What is a team activity for?
A well-designed team building activity is not a break between sessions. It helps people who work together get to know each other differently, mixes departments or countries that rarely meet, and turns a convention's message into something people experience rather than just hear. That is why we design it around the objective of the event: if the convention is about collaboration, the activity makes people collaborate; if it is about innovation, it sets open challenges.
When we build it into the programme
- At a company convention or sales kick-off, as an afternoon block between the plenary and dinner, to change the pace and energise the group. See company conventions.
- On an incentive trip, as the experience for day two or three, in the city or on a day trip. See incentive travel.
- At a leadership meeting, combining working sessions with nature or sport, for example in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
- In a congress social programme, as an optional activity for delegates and accompanying persons.
Activity ideas in and around Madrid
| Type | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Urban team challenge | Madrid de los Austrias, Barrio de las Letras, Madrid Río | Groups of 20 to 300 who want to get to know the city |
| Cookery workshop | Cookery schools and venues with a professional kitchen | Groups of 10 to 80, relaxed atmosphere |
| Charity activity | Indoor or outdoor space, with a social organisation | Teams who want to leave something useful behind |
| Nature and sport | Sierra de Guadarrama, just over an hour away | Offsites and one or two-day leadership meetings |
| Strategy or creativity game | Unique venue or the convention's own meeting room | Large groups who cannot travel |
| Day trip with a challenge | Toledo, Segovia, Aranjuez or Chinchón | Multi-day incentives |
You will find complete programmes with activities included under convention programmes, for example the convention in the Sierra de Guadarrama.
How we approach it
- We start from the objective of the convention or incentive, not from a catalogue of activities.
- We look at the group: numbers, age, fitness, languages, reduced mobility and time of year.
- We put forward two or three options within the overall proposal, each with its timing, venue and cost.
- We produce the activity with instructors, materials, insurance, permits and a plan B for rain or heat.
- We close with a debrief that connects the experience to the event's message.
What we usually advise
- Nobody should be left out. The activity must be accessible to the whole group, including people who do not do sport.
- Mind the calendar. In July and August, the Madrid heat means outdoor activities need to be scheduled early in the morning or at dusk.
- Less is more. One activity that is well explained and well wrapped up works better than three back to back.
- Link it to dinner. Announcing the challenge results at that evening's dinner gives the day continuity.
Does your convention or incentive need a team activity? Tell us about it and we will propose one within the programme within 24 business hours.
