Interview with The Abbey Resort’s Marketing Director, Karen Schmidt; Marketing Coordinator/Media Specialist, Adrienne Somerville; and Corporate Sales Manager, Janine Osborne.
How can a company create a corporate culture that is harmonious and an operation that works seamlessly? Team building. Team-building activities work to improve teamwork, help participants develop trust, and enhance problem-solving skills. The planning and marketing experts at The Abbey Resort share some of the most popular and creative groups to help companies achieve those goals.
Q. Tell me about The Abbey Resort?
A. Karen: The Abbey Resort is a 90-acre resort--the only one located right on the shores of Lake Geneva. We recently completed several renovations to the guest rooms, restaurants, and meeting rooms, as well as changed our arcade into a virtual entertainment area, “Immersion.” As marketing director, I provide strategic vision and marketing direction. I am responsible for advising and guiding effective brand positioning and advertising.
Adrienne: As marketing coordinator and media specialist, one of my responsibilities is creating “Resort Shorts,” our video series that we post on our Facebook page and You Tube channel. The videos give guests a fun look at all the possibilities for activities and amenities available at The Abbey Resort.
Q. What kind of team building activities typically take place at The Abbey Resort?
A. Karen + Adrienne: We offer thirteen different team building activities all based in the area around the resort. One of the most popular is our Abbey Regatta. Each team builds a cardboard boat and then races them on the lake. If the weather isn’t cooperating, they race in our indoor pool. The winning team receives a prize. Abbey Regatta is a favorite because it’s both humbling and hilarious, and always incites a healthy and playful competition between teams.
Another popular activity is our Team Performance Medley. Teams race the clock as they make their way through a series of unique challenges, like Team Skis and Invisible Maze. Scavenger Hunts that take teams both indoors and outdoors are also a favorite, as are disc golf activities, putting competitions, and pontoon and sail boat sessions.
Q. What kind of feedback do you receive after a team building activity is completed?
A. Janine: When I’m in the process of discussing activities with a planner, the first question I ask is “What is your objective? What are you hoping to get out of it?” Sometimes, the answer is, “Fun during a break from work or meetings.” Other times, companies might be looking for a way to create harmony between different departments who aren’t clicking. Whatever their objective, we work together to strategically customize our activities to help them meet their goals.
Because we work so closely together during the planning, the feedback we receive is that the events really strengthen the teams. They’re engaged and laughing, enjoying our landscape and environment. Most tell us that they leave the activity feeling happy, that they’ve learned something and gotten to know each other much better.
Q. Any suggestions for planners looking for new or unique team building activities?
A. Karen: We’re excited about our virtual reality area, “Immersion,” so I definitely encourage planners to take a look! The Abbey Resort is the only place in the area that has virtual reality entertainment. There are four different stations with 10-11 games from which to choose. Participants can immerse themselves in virtual archery, golf, even a dinosaur hunt. The space also contains a cinema and café with beverages and theater-style refreshments available. It’s a good release during break times, and because we offer corporate and group packages, it’s a great opportunity for groups looking to add something new to their meetings.
