Planners report that more and more event attendees look forward to unique outdoor activities such as morning poolside yoga, creative journaling, hikes and, of course, golf. Grant Miller Photography

Gone are the days when corporate meeting and event planners would simply install plain white tents for an outdoor event, then set up drab tables and chairs with little thought about the overall aesthetic and experience of an outdoor gathering. Today’s planners — and attendees — are not only looking at the overall design of an outdoor event, but they are also focusing on the unique elements that make al fresco experiences truly shine.

Kara Olsen, CMP, manager of shows and events at SalonCentric, believes there is a growing priority on employee well-being and work-life balance across all industries. As such, hosting corporate outdoor events offers a way for attendees to enjoy the beauty of their natural environs.

“Outdoor events offer a refreshing change of pace from traditional indoor settings and help boost morale and general excitement,” Olsen says. “Fresh air, natural light and scenic views can contribute to a more positive and engaging experience.”

SalonCentric recently hosted a retreat in Scottsdale, AZ, that featured many outdoor wellness moments and activities.

“As an industry that traditionally hosts business, events and shows indoors, we found very quickly that our attendees looked forward to attending the outdoor activities that included morning poolside yoga, creative journaling, succulent building, hikes, goat yoga and much more,” Olsen says. “By breaking up the indoor presentations with meal breaks and activities hosted outdoors, we found guests leaned into the presentations more, had sharper attention and networked more during the breaks.”

A Strategic Choice

“Outdoor events are no longer a niche — they’re a strategic choice,” says Justine Sterling Converse, founder & CEO of Brigade Events, who works with corporations on event planning. “Whether it’s a C-suite retreat or an incentive celebration, across industries, there’s a growing appetite for events that feel human, rooted in place and connected to a bigger mission.”

In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions, the opportunity to bring people together in fresh air — with room to breathe and think — is invaluable. There’s a growing awareness that environments deeply impact engagement and creativity.

“When done right, especially for high-stakes gatherings like summits or policy forums, outdoor events can unlock stronger collaboration and more meaningful connections among teams,” Sterling Converse says.

Brigade Events recently planned an outdoor corporate event at a stunning property in Hudson Valley, NY, welcoming a highly distinguished group of attendees. The Brigade Events team’s appetite for risk with outside elements was understandably low, so they collaborated with the venue to transform the open-air lobby — typically used as a curated arrival experience — as the primary gathering space for all programming and meals.

“With a cozy fireplace and sweeping views of the valley, it offered the perfect blend of shelter and atmosphere,” Sterling Converse says. “We also had a full rain contingency in place, and fortunately we did, as rain ultimately arrived. Thanks to this thoughtful approach and reimagined design that brought the outdoors in, our high-profile attendees were able to enjoy an event that felt fresh, relaxed and inspiring while engaging in conversations poised to change the world.”

Meanwhile, Olsen has found that a unique outdoor venue can be the star of an event. Thinking beyond traditional outdoor patios and rooftops, companies are leaning into vineyards, historic estates and wellness retreats. This fresh perspective on a unique venue allows attendees to embrace the outdoors differently while appreciating the comforts of a well-organized meeting or event.

“If you are planning an outdoor event, start with a venue that will set the tone and story you want to tell,” Olsen says. “Additionally, a focus on sustainability and incorporating sustainable practices throughout the event not only benefits the environment, but also resonates with the increasingly environmentally conscious attendees.”

Sterling Converse adds that the most powerful outdoor events are the ones that feel both intentional and immersive. That starts with integrating the natural landscape into the attendee experience — allowing the terrain, climate and surroundings to shape everything, including the flow of the agenda, the style of the menu, the layout of the walkways and even the temperature control solutions.

“At the same time, these experiences must be executed with indoor-level precision. Power, security, access and acoustics can’t be afterthoughts. They’re foundational,” Sterling Converse says. “Only when those logistical elements are flawlessly managed can attendees fully relax and engage in the experience. That’s where story-driven design comes in. When every detail is anchored in a central mission or message, woven through the signage, seating, programming and conversation prompts, it elevates the event from memorable to meaningful. Attendees may not remember every visual, but they’ll remember how it made them feel.”

Focus on Wellness and Engagement

Aleah Valley, co-founder of Valley & Co. Events, has seen a steady rise in outdoor corporate gatherings, as teams crave more personal, wellness-focused and engaging environments. Nature inherently invites connection and presence — two things today’s companies are striving to foster.

“Corporate brands are recognizing that offsite experiences can be more than just a perk. They’re a strategic investment in culture and retention. Outdoor formats also offer more flexibility, which is key when planning across departments or accommodating hybrid teams,” Valley says.

Valley & Co. Events recently produced a multiday corporate summit in Montana that assembled leadership teams for strategy sessions, wellness experiences and evening celebrations under the stars. Nestled at the base of the mountains, the event team leaned into the natural beauty of the landscape with open-air lounges, cozy fire-pit vignettes and a candlelit dinner beneath a canopy of twinkle lights. Branded trail mix bars, custom welcome kits and sunrise yoga helped balance productivity with restoration, leaving attendees inspired and reenergized.

Another favorite corporate gathering that Valley & Co. Events planned was a fall fête in New York’s Hudson Valley, where they created an al fresco experience that reflected the richness of the season — a fusion of Nordic architecture was balanced by a glass tent, farm-fresh cuisine, warm wood tables overflowing with florals and a showstopping cheese, charcuterie and fruit spread that doubled as art.

“Candlelight and theatrical lighting in the forest details gave the event a distinct sense of place and purpose, reinforcing the client’s commitment to thoughtful, high-touch experiences,” Valley says.

