Solving The 9 Common Headaches of Organizing a Corporate Event.
Hey there, event planners! So it’s that time of the year, when you’re tasked to put together an event for your team, and the list of demands is quite daunting. Everyone’s asking about the location, and offering their well-intended advice that only adds to your stress levels? Well, take a deep breath of relief, because we've got your back.
In this blog post we’d like to share our 100+ years experience, and help you cover the 9 most common corporate event headaches, at Gull Lake-Style.
We're here to address the top 9 headaches event organizers shared, and how our offer is the perfect Tylenol for this. So, let's dive in!
1. Choosing The Perfect Location for Your Corporate Event
Event organizers rightfully fret over finding a place that will meet the gazillion requirements. You can hear debates going on between coworkers:
It’s gotta be easily accessible. Umm…no… let’s get as far away, so it’s adventurous.
It’s gotta be far from town. Nope, it’s gotta be close to town.
It’s gotta have a shoreline. Forget shoreline, let’s get some hiking trails.
I’d love a nice parking for my new car. Noo, forget cozy, I want rock climbing!
I want it tranquil and historic. Nah, it’s gotta remind me of my college years.
You get nauseous just by thinking of all the helpful ideas your colleagues will pitch.
Now, picture this: a stunning lakeside location that will take your breath away, that’s only an 1.5hrs drive from Edmonton and Calgary. But 15 minutes away from the nearest Tim Horton and McD’s.
Gull Lake Centre offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. It's a place where you can unleash your creativity and leave a lasting impression on your attendees.
Flexibility is our middle name. With a range of event spaces, from intimate meeting rooms to a dedicated auditorium, we've got the perfect spot to accommodate your corporate crew, no matter if it’s just a dozen, or 200 attendees.
Need breakout areas for brainstorming sessions or networking? We've got you covered. Our versatile spaces are designed to adapt to your specific needs. Let your imagination run wild, while you regain your composure, understanding now that there IS a place that’s got it all.
2. Meeting Demands on Accommodations and Facilities
When planning a corporate event, or a retreat, you’ve got to hit all the marks. Some of your colleagues will want the comfort of a 5-star hotel. Some will be more interested in a concert-like HiFi equipment. Some will prefer to have the outdoorsiness of a ranch, tranquility of a shoreline, action-pack of a hiking area, and so on. It’s hard to please everybody 100%. But we may help to hit high on all their desires without too much of a hassle.
Here's the deal: we understand the importance of a good night's sleep. That's why we offer cozy accommodations that will make your guests feel right at home. From comfortable beds to modern amenities, we've got everything covered.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are built to impress. Equipped with top-notch audiovisual gear and high-speed WiFi that covers all buildings, you'll have the tools to deliver your message loud and clear. No technical glitches here!
And with our 70-acre lot right at the Gull Lake shore, you can cot the I’s on both tranquil vistas and action-packed hiking requirements. Yes, there’s even a rock climbing wall available.
3. Food, Drinks, More Food of All Sorts and Sizes
You can’t escape it even if you wanted to. Nobody likes brown-back corporate events. So…Let's talk food, my friends. Our talented culinary wizards are masters of their craft. They'll whip up finger-licking dishes that will tantalize your team's taste buds. Our restaurant is comfortably setting over 300 culinary aficionados, and our catering partners are ready to dazzle all of them with yummy dishes.
Worried about dietary restrictions? We've got you covered, even if your guests have specific dietary needs. Vegan? Gluten-free? No problemo! Just let us know in advance, and we'll make sure everyone leaves with a satisfied tummy. Zero allergic reactions too!
Oh, and did we mention the options? We've got a variety of menus to suit your event style. Our buffet-style serving can be as accommodating as you’d need it to be.
4. Team-Building Activities Options
Even though most corporate events have a corporate agenda, smart event planners plan ahead and put in ample leisure time. Especially when you’re away from the office, everybody’s like “Time to get outside and have some fun in the sun!” At Gull Lake Centre, we believe that team-building and outdoor activities go hand in hand. So, get ready to unleash your competitive side and foster camaraderie among your team.
