You want to achieve…   
• Maximum enjoyment  
• Guests comfort  
• An engaging atmosphere  
• Your reputation to achieve the above, here are some helpful tips and considerations to think about to achieve your summer event success.

Good venue selection  

If you can, opt for a fun, colourful and vibrant venue, that will complement the time of year and your theme, perhaps a secret garden, a venue with a private beach, a park or a venue with hectares of land, a restaurant with a nice terrace, or a unique hotel that will give you and your guests that special summer feeling.

Preferably the venue should have outdoor space, so your guests can enjoy the glorious summer weather, and indoor space also, for some shade and the great British wet weather contingency plan. Make sure you have plenty of seating indoors and out, and the venue is accessible for all guests. Having a contingency plan for the weather as we know best the “Summer” weather can be very unpredictable, so make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain and extreme heat.  

Put out ponchos and umbrellas for the potential rain, and ensure you have enough shaded areas for the extreme heat in case of a heatwave. If your event is solely outdoors, maybe consider hiring a gazebo or tipis for that shade and shelter for the rain and sun. You want your event to run smoothly come rain or shine, so ensure you are prepared for every eventuality. 

Engaging activities and diverse entertainment  

Make use of the outdoor space you have, lawn games, live music, fairground stalls, make use of the venues outdoor activities if they have any, it’s always worth asking as some venues have their own games they can put out. How about a live caricature artist for your guests, a magician or even circus acts. If your venue is near water, maybe consider some water activities, kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding with a professional team to support with the delivery of this.

Food and plenty of fluids!

Staying hydrated and having plenty of water stations is a must, you want your guests to be refreshed and raring to go.  

Set up some stations with iced water, fans, misting water. Choose a menu containing light and fresh dishes, such as salads, grilled foods, fresh fruit, sorbets and ice creams. Keep the food flowing; it is important to eat plenty and stay hydrated so as not to feel sluggish or unwell in extreme heat.  

For an alternative

Adequate staffing  

Summer events need more staffing than normal, this is to ensure that each member gets regular breaks, to sit, eat and drink in the shade. It also enables more hands to carry out the tasks; to complete them quicker so they are not working or standing in the hot weather for too long. It is important just as with your guests to provide your team and staff with shelter, food and fluids. 

A comfortable environment  

Make sure all your guests have everything to hand, food is best served to them, so maybe opt for canapes, or a bowl of food. Bring the drinks to the guests, if this is not possible, as mentioned above set up some “Hydration Stations” around the venue. Ensuring that amenities are within easy reach and not too far away to walk or access is helpful. Plenty of chairs is very important, in the heat nobody will want to stand for too long, they want to rest or have a place they know they can sit down if they wish to. Safety, as with any event, is of paramount importance.  

Especially important for summer events, think about sun protection, first aid points, if you have a large event with hundreds of people, hiring independent first aiders such as St Johns Ambulance is well worth the investment. Alcohol and heat react quite quickly, so if your event involves alcohol, make sure guests get home safely, perhaps arrange transport so the guests are not driving themselves, its well-known we get dehydrated very quickly in the heat, so by having just one alcoholic drink this could have a serious effect on somebody.

Finally, remember to have a fun day! Get in touch today if you feel we could help support you and your team with your future events;

hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Top tips for running a summer event appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice. 

Understand your objectives 

The first step in choosing the right team building activity is to clearly define your objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Are you looking to improve communication, encourage collaboration, enhance problem-solving skills, or simply have fun and relax? Your goals will guide you in selecting an activity that aligns with your desired outcomes. 

Know your team 

Understanding the dynamics and preferences of your team is crucial. Consider factors such as the size of your group, their physical abilities, and their interests. For instance, a high-energy adventure activity might not be suitable for a team with varying fitness levels, whereas a creative workshop might appeal to a diverse group. You could always have 2 or 3 activities running alongside each other, a high energy one, a logic and skills task and a more informal relaxing team build like yoga, wine tasting, meditation and wellbeing.  

Budget and time 

Budget and time are important constraints to consider when planning a team-building activity. Determine how much you are willing to spend and how much time you have available. Some activities, such as a weekend retreat, require a significant investment of both time and money, while others, like a half-day team build, are more cost-effective and easier to fit into a busy schedule. Be realistic about what you can afford and how much time your team can commit. Remember it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have a great time, you will find that most activities are priced as the activity itself and not per head, so it is worth exploring different pricing options.  

Company culture 

Choose an activity that aligns with your company culture and values. If your organisation prides itself on innovation and creativity, opt for activities that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, such as “Lock Box Challenge” or “Masterminds”. If teamwork and collaboration are key values, consider activities that require working together towards a common goal such as “Soapbox Derby or “Crystal Maze”. Ensuring the activity reflects your company culture will make it more relevant and impactful for your team. 

Where? And when? 

The environment in which the activity takes place can greatly influence its success. Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor activity and consider the logistical requirements of each option. Outdoor activities, like assault courses or scavenger hunts, can be invigorating and refreshing, but they also depend on weather conditions. Indoor activities, such as tabletop games or cooking classes, offer more controlled environments and can be conducted year-round. Sometimes your venue choice will be the deciding factor for your team building activity, if you have already booked your venue, you need to ask them what activities they would accept on their grounds or inside their venue, don’t assume that there won’t be any restrictions. If you have not already booked but know what activity you would like, you will need to find a venue that is suitable for this – Don’t forget Sheer Edge can always help you find that perfect venue. 

Seek out professional help 

If you’re unsure about how to choose the right activity or how to organise it, consider seeking the help of an events agency who is experienced and organising events like this, Sheer Edge, has years of planning team building experiences, we can provide valuable insight, suggest what we think is best for you and your teams, and take your next team event to a whole new level! 

NEVER be afraid  

It is always everyone’s prerogative to play it safe and do what they think is best, however, sometimes thinking outside of the box is just as rewarding, with our help we can help guide you into the unknown realm of different experiences, to really push you and your team out of your comfort zones. We have always had great feedback from clients that have tried something they have never imagined their team to do, something that didn’t really fit in with the “company culture”.  

Below are some ideas that Sheer Edge would suggest you consider; 

• Puzzle solvers: These require teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills as teams work together to solve mysteries, our most popular would have to be CSI investigate, show off your skills and find the killer. 
• Workshops: Creative or skill-based workshops can be both educational and enjoyable, offering a break from the usual routine. 
• Outdoor Adventures: Activities like high ropes courses, or scavenger hunts can boost morale and foster a sense of teamwork. 
• Volunteer Work: Organising a team volunteer day can enhance teamwork and give back to the community, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals. 
• Team Sports: Friendly competitions in sports like it’s a knockout, sports day, or even bowling can be great for building team spirit and healthy competition. 

Our top 5 favourite team builds; 

• Enrichment projects with zoos and animal sanctuaries 
• Paint and Sip 
• Diamond Heist 
• Interactive Bingo 
• CSI Investigate 

For all your team building needs, get in touch with the Sheer Edge team today, we love a creative challenge! Hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

The post Choosing the right team building activity for your business appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.