Entertainment adds zest to events.

• Author: Nelson, Katherine Thompson
• Position: Corporate Gifts & Event Planning Guide - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Chamber of Commerce - Brief Article

They play games based on popular television shows like Survivor and Who Want's to be a Millionaire? Last month they ventured to a casino. An active seniors' group perhaps? No, these people are attending business functions.

About six years ago the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce realized that their member networking events could be more, well, entertaining.

A task force came up with the idea of Take Five forums, so called because participants are taking a break, and the events run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., says Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce assistant manager Brenda Stenta.

"Our slogan is, 'A little fun, a little distraction, and a lot of networking,'" Stenta says.

The "fun" part is an entertainment element. This can include anything from a slots tournament at the local casino to industrial tours and trivia scavenger hunts at local museums.

Stenta says the various activities serve as ice-breakers.

"If there are things going on that you can get involved in, it gets networking going, promotes interaction and creates a more relaxed atmosphere," she adds.

She says the events average 100 to 120 people each month, and member feedback is positive.

Despite their serious intent, the Take Five forums often involve a certain amount of fun and silliness. For one event, the chamber rented a booth that used forced air to send paper flying as a person grabbed as much as they could within a time limit.

To make it more sporting; each participant wore goggles and coveralls without pockets. They had 30 seconds to grab fistfuls of play money, coupons and gift certificates.

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce holds the events nine times a year. In the summer they switch to Golf After Five.

The Take Five task force makes the event possible. The task force consists of "about six people at any given time, all volunteers," says Stenta. They come up with an idea for a mixer activity and arrange tours, make up game questions and do whatever is required to make the event happen, she says.

The networking forums provide an atmosphere of enjoyment for attendees, Stenta says. These concepts can be applied to other business gatherings, she says. Someone could plan a similar type of outing or event that creates a relaxed atmosphere, Stenta suggests.

"Even a small business could organize an event that allows the team to interact outside the work environment."

The Take Five events are geared to large groups, but the ideas can be adapted to smaller groups as well.

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