at a product launch, or celebrate special achievements with a magical outdoor party, there’s sure to be an option for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular outdoor corporate event ideas. Along the way, we’ll focus on their unique benefits, and how you can create instantly memorable — and impactful — experiences without needing a roof over your heads. From enhancing engagement to cultivating creativity, read on to discover how outside occasions could transform the way you connect, celebrate, and collaborate.
Popular Types of Outdoor Corporate Events
Outdoor corporate events come in many different forms, with each one serving a specific purpose. If cooperation is the goal, you can’t go wrong with team building activities. For unveiling new merchandise, outdoor product launches can bridge the space between you and your customer base. For simple fun in the sun, look no further than sizzling summer garden parties.
Our selection of outdoor corporate event ideas offers unique opportunities for teamwork, relaxation, entertainment, and creativity:
- Team-Building Activities: These pursuits are amazing for teamwork, problem-solving, and learning new skills in a fun format and environment. Popular experiences include obstacle courses, treasure hunts, team sports, and survival challenges.
- Corporate Retreats and Away Days: Need a break from the high pressure of the office? Whether you want to help your leadership team de-stress somewhere tranquil, or just fancy a change of environment for workshops, conferences, and courses; away days and retreats could be just the ticket.
- Networking: From outdoor mixers to seminars and festivals, there are lots of options for businesses that want to forge new connections while keeping a finger on the pulse of their industry.
- Product Launches: The release of a new product is always an exciting time for a business. An outdoor corporate event is a great way to demonstrate the amazing things your new release can do in front of the curious general public.
- Parties and Celebrations: Not all outdoor corporate event ideas need to be results-focused. Sometimes it’s almost as important to recognise achievements, celebrate milestones, and have a good time together. And nothing beats music, catering, and presenting awards in the open air.
- Community Events: As the organisers behind Arch Day — a celebration of local businesses all over the UK — this one really resonates with the ConnectIn Events’ team. These types of occasions are a fantastic way to champion vibrant communities and businesses across the UK.
- Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Similar to product launches, outdoor exhibition spaces are ideal spots to showcase your latest innovations with interactive pop up demos.
The Unique Benefits of Outdoor Corporate Events
Hosting outdoor corporate events means more than just a change of scenery. These experiences can boost employee morale, supercharge team dynamics, and even improve mental health. By moving live events away from traditional indoor spaces, companies may find it easier to cultivate creativity, enhance engagement, and make memorable experiences. All of which can create a more enjoyable working culture.
Here are our key benefits of outdoor corporate events:
They Help Creative Thinking
Sometimes all it takes is a different environment for people to relax those mental shackles and open up to new ideas. This is no more apparent than when you’re in the great outdoors. Something about the freshness of nature can extinguish feelings of confinement and make it easier to open up, dream big, and adopt new perspectives.
A change of scene can be especially useful for team building exercises and brainstorming sessions. You might even find that a natural environment leads to innovative ideas that would otherwise have remained unsaid.
They Encourage Collaboration
Outdoor settings provide a more relaxed, neutral space for team members to engage with each other. This can quickly strengthen existing bonds and improve communication across the board. Activities like obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and other outdoor corporate event ideas can also foster a sense of collaboration and camaraderie.
Crucially, the cooperative dynamic doesn’t have to stay at the assault course. Once your team has enjoyed the rush of being part of an inclusive team, you can bring that momentum back to the workplace.
They Can Improve Physical and Mental Health
Studies suggest that spending time outside can improve our feelings of attachment to the natural world. It’s also believed that these connections to the sights and sounds of nature makes us feel happier. Aside from the natural benefits of taking in more Vitamin D from sunshine, physical activities can actually make us feel invigorated and refreshed — which can really aid engagement.
This could be especially useful for anyone planning an intensive agenda for a conference or workshop. Essentially, including outdoor activities in your plans could create the right environment to keep everyone feeling energetic and engaged for far longer. And it will most definitely showcase your commitment to physical and mental wellbeing.
They Make Events More Memorable
One of the biggest reasons to consider outdoor corporate events is the chance to make a bigger impression. These occasions can be really dynamic and visually appealing, leaving attendees with lasting positive memories that could enhance employee satisfaction, boost customer loyalty, and cement a more positive perception of your brand.
Unique elements like themed stages, eye-catching props and other decorations, can be aligned with the natural scenery to create a sense of magic you won’t usually find at conventional indoor events. These memorable experiences often generate a buzz on social media, extending the event’s reach and visibility. For example, situating an awards ceremony in a beautifully-lit garden has the potential to captivate attendees and leave a lasting impression.
They Can Support Your Sustainability Efforts
A natural setting is the ideal backdrop for businesses that are serious about sustainability. Aside from the optics, open air venues can also help with eco-conscious practices as they:
- Don’t usually require excessive lighting
- Remove an over-reliance on air conditioning
- Can incorporate eco-friendly elements like biodegradable materials
If you embrace other eco-friendly initiatives like locally-sourced catering and sustainable waste management practices, your next gathering could be as enjoyable for the environment as it is for guests.
They Offer More Flexibility
One of the biggest challenges for venue-finders is finding a space that can be tailored to the exact needs of their event. In this respect, indoor spaces can be quite limiting, with interior walls often needing to be worked around. Unless you have the good fortune to be hosting your gathering in a vast arena, this can be challenging.
There are no such problems with many outdoor venues. These locations usually offer much greater flexibility in terms of space and customisation, allowing companies to deliver events more tailored to specific objectives, crowd sizes, and layouts. From casual networking to formal ceremonies, the possibilities are endless.
They Encourage Engagement
Outdoor events can naturally boost engagement by providing a more stimulating and exciting environment. This feature may encourage more hands-on participation, while keeping attendees attentive and involved. For example, a product launch featuring live outdoor demonstrations could foster higher levels of interest and participation than a traditional indoor presentation.
Make the Great Outdoors Your Great Advantage with ConnectIn Events
Outdoor corporate events offer a world of possibilities. With their dynamic settings and opportunity to make memorable experiences, these events buck the norms to help you foster engagement, enhance employee morale, and even strengthen customer loyalty. The versatility and potential impact of outdoor events make them a great choice for businesses who are looking to innovate and stand out from the crowd.
When it comes to planning and executing these occasions, ConnectIn Events is your perfect partner. Our experienced team specialises in creating bespoke, professional occasions tailored to specific business goals, budgets, and audiences. From sourcing stunning venues to incorporating creative, sustainable features, we can handle every detail to ensure your event is a seamless showcase for your company.
Whatever your industry or objectives, we deliver event management excellence, making us the go-to choice for businesses all across the UK. Contact us today to transform your next gathering into an experience that inspires and delights.
