A seminar has several objectives: providing an update about the group's projects, giving instructions for the coming year and team building. But for the seminar to be useful to everyone in the group, it needs to be properly budgeted and organized in good time. Here are the key steps and some hints to help avoid stumbling blocks.

Some advice on the organization...

Begin by setting up a team of organizers. Not trying to do it all yourself will make the organization easier. It is also a good way to get staff involved.

 Check with team members about their availability (cf. Doodle). Propose various dates - weekdays and weekends - spread over one or two months.
Once you know the dates and the number of participants, you can set a budget and move to the next stage.

Define your needs. It may seem obvious, but often seminar organizers turn to consultants for the bulk of the content for the event under preparation. Targeting your requirements well (timing, costs, etc.) is crucial to avoiding mistakes, saving time and simplifying the work of the speakers.

 The main costs involved are:

• Venue rental
• Catering
• Group activities

Choice of location: mark the occasion!

A change of scene can be a real advantage. The very idea of going somewhere different will be welcomed by your staff. Use the seminar as an opportunity to get away from your own premises, leave town and break with routine.



 From another town to somewhere in the countryside, the choice is yours. When selecting the venue, consider the distance, the number of participants and the accommodation requirements… but show some imagination! By looking at events organized by your company, you will know what your staff like.

A well-equipped meeting room with easy access

To identify the best meeting venue, consider several options. It could be a hotel, a castle, a boat, a convention center or a co-working space… 

The important thing is to find a large enough room, with good connectivity and air-conditioning in summer or heating in winter.

If your budget is tight and weather conditions allow, you could consider holding your seminar in the open air, for example in a beautiful park.

The conference: prepare your content in advance

Prepare your presentations beforehand. Use images, diagrams and even some videos in your presentations. These will transmit your message more effectively.

Include a break every two hours or so to allow participants to exchange views, have a coffee or go to the restrooms…

Lunch

Meals are one of the main costs involved in a seminar. Hotels can offer group catering at low cost but you may like to surprise your guests and invite them to the restaurant.

Some people may be vegan or intolerant of certain foods: check on this before selecting the menu.

GROUP ACTIVITIES TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO REMEMBER...

It depends on the objective of the meeting, but it would be a pity not to take advantage of the presence of all the teams in one place to undertake some joint activity that could help strengthen team spirit within the company. The afternoon should be used for group activities.



A stroll in the countryside, sporting activities, paper chases, city trails, cultural visits, escape games... there is no shortage of possibilities. The challenge is to pick something that suits everyone. Be sure to consult some of your staff about this.

Looking for something a little bit different? Discover our company seminars !