Category: Teambuilding

Best-Selling Team Building Programs in Bangkok

Bangkok is an awesome destination for team building. It’s an aviation hub and the second busiest international airport in Asia after Singapore Changi. In 2019, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport handled over 65 million passengers. It’s ridiculously easy to fly to Bangkok from anywhere in the world making it a prime destination for global corporations to conduct MICE events.

Once there, the abundance of quality hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife outlets makes this city a memorable destination for corporate teams to mix business and pleasure.

Amazing Race Bangkok

As with all of our destinations, our unique and innovative version of The Amazing Race is our most popular team building program in Bangkok. The city’s busy and chaotic character makes the race even more memorable and it’s a perfect fit for the quirky activities we build in to our races. It’s so easy to travel around Bangkok by BTS SkyTrain, river boat, tuk-tuk or taxi and the race is a great way to get out and about, see the city, and experience its sights and sounds.

Showtime

This movie-production experience is a popular team building choice in Bangkok becuase it doesn’t require much space. Garden space within Bangkok hotels is in rather short supply and, often, meeting rooms are the only suitable event space onsite. Not to worry. Showtime can be conducted anywhere – even in the smallest of spaces. It’s also not physically demanding so offers a nice team building option to conduct in the late afternoon without tiring out participants before dinner. It also happens to be one of the funniest and most engaging team building programs that we offer. Clients say it’s the ‘best team building they’ve ever done!’

Shakers

Bangkok has a different feel to it than beachside destinations like Phuket. We often find that groups in Bangkok are more business-like while in Phuket, they’re more in holiday mode. This affects the choice of team building program that we might recommend. Shakers, our cocktail-making program, is classy and sophisticated. It’s well suited to a city destination and we’ve operated this program in some pretty fancy establishments. It’s still a fun and highly engaging option and works well with groups whose members don’t know each other very well. There’s plenty of time for chat and getting to know one another. A great choice for conservative groups or, if we add more alcohol, outgoing groups as well!

The Smallest Amazing Race Ever?

It was certainly the smallest race I’ve ever done. Eight people. Two teams of four. That was it.

We made it work though and, despite the small group size, the energy levels were high and all participants were committed and determined to win. I was warned beforehand that they were a competitive bunch and they certainly were – especially the Director of Sales!

The group consisted of senior leaders from one of Bangkok’s leading hotels. You’ve got to be competitive when you’re running one of Asia’s best hotels.

This indomitable spirit was on display throughout the morning and after 2.5 hours competing in some of our signature team building challenges around Bangkok, teams returned to the hotel for an insightful discussion about the need for creativity and innovation in the modern business world – something our Amazing Race focuses on. With such small groups, debriefs are more meaningful as each person can have their say.

A fabulous lunch next to the Chao Phraya river ended what was a lovely morning. Still in the midst of Covid-19, this was yet another socially-distanced team building adventure. I think we were all breathing a little harder than normal what with all the running around in N95 masks.

Best-Selling Team Building Programs in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a great destination for a corporate retreat. It’s a cultural and historical hotspot and is quite different from the rest of Thailand. For this reason, MICE groups enjoy the change and it’s becoming more and more popular as a premier MICE destination.

The two main MICE hotels are Le Meridien and Shangri La, both of which are located right in the heart of the city. While Chiang Mai is slightly more difficult to fly to than Phuket and Bangkok, the airport is literally right next to the city centre so, upon landing, you’ll be sitting around the pool in no time at all.

Amazing Race Chiang Mai

My company has operated amazing race-style programs in pretty much every city and major island in the country. Yet, the Amazing Race Chiang Mai remains my personal favourite. The awesome historical sites around the city make this a race to remember. The city’s unique culture also adds a special element to our races here. When combined with our signature humour and unique team challenges, the Amazing Race Chiang Mai remains our top recommendation when visiting this city for your next MICE adventure.