Natalie Glasgow, EMEA, managing director at Your Event Solutions (YES), says there is potentially more freedom for experiential activations at outdoor events — where you have more space to play, access can be easier, but you have to offset with things like generators, power, parking and floor covers in some instances.

“Whether experiential activations be food trucks or a large discovery for attendees to engage with, the blessing of space allows you to create different zones — catering to different tastes and preferences within your audience — and open up the flow of the event and opportunities for engagement and memorable experiences,” Glasgow says.

YES recently hosted an unforgettable corporate program at Montage Big Sky in Montana, where the breathtaking outdoors truly stole the show. Upon arrival, each attendee was welcomed with a thoughtfully curated backpack filled with local snacks, a branded Hydro Flask, a cozy pullover sweater and a portable phone charger — perfect for the adventures ahead. The weekend kicked off with an outdoor mountain reception featuring cozy s’mores fire pits, live music from local Bozeman artist Sterling Drake (whose songs were featured in the latest season of Yellowstone) and a hands-on leather gifting experience offering cowboy boots, hats and tote bags. In addition, an artist beautifully captured the essence of the weekend in a one-of-a-kind painting.

According to Krista Emmons, senior director of U.S. service delivery at YES, attendees spent the next day exploring the wonders of Yellowstone on a group tour, followed by an après glow party back at Montage. The evening blended relaxed fun with a private concert by former Sugarland guitarist Thad Beaty and Montana singer Amanda Stewart. There were also golf simulators, virtual games and elevated bar fare, providing the perfect finish to a day of adventure.

“Day three combined a morning business meeting with a full afternoon of personalized activities, allowing attendees to choose between horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, golfing, spa treatments or a leisurely day at the resort,” Emmons says. “A mid-afternoon happy hour set the tone for the final night: an indoor/outdoor farewell dinner complete with a Birds of Prey experience, a local Bozeman Spirits Distillery tasting and a raffle for the live painting created during the welcome reception. The weekend concluded with fond farewells and departures on day four, leaving attendees with incredible memories of Big Sky’s unmatched beauty and hospitality.”

Making Outdoor Events Memorable

Even the most creatively planned outdoor event is susceptible to potential setbacks, such as rain. That’s why it’s vital that corporate event planners create clear, solid contingency plans by working with the venue and vendors for all scenarios.

As Olsen points out, a sudden change of plans doesn’t have to “dampen” the experience. An example would be to prepare for creative use of unused venue space in the event that weather moves portions of the program indoors.

“A bell closet could become a registration hub, a lobby can become a Zen lounge, unused rooms can become smaller pop-up coffee stations, bars and activations, [and] a gym can become a group fitness class,” Olsen says.

Sensory immersion is also key for creating impressive outdoor events. “From thoughtful lighting and layered textures to curated soundscapes and culinary details that reflect the region, the most memorable outdoor events engage all five senses,” Valley says. “We also find that a strong narrative, anchoring the event in a theme or company milestone, helps attendees connect emotionally to the experience. Also, comfort matters. Cozy throws, shade and intentional seating layouts can make the difference between a gathering that feels special and one that feels like a logistical afterthought. Guided … experiences like forest baths, nature walks or even a warm … welcome by greeters can help attendees feel at home.”

Valley adds that it is important to let the setting guide the outdoor event design. That means using natural elements to enhance, not compete with, the space.

“Build in moments of surprise and delight, like a sunset toast, a surprise musical guest or a late-night s’mores cart, depending on the atmosphere and audience,” Valley says. “Prioritize attendee comfort. Think layers, shade and weather contingencies.”

Also, try not to overcomplicate the event. Outdoor events shine when they feel effortless and organic.

“Assume that ‘rustic’ means less refined. Elevated touches go a long way, even in the woods,” Valley says. “And don’t neglect sound. Wind, distance and nature can be challenging, so thoughtful AV planning is essential. The most successful outdoor events don’t just take place in nature — they’re inspired by it. We see every event as an opportunity to tell a story. When that story is aligned with a company’s values and vision, it becomes a powerful tool for connection, alignment and growth.”

As the founder and owner of Mary O’Connor and Company, Mary O’Connor leads a team that delivers a full suite of event management services. During site visits, O’Connor and her team help corporate clients reimagine program agendas with immersive, wellness-forward programming that taps into the energy of the outdoors and transforms a space.

“With the right décor, furniture and flow, open-air events feel more dynamic. We find that younger attendees, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are asking for outdoor events by name,” O’Connor says.

Mary O’Connor and Company once turned a corporate event into a full-on tailgate takeover. Picture a Jumbotron streaming Monday Night Football, giant beer pong, a pickup truck bed bar and AstroTurf furniture. Attendees got custom team jerseys, and even the band dressed the part. It was sports-meets-spectacle from end zone to end zone, to match the client’s “Playing to Win” theme for the corporate meeting. A photo booth was set up for attendees to snap pics in front of a large Sports Illustrated magazine cover, and the focal point of the event was an area with seating to mimic a sports bar. There were even referee-style black-and-white-striped linens and branded flag pennants for signage.

The great outdoors is a playground for the senses. That’s why O’Connor leans into a venue’s natural beauty with Instagram-worthy setups, visually appealing thematic décor, casual-chic seating, walkable F&B setups and interactive entertainment that fits the vibe.

“Our secret? Designing for all five senses — from savory bites and signature scents to mood-setting music and visual ‘wow’ factors,” O’Connor says. “When every sense is engaged, the experience sticks.” C&IT