While it’s important to work hard, it’s also important to play some too. Getting out of the office and bonding with coworkers and community members alike is easily one of the most fun parts of working for a company that wholeheartedly supports company retreats. Not only is it a break from the usual office routine, but a chance to develop relationships in a completely different environment.

Whether looking to relieve pressure in the workplace or grow as a team, company retreats are perfect opportunities to connect and reduce stress. The value that stems from company retreats is far more than most give credit, especially when considering that they not only offer employers the chance to show appreciation to their staff, but are an opportunity for teams to bond and grow stronger together. Team bonding is important because it improves interpersonal relations among coworkers – something that benefits both personal well-being and company productivity.

If you haven’t participated in a company retreat or are looking to plan your next, check out the many options available in Lincoln! You don’t have to travel far to break from your office routine and have a great time.

Fit for Anyone

Company retreats are meant to include everyone. No employee should be left behind or feel out of place when at a retreat designed for inclusion and a break from office endeavors. When choosing where to host a company retreat, it is important to consider what your employees want out of the retreat. At Sun Valley Lanes & Games, every employee is sure to find something they enjoy.

Jen Miseno
Sun Valley Lanes & Games

“Sun Valley Lanes & Games is a great place for employees to let loose and feel like kids again. We offer fun activities for people of all ages, ranging from bowling, lucky putt, laser tag and arcade games to delicious food and drinks,” said Jen Miseno, event coordinator at Sun Valley. “Having activities both indoors and outdoors makes it a great retreat anytime during the year, but summer retreats have the perks of enjoying the outdoor greenspace. Outside, people can play cornhole and gather around fire pits after sunset.”

Because retreats are a great opportunity to reward staff with fun activities outside the office setting, Sun Valley Lanes & Games offers customized group offerings when applicable. They have a variety of food and bowling packages as well as the ability to add on other activities to increase the length of the party. They have noticed that small groups seem to enjoy the friendly competitiveness of laser tag.

When considering a company retreat, Sun Valley Lanes & Games advises not to wait until the last minute.

“When booking for a large group, space and available times are often very limited. Even when considering a small group, some offering might not be available,” Jen explained. “However, we do their best to make company retreats more fun than a hassle. We can customize an event to fit your needs and your budget for groups of ten up to 384!”

If you are looking to set up an event, Sun Valley Lanes & Games encourages you to give them a call. Based on company needs, they can offer suggestions that would best accommodate group size and budget. The variety of activities they offer is unrivaled in the area, making them a fit for any company retreat.

You’re Never Too Old!

Regardless of the ages of your employees, whether in the same age group or ranging across the span of 20 years, company retreats are meant to bring out the side of everyone that doesn’t typically show at the office. As a way to relax, have fun and let loose, the activities at company retreats aren’t restricted by age. Anyone can have fun doing anything if they are willing to give it a try.

If you’re looking for a company retreat to inflate the spirits of those working for your company, look no farther than Lincoln Inflatables, a locally-owned business that has been serving the greater Picayune and surrounding areas with great pride and satisfaction.

Known for having great communication and service, Lincoln Inflatables takes pride in providing excellent customer service and developing solutions to fit any particular needs. Their rental service team strives to provide friendly and reliable service from start to finish as well as to respect your privacy with utmost discretion. If you want it and they can do it, it’s yours.

Whether you’re looking to rent for a day or a weekend, they are sure to have the right portfolio of products, services and knowledge to satisfy all of your needs and put any concerns to rest. They firmly believe that your company retreat should be all about fun, not work. Regardless of your age, you’d be surprised how much fun a group of adults can have with a few inflatables – especially when they don’t have to worry about setting them up or taking them down.

Lincoln Inflatables has top-of-the-line inflatable bounce house units, slip and slides, waterslides, obstacle courses and combo units. All things you haven’t done since childhood? No worries! You are never too old to play with inflatables. Let loose, have fun and let your inner child shine outside of the constraints of an office.

Defy Gravity, Reduce Stress

While the goal of a company retreat isn’t necessarily to find your inner child, there are definitely perks to reverting to a younger version of yourself. Acting like a kid with no concern for matters at the office is one of the best ways to reduce stress and have fun.

If you’ve ever thought it would be good to run around in a giant hamster ball, then you are sure to get a hoot out of knockerball. Nebraska Knockerball brings an outstanding lineup of games and activities to company events hosted by local businesses. They know how stressful work can be, so they don’t add on more when planning a company retreat. They take care of everything so you can enjoy the retreat instead of being the one running it. After the all, the whole point of a company retreat is take a break from work.

Knockerball, a single chamber inflatable sphere with inner handles and adjustable shoulder straps, produces a sensation similar to that of defying gravity, though it doesn’t put any stress on the body. Knockerballs range in size, so fit is predicated on the height of the user. With two or more Knockerballs, the experience is catapulted into roaring laughter as well as exhilarating knocks and rolls that will keep you coming back for more. The only pain you risk by participating is that from laughing too hard from having way too much fun. Then again, is there such a thing as too much fun?