Showtime

Another personal favourite of mine, Showtime works really well in city destinations such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok as it doesn’t require much outdoor space. As you can imagine, city hotels generally don’t have huge gardens so it can sometimes be tricky arranging an on-site outdoor program, especially for a large group. With Showtime, we can easily squeeze into the limited gardens of Le Meridien and Shangri La. As for the program itself, Showtime requires that you bring a sense of humour. It’s absolutely hilarious.

Shakers

Another great option for hotels with limited outdoor space, Shakers is a high-end, classy program in which participants learn about cocktail making and mixology and are challenged to create their own drinks. It’s non-physical and is well suited to a late afternoon program. It’s informal and, since everyone is together, offers wonderful networking opportunities. We often recommend it to groups whose members don’t know each other particularly well. For example, a group of sales partners. Have a few drinks with us then head to your group dinner in a good mood and with new friends.

To learn more about our team building programs in Chiang Mai, request a team building menu.

Challenging Times for the Team Building Industry

When COVID-19 hit us back in early 2020, the MICE industry here in Thailand and around the world took a massive hit. Corporate groups immediately stopped travelling and conducting events. As we begin 2022, not much has changed.

Many team building companies in Thailand, including my own, have been severely affected. At the higher end of the market, my clients are primarily companies from Singapore and Hong Kong. The industry fell off a cliff overnight and I’ve been spending my time since then getting fat. I’ve done quite well at it actually.

Many team building companies have tried to shift to online team building. You know the sort of thing – quizzes, escape the room challenges, photo sharing and the like.

So, is it worth it? Is online team building a viable option?

In my opinion, no. There, I said it. I’ll give you my reasons.

Zoom fatigue

After two years of working from home, the last thing people want to do is to have virtual games as well. We’re all fed up of looking at a screen. One of the main benefits of a team building day is that it’s off-site. It gets you away from the office and out into the fresh air for a lighthearted day of bonding with your colleagues. Who wants to sit at the same well worn desk chair in the name of fun? Since it’s not an off-site experience, you’re already at a disadvantage.

Low Energy Levels

As a team building facilitator, one of my jobs on event day is to keep the energy and engagement levels high. Positive energy is infectious and the banter between my guests and I helps to build these energy peaks. It’s just not possible to do this when everyone is sat at their desks trying to resist the urge to show off their cat.

Poor Bonding

Team bonding occurs when individuals are sharing interactive and enjoyable experiences. Things suddenly happen that make us laugh. We see something that raises an eyebrow. We discuss scenarios, share ideas and come up with solutions. These memories stay with us long after the event finishes. If we’re not all together in the same place sharing the experience and engaging in the ad hoc conversations that take place, the fundamental point of team building (bonding) is lost. It is simply less memorable. Quite frankly, it’s a little boring if we’re all waiting for our turn to speak.

If There’s No Other Option, Why Not?

When clients have asked me to conduct an online team building program for them I have always said no and explained my reasons. If I can’t do something properly, I’d rather not do it at all, I say. I’m not comfortable charging people money for something that I am not happy with myself.

There will be some situations in which this type of team building might be somewhat acceptable. For example, a small group of tightly-knit colleagues may appreciate the opportunity to have a little online fun after not having seen each other for some time.

However, for any group larger than ten or for groups that do not know each other particularly well, I simply don’t feel it would be engaging or stimulating enough to call it a team building program. An ‘online get together’ or ‘a bit of face time’ maybe.

That’s why I’ve decided to stay away from it. I’ll be patient and wait for the world to get back to some form of normality. Like James Bond, traditional team building will return. Until then I’ll just have to buy some bigger jeans.

My Personal Brand of Team Building

Team building is a serious business. It’s not just silly games with balloons. I work with CEOs and leaders from some of the world’s largest organisations. Their expectations are high and my team and I deliver high-end, professionally-facilitated programs to match their aspirations.

I want leaders to be more energetic, dynamic and inspirational. I therefore design my programs around the concept of ‘serious fun’.

