The Secret Perks of Booking Your Event Outside the City Limits

When you're first planning your event, you might start by looking at venues in your city. Zoom out just a little bit, though, and a whole new set of possibilities opens up. Booking your function outside city limits lets you enjoy a completely different atmosphere, gives your guests and participants a more memorable experience, and comes with plenty of other perks.

Here’s why heading out of town could be one of the best decisions you make for your event.

1. Being in Nature Improves Creativity

Colorado is known for its striking natural beauty. That means you have access to venues surrounded by mountains, forests, open skies and vast stretches of untouched land. Studies have shown that being surrounded by nature can improve creativity, making it ideal for brainstorming sessions, workshops, training seminars and more.

2. Better Engagement and Less Distractions

When you host a corporate or social event outside city limits, you make it easier for participants to stay focused on the agenda. Being away from offices, errands and familiar distractions removes the temptation to step out for other commitments during the day.

Since the event requires travel, your guests are more likely to stay present from start to finish. They may be less inclined to check out mentally or physically, which leads to better participation, stronger discussions and more meaningful outcomes.

3. Memorable Guest Experience

Booking a venue surrounded by nature instantly turns your event into an escape for everyone involved. It can be an excellent excuse for attendees to take a break from their daily routines and enjoy the mental health benefits of vacations, such as easing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

A natural setting also opens the door for memorable off-agenda experiences. Attendees can go hiking in the morning, soak in hot springs, enjoy a scenic drive or hit the slopes depending on the season. The combination of a unique location and opportunities for memorable experiences may help improve your brand’s reputation with employees, partners, customers and other attendees.

4. Bonding Opportunities

Attendees typically need to stay for a few days when an event is held outside the city. That extra time gives everyone a chance to have meaningful interaction and informal conversations that rarely happen at one-day city events.

Even if your gathering is not a team-building retreat, it still provides time for attendees to connect outside of scheduled sessions. These connections have a significant impact on employees' productivity, as around 32% of people who say they have a best friend at work report higher job satisfaction. Oftentimes, a corporate event in a relaxed, informal setting can break hierarchical barriers. Employees can connect with leadership more casually. This may foster better communication and collaboration in the workplace.

5. Better Value for Your Budget

You may get better value for your budget and a stronger return on investment by hosting a corporate event outside the city. Although you need to consider the logistics like transportation, lower venue costs, fewer add-on fees and a more engaging setting more than make up for it.

Places outside of city limits are generally more flexible, too. You can find longer booking windows and packages that include essentials like tables, chairs, simple decor or on-site coordination. Plus, many venues are more likely to offer exclusive use of the whole facility. As all the essentials are covered, you can direct your budget toward other things.

6. The Chance to Support Local Businesses

Another secret perk of booking your event outside the city is the chance to support local businesses deeply connected to the area. Mountain towns and rural communities typically rely on small, independent vendors who bring a lot of heart to what they do.

Try to work with local caterers, independent bakeries, production teams and photographers who know the landscape inside and out. They can help add authenticity and uniqueness to your function. Working with these small businesses also means your event contributes positively to the community hosting it, which feels good on every level.

How to Plan an Event Outside City Limits

There are a few extra details to think through when it comes to planning an event outside the city. However, with the proper preparation, it can run just as smoothly as a city-based function. Here are some things you need to consider during your planning process:

• Accessibility: When evaluating venues, make sure the location is accessible for vendors, staff and emergency vehicles. Also, consider how easy it will be for guests to reach the venue without unnecessary hassle or confusion.
• Permits and regulations: Since the venue is outside city limits, check with county or local township authorities about zoning, noise restrictions and any required safety or event permits.
• Hire vendors who know the area: Consider working with vendors who are familiar with the location. This can help you avoid high travel fees and support local businesses. If you want to use vendors you already work with, confirm early that they’re willing and able to travel.
• Guest communications: Inform guests of the venue’s location clearly and simply, including detailed driving directions and parking information. It’s also a great idea to advise on practical details, such as appropriate footwear if the event is held on grass.
• Plan well in advance: Events outside the city require more lead time, so plan early and avoid last-minute decisions.

Sometimes Going Off the Map Offers Better Experiences

Booking your venue outside city limits can help you create a unique experience for your employees, clients and anyone who attends your function. With Colorado’s natural beauty as your backdrop, your event can stay in guests’ minds long after they return home.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.