If you have some trail blazers among your group, you can for sure lace up your hiking boots and explore the picturesque trails surrounding the lake. Take in the breathtaking views while bonding with your colleagues. Trust us, the fresh air and natural beauty will do wonders for team spirit.
Hiking not up your alley? We've got a whole array of exciting outdoor activities to choose from. How about some kayaking or canoeing? Paddle your way across the pristine waters and let the laughter echo through the trees. It's the perfect recipe for a memorable team-building experience.
Action not your cup of tea? There are plenty of shaded cozy areas where you can sit and let your mind wander off. Some are made by design, but guests over the 100+ years have paved ways to secluded sitting nooks they discovered on their own.
5. Corporate Events and Environmental Stewardship
We care about our planet, and we know you do too. That's why we've taken steps to ensure our operations are as eco-friendly as possible. From energy-efficient facilities to waste reduction initiatives, sustainability is at the core of what we do. We’re strong believers that we didn’t inherit the planet from our parents. We’ve borrowed it from our children.
When you choose Gull Lake Centre, you're choosing an environmentally responsible venue. As a location with over 100 years of tradition, you’ll see how old meets new, and it’s all green. Philosophically and literally. :)
When you bring your event to Gull Lake, you team up with us to create a greener future. Together, we can reduce our carbon footprint and inspire others to follow suit. It's a win-win situation for your event and the environment!
6. Transportation and Logistics
Getting everything set up on time is hard. Especially when you’ve got your team expecting that you’ll take care of everything they’ll need for the corporate retreat. No fear. While this is an outdoorsy location, we’re not that far away from civilization. While we’re just 1.5 hours away from both Edmonton and Calgary, the closest town is just 15 minutes away in case you need any shopping done.
Parking is not an issue since we have a pretty large parking lot, if you decide to have all your teammates drive to Gull Lake.
7. Quality Service and Planning Assistance
No matter how many events you organize, there’s always some anticipation and overwhelm kicking in as the big date comes closer. There are last-minute travel plan changes, or the sleeping arrangement has to change, or someone forgot to mention their food preferences. No worries. We are flexible and can work with you to change any last-minute details.
While past clients were attracted by our rich history and beautiful surroundings, they come back to us because of our flexibility and service. If you get stuck on ideas, if you can’t figure out how to arrange travel plans, or there are unforeseen changes in the agenda, we’re always here to help.
8. Flexible Packages for Your Corporate Event
As times change, so do people’s needs and preferences. This is why we’re creating our packages based on what past clients have asked. So whatever your events need are, we have a package for you. If we don’t, we can make one for sure! There are all kinds of addon services that you can request, like guided tours. We can even help with ideas on putting together team building exercises.
If you have specific needs for props, branding, banners, etc. we can help guide you through all of those tiny tasks that add up to a huge success. We've got the tools to make your event stand out from the crowd. Let's work together to create a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees.
At Gull Lake Centre, we believe that your event should leave a lasting impression on your guests and align with your corporate objectives. Let us help you make it happen.
9. Event location with a personality and history
If you’re coming from a corporate setting, and putting together an event away from town, the last thing your colleagues will want to see is glass, steel, concrete minimalist buildings that reek industrial DNA.
The whole point of doing something away from the office is to get away from the office vibe. To get the creative juices flowing. To get the team spirit thumping with life. So the best thing you could do to hit those goals is to get to a place that has history. That has personality. That has a soul.
Gull Lake Centre is just the spot. As we mentioned earlier, this place has over 100 years of history. The trails are older than most folks that visit this place. Hidden nooks, designed sitting areas, the trees, the buildings… it’s all full of history. If you want a corporate getaway location that’s conveniently accessible, you can’t go wrong with Gull Lake Centre.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, organizing a corporate event at Gull Lake Centre is an opportunity to create a memorable and impactful experience for your attendees. From our picturesque location to our versatile facilities, top-notch amenities, and commitment to sustainability, we've got all the ingredients for a successful event. With our exceptional customer service and unique features, we're here to make your event dreams a reality. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to us today and let's start planning an event that will leave a lasting impression.
