End to end management of producing a Corporate Away Day.
PRECISE Events International was tasked with organising a Corporate Away Day for a leading London-based client at the historic Ashridge House.
The event aimed to provide a refreshing break from the office, combining team-building activities, strategic sessions, and relaxation in a stunning and historic setting. The goal was to foster team cohesion, enhance strategic thinking, and offer a memorable experience in a picturesque and inspiring environment.
The challenge was to design a Corporate Away Day that effectively combined work and leisure in a setting that offered both historic charm and modern amenities. The client needed a well-balanced agenda that encouraged team-building, strategic discussions, and relaxation, while also making the most of Ashridge House’s unique features.
PRECISE Events International crafted a comprehensive and engaging away day at Ashridge House, blending the venue’s historic elegance with dynamic team-building activities and productive sessions. The event was carefully planned to maximize the benefits of the setting and ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Event Planning and Setup
Venue Coordination: Ashridge House, located in the Hertfordshire countryside, was selected for its stunning architecture, extensive grounds, and state-of-the-art facilities. PRECISE Events International worked closely with the venue to coordinate logistics, including space planning, catering, and technical requirements.
Agenda Design: The agenda was designed to balance work and leisure, incorporating strategic sessions, team-building activities, and relaxation periods. The schedule was structured to ensure that participants could engage in meaningful discussions and activities while enjoying the venue’s amenities.
Thematic Décor: The venue was decorated to reflect a professional yet inviting atmosphere. Subtle décor elements were used to enhance the setting without overwhelming the historic charm of Ashridge House.
Event Highlights
Arrival and Welcome: Participants arrived at Ashridge House and were greeted with a warm welcome and refreshments in the Great Hall. The morning session included an overview of the day’s agenda and a brief introduction to the venue’s history.
Strategic Sessions: The morning was dedicated to strategic planning and discussions, held in the venue’s elegant conference rooms. Sessions were designed to facilitate collaboration and idea generation, with professional facilitation and modern AV equipment to support presentations and discussions.
Team-Building Activities: After lunch, participants engaged in a series of team-building activities set in the expansive grounds of Ashridge House. Activities included a problem-solving challenge, outdoor team-building exercises, and a collaborative project that encouraged teamwork and creative thinking.
Gourmet Lunch: Lunch was served in the venue’s dining rooms, featuring a gourmet menu that showcased seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. The meal was designed to be both satisfying and enjoyable, with options to accommodate various dietary preferences.
Leisure and Relaxation: The afternoon included time for relaxation and informal networking. Participants had the option to explore the beautiful grounds, take a guided tour of Ashridge House, or enjoy recreational activities such as croquet or tennis.
Evening Reception: The day concluded with a formal reception and dinner in the venue’s historic dining hall. The evening featured a three-course meal with wine pairings, live music, and an awards presentation to recognise outstanding contributions and achievements.
Reflection and Feedback: Before departing, participants were invited to share their feedback and reflections on the day’s activities. This provided valuable insights for future events and allowed the client to gauge the success of the away day.
The Corporate Away Day at Ashridge House was a resounding success, achieving the client’s objectives and providing a productive and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Key outcomes included:
Enhanced Team Cohesion: The team-building activities and collaborative sessions strengthened relationships among participants, fostering a greater sense of teamwork and collaboration.
Successful Strategic Planning: The strategic sessions provided valuable insights and facilitated productive discussions, contributing to the client’s goals and objectives.
Memorable Experience: The combination of historic charm, gourmet dining, and engaging activities created a memorable and enjoyable experience that left a lasting impression on attendees.
Fun Facts About Ashridge House:
Historic Heritage: Ashridge House is a historic mansion that was originally built in the 13th century as a monastery. It has since been transformed into a prestigious conference and events venue.
Beautiful Grounds: The estate is set in over 5,000 acres of stunning countryside, offering picturesque views and a range of outdoor activities.
PRECISE Events International did an exceptional job organising our Corporate Away Day at Ashridge House. The blend of strategic sessions, team-building activities, and relaxation created a perfect balance for our team. The venue’s historic charm and beautiful setting added a unique touch to the event, making it both productive and enjoyable. Our team left feeling inspired and motivated, and we received excellent feedback from everyone who attended. Thank you for making this away day a great success.