There is great variety in choosing a team building venue. Many venues benefit from acres of picturesque grounds, but just how functional are they?

Here are 6 important questions to ask when you book a team building venue:

1. How dense is the soil?
When you book a venue for team building you will often be required to sign the contract in advance of the actual team building day. It is therefore impossible to take the weather conditions into account when you decide on a venue. Find out if the grounds are likely to absorb water easily or whether you will run the risk of being faced with a muddy mess if it happened to rain the week before your event is due to take place.

2. How even is the surface?
If your event involves running, motorised sport or any activity where delegates have to get from point A to point B it is very important to make sure the area is clear of any pot holes to avoid accidents.

3. Can we be as loud as we like?
Different venues have different ways in dealing with noise levels and some events will naturally produce more noise than others. Although it is ultimately the venue’s responsibility to reduce or avoid noise when they accommodate corporate meetings and events, make sure the team building grounds they offer are at least a hundred metres from the main building to give you peace of mind.

4. What happens if we make a mess?
Ask the venue for detailed information about access points and to indicate the exact space that may be used for your event. Find out which areas you need to stay clear of and make sure your delegates are properly briefed at the start of the team event. Some venues will require a damage deposit which may be retained if there is any damage to the grounds, this could include damage to the grass, plants and echo system.

5. Where are the nearest facilities?
When your team building takes place away from the main building make sure you know where the nearest toilets and refreshment areas are located. No one wants to search for such facilities halfway through a team building event.

6. Where is our base?
Arrange to have a base from where your event can start and where it will come to an end. This will lend structure to the event and provide a space to find shelter if the weather conditions take a turn for the worse.

There is a lot to think about when you plan a team building event, and hopefully the above questions will help you consider some of the main requirements. Work closely with the venue and put yourself in the shoes of the delegates who will take part in the event and you should have it all covered.