Company Retreats in Lincoln – June 2022

Here at Strictly Business, we work hard, but we play hard, too. You’ll regularly catch us enjoying a team night out participating in a new activity, attending community events, or trying out some delicious fare from a local restaurant. These happenings really bring us closer together both as a team and as friends, which positively impacts the atmosphere we share once we are back in the office.

Company retreats are important for several reasons. First, they put colleagues in a relaxed environment, which takes away the pressure that could come with being in the office and allows each individual to open up in new ways. Retreats also help you grow as a team, whether it’s through planned activities that encourage working together or through casual conversations between colleagues. They’re also an opportunity to unwind and let go of stress, while making each team member feel valued and appreciated for their efforts in the workplace.

Need help planning your company retreat? We’ve got you covered!

Outdoor Retreats

James Arthur Vineyards (jamesarthurvineyards.com) offers a beautiful setting for your company’s next retreat. They have a spacious party/meeting room that is ideal for smaller groups and features windows that overlook the vineyards. Whether it’s a half-day or full-day retreat, they offer a number of different options that will fit into any plans, including breakfast, lunch, and break opportunities. If the weather allows, there’s plenty of room outdoors for break-out groups or, if not, the fireplace will be on inside to help get the creative juices going.

“We are a perfect opportunity to get away from the office and venture outside the city limits,” shared Owner Jim Ballard. “Retreats are a great way to reenergize your staff, board, or committee. It takes people out of their everyday element and puts them in a place to really focus on the task at hand without all of the normal distractions.”

The winery has seen all types of retreats, from strategic planning to goal-setting to simply fun company outings that are intended to get to know one another better. James Arthur Vineyards can customize the retreat anyway the group would like in terms of food and wine options, room set up, spaces for break-out sessions and activities, and more. They pride themselves in offering an ideal environment to make sure all goals and objectives of the retreat are met.

“My main piece of advice is to plan a retreat so that distractions are at a minimum while also providing a comfortable and inviting setting that is conducive to accomplishing the task at hand,” suggested Jim. “I also suggest working with the facility in providing all the necessary amenities for a successful event. For example, we can take care of all the details such as the drinks/snacks/food, internet, etc. so that whoever is in charge of the event can wholly focus on the retreat itself without worrying about all of the details.”

For Larger Companies

For bigger companies in need of a larger venue, the Talon Room (talonroom.com) downtown is an ideal location. With square footage that can accommodate as many as 250 people for a stand-up or sit-down event, Talon Room offers a versatile space. You can host your company retreat with Talon Room any day of the week starting as early as 8 a.m. and lasting as late as midnight. If delicious catering and a full-service bar are also in your vision for your company retreat, Talon Room will gladly supply it. Furthermore, if you already have a location for your retreat but are missing the food, Talon Room also does off-site catering and can bring some tasty plates directly to you. Their customer service is next-to-none, as they go out of their way to make sure everyone is comfortable, happy, and treated with respect.

“We also offer in-house games to help you entertain and better connect with your team, in addition to having access to a wide range of vendors that offer great options as well, such as trivia and music bingo,” suggested Owner Matthew Rogge. “We are conveniently located downtown and nearby other hotspots that could be a part of your company’s retreat, such as Memorial Stadium, The Lied Center, Marcus Grand Theatre, and more.”

For Intimate Gatherings

Ironhorse Bar & Event Room (ironhorseroom.com) is a private event space that can host any type of event, including company events. Located at 728 Q St. above the N Zone Bar, Ironhorse retained much of the original historical and industrial details of the building to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. Their space comes with a built-in full service bar that even offers signature drinks as well as a small staff that prides themselves on personalized service.

Every company is going to be craving something different than the business next to them, which is why Ironhorse partners with several different local caterers so that your meal is customized for your colleagues. While they will work with any catering company, their preferred vendors include Doorstep Diner, Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, Yes Chef, Granite City brewery, Venue, Mellow Mushroom, Vincenzos, and Grazing Gouda; so whether you’re looking for Texas barbecue, authentic Italian, or beautiful charcuterie, Ironhorse is prepared to help you find someone to match your preferences. Plus, if you’d rather have some of your own cooking, Ironhorse invites you to bring in food of your own.

Ironhorse can fit up to 65 people cocktail-style or 50 seated, so they’re great for those smaller businesses that are looking for an intimate gathering. Whether you’re looking for a daytime event or something for a weekend night, cleaning and event staff are included in every package to help you ensure your company retreat will be a huge success.

