2010 Media Placements ~ Abbi Public Relations, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARCH

Prevue

The Meeting Magazine.com

The Dallas Moring News

JANUARY 

Meetings West

prevueonline.net - DESTINATION HOTELS + ODYSSEY TEAMS

file:///C|/...nts/Abbi%20PR/My%20Dropbox/Abbi%20Public%20Relations%20Server/Projects/Odyssey%20Teams/441-destination-hotels-odyssey-teams.html[3/17/2010 10:46:41 AM]

DESTINATION HOTELS + ODYSSEY TEAMSProgressive hotel group + teambuilding company join forces to change the world

Terranea Resort is located in Palos Verdes, south of LA

The following was supplied to Prevue by Todd Demorest, lead facilitator with Odyssey Teams

Business is all about relationships and the ability to create value. The more value that a person, team or businesscan provide—the more opportunities they will have to do so again in the future. Recently, two leaders in theirrespective industries—Destination Hotels & Resorts (DH&R) and Odyssey Teams, Inc.—have created a strategicalliance that increases the level of value they can both offer and deliver to clients. DH&R is known for their luxurious, unique and one-of-a-kind properties. Odyssey Teams, Inc. is known as theinnovator of the community-based philanthropic/CSR teaming events such as Life Cycles (Build Bikes), HelpingHands and Playhouse Challenge programs. Both companies pride themselves on creating the best experiencespossible for their guests that will be valued and remembered for a lifetime. DH&R first learned about Odyssey while Odyssey was delivering a multi-hundred person event at one of theirflagship properties. What they saw (and heard from their clients) was not cheesy, contrived or cookie-cutter.Rather, it was a high quality product that lined up perfectly with the type of rewarding experiences that DH&R'sguests expect. At the same time, DH&R was hearing interesting news from their ‘Affinity Teams’ (cross-functionalteams spread around the country that focus on sharing best practices and supporting each other'sproperties). Many of these teams said that many of their clients/guests were looking for a teambuilding sessionthat was a mark above the standard. Thus the courtship began. Having become DH&R’s exclusive Teaming Company, Odyssey had sent marketing, video links, etc., to DH&R sothey could begin to promote the partnership and offerings to their guests. Quickly DH&R realized their internalteam could best represent Odyssey and support their guests needs if they went through an Odyssey sessionthemselves. In January 2010, the relationship was cemented at DH&R’s newest resort surrounded by 270 degree views of thePacific, the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, CA. It was here where Odyssey presented their Helping Hands

What's New on PrevueVirginia Museum launches new space May 1

Early American, French and German masters to beshowcased...

THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND DIFFERENCE

New CSR program launches in the Lowcountry...

ASIA TOWN + COUNTRY

Elephant polo in Thailand or Tai Chi on the roof ofChina, anyone?...

PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

Enjoying the Estancia Experience...

SHERATON PUERTO RICO HOTEL & CASINO

No one could say we hadn't earned a little meeting lavida loca!...

DESTINATION HOTELS + ODYSSEY TEAMS

Progressive hotel group + teambuilding company joinforces to change the world...

Related Articles

A SILVER LINING C/O NEW ORLEANS (1match)

csr

BEYOND THE FEEL GOOD (1 match)

csr

CHANGE THE WORLD (1 match)

csr

COOL BEANS (1 match)

csr

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 About Prevue Contact us Advertise

Home Destinations Buzzworthy Arts/Culture Food/Wine Hot Deals Subscribe

prevueonline.net - DESTINATION HOTELS + ODYSSEY TEAMS

file:///C|/...nts/Abbi%20PR/My%20Dropbox/Abbi%20Public%20Relations%20Server/Projects/Odyssey%20Teams/441-destination-hotels-odyssey-teams.html[3/17/2010 10:46:41 AM]

