Why You Should Take Your Next Business Event Slope-Side

Who doesn’t love having fun in the snow? Skiing might be the best way to enjoy the white fluffy stuff. The idea may be a little unconventional, but a ski-retreat for your next business event might be more productive than a meeting in the board room. And it will definitely be more fun. So swap your laptop for a pair of gloves and head for the hills.

There’s a Slope for Everyone

There is a ski-hill for every level of skier. Resort guests are lucky that the ski industry has evolved to embrace everyone from the novice skier to the most advanced. It’s common for them to have gear and equipment perfectly suited for everyone. It’s not just the gear that has evolved, if you are looking for a group lesson for your guests or a tour to more advanced terrain, there are well trained guides just waiting to make your skiing dreams come true.

Excellent Networking

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to remember a name at work? Florescent lighting is not a friend to the memory. However, when you are transported to a ski hill, the names and faces of your fellow adventurers will stick in your memory for a life time.

Sharing some laughs on the ski lift is not only invigorating, it’s a great way to bond with colleagues and business associates. Depending on the chair length, you are forced to sit with each other for perhaps 10 minutes at a time, which is a fantastic opportunity to talk shop. Once on the slopes, you’ll be smiling too much to discuss business.

Divide and Conquer

If someone in your group isn’t into skiing, there are always options. If they want to stick outdoors, there’s always snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing or snowmobiling. If indoors are more their speed, there are spas, art galleries and shopping to keep one happily entertained for a day. In the evening, plan to meet up for some productive business and to break bread together. Your attendees will appreciate the break during the day and the time to simply enjoy themselves.

Après-Ski

The best part of an event at the ski hill might be the Après-Ski. This is an activity that all winter outdoor recreators can enjoy whether you are sliding off the bunny hill or shredding black diamond moguls. Taking off the boots and kicking back around a cozy fireplace with your colleagues is a great way to end a day on the hill. Enjoy a cup of cheer together and see who can tell the best story.

From the Sundance Film Festival in Park City to a small resort in upstate New York, Strategic Event Design can help you plan your next corporate ski event. Contact us today!

Event Food Trends to Salivate Over

Who says that event food trends have to be boring? When you are delivering an event experience to your top clients, you want everything to be perfect, and that includes food and beverages. The good news is that you can safely pass on the boring buffets and make way for fresh, fun and bold cuisine. Here are five of our favorite event food trends of 2017-2018. What are yours?

Locavores

Locally sourced meats, produce and provisions are not only a top trend, they help a venue and/or vendor, like a caterer, operate in a more sustainable way. When a chef knows the quality and freshness of a product, they can ensure that they are delivering only the best and most flavorful ingredients. Plus, there is less shipping and packaging when your source from local producers. It’s a win/win. Delicious food and a lighter impact on the environment.

Highlight Wholesome

Let’s face it. When planning food for a large event there are going to be a certain amount of dietary restrictions. Veganism is more mainstream, gluten-free needs are considerable, as well attention to more widespread allergies like nuts. It can be quite a puzzle to configure a menu that fits everyone’s needs and tastes great, but it can be done. Creative chefs are leading the charge with healthy, minimally processed foods and using plant-based options whenever possible.

Creative Classics

Just look at the donut revolution and you can see that people love what they have a strong memory association with. But they will appreciate a fresh twist. Try fancy grilled cheese sandwiches with house smoked bacon and a slice of an heirloom apple. Spruce up an old-fashioned dessert like hand pies with updated fillings like bourbon soaked figs. People will appreciate the nostalgia and the fresh take on old favorites.

Artisan Everything

Tune into the products that your geographical area does well by hand, and try to incorporate them into your event. If your city produces whiskey, set up a craft cocktail bar as request a signature drink just for your event. Things like bread, cured meats and cheeses and even handmade napkins will have your party looking like a popular Pinterest board. Attendees will enjoy the attention to detail and the unique tie to a small business.

Food Trucks

When in doubt, schedule some food trucks. Food trucks continue to be a strong trend for events of all kinds and will draw a large crowd. Many truck vendors will work with event planners in advance to plan a meal, negotiate price and secure all permits. No need to wait for the credit card machine to process or to bother with tips, all of that is handled for your guests in advance. 

These are the hottest food trends in events that are sure to have attendees coming back for more. Do you have a question about the next trend that will turn your event into an experience? Call Strategic Event Design to request a free bid.