Corporate events and meetings don't always have to be far away to be valuable. More and more organizations are discovering that programs closer to home actually offer a surprising number of benefits.
By making more conscious choices regarding travel rhythm and location—also known as slow travel—meetings are created that are not only more sustainable but also offer more room for connection and genuine attention for one another.
Want to know how to organize corporate events and meetings closer to home with more impact for people and the environment? Read more below.
What is slow travel for corporate events?
Slow travel is about quality over quantity. Instead of short, fast trips to various destinations, organizations are increasingly opting for a calmer and more conscious program.
Consider, for example:
- Traveling by train instead of taking short flights.
- Staying longer at one location instead of visiting multiple destinations.
- More attention to the local environment, culture, and products.
For corporate events and meetings, this means participants have more time to get to know each other, exchange ideas, and recharge. At the same time, the ecological impact of the program is minimized.
By staying in one place longer, more space is created for inspiring conversations, collaboration, and genuine team experiences.
Why meetings closer to home are becoming increasingly popular
Another way to organize more consciously is by planning corporate events and meetings closer to home. This can provide many benefits, both practically and sustainably.
The benefits include:
- Less travel time and less stress for participants.
- Lower transport costs and reduced CO₂ emissions.
- Support for local venues and suppliers.
When organizations choose an inspiring location in their own region instead of a distant destination, participants often remain more energetic and engaged with the program.
Furthermore, there is more room to discover the surroundings and share new experiences together.
Tips for more sustainable corporate events and meetings
Do you want to organize a meeting closer to home with more impact? These tips will help you get started:
- Choose a location close to participants
Select an inspiring meeting or event venue that is easily accessible for the majority of the participants. - Encourage sustainable transport
Promote travel by train, bicycle, or carpooling to limit the impact of transportation. - Work with local partners
Opt for catering, activities, and suppliers from the region. This supports the local economy and creates an authentic experience. - Combine activities in one place
By organizing workshops, presentations, and teambuilding activities at the same location, you avoid extra travel movements.
More impact through conscious choices
When organizations handle location, transport, and program design consciously, it results in a meeting that is not only inspiring but also takes responsibility for the environment.
This turns corporate events and meetings into moments where teams gain new insights together, strengthen connections, and find the energy to continue building toward shared goals.
Conclusion
Corporate meetings, events, and trips don’t always have to be far away to make an impact. By choosing slow travel and meetings closer to home, programs are created that are more sustainable, efficient, and often more valuable for participants.
With conscious choices in location, transport, and activities, you create meetings that inspire, connect teams, and simultaneously take the world around us into account.
Want to know what is possible for your organization?
At BARENTSZEN, we have extensive experience in developing programs that make the most of a destination’s potential. Thanks to our knowledge of locations, local partners, and unique experiences, we can help organizations create meetings that are not only well-organized but also truly align with the environment in which they take place.
This results in programs that not only inspire but also leave a lasting impression.
View our sustainable approach or contact us; we are happy to help you further.
