Are you planning a strategy day? It’s easy to get caught up in the details of the agenda, key discussion points, and desired outcomes. But one factor that’s often overlooked can have a huge impact: the venue.
The space you choose doesn’t just house your team for the day – it sets the tone, sparks creativity, and shapes the overall energy in the room. Whether you’re planning a high-level leadership strategy session or a full team offsite, the right venue plays a crucial role in how successful (and productive) the day will be.
Here are five ways the right venue can elevate your strategy day:
1. Get Out of the Office
Stuffy boardrooms and familiar office walls can stifle creativity. Choosing an offsite location – one that’s out of your team’s usual environment – can instantly change the dynamic. Being away from the daily hustle helps minimise distractions and encourages fresh thinking. Look for venues that inspire, whether it’s a modern co-working space, a boutique retreat, or a unique regional venue with character and charm.
2. Align the Space with Your Focus
If sustainability is a core value or part of your day’s focus, consider venues that reflect those principles. Spaces that embrace greenery, natural light, and environmentally conscious design can help reinforce your message and provide a calming, focused atmosphere. It’s more than just a backdrop – it’s about creating an environment that supports your goals.
3. Flexibility Fuels Creativity
Strategy days often need more than one setup. A good venue will offer a mix of spaces – think breakout areas for small group brainstorming, open spaces for whole-team collaboration, and zones for quiet thinking or reflection. Flexibility in layout and design can be the difference between a productive session and a stagnant one.
4. Rethink Lunch
All too often, lunch is just a break in the day – but it can be so much more. Consider a venue that offers lunch in a separate space, or even better, outdoors. A casual, relaxed meal away from the “work zone” can create space for informal chats, cross-team connection, and new ideas to flourish organically. Bonus points if the food is local, fresh, and delicious.
5. Make Ideas Stick
Great ideas deserve to be captured. Look for venues that offer visual tools like whiteboards, pinboards, or even paper-covered walls. Having visual cues around the room – key ideas, quotes, or flow charts – helps keep the momentum going and ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Final Thought A strategy day isn’t just about what’s on the agenda – it’s about how you create an environment where people feel energised, focused, and ready to contribute. The right venue isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a strategic choice in itself.
Let BEV Help You Plan Your Next Strategy Day
Whether you’re looking for a serene lakeside setting, a high-tech meeting hub, or a vineyard with a view, BEV can connect you with the best venues across regional Victoria.
Reach out to our team to find the perfect fit for your next strategy day.
Ready to plan your next offsite?
Nestled on the Great Ocean Road, Mantra Lorne offers a tranquil coastal setting with expansive lawns, heritage-listed buildings, and modern meeting facilities. With breakout rooms, ocean views, and the space to breathe, it’s ideal for big-picture thinking and team connection, far from city distractions.
For a truly unforgettable strategy day, step into the wild. Werribee Open Range Zoo offers immersive spaces surrounded by African wildlife. It’s an energising, distraction-free setting that encourages teams to think outside the box – with the roar of a lion in the background for good measure.
Just 35 minutes from Melbourne, Marnong Estate blends sophistication and serenity. Overlooking the Macedon Ranges and offering boutique event spaces, gourmet dining, and vineyard views, it’s a powerful setting for goal-setting, deep dives, and strategic alignment in a luxurious environment.
Need to recharge while you refocus? Peninsula Hot Springs is a unique wellness destination where strategy sessions meet rejuvenation. With purpose-built meeting spaces and spa experiences, it’s perfect for fostering clarity, creativity, and a refreshed mindset.
