If you think a three-legged-race at a company picnic serves as entertainment for the corporate outing you’re planning, we’ve got news for you — the bar has officially been raised. These days, corporate outings are unique, entertaining experiences that should be memorable and impressive. Implemented in just the right fashion, a corporate outing affords a meeting planner the opportunity to really shine. That’s why we consulted with some of the best suppliers in the business — folks who really know their game and are ready and able to show you how to play to win!
Q. If a planner wants to create a unique and memorable event, what should he she consider?
Janna O’Meara and Amy Jackson, Event Sales Managers, Pinstripes:
Consider a full-service venue. Pinstripes is just that, 
offering built-in 'sophisticated fun' entertainment, including 16 upscale bowling lanes, 6 indoor bocce courts and a full Italian/American menu/wine list. Plus, we have an outdoor balcony (that can be used as an extension of your event space) reserved, with a fire pit and seating area that overlooks Centennial Lake. Everything your meeting or event requires is in one place. There’s no need to leave or worry about transporting guests to different locations for the different functions.
David Christie, Manager, Target Field Events, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club:
Try something unique. We have 25 different meeting spaces that can 
accommodate groups from 50 to 600+ for a sit-down banquet. In addition to state-of-the-art facilities, an extraordinary culinary team, and an experienced staff, we offer event enhancers such as Twins branded memorabilia personalized for your event; behind-the-scenes ballpark tours; special appearances by Twins alumni players and TC Bear, the Twins Mascot. For something really special, you can plan dinner in the clubhouse, dugout, warning track, or even on the diamond.
Tammy Gaspardo, Charter Consultant, Padelford:
Plan something everyone will love. Everyone loves a cruise. We’ve got
three river boats in our fleet — the Jonathan Padelford, the Anson Northrup and the Betsey Northrup — with a variety of packages available, including themed packages like a Las Vegas cruise, Octoberfest or a 50s theme. We take care of everything for the planners, but no matter what they choose in terms of food or entertainment, the bottom line is that everyone loves a boat cruise.
John Groen, Senior Marketing Manager, Canterbury Park
Look for flexibility. At Canterbury Park, we have a number of standard 
packages to allow groups the best way to experience live racing, but we can also customize packages. For example, we offer an upscale presidential suite that includes a private bartender, wagering host, and chef-carved beef tenderloin. Or, a Western themed package that’s held outdoors with BBQ and a large bar. There are many ways to make those events unique by changing the atmosphere, the food, the decorations, etc. So it’s important to find a place that offers you that flexibility.
Dave Lawrance, Owner, Paradise Charter Cruises
Make your event something they’ll remember. Paradise Charter Cruises 
and the Minneapolis Queen offer sightseeing cruises, scenic tours and private charters on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. We’re all about creating memories for the passengers, so we offer delicious lunch cruises, romantic dinner cruises and narrated sightseeing tours. We have unique vessels so we can accommodate an onboard casino, magicians, musicians, photo booths or most anything that customers want to go along with a theme, such as an island theme or a Vegas theme.
Q. What tips/advice would you offer a planner to help ensure an outstanding corporate outing?
Janna O’Meara and Amy Jackson, Event Sales Managers, Pinstripes:
Consider the full event; make use of all space. Look for flexibility, so that you’re not locked into any packages. Be creative. For example, we help clients tailor every facet of their event.
David Christie, Manager, Target Field Events Minnesota Twins Baseball Club:
Plan ahead and book way in advance. We’ve averaged 300 events in the past two years at Target Field, and anticipate the same number for this year, so it’s important to plan ahead. Also, be open to ideas and suggestions from the staff at the venue you choose. They know what works in terms of room layouts, acoustics, guest traffic flow, site lines, table positioning, parking + entry points, audio/visual for their venue, so take advantage of that knowledge and experience.
Tammy Gaspardo, Charter Consultant, Padelford:
Trust your instincts when you’re planning. Also, don’t worry so much about entertainment when you have a unique event, like taking a cruise. With this kind of venue, the venue itself is the entertainment. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” type of thing.
John Groen, Senior Marketing Manager, Canterbury Park:
Make your guests part of the experience, especially if your event is taking place at a unique venue like Canterbury Park. For instance, offer give-aways, or prize packages for participants who choose the winning horse. Or theme your event around the Kentucky Derby — dress up, make it about the racing experience. Also, be attentive to the details from a logistics standpoint. We have a big place here, so it’s important that guests know where they’re meeting, where to pick up tickets, etc.
Dave Lawrance, Owner, Paradise Charter Cruises:
Choose a supplier that has experience. Look for a venue with a team who knows what they’re doing. For example, this is our 28th season at Paradise. We average over 1,200-1,500 cruises throughout the summer, so we’re seasoned pros.
For a complete list of corporate event activity venues search here.
