Combining state-of-the-art urban infrastructure, vibrant cultural life, out-of-the-ordinary activities and wide-open natural spaces, Laval is the destination of the hour to (re)connect with its employees.
In the age of telecommuting and video conferencing, which are here to stay, live interactions are more essential than ever. They not only allow you to forge concrete links with colleagues and employees, but also to create interpersonal connections that do not necessarily fit into an agenda. Because we must not underestimate the scope of impromptu exchanges, which are essential for keeping the corporate culture alive.
How to recreate this spontaneity? How do you get closer to your employees, even if they only spend one or two days a week in the office, and not always on the same schedule as their colleagues? business meetings extramural are an excellent solution, provided they are orchestrated according to the needs of individuals – and not just the objectives of the company. In a recent publication, What Companies Get Wrong About Talent Management, the Harvard Business Review points out that organizations must review their value proposition, especially in a context where attracting and retaining talent pose their share of challenges. This offer must ensure that employees can not only count on good working conditions, but that they can also find meaning in their work, forge interpersonal connections and, above all, flourish in the long term. .
An avenue to explore: business vacations
Despite the current inflationary environment, well-thought-out and well-articulated incentive trips are not only a strategic expense, but also an investment that will bear fruit in the future. Especially if the event combines periods of intense work, exciting activities conducive to team building (team building) and tailor-made moments of relaxation. It’s the key to success !
Americans use the portmanteau word bleisure – contraction of business and leisure – to describe a phenomenon that has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among millennials. The idea is to enhance a business trip by encouraging participants to extend their stay to enjoy it as they please. At a time when technology is blurring the lines between professional and personal life, these moments of planned drop-out, to which spouse and family can be invited, help to lower stress, stimulate creativity and strengthen commitment to the business.
Diversified activities, conducive to socialization
In addition to its ideal geographic location near major highways, Montreal and the Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport, Laval stands out as a destination in its own right due to the astonishing diversity of its offer, both urban , cultural and nature, which is particularly conducive to meetings and social interactions. Within a radius of just a few kilometres, it is possible to take part in a conference in one of the 30 meeting and convention venues, to attend a sporting event in a group at Place Bell, to treat yourself to an evening concert at the Salle André-Mathieu and to go shopping at CF Carrefour Laval. Event organizers can also satisfy thrill-seekers with crazy team-building activities, such as indoor surfing, rock climbing, or even a free-fall experience in a wind tunnel, which are offered at Centropolis, among others. Laval. Nothing like an adrenaline rush to boost the troops!
So much for the frosted side. But the Laval region is also distinguished by its natural setting conducive to relaxation and outdoor activities. On the program: canoeing and paddle boarding at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles during the summer months – Laval is an island, let’s not forget! – or activities and hikes all year round at the Center de la nature. And we do not forget the treatments and spa packages, always appreciated.
Finally, we cannot pass over the good Laval restaurants in silence. Among these, note the brasserie Chez Lionel and renowned restaurants such as Le Mitoyen, Les Enfants Terribles, Gatto Matto and the surprising Boating Club. For light meals, let’s mention the vegan cuisine restaurant LOV, Café Ricardo and, for fans of local beer, Les Insulaires Microbrasseurs. Epicureans will also be able to appreciate the agrotourism circuits, which will allow them to discover the wines, cheeses and products of the region. During the beautiful season, they can even visit farms and orchards to pick your own.
A renewed accommodation offer
Laval has an impressive hotel portfolio that can accommodate large-scale conventions or small meetings with the same professionalism. Among these are the Grand Hôtel Times, the Château Royal, Le Palace and the Sheraton Laval, which has recently undergone an impressive transformation and which has in fact been completely redesigned to meet the new realities of tourism. business. To discover: welcoming common areas bathed in light, a friendly bar and a unique restaurant concept that encourages impromptu encounters – even with locals.
As we can see, due to its diversified offer and its vast menu of convivial, classic or original experiences, the Laval region offers a wide range of possibilities to the organizers of corporate events. Everything is in place to plan a tailor-made motivational meeting conducive to exchanges and inspiring encounters.
As a regional tourism association, Tourisme Laval provides leadership in terms of welcoming and promoting attractions, contributes to the development of Laval as a destination and acts as a unifying agent for members and partners with a view to of sustainable development.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.
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