5 Tips for Organizing an Outdoor Corporate Mixer

Hosting an outdoor corporate mixer gets your team into the fresh air and away from the usual office setting. It can be a fun and invigorating change that allows for more excellent team bonding. Here are five tips to ensure your next outdoor corporate mixer succeeds.

1. Choose the Perfect Venue

The venue sets the tone for your outdoor mixer, so select one that matches your event’s purpose and atmosphere. Parks, rooftop terraces, and private gardens are good choices for corporate mixers.

Think about transportation, too. If your team works in an urban area, you’ll likely want to prioritize venues with ample parking or nearby public transportation. If your team is more rural, you may want to host the event earlier in the day so nobody has to drive in the dark.

2. Have a Solid Weather Contingency Plan

Outdoor events are fun, but the weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for any scenario to ensure your event runs smoothly, rain or shine. Rent tents or canopies for shade and shelter, and stock up on essentials like portable fans for heat or blankets to combat any chill.

3. Curate Engaging Activities

Organizing an outdoor corporate mixer encourages mingling and networking amongst your team. However, some team members may find it hard to reach out to new people and ease the introductions by scheduling interactive social activities.

Some teams love icebreaker games, while others would prefer mini-workshops on topics relevant to your industry. If you have a sizeable group, you could host a quick “speed networking” session that allows everyone to meet multiple new faces in a structured and productive way.

4. Offer Good Refreshments

No matter the event, the food will never be forgotten. Opt for a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, such as gluten-free and vegan. Limited or unappetizing snacks will sink the party’s reputation and could even affect your brand’s image. Few people want to work for a company they feel is cheap or blind to employee happiness.

If you’re unsure what to serve, hire local caterers to add charm to your spread and support nearby businesses.

5. Remember Accessibility

Ensure your outdoor corporate mixer is accessible for people of all abilities. What this means depends on your team’s needs. If team members will encounter stairs, there should be wheelchair ramps and plenty of seating.

The bathroom facilities deserve some consideration, too. For instance, if you’re planning a significant event with porta potties, ensure your porta potties are ADA accessible.

Outdoor corporate mixers can help you break from the monotony of the office and foster team bonding. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your event runs smoothly and positively impacts your team.

Explore insights and strategies for success with Breakfast Leadership Network, your trusted source for leadership articles, shows, and more. Subscribe today to stay informed and inspired!  

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/MichaelDLevitt

X: https://X.com/bfastleadership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfastleadership/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@breakfastleadership?sub_confirmation=1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bfastleadership

Blog:  https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog

Interviews:  https://BreakfastLeadership.com/media 

Podcast:  https://apple.co/3ywz8SE

Books:

Burnout Proof:  https://amzn.to/37prw48

The Great Resignation & Quiet Quitting: https://amzn.to/3JgeusB

Baby Boomer Burnout: https://amzn.to/3Yei4rf

369 Days:  How To Survive A Year of Worst-Case Scenarios:  https://amzn.to/38Zd807

Burnout:  How You Entered The Path To Burnout: https://amzn.to/2GQWFyZ