Chief of Staff & Head of People

Shun: How often do you have off-site events and retreats with your organization?Elles: We have committed to having our B.A.S.S. (Bi-Annual Staff Summit) Week twice a year to ensure our remote company has time together in person for those teambuilding and teambonding events that are critical to be in person for. We chose Lake Geneva for our June off-site, and then in January, we&#39;re going to Arizona. We had to postpone our January 2022 offsite due to Covid so the June offsite was our first time together since the August before.Shun:  Why did you choose to go to Lake Geneva and the Abbey Hotel this time? Elles: Knowing O’Hare would be the place we recommended people fly into, and a large population of our employees are in the Chicagoland area we entertained both downtown Chicago or Lake Geneva Wisconsin in the original planning. After seeing all of the options, we decided on Lake Geneva and The Abbey Resort specifically because it had a “camp Catch Co.” type feel to it, which was important for the types of teambuilding events we were hoping to have throughout the week. Shun: How was the fishing? Do you enjoy fishing?Elles: Originally during the planning, we thought we would not be able to do a ton of fishing just based on limitations of Lake Geneva and dock ownership, but The Abbey was able to accommodate us, and we were able to fish right off their private beach area in the marina. We also had quick access to the water by taking the entire company on the Lake Geneva Cruise Line tour of the lake with dinner one night. Yes I enjoy fishing, and so does the majority of our company 😊!Shun: What was the primary goal? How much did you achieve at your off-site event this time?Elles: I think the goal was primarily team building. The question we asked ourselves when planning the offsite was “could we do this remotely or asynchronously?”. If the answer was no, then we added it into the agenda. We utilized The Abbey’s teambuilding offerings and they turned out fantastic – we did “Abbey Regatta”, breaking into department teams, building boats out of cardboard and then racing them in the pool, and we had a half day of “Olympics” with teams competing in all kinds of races or braintease stations. I would say we achieved our goal of focusing on the activities we could not do remotely, and teams being closer than ever upon departure!Shun: What is your specific title within the company?Elles: I am Catch Co’s Chief of Staff &amp; Head of People; I oversee our HR function (BASS Week as one major initiative of that team, along with employee engagement, recruiting etc.) and I work closely with the executive team to drive strategic initiatives and priorities across the company. Shun: How has Retreat helped you book and plan the corporate retreat?Elles: Retreat was most helpful with the third party vendor back and forth and the logistics. Marie (our contact at Retreat) helped us to arrange all of the shuttles based on the flight times of our arriving guests, as well as our downtown Chicago employees who needed a ride via shuttle. She also got our entire contract with The Abbey to the finish line, all while being very communicative on the backend with me and my team. It was great to have an extra set of hands making sure that our flights, shuttles, and lodging were up to par with the experience we wanted for our employees. And when things changed, she pivoted quickly and was able to renegotiate the contracts where needed! Shun: When is your next upcoming retreat planned, and where are you headed? Elles: We have our next one in January in Arizona and then will be back in the Midwest for our summer 2024 B.A.S.S. week!

Team Building Activity

Team Building on Geneva Lake: Insight into Catch’s Corporate Retreat in June

Looking for a corporate retreat that combines serene natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious amenities? Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is the perfect destination! Known for its stunning lake views, charming downtown, and outdoor activities, Lake Geneva offers an inspiring and relaxing setting for your next team offsite.

Start your exploration with a visit to the Geneva Lake Shore Path, where your team can enjoy a scenic walk along the shoreline, taking in the beautiful lakefront estates and lush landscapes. Explore the charming downtown area, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.

Immerse your team in local culture by visiting the historic Black Point Estate and Gardens, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion. Take a guided boat tour on Geneva Lake to learn about the area’s rich history and enjoy the picturesque views.

For outdoor activities, head to Big Foot Beach State Park for hiking, picnicking, and team-building exercises. The lake offers numerous opportunities for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. In winter, enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing at nearby resorts.

Lake Geneva’s culinary scene is diverse and delightful. Treat your team to a variety of dining experiences, from lakefront restaurants offering fresh seafood to cozy bistros serving farm-to-table cuisine. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery or unwind with a craft beer at a nearby brewery.

