ticmilitary
steps.The impact is very signif- icant.”
For those who prefer terra firma for their outdoor events, The Desmond Hotel in Malvern offers its Sunset Grille deck, pic- nic grove or golf area. Corporate groups are welcome to host private receptions during the hotel’s two annual cigar din- ners, deck opening and closing parties,or occasional wine
tastings.The picnic grove often is booked for smaller cigar dinners, social functions, corporate barbecues, or in conjunction with team building chip- ping or putting contests.
General manager for The Desmond,Mike Chain, Jr, admits outdoor events can pres- ent some challenges. “For, example, we tented our front parking lot for a modest- sized meeting. At the last minute, atten- dance tripled and we had to immediately expand space. Another client held an annual corporate meeting inside and launched a trade showin outdoor tenting.
The event was being threatened by a snowstorm that day, but our staff quickly cleared the site and rented flooring for the tent. It was a smashing success. In fact,we have six concierges who help to ensure that every meeting, event or social func- tion is a triumph.”
Chain is most excited about the culinary team building programs at The Desmond, which are led by Executive Chef Chris
Calhoun.These events, built around food preparation, are designed to encourage creative thinking and establish a founda- tion for positive group dynamics and communication skills. Attendees are divided into teams and provided with ingredients and tools. Outdoor competi- tions feature barbecue, chili and mystery basket, similar to the Chopped program on the Food Network.
“These events are very interactive,” says Chain. “Contestants are judged by our staff, who explain why they are the win-
ners. The event itself is a winner, as well. The Desmond makes the experience unique through a combination of ingenu- ity and stunning settings overlooking a pond and dense woods.”
Creativity is afoot, too, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia-Valley Forge Hotel and Conference Center in King of Prussia, PA. Secluded on the side of the hotel is a patio space that accommodates 150 for cocktails or 75 for seated dinners.
“We have wedding receptions, corporate cocktail hours, and team building activi- ties on the patio,” remarks Jennifer Shipman, director of sales for the DoubleTree Philadelphia-Valley Forge. “There have been cook-offs featuring hamburger and pulled pork contests on our grill, and barbecue tailgating parties. The swimming pool also presents excel- lent options for team building. One company had teams construct sailboats from cardboard and duct tape. Then they
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