Choosing a Company Retreat Location – How Do I Decide?

Planning a company retreat for a business of any size can be a daunting task, and finding the right location is at the top of the to-do list. The venue choices are varied and sorting through the options and price points can feel overwhelming.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you narrow down your options.

Purpose of the Retreat

Is the retreat a series of training sessions needing a classroom environment or is it focused on team building and creative thinking? Clarifying the purpose of the retreat is the first step in choosing the right venue.

Space Utilization

How will you be utilizing the space to meet your retreat goals? Not only will you want to ensure there is enough space for your entire team, but that the available space is conducive to what you want to accomplish. Here are some things to consider when evaluating a location.

• Do you need a large room that will hold your entire team?
• Are smaller spaces needed for breakout sessions?
• Will onsite overnight accommodation be needed?
• Does the space provide common areas for eating and socializing?
• Is there access to outdoor spaces?
• Is the venue equipped with the technology and tools you need?

Identifying your space needs and eliminating the venues that don’t meet these needs will give you a more focused list of options.

Environment

The physical environment is an important consideration when planning your retreat. Whether the gathering is scheduled to last a few hours or a few days, it is important to curate an enjoyable experience for your team. Aligning the setting with your meeting goals can remove an often-overlooked barrier to productivity. Consider details like furniture, room configuration, lighting, and décor in addition to basic technology needs.

Fun and Relaxation

The benefits of off-site team meetings and retreats don’t end when the agenda is complete. Choosing a venue that offers a variety of options for team building is key. Investing in team building drives productivity, innovation, and communication. Check out some of these stats:

• Businesses that prioritize team building report a 25% increase in team performance
• Employee engagement has been shown to increase by up to 30% through effective team building
• 75% of employees who engage in team-building activities report improved communication with their peers
• 65% of companies report that team-building activities significantly strengthen their organizational culture

Hollywood Manor for Your Next Business Retreat

Located in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country, Hollywood Manor offers a unique setting for corporate retreats and off-site meetings. The main floor provides versatile space that includes comfortable seating, options for breakout sessions, a gourmet kitchen, and an AV system with a smart TV. Warmer weather brings the additional option of utilizing a variety of outdoor spaces.

The Manor’s location in Woodinville’s Hollywood District means that you are only steps away from a variety of team-building opportunities. Choose from local restaurants, wineries, outdoor recreation, and seasonal concerts to create a complete experience for your team.

Overnight accommodations include five bedrooms, two of which are ADA accessible. Each suite features a private bathroom, king-size bed, and a fireplace. Check out our Corporate Retreat page for additional information and features.