1. Set the tone for the year
The beginning of the year provides the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the new year with a conference that will motivate and inspire for months to come.
We are often so caught up in the celebrations of Christmas and the Summer holiday period that we forget to acknowledge the start of what will undoubtedly be a new and exciting year.  Jumping back into the swing of things at work after a long summer break can be a struggle.  A conference or event in a beautiful setting not only boosts team morale but inspires the team for what lays ahead in 2018.
 2. Get everyone on the same page
Within a business, it’s not uncommon to find different departments or areas of the business working in silos.
Coming together to establish goals and strategies for the year ensures the team is on the same path and working efficiently.  Defining your strategic direction at the beginning of the year ensures all facets of the business are moving together in the same direction to achieve the organisation’s goals.
 3. Nurture work relationships
Establishing healthy work relationships with your team doesn’t require lots of effort and energy, however, it does require time.
In a busy work environment, it can be easy to forget to take the time to simply have a conversation with a colleague that’s not about work!
Getting together as a team at the beginning of the year not only allows everyone to catch up after the summer break, it gives team members a chance to spend valuable time with their colleagues before another busy year begins.
“The team took the time to bond and discuss personal aspects of our lives and careers and discuss how we can personally bring more ideas and creativity to the agency. A topic that we rarely find the luxury of spare time to do in the office.” – Dannika, Monday Agency (Delegate at Spicers Tamarind Retreat)
 4. Break monotonous routine
A conference should always have everyone involved feeling inspired, motivated and thinking creatively.
If a conference doesn’t achieve these things, then your team is missing out on the immense benefits that come from simply getting out of the office and into a new environment.
Planning for the year ahead is a big task and shouldn’t be done behind a desk or in an office!
“As an agency it was so beneficial to take time out of the office to workshop and strategise for our coming months. Taking 24 hours out of the office allowed the team to discuss our current projects without the distractions of the day to day office.” – Dannika, Monday Agency (Delegate at Spicers Tamarind Retreat)
 5. Establish direction and priorities efficiently
Without establishing direction and priorities, employees can often end up putting their best efforts and time into areas that have little to no effect on strategic success.
Taking the time at the beginning of the year to come together and strategise how the team will be moving forward is essential to success and efficiency.
“Focusing on forward planning and content creation which generally takes days if not a week in the office were completed in an afternoon.” –  Dannika, Monday Agency (Delegate at Spicers Tamarind Retreat)
