Company Offsite Planning Stage

Destination : Bintan Lagoon Resort 2 Day 1 night

For those of us who have not organised one on this scale and with a sum of money close to that of holding a wedding dinner, it is a logistical nightmare! Not to mention this task was given at the last minute.  First of all we had to rally people to attend so that we could get a better deal if we get a big enough number of paxs. We then had to source for tenders not only from an approved vendor but outside as well so that we could provide a price comparison. After finding one that is cheaper and good from the outside, we had to seek approval for using them instead of using our approved vendor. Then we had to decide on the team building activities so that all can participate safely. Not forgetting the backup plan for activities in case of wet weather! Also there is the menu selection for the buffet and the buffet dinner by the beach.

Oh boy! next is the passport details and visa requirements, easy if everyone was of the same Nationality but No! we have to have a good mix! The biggest headache is arranging for the return ferry services because it is the weekend and most of the return slots to mainland are always almost fully booked in advance. So we have to negotiate for the earliest available, and limit the timings so that all can return in batches but not exceeding a certain time. After all lunch is not provided on the day of departure.

After getting what we think is already a great deal, the boss decides that we can re-negotiate for better…Yikes! And so we do as we are told…..in addition we are to negotiate for the buffet dinner to have crayfish included gees! And yet again we manage to do so at $5 more per head. You would think that is the end our planning stage, but then we are told to negotiate that instead of a 50% deposit we are to bring it down to 25% -35%.

Sure am glad that my team mates are great and easy to work with….well the few that matter anyways ha ha! Also it is a huge relief that we have manage to engage a professional Team building group to run practically the whole show from the ferry arrangements, check in , the activities and check out. But of course we would still have to oversee that everything runs as planned.

Hmmm time to go shopping for a rabbit foot, four leaf clover or whatever else there is for good luck!