"Groovy" Corporate Retreats for Millennials

Stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Not all meetings are created alike and certainly not all audiences are either. When it comes to bringing your workforce together for a meeting, conference, or retreat, you need to step back and assess exactly what makes your audience tick, especially if they are primarily millennials.

Call it “hip”, “with it”, or “groovy”, there is a certain vibe that a planner needs to establish to get the most out of their meeting. So how do you find the right vibe? Here are five great “vibe sensors” that will make you a hero with your boss as well as your audience.

Find that Perfect Third Place

Not all conference centers have a unique personality so find one that does, because that will pique the interest of your audience before, during, and after your meeting. Go for something off the beaten path, a little left of center, and memorable. A third place can be described as a location that is not your home, not your office, but that special spot in between where you can relax, have fun, and get some serious work done. An example of this would be a historic property like a quaint, hotel with farm charm, or a secluded retreat venue where all amenities are under one roof.

Take Away Distractions for Personal Interactions

Don’t even consider keeping your meeting on-site if you want to capture the undivided attention of your “forever plugged in” audience. Even if it’s for a day meeting or an overnight retreat, learning and camaraderie increases arithmetically when you include face to face interaction. Remove your team from the clamor and hubbub of the city thus reducing the amount of noise and disruption at your meeting. Add green space and include the option to meet outdoors to encourage creative thinking. You might even want to consider having a yoga break in between sessions!

Feed Their Bodies and Their Minds

Staying on top of food trends and offering menu choices that are consistent with the types of foods that are not only popular, but also demanded by this population is paramount. When asked, attendees rate food either #1 or #2 in order of importance at their meeting. When you work with a culinary team that understands “hip eats”, your job will automatically be easier. Simple choices like lean protein at every meal, vegetarian options, gluten free items, even all of the “free’s” (dairy, nut, etc.) should all be a part of your overall program and agenda. If the menu is sourced locally or is farm to table, that’s a double bonus.

KISS Them Goodnight

Millennials do not like to over-complicate things and usually prefer the KISS method, or Keep it Simple Stupid. I happen to have two sons in their 20’s and they always remind me that I make things so difficult. This generation wants you to tell them straight up what’s going on; hold the fluff please. And by the way, anything that you need to communicate to them can be done via an electronic device. Don’t try to be a camp counselor and gather your “campers” to tell them what’s going on. No one will hear you. Send it in a text and everyone will show up.

Unify the Troops with Teambuilding

Those born in the 1990’s are not passive observers, they are doers and learn by doing. Granted, you are meeting to convey information and most of the time, that is “passive” learning. Blend your key learning itinerary with teambuilding and you have a winning combination. Team sports like golf, team activities like culinary competitions, even team game shows with company content will increase retention of your company’s message.

Feeling the groovy vibe? Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center has all the "vibe sensors" you need and more! Call 215-616-8500 to schedule your next corporate retreat that can keep up with the millenials.

Located just 25 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pa., Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is more than a meticulously restored American landmark—it's a fully wired, high-tech hospitality venue. Relax on our grand terrace, sip a cocktail in America's oldest silo, play a challenging game of golf on our championship course, plan an event with us or dine on our delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It all adds up to One Historic Experience.