The calendar invite says “team building”, and half the group immediately expects awkward icebreakers, forced small talk and a lukewarm lunch. That is exactly why learning how to book team building events properly matters. The right event gets people out from behind their screens, gives every personality a way in and sends the team home talking about the best shots, biggest upsets and unexpected champions.
A great group event is not about finding the most complicated activity. It is about choosing something that feels different, works for mixed confidence levels and is simple to organise. For teams around Barrie, Newmarket and the surrounding area, axe throwing brings the competition, the laughs and the memorable group photos without requiring anyone to arrive as an athlete.
Start With the Team, Not the Activity
Before comparing venues, get clear on what the event needs to do. A small team celebrating a big win may want high energy and friendly competition. A department that has barely met outside video calls may need an activity that makes conversation happen naturally. A larger company group may need a private format, clear timing and room for a few different personalities.
Ask yourself what a successful event looks like when everyone leaves. Is the goal to reward the team, welcome new starters, strengthen working relationships or simply break up a busy stretch of work? You do not need a corporate mission statement for a Thursday night outing, but a clear purpose helps you avoid booking an activity that looks good online and lands flat in person.
Think about confidence levels
The best events let people participate quickly, even if they have never tried the activity before. That matters more than picking something that sounds impressive. If a guest feels they will be judged for not being sporty, creative or outgoing, they may spend the event on the sidelines.
Look for experiences with a clear introduction, hands-on guidance and an easy first win. Axe throwing works well because the challenge is real, but beginners can learn the basics fast. There is enough skill involved to make a bullseye feel brilliant, without turning the session into a test of fitness.
Set a realistic budget and headcount
Get a dependable headcount before you book, then leave a little room for the usual last-minute changes. Group pricing often depends on numbers, private space and session length, so a vague “around 20 people” can make planning harder than it needs to be.
Your budget should cover more than the activity itself. Consider transport, food before or after the event, and whether your team needs a time slot outside standard working hours. A venue close to where your group is based can be worth more than a marginal saving if it means people actually show up relaxed and ready to play.
Choose an Activity Built for Group Energy
A team event should create moments people can share, not leave everyone doing their own thing. Watching a colleague sink a surprise bullseye, cheering through a close round or seeing the quietest person in the office take the lead gives the group something genuine to react to.
That is the advantage of a guided, social activity over a passive outing. Dinner has its place, but people tend to split into familiar conversations. A competitive experience mixes the room up. It gives senior staff, new hires and regulars a level playing field, with plenty of opportunities for banter.
When considering axe throwing, check that the venue runs structured sessions rather than simply handing your group equipment and hoping for the best. A proper host should explain the technique, set the pace, organise games and keep the atmosphere moving. Safety should feel confident and clear, not like a lecture that drains the fun before it begins.
Bullseye Axe Throwing is designed around that balance: a bold night out with coaching, organised gameplay and a welcoming route in for first-timers. It is a strong fit for teams that want something more memorable than another meal or round of drinks.
How to Book Team Building Events Without the Back-and-Forth
Once you have chosen the kind of experience your team will enjoy, move quickly. Popular evening and weekend slots can fill up, especially around end-of-quarter celebrations, summer socials and the festive season. Booking early gives you better choice and makes it easier to communicate a firm plan to the team.
Start by contacting the venue with the essentials: your preferred date, a second-choice date, estimated number of guests, ideal start time and the reason for the event. Mention whether you need a private booking, extra space for speeches or presentations, and any guests who may need accessibility information. The clearer your first enquiry, the faster you will get an answer that is actually useful.
Confirm what the package includes
Do not compare group packages on price alone. Check the session length, whether instruction is included, how games or tournaments are run, and whether your group will have dedicated lanes or a private area. A cheaper booking can feel less valuable if your team spends half the time waiting around or sharing the experience with unrelated groups when privacy was the point.
It also helps to ask what the venue needs from you before arrival. Some locations require closed-toe footwear or a signed waiver. Others may have age requirements, group-size limits or arrival-time guidance. Share these details with your team as soon as the booking is confirmed, not in a rushed message an hour before the event.
Make payment and cancellation terms clear
Every organiser has dealt with the frustrating question: “Can I still add someone?” Find out how final numbers, deposits, payments and cancellations work before sending the invite. This protects your budget and prevents awkward surprises if several people drop out.
If your workplace pays for the event, check whether the venue needs an invoice, purchase order or a named contact for payment. If guests are contributing, collect money before the day rather than chasing people afterwards. The admin is not exciting, but sorting it early leaves you free to enjoy the event with everyone else.
Give the Team a Reason to Get Excited
The invitation sets the tone. “Mandatory team building” is a fast way to make even a great event sound like homework. Frame it as a chance to step away from the usual routine, try something new and see who has a hidden competitive streak.
Keep the message practical as well as energetic. Include the date, arrival time, venue, what to wear, how long the session will run and whether food plans follow. Let people know that no experience is needed. That one sentence can make a real difference for someone who is interested but nervous about trying axe throwing for the first time.
If your team enjoys a little friendly rivalry, create a simple pre-event challenge. Ask for team names, predict who will win or offer a small office prize for the top scorer. Keep it light. The point is to build anticipation, not create pressure before anyone has picked up an axe.
Keep the Experience Social on the Day
The organiser’s job is not to manage every minute. Choose a venue and format that has a host, then focus on bringing the group together. Arrive early enough to welcome people, introduce colleagues who do not know each other well and make sure everyone hears the initial briefing.
During the session, encourage cheers, photos and rotation between games. Avoid turning the scoreboard into a serious performance review. Some people will hit the target straight away; others will improve round by round. Both make for a better team story than one person dominating the whole event.
It is also smart to plan the transition afterwards. A nearby meal, drinks or even a quick debrief gives people time to keep the conversation going. If the schedule is tight, that may not be necessary. A well-run activity can stand on its own, particularly when the team has been looking forward to it.
Avoid the Booking Mistakes That Kill the Mood
The biggest mistake is choosing an event based solely on what the organiser likes. A brilliant activity for a close-knit, highly competitive sales team may not suit a mixed group of new starters, quieter colleagues and remote staff meeting in person for the first time. Ask for a little input if you are unsure, then choose the option with the broadest appeal.
Another common mistake is cramming too much into one evening. Allow time for arrival, the safety briefing, the activity and a little social time. A 60-minute session can be perfect for a compact work social, while a bigger group may need longer to ensure everyone gets a proper turn.
Finally, do not treat safety details as an afterthought. A professionally run venue makes the rules straightforward, gives guests the right instruction and keeps the experience controlled. That structure is what lets everyone relax, throw with confidence and enjoy the competitive side of the night.
Book the activity that gives your team something worth talking about on Monday. When the plan is clear, the host is ready and the target is waiting, all your group has to do is show up and take their shot.