I always strive for a perfect team building event. However, anyone who regularly organises corporate events knows that there are often last-minute obstacles and the need to jump through at least a few hoops before successful completion.
In the past we have been faced with clients slashing their budgets overnight (yet still expecting the same event) and a venue deciding to host a 400-people drumming activity next door to an examination for airline pilots!
On a smaller scale there have been parking problems for staff, clients’ dietary issues and lost expense receipts that have threatened the day.
However large the challenges may seem, we keep cool and work to ensure that all our events go without hitch.
Sometimes absolutely everything goes perfectly, and an event last week, where we delivered drumming and Haka activities for brand new clients, was one such example.
Our clients needed some new ideas for team activities, to take place in Switzerland. They wanted a full morning of physical, emotional and unique experiences.
We agreed to provide Haka first thing in the morning. Then, after coffee, when the participants thought that their lives were back to normal, they would find themselves drumming all the way to lunch!
Waking up at 3am to catch an early flight from Heathrow Airport, I quickly pondered the challenges that I might face.
Travelling went very smoothly. Our Maori team, the film crew, my fellow drumming colleagues and our client all arrived perfectly on time. We emerged into sunshine, with a breeze whipping off the Southern Alps on to the beautiful streets of Lucerne. The venue was stunning and the staff were extremely helpful. Even the drums that were sent in advance were in position, unpacked and counted. A great start!
We then met our clients for a briefing and rehearsal. We listened to their last minute suggestions and offered our advice. Everyone agreed on the finer event details. There were no last minute challenges and everyone was really enthused and excited about the day’s activities.
Before the Haka activity, our Maori team invited the three main client directors to be part of their traditional pre-Haka prayer or incantation. This serves to bring depth and greater sense of history to the activity. Just as the ritual came to an end, the Sun broke over the peak of the highest mountain and illuminated the room. I suppose the Swiss are famous for their perfect timing!
The participants loved both the Haka and drumming activities and their leaders, painted with warrior face markings, got so involved. We find that Haka and drumming work so well together as they both include tradition, skill and passion. They were a perfect fit for the main conference message, which was ‘Embrace the Challenge’.
The event ended on a high when participants were shocked to be told that they could take home their now-beloved drums as keepsakes.
With the vivid memories of wonderful instant feedback, warm smiles and strong handshakes, we returned to a dark and drizzly London. The end of a perfect day.
About the author:
Mark Hunter is Head Facilitator at Creative Team Events, which provides a popular range of unique team building activities and corporate entertainment to clients worldwide. For more information, please Contact Us.