Team Building Ideas for Meetings at Four Seasons

Put down your smartphones. Turn off your laptops and iPads. Hang up that teleconference line. It’s time to look your colleagues in the eyes. Companies around the globe are rediscovering the value of face-to-face meetings, including the importance of team-building activities.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Masterplan, Inc., a global meeting event management company, to make planning your next off-site meeting a breeze. Masterplan can tailor creative team-building experiences at Four Seasons destinations around the world.

“Incorporating these alternative, fun activities is important. They enhance and build relationships, ultimately fostering a better work environment, which leads to increased productivity,” says Mary Jo Valentine Blythe, president of Masterplan, who has more than 25 years of experience as a meeting planner.

Blythe gets many requests for events that promote friendly competition. “From Amazing Race–theme adventures to Top Chef–style competitions, employers want to organise a diverse range of exercises,” she says. Here are some examples to spark ideas for your next company event at Four Seasons.

Scavenger Hunt

Test communication and problem-solving skills. Groups at Four Seasons Hotel Austin can take part in a GPS scavenger hunt. The challenge begins with rafting across the waters of Lady Bird Lake. Groups navigate the streets of Austin while accounting for famous nearby attractions such as the Mexican American Cultural Center before finding their way back to the Hotel to capture the prize.

Hiking to the Top

Challenge stamina and reward hard work. The “Ascent on K2” at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui involves climbing a specially designed hiking trail. Not as tall as its namesake, this smaller Four Seasons mountain climb begins at the entrance to its beachside restaurant, Pla Pla, and ends 400 feet above sea level. The winning team is then invited to ring the gong at the entryway of the Resort to celebrate their feat.

Murder Mystery Event

Test analytical skills during a murder mystery event at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. The hunt begins during a cocktail reception and carries on throughout the evening. Special recognition will go to the team that can solve the crime before the culprit is revealed at the end of the night.