Read more about booking a team building program

The activities I set are intellectually challenging yet require a real sense of humour. I believe that a sense of humour and a desire to have fun are two of the most critical parts of the leadership puzzle. Sadly, these traits are often missing from our leaders. It is my intention, through my training, to further encourage these behaviours and use them as building blocks for business performance.

A key feature of my team building programs is the opportunity for new leaders to shine. It’s incredibly useful for managers and department heads to see their teammates assume leadership responsibilities outside of the work environment. They are often surprised by what people can do when given a chance.

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Focused on Facilitated Team Building

Our sole focus is team building and team bonding (what’s the difference?). It’s what we do best. We’ve been doing it a long time and know how important it is to deliver event management that you can count on. We therefore offer a specialised team building service that caters well to the training and development needs of regional MICE groups.

We are not a destination management company and do not offer any ancillary MICE services such as hotel reservations, airport transfers, or conference management. We leave this to others who are better at it than us. This means we’re focused and committed to your team building program.

In addition, we do not organise leisure tours such as white water rafting, zip lining, or sightseeing excursions. We’d recommend using the services of a licenced tour agency for these types of activities.

Powered by a Strong Team

I’ve been working with the same small team of co-facilitators for many years. We’re a well-oiled machine when it comes to event operations. We’re also great friends and I believe that this foundation of friendship and camaraderie is evident in our work.

As a team building facilitator and leadership coach, it is important that my own team follows my personal principles of effective teamwork; trust, clear communication and a sense of humour.

I believe that this personal approach to team building builds long-lasting relationships and keeps our guests returning year after year.

• Team building specialists
• 20 years of team building experience in Thailand
• Themed programs
• Experienced facilitators
• Professional debriefs and analyses
• Highly customisable programs
• Rapid response times
• Superb safety record
• Flexible and personal service

Destinations Across Thailand

We maintain three primary operating centres across the country. These are Phuket in the south, Bangkok in the central region, and Chiang Mai in the north. This means that wherever you choose to hold your next team building event, we’re right there with you.

We are intimately familiar with all of our destinations and are well placed to make recommendations and suggestions based on your chosen destination, selected hotel venue and team building goals.

Over the years we have developed strong relationships with many of Thailand’s leading hotels, DMCs and event management companies. You’ll find that the process is smooth and seamless.

Team Building Destinations in Thailand

I maintain three primary operating centres in Thailand. These are Phuket in the south, Bangkok in the central region, and Chiang Mai in the north. This means that wherever you choose to hold your next team building event, I’m right there with you.

I am intimately familiar with all of these destinations and am well placed to make recommendations and suggestions based on your chosen destination, selected hotel venue, and team building preferences. Over the years I have developed strong relationships with many of Thailand’s leading hotels and event management companies. You’ll find that the process is smooth and seamless.

How About Singapore and KL?

While not all of my team building programs are available internationally, I have a good selection that are well suited to travel. Get in touch to learn more.

Best-Selling Team Building Programs in Phuket

My team and I have been conducting team building and team bonding programs in Phuket since 2003. We’ve seen the industry change quite significantly in that time and, like most industries, a shift towards more digital and tech-focused activities has been apparent.

Even so, the ‘classics’ still remain very popular. And rightly so. While we’ve certainly added elements to these programs over the years, the underlying experience of the traditional programs remains intact. Here’s our three most popular team building programs in Phuket.

Amazing Race Phuket

I’m not even sure if the original TV show on which this program is based is still produced. It’s that old. To this day, it still continues to dominate our group bookings. We’ve been refining our version of the race for almost twenty years and our latest version continues to be a highly engaging and interactive challenge that keeps everyone involved from the very first minute.

Masterchef

Another famous TV show. Another memorable team experience. After a slight dip in bookings during the mid 2010s, we’ve seen cooking challenges rise in popularity once again towards the end of the decade. We’re happy about that because this is one of our personal favorites (except the post-event cleanup that is). Our Masterchef program is a highly challenging program that puts leadership skills to the test in a non physical environment.

