Links during team meetings and annual gatherings.

Annual business meetings are key moments for 3 reasons:

Strengthening team cohesion;
Promoting corporate culture;
to foster skills development.

Here are 12 essential annual meetings. They are useful for any company wishing to stimulate its growth and the well-being of its employees.

Think strategic planning, well-being, networking and training. We’ve based our selection on these criteria.

Let’s find out how to organize successful events all year round.

1. Start-of-year strategic retreat (January)

Objectives: Define objectives and priorities for the coming year, strengthen team cohesion.

Process

  • Brainstorming session to set objectives;
  • Team-building workshops;
  • On-site catered lunch with lively discussion of action plans.

2. Half-day or intensive training seminar (February)

Objectives: Develop employees’ skills, encourage continuous learning.

Course

  • Interactive conferences with experts;
  • Practical workshops (validation of acquired knowledge);
  • Coffee/dinner breaks to share experiences with colleagues.

3. Trade show (March)

Objectives: Promote the company, prospect for new customers, keep abreast of market trends.

Procedure

  • Installation of a kiosk or banner featuring the brand;
  • Presentation of products or services to be promoted;
  • Private meetings with potential customers. When renting the hall, ask for more intimate areas to be set aside;
  • Sales team debriefing to assess the impact over a well-deserved dinner.

4. Well-being at work day (April)

Objectives: Promote employee well-being, reduce stress, consolidate corporate culture.

Course

  • Yoga or meditation sessions for a gentle start to the day;
  • Workshops on stress management and work-life balance;
  • A healthy, balanced lunch prepared by La Distinction’s caterer;
  • Other fun activities to promote relaxation, as well as breaks for exchanging ideas with colleagues.

5. Innovation seminar (May)

Objectives: Stimulate creativity and encourage innovation within the company.

Course

  • Presentation of inspiring case studies related to your industry;
  • Group brainstorming workshops;
  • Role-playing to encourage innovative and creative thinking;
  • Cocktails at the end of the activity to share the day’s most fascinating ideas and have a chat.

6. VIP customer meeting (June)

Objectives: Consolidate relationships with key customers, build customer loyalty.

Procedure

  • Ensure a personalized welcome on arrival, for example by requesting the La Distinction corporate package;
  • Preview new products or services to allow for certain negotiations or privileges;
  • Gourmet lunch or dinner with company executives in a private area. Your customer needs to feel exclusive.

7. Pre-vacations BBQ day (July)

Objectives: Celebrate the successes of the first semester, release the pressure and forge links with colleagues.

Procedure

  • Outdoor activity accessible to all, or plan a second, lighter activity for a more sedentary group (e.g. cycling and hiking);
  • An outdoor breakfast, lunch or dinner, weather permitting;
  • Various afternoon games (volleyball, giant checkers, pocket games, cricket, etc.);
  • Or moments of relaxation and conviviality to get away from the usual work environment.

8. Exchange forum (August)

Objectives: Promote the sharing of knowledge and experience between employees.

Course

  • Presentation of current projects by different teams;
  • Constructive feedback sessions;
  • Collaborative problem-solving workshops;
  • Cocktail reception to continue exchanges.

9. Mobilizing conference (September)

Objectives: Inspire teams, set the course for the new season.

Course

  • Motivational talks from executives or external motivational speakers;
  • Add employee testimonials on past successes to support the theme;
  • Workshops to reflect on the objectives to be achieved;
  • Cocktails or box lunches for networking among colleagues.

10. Volunteer day (October)

Objectives: Affirm the company’s social commitment and create a link with its local community.

Procedure

  • Participation in volunteer activities in the neighborhood or locally;
  • Survey employees about their interests. There are many possibilities (cleaning up a public place, repainting, distributing meals to people in need, doing an activity to support a foundation, etc.).
  • Share a meal with colleagues to discuss the impact of the day and everyone’s involvement, as well as the company’s values.

11. Gala evening (or Christmas dinner) (November)

Objectives: Reward performance and success (employees, teams, company).

Procedure

  • Management speech outlining the year’s objectives and achievements;
  • Awards ceremony for employees and teams;
  • Dinner with musical entertainment;
  • Dance to end on a festive note.

12. Closing brunch (December)

Objectives: End-of-year review, thanking teams for their hard work.

Procedure

  • Presentation of annual results;
  • Moments of recognition for all employees. Take the opportunity to highlight and encourage those who contribute to the company’s success;
  • Overview of the vision and main objective for the coming year;
  • Festive lunch to wish each other a happy holiday season.

That’s it! By organizing these 12 annual meetings, your company will fulfill 3 missions at once:

  • Energize your teams
  • Confirm a strong corporate culture
  • Stimulate growth.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask La Distinction’s consultants. They’ll help you plan and organize your events, offering suitable venues, top-quality catering and personalized advice.

La Distinction Team