Planning a team away day is an excellent opportunity to bring colleagues together, spark creativity, and strengthen relationships. To ensure your event is both memorable and effective, follow these tips: 

1. Choose an inspiring venue

Selecting the right venue sets the tone for your day. Look for spaces that inspire collaboration and creativity, such as those with natural daylight, spacious layouts, and unique settings. Venues that provide substantial catering options are a must – good food leaves a lasting impression! 

2. Take time to plan a diverse agenda

A well-thought-out agenda ensures the day is engaging for everyone. 

Incorporate: 

• Key speakers: Invite inspiring voices to share insights. These don’t have to be external – look to inspiring people outside of your department but within the University of Leeds, such as our world-class academics. 

• Facilitators: Have someone guide discussions to spark new ideas. 

• Creative activities: Include tasks that challenge the team in new ways, from hands-on workshops to problem-solving games. 

Top tip – ask the University of Leeds Conferences and Events team if you need suppliers. We have lots of connections!  

3. Be intentional with team-building activities

Define your goals for the day – whether it’s strengthening communication, collaboration, or simply having fun. We can help you find cost-effective team-building activities, from larger experiences like an interactive scavenger hunt or Taskmaster-style challenges to smaller, focused workshops. 

There are also companies that create teamworking activities that unite your team in service while making a positive impact on communities in need. We’ve made a water filtration system blind folded that is now being used in Uganda to aid a community.   

4. Allow time for networking

Some of the best conversations happen during unstructured moments. Build in time  for casual networking. You could host a reception or even plan an informal outing to town after the main agenda. 

Best venues for a team away day 

At the University of Leeds, we offer a range of venues perfect for team away days: 

University House 

• Capacity for a team away day: Up to 80 people (please note we do have larger capacity but would recommend no more than 80 for a team away day if you wished to be in one room) 
• Features: Flexible breakout rooms, on-campus location, VIP feel, award-winning catering
• Ideal for teams seeking a sophisticated yet functional setting. 

Cloth Hall Court 

• Capacity: Large rooms and flexible layouts with up to 200 in one space with room for activities on the table.  
• Features: City-centre location, casual networking opportunities, award-winning hot buffet lunch 
• Perfect for those wanting an accessible space with easy access to Leeds city centre. 

Devonshire Hall 

• Capacity: Up to 50 people 
• Features: Picturesque, old-English charm, cost-effective 
• Ideal for smaller teams looking for a cosy and inspiring environment. 

Top Tip – Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our exciting new venue coming soon. It’s a top secret we can’t wait to share! 

Ready to plan your away day? 

Our team at the University of Leeds Conferences and Events is here to help you create a memorable and productive experience. From venue recommendations to activity planning, we’ve got you covered. 

 Get in touch today to start planning your next team away day!