Team-building events are growing in popularity as company leaders look to bring their employees together in more relevant ways and create positive company cultures. And in today’s rapidly evolving workplace, team-building exercises and events are more important than ever. Whether team members are all in NYC or scattered across cities, countries, and the world, it’s crucial to find ways to foster collaboration and connectivity. The right events and activities at these types of events can boost employee engagement and satisfaction – and, ultimately, your bottom line as a team-building event planner in New York City.
Here are five fresh ways you can make team-building events an office sensation in the new year for all your clients.
1. Gamify the Experience
Augmented reality (AR) tech has the power to bring hybrid teams together by simulating shared experiences in real time. Plus, the “gamification” element of AR appeals to employees of all ages. Teams can take part in fun and immersive challenges – like a scavenger hunt, time-travel mission, or an escape-room-style puzzle – using only a smartphone or VR headset. AR platforms like HP Reveal, 8thWall, and Blippar are popular for team-building activities.
Pro tip: 8thWall doesn’t even require an app download, making it highly accessible for remote or hybrid teams.
2. Host a Wellness Retreat
The growing emphasis and priority on mental and physical well-being in the workplace makes a wellness retreat an ideal option for boosting team collaboration. A stress-free day or two of yoga classes, guided meditations, or nature walks can do wonders for team bonding. It can also give your event client’s employees tools to manage stress while maintaining productivity.
Consider virtual retreats for remote or hybrid teams. These can be done via online workshops, mindfulness apps, or even group fitness challenges.
3. Build Creativity through Collaborative Art
Collaborative art projects encourage team members to express themselves and build trust with one another. Consider hiring a local NYC artist to guide your team through a project, like a team mural creation, for example, where participants design and paint a mural that reflects the company’s mission or values. Or challenge your team to build an upcycled art piece that will be put on display in the workspace. Projects like these unleash creativity and make a lasting impression on all participating guests.
4. Create a Sustainable Impact Day
As sustainability becomes a greater priority for organizations and individuals alike, a sustainable impact day can be a great way to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared sense of responsibility for your team-building event clients. Plan a beach or park cleanup, charity drive, or tree-planting event. Or, allow your client to choose the cause to increase engagement and ensure the initiatives align with their company values.
Pro tip: Follow up a reflection session, where employees can add their own ideas on how to integrate sustainable practices into the workplace.
5. Plan a Competitive Cook-Off
What better way to foster collaboration, creativity, and a bit of friendly competition than with an office cook-off? Challenge participants or small teams to prepare a certain dish within a set time frame, like a dessert, chili, or plant-based meal. Appoint a panel of judges – like company executives – to test each dish and score entries based on creativity, taste, and presentation. And don’t forget to hand out a prize, like gift cards or trophies, which are always appreciated. You can always bring teams together, too, when you round out the day with a shared, celebratory meal.
Elevate Your Team-Building Event Planning Skills at The Expo
Ready to plan team-building events that will leave a lasting impression with all your New York event clients? Find all the inspiration for event designs and themes when you attend The Event Planner Expo 2025, the industry’s premier conference right here in New York City. Get your tickets now and elevate your corporate event-planning skills to the next level!