Showtime

We love this one. It is hilariously funny and one of the most creative options out there. Movie production, acting, directing, script writing, filming….it’s all here. A fantastic option for hotels with limited outdoor space or for groups looking for something non-physical. Everybody has a role to play, whether they see themselves as the extroverted lead character or simply in a supporting role.

To learn more about our team building programs in Phuket, request a team building menu.

Same Same But Different

Team building is a form of experiential learning. That is, learning through experience. I like to refer to it as “learning through reflection on experience”. What I mean by this is that it is crucial to reflect upon and discuss the learning points which have been addressed by the activity. This crucial process is so often missing from team building programs but is vital to ensure learning retention.

Without this process of reflection, any activity is more correctly referred to as team bonding. This is no less important though and I fully believe that spending time together and having fun in an informal environment is a big part of successful team development and relationship building.

Most of my team development programs can be operated in either style. If you’re just looking for some fun and team interaction, that’s fine, I’ll lead it as a team bonding session. If you would like to include reflection and discussion on learning, I’ll lead it as a team building session.

Lost: Recommended Team Building Program in Khao Lak

A lot of hotels in Khao Lak have easy access to some of Thailand’s best beaches. And, even better, there’s not many people on them! Beach programs are therefore a popular choice here. It’s a great setting to escape from everything so our simulated survival experience, Lost, is a popular choice here for beachfront hotels. Enjoy the beach and ocean in a structured team challenge that tests participants in a variety of ways.

If several hours in the hot sun is not your thing, how about some refreshing cocktails around the pool? Ask about our cocktail-making challenge.

Read more about my personal brand of team building

Read more about booking a team building program

Khao Lak: Nearby Phuket but Worlds Away

About a 1.5 hour drive north from Phuket, Khao Lak is a quieter and more relaxed beach destination than Phuket. Don’t expect the busy nightlife or shopping options but you can certainly count on beautiful, quiet beaches and some outstanding resorts. Team building in Khao Lak includes all of our top programs and our Phuket operating centre is not far away.

Its quiet nature makes it a great location for MICE groups looking for something a bit more laid back where they can focus on their meetings and conferences and provide their delegates with stunning beachside dinners in the evening. It’s quiet, laid back and chilled. It’s all about shorts and t-shirts – not suits and ties.

Phuket International Airport is the closest gateway and this means that direct international flights are easy to arrange.

Surrounding the beach destination are plenty of national parks which offer a great half-day excursion for your group. While we would say that Khao Lak is a slightly more adventurous option than Phuket or Krabi, its wide range of quality accommodation and meeting venues make it a wonderful choice for a few days’ break, in between the serious stuff of course.

Masterchef: Recommended Team Building Program in Krabi

In most destinations, our Amazing Race is the most popular choice. For some reason, here in Krabi, it’s our cooking challenge, Masterchef. I don’t know why. It just is. It’s a traditional team building program that has been popular around the world for many years and this makes sense. A kitchen is a perfect example of the need for teamwork and delegation. This program really brings out the best in teams and provides a safe environment in which new leaders can shine, communication channels can be tested, and teamwork fundamentals put to the test. It’s a recommended option for newly-formed teams that perhaps don’t know each other that well as it allows team members to chat and build relationships.

Read more about my personal brand of team building

Read more about booking a team building program

Krabi: Popular with Malaysian MICE Groups

We find that Krabi is quieter and more chilled out than Phuket yet still offers some vibrant tourist/shopping/eating areas as well as excellent tours, excursions and leisure pursuits. Team building in Krabi is handled by our nearby operating centre in Phuket. It’s just a short drive away.

With an international airport bringing in plenty of international flights from around the region, access is easy. The airport has recently been expanded with a new terminal so Krabi looks set to get more and more popular. You’ll find plenty of excellent meeting venues here, all set within beautiful grounds with sea views.

