Inspiration, Connection and Wellbeing: The Benefits of Famils

There’s nothing more powerful than building strong relationships within your network. What better way to do this than connecting in-person with fantastic scenery to match? 

Famils offer the perfect opportunity to discover new regions and venues, offering showcases of event spaces and potential experiences. They also serve as an opportunity to disconnect from the normal 9-5 work environment, sowing the seeds for strong relationship building and connection. 

Over the last quarter we’ve hosted two of our own famils; in early March we partnered with the Mulpha Group to visit their new property The Lane Retreat, alongside the surrounding Bimbadgen Estate in the Hunter Valley. And, just two weeks ago, we hosted clients at Sofitel Broadbeach Gold Coast, with a variety of trips around some of the Gold Coast’s best venues and experiences. We’re highlighting some of our key takeaways from these beautiful trips, and how you can mirror these through your own corporate retreats and off-sites. 

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‍Building Strong Relationships

Famils are an amazing platform to foster new connections. Being removed from the typical work environment offers the unique opportunity to relax and truly connect with those around you. At the Lane Retreat famil, there was plenty of time to recline on pool loungers and take in the gorgeous surrounding landscape with fellow attendees. Similarly, the sunset cruise on the Gold Coast famil, as hosted by Gold Coast Luxury Charters, offered the perfect chance to sit and chat with a champagne in hand. 

Shared experiences and activities are also crucial to moments of bonding. The Lane Retreat famil enjoyed a key focus on wellness and rejuvenation, with activities like meditation, wine-tasting and massages all designed to help attendees unwind together.

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Experts believe that the most meaningful business relationships are forged through sharing and bonding over personal interests and experiences. Offsite retreats like famils allow attendees the space to open up, and truly connect. 

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Providing Inspiration 

Typically, the event process feels quite linear. It begins with the idea of the event itself, followed by venue and supplier sourcing and then logistical planning. However, famils can shape this process by promoting a more creative approach. As our Senior Event Planner Sarah notes, attendees become inspired by the venues and spaces being showcased. This flips the event process by starting at the space itself, with events created through what these spaces can provide. At a famil you can experience-first hand each space; the atmosphere, interior styling, the surrounds, amenities and size, which so often mould the look and feel of an event.

Famils commonly take place outside of CBD locations in order to nurture a disconnect from work. Using destination venues as an inspiration-point for events creates fantastic opportunities to not only support venues that may not otherwise be highlighted, but to bring business opportunities for outer-city regions. Experiencing the work of local suppliers during famils highlights them as choices for future events, further supporting local business. 

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‍Promote Wellbeing 

It’s no secret that taking time away from the office is good for your wellbeing; both physically and mentally. Famils are a fantastic opportunity to focus on wellbeing as attendees disconnect from the 9-5. Incorporating experiences and activities that facilitate relaxation is not only a great way to help drive that wellbeing, but also a fantastic way to be inspired by suppliers. Those that attended the Gold Coast famil were treated to a beach sunrise yoga session thanks to Debby from Corporate Yoga. Mind-to-body connection can also promote inspiration on how similar experiences can be incorporated into future events, especially when they bring a sense of relaxation and calm. Corporate retreats and off-sites in particular are a fantastic way to foster this wellbeing focus.

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Nature also plays a pivotal role in decreasing stress and promoting wellbeing. With its secluded property overlooking the Broken Back mountain range, The Lane Retreat is a haven of tranquillity, in part due to its immersion in the Hunter Valley landscape. With most offices set in the concrete jungle of CBD’s, showcasing the restorative nature of the outdoors not only can improve attendee wellbeing, but serve as an inspiration point for how destination venues can support this for your own events.

Famils offer a variety of benefits. A renewed focus on connection, wellbeing and inspiration builds a fantastic stepping stone to creative event thinking, with destination venues in particular serving the ultimate opportunity to replicate these benefits. Corporate off-sites and retreats are not only a great way to rejuvenate and relax, but offer the chance to support the local businesses and suppliers that famils so strongly highlight.  

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Be inspired by what destination venues can offer, and submit your corporate retreat brief here to bring the benefits of famils to life. 

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