Four places to have your strat session that's NOT your office building

 

Four places to have your strat session that's NOT your office building

Kruger Gate Presidential Suite, Kruger National Park

Image supplied by Radisson Hotel Group

 

Insights from Gartner’s 9 Future of Work Trends for 2023 report reveal that the demands of today’s working environment have left managers feeling mentally fatigued. It is no surprise that the pandemic has changed the nature of the working world, with the remote and hybrid working models having become the new normal and in fact form part of the criteria for employees when selecting their next employer. 

 

Management therefore experiences the dual pressures of having to provide remote work options and tending to  employees’ evolving needs and expectations. In fact, 60% of hybrid employees say their direct manager is their most direct connection to company culture. To respond to this, it is imperative that organisations prioritise support for those in management positions. This can be done by investing in strategic sessions set in environments that are conducive to these employees’ mental well-being and creativity as this will allow them to conceptualise new and innovative ways of advancing employee productivity and as a result organisational profitability. 

 

One such way is to choose a holistic conferencing destination that extends beyond a stiff boardroom or your office building. Here are four locations to consider if you want to treat your management team to a creative and productive strategy session. 

 

The bush

 

A strategy session in the middle of the bush might be just what your team needs. Of course, we don’t mean literally in the bush, but rather surrounded by it, at a stunning venue where the team can feel inspired. 

 

Kruger Gate Hotel at the Kruger National Park, for example, offers all the classical amenities and high-tech equipment that professional conference organisers (PCOs) expect from a conference venue, with the added attraction of being at the Kruger National Park. The location could prove to be both a creative stimulant as well as a pleasant distraction from work when needed. The versatility of over 200 square metres of meeting space at the Kruger Gate Hotel extends from hosting small, executive board meetings, to large schoolroom set-ups for 200 delegates and banqueting for 150. Additionally, corporates can opt for Kruger Gate Hotel’s Executive Retreat package, an exclusive Kruger experience for small groups of up to ten in the Nkanyi Presidential Suite.  This package includes: accommodation in the Presidential suite, conference set-up in your suite as well as a half-day private safari vehicle.   

 

The beach

Who doesn’t love the fresh smell of the ocean? It can leave one feeling invigorated and up to tackling the day ahead. 

When you are looking for a space from which to host your next strategy session, consider an ocean-side location that will give your team a stunning view to look at while going through the planning sessions you have laid out for the day. 

Brian Ghansar, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront Acting Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, advises that you make use of the view and open spaces as part of your sessions - perhaps to do an “event warmer”.

“Ideas for ‘event warmers’ could be to pair attendees together in groups of two at the beginning of the event, send them out into the open spaces and have them ask each other three questions to remember until the end of the event. At the end of the event, they are paired with the same person to share the answers to those questions with one another.”

Little elements like these can ease social awkwardness, add laughter and connection, and bring about the cohesiveness you need from a strat session.

On a rooftop with a view 

A room with a view is great, but what about a rooftop with a view? All across South Africa there are various spaces and places on top of buildings that can host functions, events and strat sessions. If you are in the Johannesburg area, consider Red Rooftop Bar and Terrace in Rosebank. 

This location has a  360-degree view that allows you to take in the stunning Jo’burg sunsets, enjoy delicious catering and will inspire any management group to do their best and most creative thinking. 

Near a World Heritage Site 

If you want to be just that little bit extra, consider taking your team on a planning session to a World Heritage Site such as the Victoria Falls. While you may not be able to have your planning session at the falls, you can certainly build this World Heritage Site into your itinerary for the day. Perhaps a short lunch break at the Falls or a walkabout after the day is done. 

In terms of what venues are on offer close-by, the newly opened Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort. Located on the Zambezi River, the hotel offers locally-inspired restaurants, soothing spa treatments and a romantic river cruise experience. Conference and event spaces include five meeting rooms all with unique spaces and offerings such as stunning views, breakout areas and more.

There are many venues to consider before you choose your own office boardroom for your next strat session. It could be the difference between good ideas and great ideas from your team.