Aside from knockerball, Nebraska Knockerball offers basketball connect four, footdarts, human foosball, lumberjack axe throw and an assortment of smaller yard games such as giant connect four, giant jenga, yard dice, cornhole, yard pong and tug of war.

Basketball connect four consists of a 15 foot tall inflatable that is irresistible. Once you start shooting, you won’t be able to stop.

Footdarts, a 12 foot tall inflatable dartboard that you either kick Velcro soccer balls or throw Velcro baseballs at, is equally entertaining. On the reverse side of the dartboard is the opportunity to improve your throwing or kicking accuracy with a three hole football toss.

Human foosball is a unique game that allows you to hold on to cables in a 20X45 foot field. If you’ve ever thought of what it would be like to be the characters on a foosball table, now’s your chance to find out.

Lumberjack axe throw is similar to traditional axe throwing, but involves a 13X13X11 foot inflatable.

Regardless of how you like to play, Nebraska Knockerball’s giant inflatables are tons of fun for everyone.

Downtown Fun

One of the easiest ways to have fun is to head downtown. There are always activities to partake in and new places to explore. Whether traveling in small or large groups, everyone is sure to have a good time. Downtown Lincoln is not only convenient because it acts a hub for activity, but because it’s easy for everyone to get to as well.

The convenience of downtown Lincoln makes the Talon Room an ideal venue for company retreats. Partnered with many local vendors, their “Talon-t’d” staff will plan and execute the event of your dreams. Event coordination, full-service catering and bar and decorating services sets the Talon Room apart from the rest. They set it up, and you make it a party! It is an easy, streamlined venue for a company retreat.

Matthew Rogge
Talon Room

“The Talon Room has an on-site kitchen that can accommodate all of your food needs,” said Owner Matthew Rogge. “We allow for outside catering for a percentage fee based on attendees, but have great options for in-house catering. They also have a liquor license and bar service, so they can provide beverages of any kind for your party.”

Because they provide start-to-finish planning, you don’t have to stress as much about the number of people anticipated to attend or about how much work it will take to plan and set up the event. They provide the ease of allowing companies to simply show up, have a good time and leave without the hassle of cleanup. This way, companies can focus on enjoying the retreat they have worked so hard to obtain.

A Night Out

It isn’t uncommon for coworkers to get together after work for drinks, dinner or a short activity. While sometimes talking about the work day, the after work excursions often stray from thoughts of the office to personal matters – coworkers become friends. So, why shouldn’t the entire workplace go out together every once and awhile?

When it comes to company retreats, you can never go wrong with a night out on the town in a party bus. Tailored Dreams, a local business offering customized limousine party bus experiences at an economical price, is a great option for a quick, fun company retreat. With a three hour minimum night out reservation, Tailored Dreams ensures that there is enough time for everyone to let loose and have some fun.

Tailored Dreams is known for their friendly drivers and for creating an experience tailored to your particular group.

With a multitude of buses to choose from, your company is sure to find a great time. Buses include the Mirage, a 35 passenger pink party bus; the Oasis Party Bus, which holds 26 passengers; the Odyssey, a 28 passenger party bus; the Fantasy, a 35 passenger black party bus; the Disco, a 35 passenger gray party bus and the Executive, a 45 passenger party bus. All 35 passenger party buses are wheelchair accessible.

It is important to note that regardless of which bus and package you purchase, Tailored Dreams does not cross state lines. However, these buses can take you to a destination of your choice in the state of Nebraska while jamming to music that gets everyone dancing and having a good time. Just reserve your bus ahead of time and then tell your chauffeur where you want to go when you arrive for your party. They’ll get you there and back safely.

Many find comfort in the confines of the party buses as they are small enough to talk to about anyone they want to while still having enough room for personal space and dancing. Tailored Dreams party buses are a great place to make connections and have fun.

Relaxation at Its Finest

Everyone enjoys relaxing after a long, hard day of work. After weeks or even months of working without break, time dedicated to unwinding is necessary.

If you’re looking for a low-key company retreat where your company can relax and enjoy good company, consider James Arthur Vineyards. Their richly appointed private party room with comfortable furnishings, rich decor and spectacular views affords an extraordinary venue available nowhere else in the region. They are known for excellent service, ambiance and food – regardless of who they are serving and what the event is for. They personalize their menu to your company, offering custom-catered meals and an award-winning selection of fine wines. Everything is delicious, though there are plenty of options available for picky eaters and drinkers.

At St. Croix Room, a private party room, you will have an astonishing overlooking view of both the St. Croix grapevines outside and the wine production area inside. This beautiful, sunny room features a stone fireplace, wine-tasting bar, catering kitchen and French doors leading to a private deck. The St. Croix room is the perfect place for your next company retreat. It’s always available for use and provides multiple power outlets to help with audio-visual equipment needs. 15 guests are required to use the room and up to 50 guests can be accommodated.

