Dionne Jonker
Pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and campfire brainstorming. Autumn is the ideal season to do something different with your team. Not a standard barbecue or a day at the Efteling, but an original experience that people will talk about for a long time. Even when the weather outside is autumnal.
Ready to plan a company outing in autumn that's just as good as a summer day? Then you'll want to check out these 5 original ideas.
Camping with your team? Chances are nobody wants to do that. Glamping in a heated dome in the middle of the forest? Yes please. Think: campfire, forest walks, and autumn cocktails. You literally take your team out of their daily bubble, and you'll notice it the following Monday. An overnight stay isn't even necessary; a full day together in the forest can already ignite an enthusiastic fire. Optionally, combine it with an outdoor cooking session or a creative challenge like ‘build your own fort.’.
Instead of sitting down to a boring three-course meal, you'll head into the kitchen yourself. Divided into teams, with a mystery box full of autumn ingredients (think: pumpkin, mushrooms, figs, and possibly game). Combine that with a mini-masterclass from a chef, an unexpected location (greenhouse, shed, old monastery), and a critical jury of colleagues.
Teambuilding, but disguised as a mini city break. Luckily, plenty of surprising cities are within a few hours of your office. How about Liège, Lille, Aachen, or Ghent? Each of these cities has character, creativity, and more than enough spots to make your company outing unforgettable. Skip the standard city tour.
Go for an interactive city game, rent a special location for an evening program, or organize a walking dinner where each course is served at a different special spot. In the cozy cafés, you can drink hot chocolate or mulled wine to further awaken the autumnal atmosphere.
What if your company outing starts as an evening program? Begin with drinks at an unexpected location (church, museum, warehouse?), followed by a night ride on electric scooters through the city. You'll sleep in a stylish boutique hotel. The next morning? An elaborate brunch and time to debrief. Don't forget the warm blankets and the autumn adventure by night.
How do you *really* get to know your colleagues? By creating something together, like your own mini-documentary. With real stories, your own footage, and lots of creativity. Your team will be divided into film crews and get to work with a camera, a theme, and most importantly: a lot of fun. Filming, editing, and then popcorn, a red carpet, and awards in various categories.
You don't surprise your team with a snack board and an escape room. They'll see right through that. But a unique corporate outing in the fall? That's impressive!
Want to brainstorm how to approach this (without you spending 3 weekends planning)? We'll help you think it through. We'd love to.
Dionne Jonker
Project Manager