There are large Muslim communities in and around Krabi and the area has proven to be popular with our Malaysian and Indonesian clients – perhaps because of the abundance of halal food here.

The surrounding scenery is outstanding with limestone cliffs and outcrops everywhere you look and some stunning beaches and islands across the province including the very famous Phi Phi Islands.

There’s plenty to do and plenty to see so it has become a great choice for groups that have already experienced the more popular MICE destinations in Thailand and are now looking for something a bit different that still offers a stimulating environment.

Amazing Race: Recommended Team Building Program in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a perfect destination for an Amazing Race. The city is compact so there’s plenty of places to visit without the need to travel too far. Plus, these sights are really worth visiting. Wat Chedi Luang is a fabulous temple that is unlike anything else in Thailand. Chiang Mai’s ancient and unique Lanna culture is very different from the rest of Thailand and makes it one of the best destinations in Thailand for this type of explorative adventure. When combined with our signature sense of humour and innovative team challenges, our Amazing Race Chiang Mai is a real crowd-pleaser.

Don’t have time to explore the city? How about movie production or cocktail making instead?

Read more about my personal brand of team building

Read more about booking a team building program

Chiang Mai: A Cultural and Historical Hotspot

Chiang Mai has developed over the years from an ‘alternative’ MICE destination that attracted only the more intrepid groups into a thriving MICE hub and one of five key cities in Thailand being promoted for corporate meetings and incentives, including team building. Our team building in Chiang mai forms part of the city’s ongoing development into a major MICE destination.

With the increase in direct flights to Chiang Mai Airport, corporate groups have fallen in love with this northern city as it offers culture and surroundings vastly different from anywhere else in Thailand. It is a stunningly beautiful part of the country and is now one of the first choices for MICE groups looking for a unique destination. Our team building programs in Chiang Mai are often designed to incorporate some of this region’s unique character.

Luxurious, branded hotels offer premium accommodation and venues for MICE events. In addition, purpose-built convention and exhibition centres offer venues for even the largest groups.

With hundreds of MICE events and many thousands of delegates being welcomed each year, Chiang Mai is now an industry favourite. Its warm hospitality, unique culture, and top venues will keep Chiang Mai as a favoured MICE destination for many years to come.

Amazing Race: Recommended Team Building Program in Bangkok

Our best-selling program in Bangkok is a unique twist on the well-known Amazing Race. The concept will be familiar – teams compete in a challenge-based race around Bangkok. However, our version is an innovative blend of missions that are focused on creativity and idea sharing. Our signature sense of humour combined with a range of intellectual challenges makes this race unlike anything teams have participated in before.

If you fancy an indoor program instead, ask about our movie production experience. A classy program for high-end business teams.

Read more about my personal brand of team building

Read more about booking a team building program

Bangkok: Loud and Busy. But We Love It.

Bangkok really needs no introduction. It’s known around the world as an exotic, fun, adventurous city with a real buzz. It’s our favourite city on Earth. Our team building in Bangkok is just as fun and adventurous.

Getting here from anywhere in Asia is ridiculously easy and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options with all the major international hotel groups you would expect.

A major MICE destination within Thailand and Asia, you’ll find professional service at every stage of the process. As city locations go, it doesn’t get much better than this. Fabulous meeting venues, superb accommodation, plenty of available excursions, some of the best restaurants in the world, and exciting nightlife. Oh, and some great team building options as well…

Outdoor space in Bangkok can sometimes be an issue. So our indoor team building options are a great fit for conference rooms.

A lot of our work in Bangkok is more formal and it’s not unusual for participants to attend in their best Gucci suits. It’s often the case that our clients in Bangkok are there for formal meetings and conventions rather than for the incentive trips that tend to be more popular in places like Phuket. We’ve therefore designed some high end and sophisticated team building programs to match.

Easy arrivals/departures and easy transportation options around the city make Bangkok a top choice for MICE groups looking for a city destination for their next meeting, conference or incentive.