With Retreat's expert planning, we've selected the top retreat locations in Lake Geneva, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience tailored to your team's needs. Whether you’re looking for luxurious accommodations, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Lake Geneva has it all.

Prepare for an extraordinary team adventure in Lake Geneva, where every moment is an opportunity for bonding, exploration, and relaxation in one of Wisconsin’s most picturesque destinations!

Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva Resort &amp;amp; Spa welcomes meetings on a grand scale all year around. Set on 1,300 acres in the rolling Wisconsin countryside of Lake Geneva, the spacious prairie-style layout gives ideas room to breathe. Attendees leave the 9-to-5 behind and find a fresh sense of focus in 68,000 square feet of meeting space, including many one-of-a-kind venues that range from a rustic ski chalet to charming outdoor pavilions.With 355 guest rooms at the main lodge, another 225 just a short trolley ride away at Timber Ridge, and enough space for 1,500 attendees, Grand Geneva accommodates some of the largest gatherings in the region. But it’s more than just wide-open spaces.The four-season, AAA Four Diamond resort boasts a reputation as one of the Midwest’s top destinations for team-building experiences. Recent program examples include building bikes for local children, competing in &lt;i&gt;Amazing Race&lt;/i&gt;–style scavenger hunts, and putting team members’ culinary prowess to the test in pizza-making contests.For the hours beyond team bonding and business, a wealth of activities await off the clock. Two championship golf courses, the nationally renowned Well Spa + Salon, indoor and outdoor pools, and three premium dining options treat guests to opportunities for leisure and relaxation. For those seeking even more, the resort’s Adventure Center offers everything from hiking and biking to sand volleyball and disc golf.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The family vacation of a lifetime can be a reality when you stay at Timber Ridge Lodge &amp; Waterpark in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Our indoor waterpark near Chicago and Milwaukee is sure to make a splash with the whole family, with some of Wisconsin&#39;s top golf courses, a unique horseback riding experience, a ski resort, an Adventure Center with archery, hiking, biking, e-bikes, scooter rentals, and downtown Lake Geneva shopping. You never have to go far for the best restaurants in Lake Geneva, either! Stay at one of the best waterpark resorts in Wisconsin and make this a family adventure to remember.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

The Geneva Inn is a 4-star hotel located on the shore of Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, United States. It offers a picturesque setting for a corporate offsite, with beautiful views of the lake and nearby hills, as well as easy access to the area&#39;s many attractions and amenities.The hotel offers a variety of meeting and event spaces to suit the needs of different groups. The main ballroom, the Geneva Room, can accommodate up to 140 guests and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-speed internet, built-in audio and visual equipment, and a professional lighting system. The hotel also offers a variety of other meeting rooms of different sizes, suitable for smaller groups or breakout sessions. The hotel&#39;s staff is available to help coordinate and plan your event to make it a success.The hotel&#39;s amenities include a fitness center, and on-site dining options, such as the Geneva ChopHouse and the waterside outdoor dining at The Boat House. The hotel&#39;s staff also offers catering service for events.The rooms and suites at The Geneva Inn are spacious and elegantly decorated, with amenities such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies or patios with views of the lake. The hotel&#39;s elegant accommodations can provide a comfortable and pleasant environment for attendees.The Geneva Inn also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and skiing nearby, as well as a complimentary shuttle service that can take guests to and from the nearby downtown area. This can give the opportunity to guests to enjoy the area in their spare time.Overall, The Geneva Inn is an excellent choice for a corporate offsite, with its combination of beautiful views, elegant accommodations, and top-notch meeting and event spaces, it is well-suited to meet the needs of any corporate group. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

