1
Magazine · Corporate & team events

Planning team events: ideas, formats & checklist for companies

EventButler editorial team · Updated October 2026 · 32 min read

A good team event is more than shared entertainment: it creates encounters outside the everyday work routine, strengthens relationships and can specifically foster collaboration. This guide helps you choose a suitable format for your team in Switzerland and plan the occasion realistically.

The key points at a glance
The goal and team profile determine the format – not the current trend
Active, creative, culinary and social formats combine well
Clarify budget, accessibility, inclusion and a bad-weather option early on

Which team event suits the team?

Start with the effect you want to achieve: should a newly formed team get to know each other, is it about appreciation, a project conclusion, or collaboration across departments? Only then should you choose the activity and location.

Take into account group size, mobility, languages, interests and possible limitations. A format works well when as many people as possible can take part without individuals feeling performance or group pressure. Voluntary alternatives and transparent information create a sense of security.

Team event ideas for companies

These format groups cover different goals, group sizes and activity levels. Many can be combined with an apéro, a meal or a workshop.

No.
Name
Location
01Aktiv & abenteuerlichIndoor oder outdoor
02Kreativ & spielerischWetterunabhängig
03Kulinarisch & genussvollSchweizweit
04Natur & WasserOutdoor
05Teambuilding mit LernzielModeriert
06Sozial & sinnstiftendJe nach Projekt
01Indoor oder outdoor

Aktiv & abenteuerlich

Team challenges, climbing, water sports or orienteering games bring movement into the day. Pay attention to different fitness levels, safety requirements and an equivalent alternative.

02Wetterunabhängig

Kreativ & spielerisch

Collaborative creation, music, improvisation or escape formats encourage communication without putting athletic performance at the centre. They are particularly suitable for mixed teams.

03Schweizweit

Kulinarisch & genussvoll

Cooking classes, tastings and culinary tours combine activity with a shared meal. Dietary requirements, allergies and alcohol-free options should already be specified when making the enquiry.

04Outdoor

Natur & Wasser

Hikes, lake experiences or activities in the mountains create distance from everyday work life. Plan travel, equipment, weather windows and retreat options particularly carefully.

05Moderiert

Teambuilding mit Lernziel

In targeted team building, exercises are combined with a moderated evaluation. This makes sense when roles, communication or collaboration are to be deliberately developed further.

06Je nach Projekt

Sozial & sinnstiftend

Charitable efforts or sustainable projects can create a sense of connection. What matters is a credible partnership, a genuine need and a task that suits the group.

Planning budget and organisation realistically

In addition to the overall budget, set a guideline amount per person. Don't just account for the activity: depending on the occasion, there's also the venue, catering, drinks, transfers, facilitation, materials, technology, insurance and a reserve to consider.

Compare offers on the same basis and clarify the minimum number of participants, cancellation terms and what happens in case of bad weather. For large groups, several parallel stations are often a good idea. For teams from different regions, an easily accessible location can be more important than a spectacular activity.

Planning a team event step by step

With a clear process, expectations, costs and responsibilities can be aligned early on.

018–12 weeks beforehand

Define the goal and framework

Tip: A short internal survey helps with scheduling, dietary needs and accessibility.
026–10 weeks beforehand

Choose format and provider

Tip: Always compare included services and additional costs.
032–4 weeks beforehand

Communicate the details

Tip: Participants should know what to expect and what to bring.
041 week beforehand

Secure the schedule

Tip: A clear point of contact prevents uncertainty on the day of the event.

Frequently asked questions

Find the right team event

Compare ideas and providers for small teams, large company outings and moderated team buildings throughout Switzerland.

Keep reading

All articles