Great work happens in meetings. Great teams are built between them.
The best corporate gatherings do more than get everyone in the same room. They create opportunities to collaborate, celebrate accomplishments, and build the relationships that make teams stronger.
As the year comes to a close, it is a natural time for teams to gather. It is also a chance to step outside the everyday, connect beyond the meeting room, and celebrate in a setting that brings people together. Whether you’re planning a traditional holiday party, an employee appreciation event, or a kickoff for the new year, the right setting can turn an ordinary gathering into a meaningful experience.
Located just outside Columbus in Marysville, Ohio, Retreat 21 offers more than a place to meet. With flexible event spaces, advanced audiovisual technology, facilitated team-building experiences, fresh onsite catering and opportunities to connect over food and drinks, we bring the details together in one destination. With opportunities to add on onsite lodging and seasonal experiences, Retreat 21 makes it easy to extend your gathering beyond the meeting room.
Here are five ways to celebrate your team this season.
1. Host a Holiday Party That Feels Like a Special Occasion
Give your team a change of scenery with a celebration that feels different from the everyday. Instead of gathering in the office conference room, picture an inviting event space, dinner and drinks, music, and dedicated time to relax and socialize.
At Retreat 21, companies can choose an elevated celebration in the Main Venue or a more casual winter gathering at the Taphouse. Add seasonal cocktails, a champagne toast, or a s’mores bar to make the evening feel extra special.
For smaller teams, the Taphouse offers an all-inclusive holiday happy hour package with an event space, private open bar, tables and chairs, staff, music, and a team-bonding experience. It’s a simple way to bring everyone together without coordinating multiple vendors.
Ideal for: Companies looking to celebrate the holidays, recognize their people, and give their team a well-deserved night out.
2. Show Your Appreciation With a Facilitated Team Experience
Employee appreciation can be more than a dinner or a gift card. Give your team an opportunity to relax, collaborate, and connect outside their usual routines.
At Retreat 21, team-building experiences are facilitated by our team, helping guide your group through activities designed to encourage communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. From trivia and murder mysteries to Amazing Race-inspired challenges, we help create an engaging experience tailored to your team’s goals.
Pair a facilitated activity with happy hour or dinner to balance structured team development with time to unwind and connect.
Ideal for: Recognizing employee contributions, strengthening team relationships, and investing in leadership development.
3. Celebrate a Successful Year With a Meaningful Gathering
Bring your team together to recognize milestones, share accomplishments, and celebrate a successful year.
An end-of-year gathering might include a brief awards presentation, remarks from leadership, or a look back at company highlights, followed by dinner, drinks, and time to connect.
Retreat 21 combines polished event spaces with advanced audiovisual technology that supports in-person presentations, hybrid meetings, and fully virtual participation. Whether your entire team is onsite or colleagues are joining remotely, you can keep everyone connected while creating room for meaningful conversation.
The key is balancing the structured portion of your gathering with time to celebrate. After all, the conversations that happen between presentations can be just as valuable as the presentations themselves.
Ideal for: Companies celebrating milestones, recognizing outstanding work, or bringing employees together to close out the year.
4. Thank Clients and Business Partners With a Personal Gathering
The end of the year is also an opportunity to recognize the clients, vendors, and business partners who contribute to your success.
Instead of a business lunch, consider a cocktail reception, private dinner, or wine and cider tasting. Retreat 21’s onsite winery and cidery experiences provide a distinctive backdrop for relaxed networking and meaningful conversation.
For smaller groups, the Taphouse offers a casual setting for private gatherings, while the main Venue provides a more elevated atmosphere for polished corporate events.
A thoughtfully planned gathering gives guests room to connect beyond the usual meeting agenda, strengthening relationships in a setting that feels welcoming and intentional.
Ideal for: Client appreciation, vendor gatherings, and building stronger business relationships.
5. Kick Off the New Year With a Winter Team Retreat
December isn’t the only time to celebrate your team. If the holiday season is already packed with deadlines and commitments, January or February can be the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together.
Start the year with a winter happy hour, kickoff meeting, collaborative retreat, or afternoon of team building. Retreat 21 offers flexible meeting packages that can include audiovisual equipment, meeting setup, supplies, beverages, and snacks, helping simplify planning so you can focus on your team’s goals.
Between sessions, take advantage of vineyard views, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage a change of perspective. Add facilitated team activities, a networking happy hour, or dinner to give your group opportunities to connect beyond the agenda.
For a more immersive experience, onsite lodging makes it possible to extend the day with team activities, dinner, and fireside drinks and s’mores, all without traveling between locations.
Ideal for: New-year kickoffs, leadership retreats, and teams looking to build momentum for the months ahead.
More Than a Meeting Space
Every team has different goals, group sizes, and ideas for what makes a gathering successful. Retreat 21 brings the key elements together to make planning easier and the experience more meaningful.
- Advanced AV and virtual capabilities: Seamlessly support in-person presentations, hybrid meetings, and fully virtual participation.
- Facilitated team building and leadership development: Our team leads your group through engaging experiences designed to encourage collaboration and connection.
- Happy hour and networking packages: Create opportunities for relaxed connection with onsite winery and cidery experiences.
- All-inclusive meeting packages: Streamline planning with AV, meeting setup, supplies, beverages, and snacks.
- A natural work environment: Step outside the city for outdoor patios, vineyard views, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage productive gatherings.
From a focused meeting to an all-day retreat or an evening celebration, bring work, hospitality, and team connection together in one location.
Plan Your Next Corporate Gathering at Retreat 21
Great work happens in meetings. Great teams are built between them. Make room for both with a corporate experience that balances productivity with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and recharge.
Whether you’re planning a December holiday party, an employee appreciation event, or a January or February kickoff, Retreat 21 offers a setting and experience tailored to your team.
Ready to start planning?
Explore our corporate event and holiday party options and submit an inquiry to start planning your next gathering.