The Geneva Inn

Lake Lawn Resort is a popular destination for corporate offsite retreats. Located on the shores of Delavan Lake in Wisconsin, this resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities that are perfect for team-building and relaxation.The resort boasts over 300 guest rooms, including traditional rooms, suites and cottages, providing plenty of accommodations for groups of any size. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, mini-fridge, and flat-screen TV.For meetings and events, Lake Lawn Resort offers over 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and beautiful lakeside venues. The resort&#39;s professional event-planning team can assist in coordinating all aspects of the retreat, including audio-visual needs and catering.When it comes to team-building activities, Lake Lawn Resort has plenty to offer. The resort features a 27-hole golf course, two marinas, a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool, and an extensive list of water sports and recreational activities. The resort also has its own full-service spa, which can be used to plan team-building activities or simply as a way to relax and recharge.Lake Lawn Resort also features several dining options. Guests can choose from the casual atmosphere of the On the Rocks Lounge or the more formal setting of The View Restaurant. The resort also has a wide range of catering options available for corporate events and offsite retreats, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as reception and banquet services. The culinary team can work with you to create a customized menu that fits your needs and budget.In addition to all of the above, Lake Lawn Resort is well-located for easy access to many local attractions and activities. Guests can take day trips to nearby cities like Milwaukee and Chicago, or explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area with options like hiking and biking trails.Overall, Lake Lawn Resort is a great choice for corporate offsite retreats, offering a wide range of amenities, activities and services to suit the specific needs of any group. With its picturesque location, professional event-planning team, and wide range of team-building activities, it&#39;s the perfect destination for companies looking to build stronger teams and enhance productivity.

Lake Lawn Resort 

Located in the heart of downtown, Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva Hotel in Wisconsin is just steps away from the beautiful Geneva Lake and key area attractions. Activities for all seasons are available at your fingertips. Crisp fall leaves, snow skiing images, spring vacation snap shots or summer sunset cruises with your loved ones are all perfect moments to capture for your life’s scrapbook of memories.

Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva 

Get out of Dodge, Chi-town, Brew Town, Mad-town (or wherever your hometown) and road trip to Lake Get out of Dodge, Chi-town, Brew Town, Mad-town (or wherever your hometown) and road trip to Lake Geneva&#39;s chic and sleek Ridge Hotel. Parked along the wooded Lake Como shoreline, The Ridge is your Lake Geneva base for lake life adventures, business brainstorming, romantic escapes and retail therapy. P.S. Fido&#39;s invited, too. 🐾

The Ridge Hotel 

Grand Geneva Resort &amp; Spa has been consistently rated as one of Wisconsin&#39;s top business resort destinations and the premier choice for conventions and meeting venues in Lake Geneva, WI. We have 62,000 square feet of indoor functional conference space designed to accommodate any event, from corporate holiday parties to rehearsal dinners.

Grand Geneva

Deluxe hotel amenities meet vacation-condo living at The Cove of Lake Geneva. With 194 spacious suites, delicious onsite dining, a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, and an unbeatable location just off the lakeshore, The Cove is where to stay in Lake Geneva.

The Cove of Lake Geneva 

A new way to let your creativity shine, our Pour Your Own Epoxy™ Class will be a great way to not only have a good time, but also create something beautiful, unique and practical! Choose between creating a Charcuterie Board or a Lazy Susan.

The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa

Comfort is 10 minutes from McHenry&#39;s great outdoors: meander through Moraine Hills State Park, where you&#39;ll find Lake Defiance, and stroll the historic Riverwalk alongside Fox River. We&#39;re just over 10 minutes from Crystal Lake. Each day begins with a free hot breakfast. Free WiFi and fitness center access are yours.

Hampton Inn McHenry 

Wisconsin is an excellent destination for corporate offsite events, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Cities like Milwaukee and Madison provide top-tier venues such as the Wisconsin Center and the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for meetings and conferences. The state's picturesque landscapes, including the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Dells, and the Northwoods, offer perfect settings for team-building activities such as hiking, boating, and winter sports. Wisconsin's rich cultural heritage can be explored through visits to attractions like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Taliesin (Frank Lloyd Wright's home), and the Harley-Davidson Museum. The state's culinary scene, known for its cheese, craft beers, and farm-to-table dining, ensures memorable dining experiences. With its warm hospitality and robust infrastructure, including major airports and a reliable transportation network, Wisconsin is easily accessible for attendees. The combination of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and modern facilities makes Wisconsin an ideal choice for corporate offsite planning.