The rise of the corporate festival correlates perfectly with our increasingly global society. With the increase in remote roles, around the globe, the need for real life connection gets serious…
So, corporate events have evolved with the times. From the humble office Christmas party with staff secret Santa, came immersive team building events with focus on staff wellbeing.
We’re at a point in time now where corporate events are meticulously planned, inclusive, multilayered, immersive productions. Often festivals are the perfect container to tick all the boxes needed, and they are fun to work on.
We are honoured to create more and more festivals for businesses.
Yu life were one company who really aced the corporate festival brief- and no wonder- they are the world’s first lifestyle insurance company and at the forefront of staff wellbeing.
Alongside insurance they also offer an app for bettering mental and physical wellbeing. This gamifies looking after yourself with wellbeing challenges such as meditations, walks, and mindfulness practices with rewards.
As a remote company with employees all over the world, real life events are important for bringing everyone together. For the last two years they have been holding a ‘festival of Yu’ for all staff across the globe. Since, they’ve noticed big differences in their team…
Why did you choose a corporate festival over other types of corporate events?
A physical meet up was a must to create meaningful connection for our remote team and give them some common ground.
The Yu Life brand has always had nature at the forefront. With many reports into the beneficial effects of nature on mental health showing a link to simply looking at pictures of nature or thinking about nature benefitting wellbeing, its always been important to Yu Life to incorporate nature into the brand.
We created the ‘Yuniverse’ which is separated into: Forest, Ocean, Desert, Mountains.
Our headquarters are divided up in this way, and our wellness app challenges take you through these different ‘levels’ too.
We were thinking about a physical meet up which was long enough to create real opportunities for our global staff to get to know each other, which was fun and also incorporated nature in a meaningful way.
A festival seemed perfect. Being built outside surrounded by nature with so many opportunities for connecting with nature and with each other, and different spaces and types of events which would suit everyone in the large team.
How did you incorporate nature into your festival design?
We had breakout ‘rooms’ which were utilised in many ways over the weekend. They were created with smaller tents connected to the larger marquee structure. Each of these spaces were themed as the ‘Yuniverse’: Forest, Ocean, Desert, Mountains.
We also planned loads of nature based workshops and activities and opportunities to connect with nature.
What activities, workshops and entertainment did you hold?
I’m so proud of the incredible variety of experiences we were able to share with our guests. From laughter yoga, calming meditation, and soothing sound baths to creative workshops like tie-dye T-shirts and natural coffee tasting, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Our cooking classes were a real highlight, bringing people together to learn, laugh, and try new recipes. The energy carried through the days with sports activities, quizzes, and a wonderful children’s entertainer. At night, the atmosphere transformed with live music, dancing, and even karaoke backed by a live band. For those who wanted a quieter pace, our break-out tents provided peaceful sessions.
How did you plan a corporate festival that worked for such a large group of people?
We have 231 employees spread all over the globe so we put a lot of work into our corporate events to make sure they cater to everyone.
It’s really important to consider the differences when planning a large corporate event. Try not to appeal just to the extroverts for example! Everything we planned was very flexible. There were always options of quieter spaces and movie nights as well as louder entertainment spaces.
It sounds like a lot of time and effort goes into planning your staff events!
Yes we hold two corporate events a year. Our winter party (Yuletide) which is a bit smaller, and our summer festival (Festival of Yu) which is a huge company wide event. Staff fly out to join in!
Once our Yuletide event is finished we tend to start planning Festival of Yu almost straight away.
What was your vision for the festival?
We always have a really strong vision for our corporate festivals. Arabian Tents brought it to life exactly as we had imagined. The space was perfectly created with the main marquee/ conference space turning into a stage and dance area at night. All the smaller marquees / break out rooms used for lots of different events and quiet spaces in the evenings.
How did the break out rooms work?
They were incredible! Each perfectly themed to represent forest, ocean, desert and mountains. They were used in lots of ways and were a big part of our ‘un-conference’ where topics of talk were left for staff to decide and everyone went off in different groups into forest, desert, ocean or mountain break out spaces and planned their talks. It was a real highlight!
They were also the perfect quiet zones in the evenings for people who didn’t want to be in the entertainment space.
Do you think your corporate events affect staff afterwards?
For sure. Everyone looks forward to the corporate festival in particular. There’s a real buzz beforehand with excitement building, it really helps everyone get to know each other in a short space of time. For some of our international employees it will be the first time meeting everyone in real life – it makes such a difference. It’s definitely good for mental and physical wellbeing of the team and gives some good time for reflection on the company, great learning opportunities on the business strategy and goals. It really aligns everyone in the mission.
What are your top tips to keep staff happy?
Ensure you are giving opportunities for them to take time for themselves.
Promote wellbeing- connection with nature and meditation and mindfulness practices.
Have you noticed a shift in corporate wellbeing in recent years?
Yes, since covid mental health has been noticed and thought about a lot more which is great. There’s more focus on staff wellbeing and more resources put into this areaI think.
Will you continue your corporate festival?
Absolutely, we can’t wait to start planning the next.
Thinking about your next corporate event?
If you’re in charge of planning corporate events and feel you could take things up a notch with a festival. Feel free to get in touch with us. We love a challenge, especially when it comes to pushing the boundaries of corporate event design.
