How to organize a back-to-school meeting? Our practical advice
Written by Julia
May 09. 2025
Why organize a back-to-school meeting?
The back-to-school meeting is often a delicate moment: it's the start of the new year, the summer vacations are over, and it's time to get back into the daily routine. The purpose of a back-to-school meeting is toinform the team about upcoming priorities, projects, possible changes and the company's major orientations. It's also the perfect opportunity for a fresh start .
This is a crucial moment for restoring positive momentum to your teams. During this meeting, you can discuss a variety of topics, such as new objectives,strategy adjustments or strengthening communication between team members. The most important thing is to ensure that each participant feels involved and ready to contribute!
When we say "meeting", we mean a moment outside the usual framework, outside the company, why not as part of a seminar? as part of a seminar. It's good timing for boosting teams and giving them a renewed desire to get involved in a positive, stimulatingenvironment, for managers and employees alike.
Here's how to turn this moment into a real bubble of air for your employees!
Ingredients for a successful back-to-school meeting
To make your event a success, choose an inspiring venue where your teams will feel at ease and at peace. Take advantage of the opportunity to bond and strengthen group cohesion. This can take the form of convivial moments around a brazier or even sporting activities. The venue must be able to accommodate these informal moments and offer a pleasant setting for all your employees.
For example, a welcome coffee or a closing aperitif can make all the difference. These little touches show your teams that their well-being is taken into account. As far as entertainment is concerned, think of a speaker or games that energize and make people laugh. The duration of the event should be kept to a reasonable minimum, and you should leave plenty of free time for your staff to enjoy the outdoors. Even short moments of relaxation can be a source of creativity and exchange.
A back-to-school seminar with a convivial evening, on-site accommodation, good food and a setting that makes you want to come back. The idea is to get away from the daily grind and offer a real moment of escape and renewed energy. It would be ideal!
Here are our 5 tips for organizing an effective back-to-school meeting:
1. Choose an inspiring place that's a change from the office
2. Get everyone involved
3. Leave some free time in the program
4. Think comfort
5. Plan a memorable ending
Discover our tips for a successful back-to-school meeting
1. Choose an inspiring place that's a change from the office
Offer your teams a natural and exoticsetting. A change of scenery from one day to the next means a change ofmindset. A meeting room by a lake or a sunny terrace on the side of a hill? This change of environment also helps to break the routine and enables your staff to focus on the essentials. What's more, a pleasant setting stimulates creativity and collaboration.
Take advantage of this day to bring everyone together and break down hierarchical codes. Offer a convivial and inclusive moment that brings your teams together. Involve everyone in the discussion, and make sure that everyone can share their ideas and feelings. You can also take advantage of this moment to carry out small ice-breaking activities or a team-buildingto strengthen team spirit and get to know each other better.
3. Leave some free time in the program
Not everything has to be planned down to the minute. Off" times allow teams to breathe, chat and enjoy the surroundings. And that's just as well! That's what our Slow Villageleisure facilities are there for. A little free time also allows employees to recharge their batteries and forge more informal relationships. Free time for a walk or just relaxing can be just as beneficial as a workshop.
4. Think comfort
A successful meeting is also a question of comfort: a bright, well-equippedmeeting room, comfortable accommodation, good local cuisine andspace to recharge your batteries. Offering your teams a pleasant, comfortablesetting shows that you care about their well-being. It also means providing quality catering, using local and seasonal produce, so that everyone can enjoy a well-deserved gourmet break. All these details count and leave a lasting impression. By thinking about every aspect of the stay, you create a positive experience that goes far beyond the simple business meeting.
5. Plan a memorable ending
End on a strong note:
A team photo
A collective toast
A distribution of goodies
The idea is to create an unfor gettable memory and leave with a smile. These small gestures show your teams that they are appreciated and that we care about their experience.
Slow Village, a place that's just like you
When you choose Slow Village, you're choosing a location in the heart of nature, close to major cities, perfect for giving your teams a real change of scenery without having to travel long distances.
Slow Village is a nature hotel group offering seminar rooms for up to 250 people. Wifi connection, meeting equipment, but also forest walks, evening braziers or breakfast on the terrace... everything is designed to combine efficiency and well-being.
In terms of commitment, some of our sites are European Ecolabel certified.
Hold your back-to-school meeting in a Slow Village
So, are you ready to turn your back-to-school meeting into a real team event?
To organize a successful corporate seminar, it's essential to take into account certain criteria that will guarantee an unforgettable event while strengthening team cohesion. Discover our locations close to nature, perfect for inspiring and energizing your employees.
A well-constructed quotation is one that gives you all the facts, clearly and transparently.
When you choose a venue or an event agency to organize your corporate event, a quote will be sent to you. Depending on what you want, it will include services tailored to your budget.
In addition to being a real moment of relaxation, company parties are the perfect opportunity to create memories with your colleagues, and to decompress after work.
Boost your staff's motivation and performance with a seminar in the heart of nature! At Slow Village, everything is in place to make your event a rejuvenating and effective experience.
Encourage mutual support, boost motivation and improve collective efficiency, while cultivating a pleasant working atmosphere.
Opt for original team-building at Slow Village.
The Île de Ré is a real little paradise, a natural and unspoilt place. Its authentic charm is revealed through its wild beaches, villages and numerous activities. It's an ideal destination for lovers of nature and well-being.
If you want to improve relations between your employees and encourage a healthy working environment, it's essential to organize company events from time to time.