Copyright ©2009 Worth International Media Group

event at DH&R’s “Partners Showcase” that included 225 pax from the various Affinity Teams. The reviews and results thus far are outstanding. The group was profoundly touched by the value of the sessionat many levels and could see many opportunities for this new relationship to bring even more value to theirguests. Less than two weeks after the program, while listening to the needs of a corporate group customer, a DH&RSales Manager was able to offer Odyssey as a solution. Having spoken of the program from a personal view, theclient saw the potential immediately. The program was delivered a week later, and rave reviews and gratitudefollowed. The Odyssey facilitator of the program met the DH&R Regional Director of Sales &Marketing, who reported all oftheir locations will be leveraging this relationship at every opportunity. Bill John, Odyssey Teams Inc. founder isgrateful for the trust DH&R has in his company and the future of their strategic partnership. Note: At time of publishing, negotiations were taking place for another alliance bringing value to another team in adifferent DH&R region.

There was a time when teambuilding events were held for one reason and one reason only: to have fun. This is no longer the case. Today, concurrent with the trend emerging in virtually all of corporate America, teambuilding activities must show a return on in-vestment or ROI. And with many com-panies reducing staff and expecting them to accomplish more, teamwork and teambuilding have never been more important.

The main premise behind teambuild-ing activities is that the things that happen on the course usually mirror what is happening back in the office.

When looking for the teambuild-ing activity that will work best it’s im-portant to honestly assess the group. What is the group’s physical prowess? Average age? Size? Breakdown of men and women? Any physical limitations?

Outdoor teambuilding courses such as ropes courses have been favored for years and have been used by many with much success. Cooking classes and you-build-it activities are extremely popular. These are teambuilding activi-ties held for a specific purpose.

Bike-building programs not only bring a group together but can change the life of an underprivileged child. Increasingly, teambuilding incorpo-rates donating time and manpower to do good and make a difference in a community in need.

Helping Hands For HaitiTeambuilding strikes the deepest

cord in hearts and minds when it’s

linked to humanitarian efforts, espe-cially following natural disasters when needs take on a special urgency. For ex-ample, helping to rebuild lives through corporate voluntourism programs in New Orleans after Katrina has pro-foundly touched the lives of count-less residents and volunteers alike. Through these efforts, participants not only have served the community but recommitted themselves to their co-workers and their organizations.

Tragically, another, more devastat-ing natural disaster has presented cor-porate groups with more ways to make a difference. Haiti’s massively destruc-tive earthquake crumbled Haiti’s capi-tal city Port-au-Prince and crippled its

Together We Stand

Purposeful Programs That

Build ROI

population. Although cash donations are a chronic need, hands-on helping transcends any other type of giving, truly engaging and moving the spirit.

In the earthquake’s aftermath there were countless injuries that resulted in amputations, creating unimaginable suffering and life-changing disabili-ties. In response, the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation and Odyssey Teams have partnered to offer a philanthropic teambuilding program

“Helping Hands for Haiti,” in which par-ticipants will build prosthetic hands that will be donated to the injured. A prosthetic of this type would typically cost $3,000, making it unaffordable for the majority of victims.

“From what we’re hearing, there have been so many injuries in which someone’s hand has been crushed and later needed to be amputated, not to mention the amputations necessary because of infections, that we know there will be a huge need for prosthet-ic hands in Haiti,” said Lain Hensley, COO and co-founder of Odyssey Teams Inc. and a board member of the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation. “With that in mind, we hope to start production on the LN-4A [designed for adults] hand as soon as possible, and to be able to begin giv-ing them away free of charge to earthquake victims in Haiti and 25 other developing nations in six months time.

“It’s amazing what giving someone a hand, literally giving them a hand, will do,” Hensley continued. “I’ve heard stories of children and adults who have gone into isolation after losing a hand due to a tragedy. And when they receive a new pros-thetic, the light goes on. They go from being a shell of a person to being whole again.”

