September is the month when most companies make their plans team building and fall kick-off: The choice of venue directly affects the success of the event and the team’s engagement, and it’s a decision worth making with the same care and attention as an event aimed at clients or the press.
Why September Is the Right Month for Corporate Team Building
After the summer break, returning to the office is the time when companies work to rebuild team cohesion with a Company Kickoff in Milan well-organized, before the calendar fills up with deadlines and projects. Doing this in September, rather than in January, also allows you to start the final quarter of the year with shared goals—a period when the workload tends to increase rapidly.
According to the latest data from the Observatory OICE by Federcongressi&eventi, unconventional spaces—those other than traditional meeting rooms—are the fastest-growing category of corporate venues in Italy, with an annual growth rate of +12.5% starting in 2022: a figure that confirms how much companies are seeking more informal and engaging alternatives to the classic meeting room for their team activities.
How to Choose a Location for a Team-Building Event or a Kick-Off
Three factors really make a difference when choosing the right space, and they should be considered even before looking at the price.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Spaces for Group Activities
Spaces with an outdoor area, such as the inner courtyard of the Villoresi Industrial Park, are well-suited for physical activities and icebreakers, which are useful for breaking the ice among colleagues who may be working remotely and only see each other in person a few times a year; a structured indoor setting, on the other hand, is preferable for more formal workshops and strategic sessions, where concentration and a good audio-visual system are needed.
Venue with break areas and catering
A team-building day often lasts eight hours: you’ll need a fully equipped break area and the ability to handle catering without interrupting the program. The Rooftop Events Corsica, with its spacious terrace and fully equipped kitchen, allows you to alternate between work and breaks while enjoying natural light all day long—a detail that has a greater impact on the team’s energy levels in the afternoon than you might think.
Distance from downtown Milan and transportation options for employees
A location that’s easy to reach—even by public transportation or organized shuttles—helps prevent team members from arriving late or having to skip the event: it’s worth checking this before setting the date, perhaps by also gauging the most common work schedules among participants to avoid conflicts with fixed school or family commitments.
4 Locations in Milan for Team Building and Kick-Off Events
The Il Moro Event Space, a former factory converted in the Navigli district, is specifically designed for group activities thanks to a modular loft equipped with integrated technology for projections and streaming—ideal for companies with offices in multiple cities that want to engage colleagues working remotely. The Villoresi Industrial Park It features a three-story courtyard with parking, ideal for alternating between outdoor and indoor activities without having to change buildings.
The Rooftop Events Corsica Instead, it features a large terrace for informal networking—the best choice when the main goal is socializing rather than structured work—while the Darwin Event Space, with its three interconnected spaces covering 1,000 square meters, is the best choice when you need to divide the team into parallel groups for different activities on the same day—for example, a strategic workshop in the morning and a more recreational activity in the afternoon.
A practical tip for companies with large teams
For teams of more than 50 people, it’s a good idea to check in advance not only the capacity of the main room but also the availability of secondary spaces for any small-group sessions: many modern team-building activities alternate between plenary sessions and work in small groups, and a single, undivided space can limit program options.
FAQ
How long does a corporate team-building event last, on average?
From half a day to a full day, depending on the number of planned activities and the size of the team.
Is indoor or outdoor team building better?
It depends on the objectives: outdoor activities promote physical teamwork, while indoor activities are better suited for workshops and strategic sessions.
How much does it cost to rent a venue for a company kick-off event in Milan?
The cost varies greatly depending on the location, duration, and services included (catering, equipment, staff): always request a customized quote based on the number of participants.
When is the best time of year to organize a team-building event in Milan?
September, right after the summer break, is one of the most popular times to get started because it allows people to begin working toward shared goals before their schedules fill up; January, after the holidays, is also a common time.
Do you need a different budget for a team-building event than for a traditional corporate event?
Not necessarily: the cost depends more on the venue and the services chosen than on the type of event. A team-building event with simple activities at an informal venue may cost less than a formal corporate event with elaborate setups.
Plan your fall team-building event or kick-off: Contact LocationMilano to find out which space best suits your group and the day's schedule.
