Overnight meeting: how to get more out of your gathering
Sometimes a meeting calls for more than a few hours of discussion in a cramped meeting room. Especially when important decisions need to be made or a serious brainstorming session is scheduled. An overnight meeting offers that extra time and peace to get to the heart of the matter, without participants being immediately tired in traffic jams afterwards or getting pulled back into the hustle and bustle of the day.
At goMICE, we know the big difference it can make when you extend a meeting into a full experience. We combine a productive setting with the right environment, accommodation and, if desired, (relaxing) activities that contribute to the objective of the meeting.
Why choose an overnight meeting?
- More focus and fewer distractions
As soon as you take people out of their familiar environment, a different atmosphere immediately arises. There is space for deepening, for fresh and new ideas, and for a firm discussion to cut knots. - Unscheduled meeting
The best conversations don't just happen at the meeting table; they also take place at the drinks reception, during a post-dinner stroll, at breakfast, or on the way to a shared activity. That's the power of a multi-day programme: formal and informal seamlessly blend into one another. - Better decisions
By spreading important topics over two days, you give participants time to let information sink in. This often leads to sharper insights and better-considered decisions.
Location and accommodation: the perfect combination for a meeting
An overnight meeting requires a bit more than a room with tables, chairs, and a projector. Also consider:
- Inspiring locations that suit the purpose of the meeting. What do you think of a historic estate or perhaps a charming farmhouse?
- Comfortable private rooms so that participants can start the next day rested and focused.
- Tailored facilities such as break-out rooms, outdoor inspiration spots, or hybrid meeting options. As long as it fits the purpose of the meeting.
- Catering that provides energy.
At goMICE, we select venues that offer added value to the programme and match the desired atmosphere: business-like, creative, or relaxed.
Extra touch: activities that make the difference
An overnight stay allows for programme components that are often missing from a standard meeting. Consider:
- An inspiring guest speaker to motivate the team.
- A team-building activity that aligns with your objectives.
- A joint sports or relaxation session to keep energy levels high or to start the day.
Through our STRETCH method by deploying, we ensure that the meeting doesn't end at check-out. We create multiple points of contact, before, during and after the meeting, so that agreements and insights stick and continue to have an effect later on.
What should you consider when choosing a location?
First, determine the purpose of your overnight meeting. For brainstorming sessions, a creative environment works better, think of an inspiring hotel or a place in the middle of nature. For strategic sessions, you'd prefer a quiet setting without distractions. Also, take care of practical matters such as sufficient rooms, good facilities, and a space where informal discussions can also take place.
How goMICE tackles it
We always start with the question: what do you want to achieve? Is the goal to make decisions, boost team spirit, or develop new ideas? From there, we put together a programme that suits the content and the desired experience.
- Strategic thinking on content, location and implementation.
- Full coordination of accommodation, catering, technical aspects and activities.
- Clear communication with all participants, so everyone knows where and when they are expected.
- Post-meeting evaluation to measure what the meeting achieved.
Ready for more than half a day of meetings?
Would you like your next meeting to achieve more than just an action list? Then consider an overnight meeting. At goMICE, we enjoy turning a multi-day meeting into a productive and connective experience.
Curious about the possibilities? Get in touch with us and discover how we can take your next meeting to the next level.