I once planned a couple’s event for a small cadre of executives, who were accompanied by their significant others on a business retreat.

The executives were deeply embroiled in their all-day meetings, but on the penultimate evening I was asked to arrange an event that included shopping, a tour of the city, something amazing and to end it all; an enjoyable fine dining experience – in about 3 hours tops.

To get it all in I created a parody of the Amazing Race, and called it the Great Adventure.

The Great Adventure Plan

• Establish a budget.
• Employ a team to help coordinate activities.
• Negotiate/ Arrange all events with vendors for a smooth experience.
• Provide clear instructions to the participants during the briefing.
• Find out about restrictions/ phobias/ allergies etc. prior to event.

At 3 pm the eager couples gathered and were split into teams. After a briefing the adventure took flight from an open field on hot air balloons. This hour long experience took the couples over the beautiful countryside while they sip on champagne and munched on strawberry and choice chocolate.

The first clue for the Great Adventure was clear for all to see from the sky as the balloons pass overhead; We had placed placards spelling out the name of a swanky nearby mall, which was the next destination.

With urgency the teams jumped into a line of convertibles, where clue envelopes were waiting: with maps, a stop watch and money for shopping (each received the same amount of money to buy what ever they like but in a limited time frame).

After shopping the teams then headed to a very upscale Latin fusion restaurant. When they got there, they were told that they needed to dance for dinner. Luckily we had instructors assigned to each group. The event culminated exacted at 6pm (whether the performers were ready or not) and teams had to compete against each other’s dance routines. The Best group received delightful gift baskets before the entire team retreated to a private dinner party.