It’s no secret that collaboration and a united group effort are critical on the road to success. Planners also recognize that unifying a team requires more than the occasional lunch time pizza party. So what to do? Visit Mankato’s Convention Sales Director, Danielle Duffey, knows exactly how to plan an effective team building experience that’s memorable and effective in helping you realize your goals.
Q. Tell me about your organization and what you do there.
A. Visit Mankato is a convention visitor’s bureau offering free visitor information and services. Our mission is to drive visitor’s to the area, as well as promote Mankato as a premier meeting and convention location. As Convention Sales Director, I act as the liaison between hotels, venues, and meeting and event planners.
Q. How often do you plan team building activities?
A. We find there’s a greater demand for team building activities now. About half of our clients are interested in some type of activity either between meetings or after meetings. We’ll suggest a team building experience and even arrange it for them, depending upon what they’re looking for.
Q. What kind of team building activities do you feel are most effective?
A. Those that are fun, unique, and interactive. For example, a popular team building activity in Mankato often includes kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding on the Minnesota River with Bent River Outfitters, a local company. Or Minnesota State University Mankato offers rock climbing and a rappelling wall. Also, the new Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota has unique experiences within their exhibits for adults. There are options for everyone.
Q. How do choose an activity for a particular group? How can a planner customize these activities to meet the needs and goals of their particular group?
A. First we focus on the organization’s goals and desired outcomes, as well as their team demographic. From this information, we can make suggestions. It’s important to gather all the information since you don’t want to send a group rock climbing if their demographic isn’t compatible with that activity. With defined goals, clear objectives, and accurate demographics, the planner can more easily create a memorable and unique experience.
Q. Any other tips or advice?
A. The most successful activities take the team out of the office and into a space where they share the same experience. This allows for breaking down walls and building up the team.
Danielle Duffey is an experienced, resourceful, young professional eager to showcase the unique and affordable destination options Mankato has to offer in her position as the Convention Sales Director for Visit Mankato. Her primary focus is to promote Mankato as a preferred meeting and convention destination in Southern Minnesota. Part of her job is to create or suggest unique, memorable experiences to visitors coming to Mankato.
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