Odyssey Teams (odysseyteams.com) is known for creating the original “Helping Hands” team-

building program through which more than 1,000 children in developing countries have received the smaller LN-4 prosthetic hand to replace hands lost due to land mines, accidents or birth defects.

Blue chip companies that have participated in the Odyssey Teams Helping Hands programs have includ-ed Wells Fargo, Abbott Laboratories and eBay.

Spherion Corporation, a Fort Lau-derdale-based recruiting, staffing, and work force solutions provider, has used the services of Odyssey Teams for years.

“I’ve planned hundreds of bike builds

but Odyssey’s have exceeded any I’ve ever done,” said Dahlton Bennington, CMP, CMM, director of business meet-ing services for Spherion.

A Spherion incentive program for 315 winners and special guests was held last March at the Loews Coronado Bay in San Diego, CA. The company wanted to incorporate a teambuilding program that would be philanthropic as well. It contacted Odyssey Teams about its Helping Hands program.

‘Extraordinary And Humbling’“We were able to build relationships,

foster camaraderie and make a sig-nificant impact on more than 100 chil-

dren’s lives,” said Bennington. “It was extraordinary and hum-bling at the same time.”

Bill John, president of Odyssey Teams, was the facili-tator for the Spherion program. Wooden boxes were in front of each subgroup of six. In each were bags of plastic parts and shiny screws. He asked what they could be for. No one guessed a prosthetic hand.

“When they were told that was what they were making the emotions were overwhelm-

ing,” explained Bennington. “That these little pieces could signifi-cantly impact someone’s life.”

Teambuilding

By Andrea Montello

Bill John, president of Odyssey Teams, addresses Spherion Corporation’s meeting at Loews Coronado Bay, where attendees participated in the philanthropic teambuilding program “Helping Hands,” which donates prosthetic hands to those in need.

Spherion Corporation teams assembled prosthetic hands, which were donated to children who are land-mine victims from Pasto, Columbia. Teams also decorated the wooden boxes that held the plastic parts and screws.

“When they receive a new prosthetic, the light goes on. They go from being a shell of a person to being whole again.”

Lain Hensley, COO, Co-founderOdyssey Teams

Chico, CA

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f S

pher

ion

Cor

pora

tion

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f S

pher

ion

Cor

pora

tion

34  March  2010  •  Corporate & Incentive Travel  •  TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com  •  Corporate & Incentive Travel  •  March  2010  35

The group got busy assembling the pieces and decorating the wooden boxes. Those who finished first helped the others.

“It brought everyone together with a common purpose. Odyssey orches-trates incredibly moving programs,” said Bennington.

She is also impressed by the way Odyssey takes the time to understand a company’s goals and objectives.

“Helping Hands is extraordinary. Anyone who has the opportunity should definitely jump on board. It will be well worth the financial outlay for what you get in return. It’s not that expensive as it will define your meeting for your at-tendees and convey your message in a meaningful way.”

The hands the Spherion group con-structed were donated to children who are land-mine victims from Pasto,

Colombia. There has been fighting in this area — the border between Colombia and Ecuador — for years.

Wagons GaloreThe Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort &

Spa in New Mexico — The Tamaya, mean-ing “a quiet and special place” — is locat-ed on 500 acres on the Pueblo of Santa Ana, adjacent to the Sandia Mountains along the Rio Grande River. Along with its unique cultural environment offering a spectacular collection of Southwestern and Native American art and tribal dance performances, the Tamaya also offers a variety of teambuilding options. Groups can choose from activities such as chili cook-offs, mystery tours, craft car building, strategy games and more. For one local financial services company, a customized community service project was incorporated into their meeting.

The group of 200 was divided into groups of six, and each was given wagon parts, hammers, screwdrivers and paint. Each group assembled and decorated a wagon. The uniquely deco-rated wagons were then donated to PB&J Family Services, a child-abuse prevention agency that serves tens of thousands of children and families throughout central New Mexico.

