The Top 7 Things to Look for in a Team-Building Event (and How to Choose the Best Venue)

Why Most Team Outings Fall Flat

Too many companies waste time and money on “team building” that isn’t actually building anything. A random bowling night, a forced icebreaker, or a short offsite that feels more like work than fun often leaves teams uninspired—or worse, resentful.

True team building is strategic. It’s about creating experiences where colleagues connect on a deeper level, develop trust, strengthen communication, and return to the workplace with renewed energy. Whether you’re considering a culinary team building event in Los Angeles or a multi-activity offsite retreat, the right choice matters.

So, how do you know what makes a team-building event truly great? Here are the seven things to look for—and why choosing wisely will make all the difference.

#1 A Clear Understanding of What Team Building Actually Is

Team building is not just a fun outing or a break from work. Done right, it:

• Improves trust and collaboration

• Breaks down silos between departments

• Encourages problem-solving in a new context

• Creates memorable shared experiences that carry back into the office

The best team-building facilitators design events with this purpose-driven ethos in mind. If an event doesn’t foster connection and growth, it’s just entertainment—not team building.

#2 Expert Facilitators Who Guide, Not Just Host

A strong facilitator knows how to balance structure with fun. In a culinary team building class, for example, the facilitator doesn’t just walk the group through a recipe. They ensure everyone participates, quieter voices are encouraged, and collaboration happens naturally.

According to Harvard Business Review, teams with skilled facilitation are 12% more productive after collaborative exercises compared to unguided activities. That’s the difference between a “night out” and a true investment in your team’s growth.

#3 A Venue Designed for Collaboration

Team building doesn’t just happen during the activity itself. It happens in the in-between moments: eating together, chatting on a sofa, or brainstorming at a big table.

The right venue offers variety:

• Kitchen space for hands-on cooking

• Dining areas for shared meals

• Lounges for informal conversation

• Outdoor gardens or poolside seating for relaxation

If your team is stuck in one sterile environment, you’re not maximizing the bonding potential. Great venues create multiple spaces where people can connect in different ways.

#4 A Natural, Inspiring Environment

Humans thrive in environments with life and energy. A venue with greenery, fresh air, or natural light resets the mind and fosters creativity.

Research from Gallup shows that engaged employees are 21% more profitable than their less engaged peers. Environmental factors—like stepping outside the office—play a significant role in that engagement. That’s why offsites in inspiring settings are so effective.

#5 A Seamless, All-Inclusive Experience

Nothing kills a team event faster than poor logistics. Parking headaches, forgotten dietary restrictions, or last-minute supply runs create stress—and someone on your team ends up working instead of bonding.

The best venues handle everything:

• Parking and arrival flow

• Dietary accommodations

• Equipment, tools, and setup

• Snacks, drinks, and cleanup

Your team’s only job should be showing up. If they’re working hard to make the event happen, you’ve chosen the wrong partner.

#6 Variety Beyond Just One Activity

A ropes course is fun. So is painting. So is cooking. But if your venue only does one thing, you’re missing out.

The best team-building companies in Los Angeles integrate multiple layers—culinary, creative, strategic games, reflection prompts—so that everything serves the larger goal of connection. Variety keeps energy high and ensures everyone finds a way to shine.

But here’s where it gets even more powerful: when you choose a partner that’s dynamic enough to offer multiple types of team-building experiences, you’re not just investing in today’s event—you’re investing in tomorrow’s as well. A single provider that can deliver a dozen unique experiences means you can continue working with them for years without repeating the same thing twice.

Why is that helpful? They get to know you. Imagine the incredible benefit of having a partner who not only hosts your team-building events but also tracks your team’s dynamics, growth, and evolving goals. That continuity compounds the value of each experience, making every future event even more impactful.

And even if you only book one event with a dynamic venue, you’ve already won—because that one experience will be layered, flexible, and memorable in ways a single-activity provider can’t match.

#7 A Proven Track Record with Businesses Like Yours

The ultimate measure of quality is trust. Look for providers with strong testimonials, five-star reviews, and a history of working with diverse companies—from scrappy startups to established corporations.

At Life Plus LA | The School for the Curious, we’ve been trusted by Netflix, Abbott, LAPD, Pepperdine University, Omnitron Sensors, Lightspark, and local government offices—because we understand that every company has unique needs, and we tailor experiences accordingly.

How to Choose the Best Culinary Team Building Event: A Quick Checklist

Before you book, ask yourself:

• Does the venue understand the true purpose of team building?

• Are facilitators skilled at managing group dynamics?

• Does the location offer flexible spaces (kitchen, dining, lounge, outdoor)?

• Is the environment inspiring and different from the office?

• Is everything included, or will my team end up doing the work?

• Can they integrate multiple activities for variety?

• Do they have a proven track record with businesses like mine?

If the answer isn’t a clear “yes” to all seven, keep looking.

Why Life Plus Los Angeles is the Top Choice

Life Plus LA was built with one mission: to redefine team building. From our home-inspired culinary campus in Lake Balboa (Van Nuys area) with comfy couches, an organic garden, indoor and outdoor cooking equipment, and a pool, to our forthcoming Sherman Oaks Galleria location with boardroom, kitchen, and art studio versatility, we design spaces and experiences that fuel connection.

Our team combines 15+ years of global business consulting, creative direction, culinary arts, and operations management. We’ve been in your shoes as business owners and leaders, and we’ve built the exact solution we wish existed. That’s why we’re proud to say: we know even the things you don’t know to look for.

And unlike single-activity venues, we are truly dynamic. We can create an experience as simple as a two-hour culinary or artistic bonding session—or as immersive as a multi-day journey. Imagine taking your team on a fishing boat, bringing the catch back, and transforming it into a collaborative feast. Or picture a weekend retreat where your group forages mushrooms in the forest, cooks them on-site for a rustic outdoor dinner, then spends the night under the stars before a sunrise yoga session to reset and reflect.

Prefer something urban and curated? We can design a high-end sequence of exclusive experiences: private tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and VIP rooms at some of Los Angeles’s hottest restaurants. And if your team’s needs go beyond bonding, we also integrate professional development modules like negotiation training, advanced communication workshops, and conflict resolution facilitation—so your team leaves not only connected, but also more skilled.

At Life Plus, every event is designed to feel effortless for you while delivering maximum impact for your team. Whether it’s a quick offsite or a multi-day transformation, we are the partner that grows with you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best team-building activity for small teams?
Culinary team building is perfect for smaller groups—it ensures everyone has a role, from prepping ingredients to plating dishes. Shared meals create instant bonding.

How do I plan a culinary team building event in Los Angeles?
Start by choosing a venue that provides both cooking facilities and dining space. Confirm dietary accommodations, decide if you want a competitive or collaborative format, and let the provider handle logistics.

How long should a team building event last?
The most effective events last at least 3–4 hours. This allows for the activity itself, a shared meal, and downtime for conversation and bonding.

Is culinary team building suitable for executives?
Yes. Executives often benefit the most because cooking puts everyone on equal footing, breaks down hierarchy, and sparks genuine conversation.

Why is offsite team building better than in-office activities?
Changing environments stimulates creativity. People think differently when they’re away from desks, emails, and daily routines. That’s why offsite events deliver stronger long-term results.

Ready to transform your team with the best culinary team building in Los Angeles? Contact Life Plus LA today and let us design an experience that your team will remember—and thank you for.