Getting to know your team and making sure connections are flowing is the first step to success. Teams that know each other well work together well, too. A company retreat where your team can bond is a great way to get started. Planning company retreats alone can be taxing. However, there are businesses in Lincoln that are here to guide you, because planning a retreat should not be stressful. Hear from these Lincoln Businesses that are here help you along the way, with all of the necessities of planning the perfect retreat.

Melanie Maynard with the Wilderness Ridge logo.Looking for a space to host your retreat? Why not keep things easy yet exclusive. Wilderness Ridge (WRCCGolf.com) gives companies something most venues can’t: a private club environment that isn’t available to just anyone. With spaces that can run concurrent breakouts or combine for a single-room general session this setting will work for you.

According to Melanie Maynard, the Director of Event Sales and Marketing at Wilderness Ridge, the environment does something for your people a conference room can’t. A retreat at Wilderness Ridge carries a different message than a standard meeting space and that message lands before the agenda starts. The best part is, you never have to leave the property.

Wilderness Ridge handles everything including food, beverage, A/V and room setup. They also provide options such as a private team lunch at Timbers, a nine-hole round on the Talon course or a private dinner. If you are a company that has hosted here before, rebooking is easy and straightforward. Records are kept on what your team enjoyed that makes the planning process faster every time. Whatever your team prefers, there is an option for you at Wilderness Ridge.

Jason Holm with The Back Nine logoBack Nine Lincoln South (TheBackNineGolf.com/lincoln-ne-south) is a great place to host an easy, stress free company retreat. The Back Nine uses industry-leading analytics and course-like Full Swing Simulators that give you the top golf simulator benefits. They provide a relaxed, low-pressure environment that encourages conversation and team bonding, and don’t worry, you don’t need to be an avid golfer to have a good time, everyone can participate.

When hosting with The Back Nine your company will have a unique, memorable experience. Their spacious, open facility creates a space for company members to interact while having fun. At The Back Nine there is an option for everyone. Spend time competing on famous golf courses indoors with Full Swing simulators or playing non-golf simulator games such as darts, battleship, pitch pong, or skeeball. Whatever you choose your company will love their experience with The Back Nine and if food is a priority, don’t worry, you can bring your own food and beverages or even cater in.

With the availability to book a time that includes multiple open bays, a putting area, and a common area, The Back Nine is the perfect destination for your next company retreat.

Jen Miseno with the Sun Valley Lanes logo.If you are looking for fun and food, Sun Valley Lanes & Games (SunValleyLanes.com) is the perfect destination for your next company retreat. They take care of all the details in advance, so there’s nothing to do but have fun when you arrive.

A little friendly competition can be great for boosting company morale. At Sun Valley Lanes & Games there is an option for everyone. Try out their state-of-the-art bowling lanes, laser tag arena, or 10-hole Lucky Putt course. If that doesn’t interest you, take a trip to their sprawling redemption arcade for some extra fun. Whatever you choose, you will have an unforgettable experience with your team.

Worried you’ll get hungry? Sun Valley Lanes and Games quick-service lounge and grill is a great place to stop for a quick snack or refreshing drink. Choose from a variety of food options including entrees, appetizers, sides, dessert or even group platters.

Planning your next company retreat shouldn’t have to be a stressful; choose a venue where events are made easy. The Talon Room takes the guess work out of planning. Let their dedicated event team do the behind the scenes work so you can make the most of your retreat.

Matthew Rogge and the Talon Room logoThe Talon Room (TalonRoom.com) will go above and beyond to make your event special. Not only do they do the behind the scenes work, they also provide resources to make your retreat run smoothly. Take use of their 6 available 65” screens, house system with wireless microphone, and on-site catering and bar services.
Catering is easy at The Talon Room. With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner nobody at your retreat will go hungry. Order cold or hot pre-set boxed catering or choose from custom catering options. Beverage catering is also an option at The Talon Room. Adult beverages including beers, wine, cocktails, and more can be enjoyed at The Talon Room. They also offer non-alcoholic drinks for underage guests.

The Talon Room has everything you need for your next company retreat. Book a few hours or a whole day now right from their website.
Salt Mine City Brewing Co. is a great option for your next company retreat. Plan an event with them in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District and enjoy handcrafted beers, elevated pub food and community-first spirit.

Clifford Roper and the Salt Mine City logoWhen hosting a retreat with Salt Mine Brewing Co. (SaltMineCity.com), your group can enjoy a space that comfortably seats up to 85 people. In the warmer months, enjoy their outdoor patio seating giving a view of the historic Haymarket while getting some fresh air. Salt Mine Brewing Co. provides a space to sit down and have meaningful conversations with coworkers while enjoying some food and drinks.

With daily specials and a tap list that is always evolving, there is a drink option for everyone. For food options, choose from appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers. If none of that interests you they also have catering options such as Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina and Mckinney’s Irish Pub. No matter what you choose you are sure to have a great experience at Salt Mine Brewing Co.

Paul Larsen and the Crepe Cafe logo.Looking to bring the food to you? Crepe Café (Crepe-Cafe.com) is a simple and delicious option. Known as Nebraska’s first and only crepe food truck, they bring the joy of fresh, made-to-order sweet and savory crepes to you.

At Crepe Café there is an option for everyone. They offer a versatile menu that is continuously expanding as they create new flavor options. Enjoy fan favorites such as the sweet Banana Nutella crepe or the savory Pepperoni Pizza crepe. No matter what you choose it is sure to be delicious, and if nothing interests you (which is unlikely!), feel free to create your own unique crepe.

