Team Building Trends

Dawn Whitcomb, CMP, Calhoun County Visitors Bureau

The Team Building Idea Swap groups shared some great ideas for group activities at the Michigan Meetings Expo. The favorites included contests using items such as play-doh sculptures, golf cart decorations or sandcastle (or snowman) building. Creative tasks are great ways to incorporate a theme; one group had teams build ships, then race them on water to determine a winner. Culinary activities are also very popular, “Iron Chef” style competitions or chili or salsa making contests are excellent ways to get attendees interacting. Sports and games are another great way to get people together and motivated, suggestions included cardboard sled races, laser tag, glow in the dark mini golf and minute to win it type games.

Including CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) into your team building is also an emerging trend. You can have your attendees assemble back packs with school supplies, help to build a portion of a home, or assemble “Build a Bear” friends for children in homeless shelters. A unique way to include karaoke and raise funds is to have attendees donate money to make someone else sing. There were many excellent ideas and the group agreed that it is very important to be aware of the amenities your hotel/destination has to offer and use them whenever possible.

Dawn Whitcomb, CMP

Director of Sales & Services

Calhoun County Visitors Bureau