10 Team Building Activities for Corporate Events

6 minute read 6 Aug 2024
Man doing the haka with a crowd
Networking at your event shouldn’t be left as an unstructured cocktail reception. Think about what your audience, whether employees or customers, would benefit from. Is it fresh ideas? A chance to unpack a business challenge? Or connection? Here’s ten networking and team building workshop ideas for corporate events. 

In 2024, many are attending in person events looking for connections and community.

Take an event we host for a cohort of graduates each year. It’s virtual so engagement is a challenge at times and these are young people who want the chance to network, meet their peers, and learn from those already in the business. We utilise quizzes and small facilitated breakouts with a series of question prompts throughout the event. Structured discussions like this remove the intimidation of being in a larger group, and any awkwardness by creating a space where meaningful interactions are fostered. 

Similarly, we posed a challenge to come up with a solution on efficiency for a group of teams at another virtual event. It resulted in an exciting range of projects with a specialist mentor to achieve the goal of skills development. But, what really helped connect the teams was taking them into the unexpected. AI avatars took the viewers through the event via a series of rooms each one staffed by an avatar posing a different riddle to solve that participants could answer via an online quiz. 

Of course, at a live event there are more possibilities for interactivity and connection.

At a recent customer conference, we created a pop up cafe to celebrate the launch of their new magazine. Equipped with baristas, newspaper stands, warm lighting, and interactive tablets highlighting the topics from the magazine, the cozy space sparked conversations. Attendees could grab a coffee and speak in a quieter space, while the magazine content provided conversation starters.

There are countless workshops where teams can come together to create something collaboratively.

three women sat sat at a table smiling

1 — The Helping Hands workshop
Give a Helping Hand combines team building and charity in a rewarding workshop that enables participants to make a real difference. In collaboration with The Hand Project, teams work together to build prosthetic hands for people in need of them in developing countries. These hands would be sent to recipients in need across the globe.


2 — Terrarium making 

Incorporating workshops such as terrarium making can be a perfect way for attendees to unwind and destress after a busy schedule. At the end, guests have a handmade creation to take away as a reminder of the event and a green mood booster for their home office. 

3 — Drumming workshop

These lively workshops energise attendees and promote collaboration. Facilitators lead delegates through simple drumming techniques to create a rhythm, ultimately producing a combined and very impactful sound. At a recent client conference, it was key to create an environment that encouraged participation and maintain high energy levels over three days. Therefore workshops, including drumming were interspersed with key business updates and keynote sessions.v

crowd in a conference with hands in air

4 — Gong workshops and sound baths

A prominent trend in corporate events is the integration of mindfulness practices to prioritise attendee wellbeing. Sound meditation is a unique wellness experience where participants can be immersed in sound. The sound waves lull the mind into a meditative state, while the vibrations revitalise your body, helping to relieve tension and leave attendees feeling inspired, refreshed, and happy. Discover more on our podcast. 

5- Guided tapping session

A tapping workshop, centred around the practice of emotional freedom techniques, can be a valuable wellness addition to a corporate programme. Designed to improve mental clarity, regulate emotions and reduce stress, it involves gently tapping on points on the body, similar to acupuncture points, while focusing on specific thoughts and emotions. 

Man doing the haka with a crowd

6 — The Haka

A dynamic haka workshop for corporate events involves teaching participants the traditional Maori haka, a powerful and energetic group dance that combines chanting, vigorous movements, and rhythmic stamping. Led by experienced facilitators, often with Maori heritage, these workshops focus on teamwork, unity, and cultural appreciation. 


7- Jazz workshop

A jazz workshop is one example of a social activity that keeps engagement levels high. Attendees are encouraged to influence the musicians — contributing to the performance and creating entirely new pieces of music. 

purple cocktails

8- Cocktail making class

Attendees can step behind the bar with an interactive cocktail or mocktail making class with professional mixologists to teach and entertain. The classes work well as an ice-breaker and hands on team building where participants can learn how to make their favourite drinks, or experiment with branded creations. 

9- Flower arranging

Participants can let their creativity flourish with a relaxing bouquet making experience. Guided by professional florists, learn the art of arranging colourful flowers into beautiful, branded bouquets to take home. It involves design principles such as colour theory, balance and composition, while boosting the mood with a mindful break from a busy schedule. 


10 — Sword fighting

Who would Broadsword be as an agency if we didn’t include sword fighting in our top ten event activities! These interactive workshops invite professional stage combat instructors to take participants through starring in their very own medieval battle. 

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