Retreat Entertainment

Activities are a huge part of a company retreat. Not only do they encourage your team to relax and have some fun, but they are also a great way to encourage colleagues to work together while also experiencing some great bonding time.

Nebraska Knockerball (nebraskaknockerball.com) can (and will) provide a great experience with bubble soccer and many more fun outdoor activities. A knockerball is a single chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps. Knockerballs range between 3–5.5 feet and the size or fit is predicated on your height. Knockerballs allow for the mobility of the individual to perform flips, rolls, and wheels without putting any stress on the body.

“Knockerball packages begin at six, but we can go all the way up to 12 knockerballs to truly give your team the best enjoyment and allow more to participate,” said Manuel Walker, owner. “Those who rent from us can also rest assured that I’ll be there to handle the knockerballs and yard games so that every team member can spend time enjoying the retreat and activities.”

Nebraska Knockerball’s newest addition to their lineup is Basketball Connect 4. The giant blow-up Connect 4 grid is designed to stir up fun competition for all ages. Even more, Nebraska Knockerball can bring a wide range of yard games to your retreat, including Giant Jenga; Giant Connect Four; yard dice; cornhole; tug-of-war; human foosball; and foot darts, in which you kick Velcro soccer balls at a 12-foot-tall inflatable dart board. On top of all that, while Nebraska Knockerball is not a DJ service, they can provide two giant Bluetooth speakers to really amp up the retreat!

“What makes us especially unique is that we are the only company providing these services in Nebraska,” Manuel said. “This is all new to the local market. We are so excited to be here and remind people what it’s like to have fun again. This is especially important for companies, too, who haven’t spent some time outside of the office together in a while. We would love to be a part of your next retreat and help you grow as a team!”

Another awesome company that we recommend booking for your next retreat is Lincoln Inflatables (@lincolninflatables). They can bring your event to the next level with inflatable bounce house units, boxing rings, waterslides, or even a dunk tank. They’re known for their prompt communication, punctuality, and quality customer service.

“Some company retreats may also be open to the significant others and children of the employees attending so that everyone can get to know each other better outside of the office,” said Jason Gayed, owner. “We have units designed to be convenient yet amusing for children, and we would be more than happy to be a part of your next retreat to provide fun entertainment for all ages that are attending.”

Lincoln Inflatables has been in the industry for more than 14 years, giving countless community members fun memories. We encourage you to reach out to them right away to guarantee their services at your next company retreat!

Ride in Style

An awesome way to entertain your company and show them they’re appreciated is by treating them to a night out with Tailored Dreams Party Buses (tailoreddreamslimousines.com). Tailored Dreams is Lincoln’s premier party bus company known for their friendly drivers and for creating an experience tailored to your particular group. Just reserve your bus ahead of time, then tell your chauffeur where you want to go when you arrive for your party, and they’ll get you there and back safely. Their fleet has buses that range in capacity to fit your specific group size, and they are also the only bus company in the area that has wheelchair accessibility.

“Tailored Dreams started in March of 2012 with one limo that my husband, Tyler, and I parked in our driveway,” said Owner DeeDee Loomis. “Now our fleet consists of six party buses—including the only Pink Party Bus around! The biggest bus can fit up to 45 people, so you can take along the whole team.”

DeeDee and Tyler have been in the limousine industry for 20 years. They wanted to turn their passion of limousines into a business, so they could offer different options and an economical rate. Thus began Tailored Dreams Party Buses, and DeeDee said they are just as much fun for her as they are for the clients.

“My enjoyment and interactions with people make my job a dream,” DeeDee said. “I’ve always been a people person, so getting to do something I love is so rewarding. If you have a good time, the clients will as well. As a driver, I get to set the tone for the event they’re heading toward, which is an amazing feeling. Plus, I get to drive big things. There isn’t anything I can’t drive now!”

Stay a While

Flying in some out-of-town employees for a company retreat? Book them a stay at The Scarlet Hotel (scarlethotelnebraska.com). This brand-new hotel is the perfect blend of small-town generosity, genuine connection, and creative common ground. The Scarlet Hotel also features on-site venues that range in capacity and are great for a company banquet or reception. Plus, the hotel is home to Lincoln’s newest social perch, the Barred Owl rooftop patio. Barred Owl features signature cocktails, appetizers, and indoor and outdoor seating to keep your colleagues entertained and comfortable all night long.

Your colleagues deserve some time away from the office to allow for some great team bonding time as well as special recognition for all of the hard work they put into the company. We encourage you to reach out to these local businesses to ensure your next company retreat is a success!