12 annual meetings to boost your business
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.
