Corporate events can sometimes feel like a bit of a drag – the same old conference room setting, awkward small talk, and activities that don’t quite hit the mark.
But what if you could plan an event that’s not only engaging but also genuinely fun?
An escape room experience might be just what your company needs to shake things up. It’s a unique way to encourage teamwork, build connections, and create lasting memories.
Here’s how to organise a memorable corporate event using an escape room.
Why Choose an Escape Room for a Corporate Event?
Escape rooms are all about problem-solving, teamwork, and having a good time – exactly the kind of atmosphere you want for a corporate event. Instead of the usual sit-down presentation or boring team-building exercises, an escape room adds excitement and adventure. It brings out creativity, encourages collaboration, and pushes participants to think outside the box.
When colleagues are working together to solve puzzles and race against the clock, they’re communicating, listening, and learning how to work as a team. It’s a fun way to improve skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking – without anyone even realising they’re doing it.
Plus, escape rooms are just plain fun. They break the ice, get people talking, and create a relaxed environment where everyone can bond over a shared experience. Whether your team succeeds or not, it’s all about the laughs, the problem-solving, and the stories you’ll be talking about long after the event is over.
Planning the Event: Step by Step
1. Know Your Team
Before diving into the planning, consider your team members. How big is the group? What are their interests? Are they competitive or do they prefer a laid-back approach? Knowing your group will help you choose the right escape room theme and level of difficulty. Escape rooms come in different themes – from mysteries and thrillers to sci-fi and adventure – so pick one that you think your team will enjoy.
2. Choose the Right Venue
Finding the right escape room venue is key. Look for a place that has good reviews, offers corporate packages, and can accommodate your group size. Some escape room venues also have facilities like meeting rooms or party areas, which can be great if you want to add a debrief session or have some food and drinks afterward.
3. Book in Advance
Escape rooms can be popular, especially on weekends or evenings, so make sure to book well in advance. If your team is large, you might need to split them into smaller groups, which can add a fun competitive edge. Many venues offer multiple rooms with different themes, allowing several teams to play at once and then compare their experiences afterward.
4. Set Clear Goals
While the main goal of an escape room is to have fun, it’s also a good idea to set some clear objectives for the event. Whether it’s improving communication, fostering leadership, or just getting everyone to know each other better, having a goal helps focus the activity. Make sure to communicate these goals to the team so they understand what they’re getting out of the experience.
5. Keep It Light and Fun
The point of an escape room is to enjoy the experience, so don’t put too much pressure on your team. Encourage everyone to participate, but keep the atmosphere light-hearted. The whole idea is to get everyone working together and having fun, so let the competitiveness stay friendly, and don’t worry too much about whether you manage to escape or not.
The Benefits of an Escape Room Corporate Event
Teamwork and Collaboration
Escape rooms are all about teamwork. Every puzzle requires people to share ideas, communicate clearly, and listen to each other. In a work setting, these are invaluable skills that can often be overlooked during day-to-day tasks. An escape room brings them to the forefront in a fun, non-pressured way. It’s the kind of team-building activity where everyone’s contribution is needed and valued.
Leadership Skills
During an escape room challenge, you’ll often see natural leaders emerge. It’s a great way for individuals to step up, take charge, and help guide the team. It also shows that leadership doesn’t always come from those in managerial positions – everyone has the opportunity to shine.
Problem-Solving and Creativity
The puzzles in an escape room are designed to challenge you. They often require creative thinking, a fresh perspective, and the ability to solve problems under pressure. These are exactly the kinds of skills that are useful in the workplace. By tackling these challenges, team members get to exercise their problem-solving muscles in a setting that’s far more engaging than the office.
Breaking Down Barriers
Corporate events can sometimes feel stiff or awkward, especially if not everyone knows each other well. Escape rooms are a great way to break the ice and get everyone comfortable. When you’re all working together to solve puzzles and beat the clock, it’s hard to stay reserved. People let their guard down, get a bit competitive, and share plenty of laughs. It’s a natural way to get everyone connecting without the awkwardness.
Tips for a Successful Escape Room Event
Encourage Everyone to Participate
The beauty of escape rooms is that they need everyone’s input. Make sure to encourage all team members to get involved, even if they’re a bit shy at first. The more people contribute, the better the chances of solving the puzzles, and the more fun everyone will have.
Mix Up the Teams
If you have a large group, mix up the teams so that people who don’t usually work together get a chance to interact. It’s a fantastic way for colleagues from different departments to get to know each other better, and it breaks up any cliques that might exist within the company.
Have a Debrief Afterwards
Once the escape room is over, take some time to debrief. Talk about what went well, what could have been better, and what everyone learned. It’s a great opportunity to reinforce the lessons about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, and it helps make the experience even more meaningful.
Make Your Corporate Event Stand Out
If you’re tired of the usual corporate event ideas and want to do something that’ll get everyone talking, an escape room is the perfect choice. It’s exciting, engaging, and a great way to build stronger connections within your team. Instead of another forgettable event, you’ll be creating memories, having fun, and strengthening the skills that make your team great.
So, if you’re planning your next corporate event, consider adding an escape room to the mix. Your colleagues will thank you for it – and who knows, you might just escape in record time!