The James Arthur Vineyards facilities offer a warm and relaxed atmosphere – something your company deserves after consistent hard work. Join some of the area’s most successful businesses and plan your next business retreat at James Arthur Vineyards.

Looking for Just Transportation to Your Company Retreat?

Transportation is sometimes one of the most difficult components of straying from the traditional office setting. You have to consider convenience, parking, if employees will be drinking and the overall safety of everyone attending. Company retreats are a great way to get employees to have fun outside of the office, and it shouldn’t be hindered by your company’s ability to safely and conveniently transport everyone.

At Eastside Transportation LLC, they understand that transportation plays a vital role in the lives of just about everybody. That’s why they work hard to ensure that their vehicles are always well-maintained, clean and equipped with the latest technology to ensure your safety and convenience. Their professional drivers are trained to provide courteous and friendly service, making your experience with them as pleasant as possible. If the whole point of a company retreat is to relax and have fun, then great service is a necessity. Since transportation is the first part of a company retreat that employees experience, having a fun lighthearted mood in the vehicle is important for setting the tone for the rest of the retreat.

Eastside Transportation LLC is proud to serve the Lincoln community. They believe in building long-lasting relationships with clients by earning their trust and loyalty. They are dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of service possible at an affordable rate. Eastside is about elevating community, impacting lives and bringing riders and drivers together to create an amazing experience.

Planning Your Next Company Retreat

Now that you know of some of the best places in Lincoln to host company retreats, which will you choose? With so many amazing options, it isn’t an easy decision. Before choosing a place to host your next company retreat, consider the following:

Budget: Knowing how much money you can spend on the entire company retreat is a great first step. When considering your budget, remember to leave some wiggle room. Life happens and sometimes things are more expensive than planned for. By leaving a little bit of extra room in your budget, you shouldn’t have any financial concerns at the end of your company retreat. It can also be helpful to break your budget down into categories such as activities, transportation, meals and venue expenses.

Goals: It is important to know what you want out of a company retreat before undertaking one. Is your focus team bonding, relaxation or pure enjoyment? Knowing what the goal of your retreat is will help you decide on a venue and the activities to purchase at said venue.

Once the base for your company retreat has been set, you can narrow your focus by choosing a venue, activities, meals and means of transportation.

Venue: Choosing the right place to host your company retreat is key for staying under budget and meeting your goals. You want to host your retreat in a convenient location that is equipped to handle your chosen activities. Sometimes it’s easier to choose a venue and then plan activities accordingly. Other times, it’s easier to choose activities first and then book a venue that accommodates / provides them. This mostly depends on the goal of the retreat and how big the budget is.

Activities: The most important part of a company retreat is the activities available for employees to participate in. When choosing activities, you should consider which ones align with your goals as well as which align with the interests and desires of employees. It is best to consult employees to see what they think would be best as well as to offer a variety of activities that they can bounce between at the retreat. The goal is to include everyone and for everyone to have fun. Because most venues offer a variety of activities and activity packages, it should be relatively easy to find something that everyone will enjoy that stays within your budget. Additionally, when choosing activities you should consider their organization. Whether having them available the entire time or preparing an itinerary for employees, the activities should all have a time and place at the retreat.

Meals: If planning a retreat that spans across mealtime, don’t forget to plan for feeding everyone. Some venues offer catering packages, while others are easy to hire outside catering for. Regardless of which route you go, be sure to choose meal options that are suitable for all employees. And, with meals, don’t forget about drinks. From water to soda to alcohol, drinks are necessary at company retreats.

Transportation: Once you have decided upon a venue, you must consider the best way to transport employees to the retreat. While employees can always drive themselves, it is important to consider alternative routes to ensure the safety and convenience of employees. Whether carpooling, shuttling or hiring a transportation service, planning ahead of time will save hassle later on.

When planning your company’s retreat, remember that you don’t have to do it all the first time around. Company retreats should be a regular endeavor, meaning that you can try all of the best places in Lincoln at some point in time. It even means that you can go back to the same places and either try different activities or have the same exact company retreat. So long as you and your employees are having fun outside of the office, it doesn’t matter what you do.

Company retreats are extremely beneficial and extend far beyond what many realize. When planned and utilized in the correct way, company retreats enhance many aspects of the work environment and are a contributing factor in cultivating the future of your company or business. From reducing stress to connecting coworkers – and everything in between – company retreats are a great opportunity for companies to show appreciation and have fun together. They are well worth the time. Plus, many local businesses are more than willing to work with you on your company retreat from start to finish both helping plan and execute the retreat. They are dedicated to supporting and guiding you through a retreat that exceeds expectations and leaves everyone feeling refreshed.

Here at Strictly Business, we encourage you to find the time to plan and execute your own company retreat – whatever it may be. Though you can always travel outside of the community, we highly recommend utilizing local venues and vendors. Supporting our community is a top priority for us, partially because we know how amazing our local businesses are! There are countless great options in Lincoln, many of which are discussed above, and we encourage you to check them out!