A day out of the office to talk all things company strategy can be met with a whole host of employee reactions, from mildly unenthused to downright scathing.
Employees, understandably, can be less than excited about being brought together in a boardroom for a day of PowerPoints and engineered socialisation.
As such, more and more employers are seeking to put on a company conference that stands out from the crowd, whether through the choice of a unique venue or unexpected programming.
Victoria Warehouse has been home to plenty of company conferences over the years, from those celebrating milestone achievements, to new hires or rebrands. As a unique Manchester events venue that is soaked in history, there’s one thing that remains the same throughout all of our events: they’re full of character and free from those dreaded corporate clichés.
Here are just some of the things that we’ve noticed go down a treat in our time hosting company conferences.
Ditch the stuffy seating chart
There’s nothing worse than a company event where you’re stuck in the same seat all day, itching to move around but destined to stay seated.
Try mixing things up for your next company day – let people move around freely, test out a new seating arrangement, or recline in our sofa areas for a relaxed alternative. Aim for comfort and camaraderie, rather than stuffy and regimented.
Our breakout-style event spaces offer a refreshing alternative to the typical corporate set-up, making every moment feel more intentional and engaging.
Secure some tasty grub
Nothing lowers the mood on a company day out more than an uninspiring spread at lunchtime. Luckily, we’ve got plenty on offer to spruce up lunchtime on your next team day. From colourful salads filled with fresh ingredients and quick bites using local produce, to branded smoothies on arrival and snacks packaged up in branded paper, our in-house chefs work hard to curate the perfect offering.
We work closely with clients throughout the event planning process, offering complimentary tastings to ensure that we’re bringing to life a foodie offer that sets your event apart from the corporate masses.
Go smaller (bigger isn’t always better)
If you’re able to, it might be worth keeping the guestlist on the smaller side for your next company event. An intimate event can ensure that guests stay engaged throughout the duration, rather than feeling like a hidden face amongst the masses.
Our smaller spaces, The Bays, The Archives, and The Cellars, are the perfect choice for a more intimate event, complete with unique layouts, industrial charm, and open-plan flexibility.
Ideal for the smallest of gatherings, we’re home to a quirky restored cinema – a unique event space with a maximum capacity of 20, that will stay in attendees’ minds long after they’ve gone home.
Finish with some well-deserved down-time
As the age-old saying goes, it’s important to work hard and play hard. Once the official programming is done, make sure to offer your attendees some down-time.
This can take a whole range of forms, depending on the interests of your guests (but we’ve found that a pop-up Aperol bar goes down an absolute treat).
And, if you know anything about Victoria Warehouse, you know that we’re known for our parties, having thrown big bashes for the likes of Boohoo, Facebook, and Zuto over the years. So, why not finish your day off with a party, Victoria Warehouse style?
Choose a unique venue
Not to toot our own horn, but we have a pretty good option in mind…
Our unique industrial surroundings will breathe fresh life into your team day, giving attendees the chance to say bye to the boardroom and hello to a new kind of company day out.
With a long history of hosting iconic Manchester events, we understand what it takes to put on a good day out – from seamless logistics to stand-out styling. For companies looking to shake things up, Victoria Warehouse is the go-to, with spaces designed to inspire, energise and engage.
Get in touch now to find out more about our packages.
