10 Inspiring Spots to Host Your Next Team Meeting

Most team meetings, particularly in contact centres, follow the same predictable formula… You gather your team around, run through the agenda, discuss the latest targets, and try to keep everyone engaged while avoiding the dreaded mid-meeting slump.

But what if shaking things up could actually boost morale, creativity, and even performance? Yes! Changing the way – and more importantly, where – you hold your team meetings can make all the difference.

So, break free from the conference room! Here are 10 exciting alternatives to re-energize your team…

Ideas for Where to Hold Your Next Team Meeting

1. Wander Around Historical Sites

If your town has any notable historical sites, why not incorporate a bit of storytelling into your meeting?

A location with a rich history can inspire discussion about resilience, adaptability, and teamwork – qualities that every customer service team needs in abundance.

2. Book a Table at a Local Café

Sometimes, a simple change of scenery makes all the difference.

Taking your team to a nearby café for a more informal chat over coffee can create a relaxed, open atmosphere. It’s a great setting for one-to-ones or smaller team discussions where you want honest feedback and ideas to flow naturally.

3. Try a Beach or Lakeside Meeting (You Could Even Get on the Water!)

For contact centres located near coastal or lakeside areas, these settings can bring a refreshing twist to your team discussions.

Your team could be gathered by the water, talking about team goals or upcoming initiatives with the sound of waves in the background. It’s different, it’s engaging, and it helps build camaraderie.

You can get really creative with this one too and even get ON the water! Just like John Lamberton and his friend Tom, who had the excellent idea of arranging a paddleboard meeting with Steve Hindley.

He was so impressed he made a LinkedIn post about it, stating: “We couldn’t have picked a better day”

4. Speed Things Up With a Walking or Running Meeting

We got this idea from Bupa’s contact centre – walking or running meetings are a great way to keep energy levels high and avoid that post-lunch sluggishness.

Plus, they’re perfect for discussing broader strategies or brainstorming new initiatives without the distractions of ringing phones and computer screens.

Just keep the group small, so everyone can participate in the conversation.

For more insights on what we found at Bupa’s contact centre, read our article: 15 Ideas You Can Use From Bupa’s Contact Centre

5. Explore What Your Local Co-Working Spaces Have to Offer

Co-working spaces are designed for collaboration, making them a perfect spot for an off-site meeting. Many offer rentable rooms equipped with whiteboards, screens, and plenty of seating.

A fresh environment away from the daily grind can spark new ideas and help your team feel more like a part of the wider business community.

AA site visit - a garden to relax and unwind — Take advantage of shared spaces like the AA team in Cheadle

You could also take advantage of access to any shared communal spaces – particularly if your contact centre is located in a large mixed-use office like The AA team in Cheadle, who benefit from mini golf, beehives on site to support the local environment, and even tepees and bean bags in the garden.

To find out more information on what the AA contact centre in Cheadle has to offer, read our article: 21 Things We Heard at the AA Contact Centre in Cheadle

6. Take Your Creativity to New Heights With a Rooftop Meeting

If your building has a rooftop space, use it! A rooftop meeting, even for 20–30 minutes, can shift your team’s perspective – literally and figuratively.

It’s a particularly great setting for celebrating wins, discussing company goals, or simply breaking out of the usual routine.

7. Immerse Your Team in a Museum or Gallery for a Change of Perspective

Museums, galleries, and even theatres aren’t just for entertainment – they can be incredible places to hold meetings that require creative thinking.

Imagine discussing new customer engagement strategies while surrounded by inspiring artwork or historic artefacts. It’s a conversation starter, for sure!

8. Engage With Your Local Community Centre for a Change of Scenery on a Budget

If you want to take your team outside the office but still keep things professional, community centres often have meeting rooms available at affordable rates.

It’s a great way to support local initiatives while getting a change of scenery that encourages fresh thinking.

9. Make Use of Library Meeting Rooms When You Need a Calmer Discussion

Many libraries offer rentable meeting spaces that are quiet, comfortable, and free from distractions.

If you need a focused environment for training, coaching sessions, or deep discussions, this could be the perfect option.

10. Take Your Team Across to the Nearby Park

When the weather permits, why not move your meeting outside? Whether it’s a nearby park, the office’s outdoor seating area, or even a courtyard, fresh air can do wonders for mental clarity and engagement.

Studies show that outdoor environments reduce stress and promote creative thinking– something every customer service team can benefit from. It’s free, and all you need is a bit of sunshine (or some jackets if it’s a little brisk!).

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Create Opportunities for Fresh Thinking and Deeper Conversations

Meetings don’t have to be mundane! As a contact centre leader, you know that your team thrives on energy, motivation, and engagement.

When you change up the setting of your meetings, you create an opportunity for fresh thinking, deeper conversations, and a stronger team bond.

So, the next time you’re about to send that calendar invite for another standard huddle – pause. Consider whether your meeting could benefit from a new environment, a bit of movement, or a different vibe altogether. Your team (and their attention spans) will thank you for it.