Crepe Café is a perfect option for a company retreat taking place during business hours. You can go online and book the Crepe Café food truck between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or if you want to make a quick trip out of the office you can go visit them Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Twisted Turn located at 2101 W Van Dorn.

Kris Peterson and the Leadership Harbor logo.Leadership Harbor (LeadershipHarbor.com) is the perfect destination to facilitate team bonding and boost morale. At Leadership Harbor strong teams are built through intentional connection, meaningful communication and shared experiences that create trust. They focus on what your company will gain when the retreat is over and what you will get out of the time spent with them.

What do they do? Leadership Harbor facilitates team bonding and morale through interactive leadership workshops, personality and communication assessments, engaging group coaching experiences, culture-building activities, encouraging honest conversations and unique experiences. Their goal is to create environments where employees feel valued, connected, energized and equipped to work together more effectively.

If you decide to host your next company retreat through Leadership Harbor, you are sure to have a unique team bonding experience. Leadership Harbor doesn’t have programs; instead they meet organizations and tailor retreats to your team’s learning styles. They help teams develop deeper self-awareness, stronger relationships and a healthier workplace culture. If your company is looking to build a strong team, Leadership Harbor is a perfect place for your next company retreat.

Kevin Knudson and teh Greenfield's Cafe logo.For a simple yet delicious experience, try hosting at Greenfield’s Café (GreenfieldsCafe.com). Greenfield’s is the perfect space for your next company retreat with their experienced event planning team and vast catering menu. Enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch options and impress your team with comforting, flavorful dishes.

Built on the idea that relationships matter, excellence matters and people should leave better than when they arrived, Greenfield’s helps you and your team create unforgettable memories. With an event space that seats up to 90 guests, they are great destination for you next retreat. They also include a digital display that is perfect for presentations, slideshows and more.

If you’re still not convinced go online and take a look at their list of menu items. At Greenfield’s there is an option for everyone. Even if you don’t want to host in their event space, you can still bring their food to you. Try out their breakfast, boxed lunches, hot entrees, salads, desserts, and beverages. Whatever you choose, Greenfield’s is there to provide you with a warm, memorable experience with every bite.

Lori Gana and the Venue 5 Twenty-Two logoIf you are looking for a more professional and sophisticated event space, Venue 5 Twenty-Two (Venue5Twenty-Two.com) is a great choice. With 17,000 versatile square feet, flexible configurations, and both indoor and outdoor spaces there is an option for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a large celebration or a smaller gathering, they have the perfect setting for you.
Venue 5 Twenty-Two offers small or large event spaces also with options of 1/3 or 2/3 of the event space for a medium sized retreat. Take use of the event staff and provided mock-up diagram to ensure the space will meet your needs.

Venue 5 Twenty-Two welcomes you into their space to create cherished memories. With customizable event areas, a full-service bar, and advanced AV technology you can cater your retreat to the needs of your company. Make use of all the included amenities such as onsite parking, a spacious foyer, tables and chairs, professional bartending staff, uplighting, and more.

If you want to include more options with an additional investment Venue 5 Twenty-Two’s outdoor space and fire pits would be perfect for your company retreat. You also have the option to bring caterers or vendors and make use of their catering kitchen. If you are interested go visit Venue 5 Twenty-Two’s website to inquire about your specific needs.

Ahn McClure and the Escape Lincoln logoEscape Lincoln (EscapeLincoln.com) provides a unique setting for colleagues to unwind and reconnect without the awkward moments outings with colleagues can sometimes cause. Offering unique, thrilling and puzzling rooms, all bookings at Escape Lincoln are private and can help build teamwork and leadership within groups.

“At the office, Dave from accounting is just Dave from accounting,” Anh, co-creator of Escape Lincoln says. “In our escape rooms, Dave is the one who cracked the cipher and saved everyone. There are no trust falls, no icebreaker worksheets. Just a locked door, a clock counting down and coworkers discovering each other’s hidden talents and hidden panic instincts. That’s the Dave you actually want to know. Escape rooms have a way of bringing people together that working in an office cannot recreate.

Most retreats end with a catered lunch and a vague sense of awkwardness. Escape Lincoln ends with high-fives, bragging rights and a story everyone continuously retells.

Because “relaxed” does not have to mean boring. It means no agenda, no PowerPoints, no one pretending to take notes. Just a room, a common mission and permission to have a good time. The atmosphere takes care of itself because escape rooms are genuinely fun.

“We just set the clock and get out of the way,” Anh says.

Make this summer’s company picnic one your employees will never forget at Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides, Omaha’s favorite place for summer fun for over 45 years. Whether you’re planning a small team outing or a full company celebration, Fun-Plex makes it easy to bring everyone together with an all-inclusive group experience designed for fun and stress-free planning.

Fun Plex logoCorporate picnics at Fun-Plex (Fun-Plex.com) include unlimited rides and waterpark access, catered picnic meals, and private pavilion space for your group to relax, connect, and celebrate. Guests can spend the day racing go-karts, enjoying classic amusement rides, and taking on exciting thrill rides before cooling off in the waterpark attractions.

New this summer, Fun-Plex is introducing the MAMMOTH roller coaster, featuring 2,000 feet of track and soaring 70 feet in the air. Opening soon, this exciting new attraction will bring even more thrills to your company’s next summer outing. Contact Fun-Plex today to start planning your event!

Whether you are eating a meal, doing activities or just in a space to mingle with your team, bonding is essential. You never know what connections you can make. A happy connected team is a successful team. Company retreats to bond with one another are a great way to get to know just a bit more about the people that make your business go round.