Green Team QuestTreasure hunts and scavenger hunts

are extremely popular. They have even become high tech with the addition of global positioning equipment. Called geocaching, hidden containers called geocaches are found using GPS devices.

Krass Monroe, a Minneapolis-based law firm, took the concept of a treasure hunt one step further. The firm was looking for a unique teambuilding ac-

tivity that would expand upon its sus-tainability theme initiated by the firm’s Green Team. They contacted Paydirt, a Minneapolis, MN-based company, which helps organizations build sus-tainable strategies and programs that improve environmental performance, establish market differentiation and advance key business objectives.

The event objectives were to encour-age friendly competition among staff, strengthen team member relationships and integrate an environmental theme in interesting and unexpected ways. To meet those goals, Paydirt designed an

“Amazing Race”-style scavenger hunt dubbed “KM Quest” highlighting natu-ral resources and historic landmarks in the Northwoods of McGregor, MN.

“Many of our clients struggle with ways to make environmental steward-

ship engaging and enjoyable. After helping Krass Monroe form a green team earlier in the year, Paydirt was ex-cited to help the firm plan an event that would bring their employees outside for some good old-fashioned fun and competition. The Quest participants had an opportunity to explore the north woods of Minnesota in an unex-pected and often offbeat way. Not only did the attorneys enjoy it, but we had a blast planning it, too,” said Eliza Clark, JD, LEED Accredited Professional and a principal of Paydirt.

Each team was tasked with complet-ing a series of challenges with only a map, camera, vehicle and their team’s skill, dexterity and resourcefulness to support them. Each participant re-ceived a McGregor tourism map that contained all of the information re-

quired for completing the scavenger hunt. However, the clues were de-signed to force the teams to be patient and work together.

The three teams (Team Awesome, the Killer Bees, and the Left-Handed Spatulas) set out for their Quest on a sunny afternoon in late September. All of the teams started at the same retreat location but were then sent to differ-ent second sites. Quest challenge loca-tions included Savanna Portage State Park and the Long Lake Conservation Center, as well as a local “honey wine” tasting winery and ice cream shop.

Teams were also given the option to complete “bonus play” to subtract from their finish time, but were required to verify their completion of bonus tasks by documenting their participation on a digital camera. Once the teams

Three teams from the Minneapolis law firm Krass Monroe competed in an environmentally themed “Amazing Race”-style scavenger hunt dubbed the KM Quest. At the end of the race, participants were offered bonus points for jumping into the lake.

“Attorneys are by their nature very

competitive, and they went at it eagerly and

aggressively. Some of the spots they

had to go to were 20 to 30 miles away.”

Krass Monroe paralegals Sheri Hoistad (left) and Deb Amundson were event organizers and Quest captains the day of the teambuilding challenge.

Phot

os c

ourt

esy

of P

aydi

rt

36  March  2010  •  Corporate & Incentive Travel  •  TheMeetingMagazines.com TheMeetingMagazines.com  •  Corporate & Incentive Travel  •  March  2010  37

© BM

P / PHOTO BY JAMES PORTO

For years, corporate events have been drawn to Blue Man Group’s unique form of entertainment. Exploring themes of community, collaboration and creativity, corporate groups have left our theatres feeling connected and energized by their shared Blue Man experience. Whether you’re looking to book a corporate event or a large group, Blue Man Group can accommodate all of your needs.

Customized Performances • Priority Seating • Group Discounts

1.800.BLUEMAN BLUEMAN.COM

NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO LAS VEGAS ORLANDO

GIVE YOUR TEAM VISION

Left-Handed Spatulas

Team Awesome

Killer Bees

arrived at the final Quest location (a hammock!), the Quest captains veri-fied their performance and document-ed their final time.

Although the winning team (Team Awesome) was undoubtedly the hap-piest, all of the participants had a great time. Quest participant Shanna Strowbridge noted, “The Quest that Paydirt put together for our firm was not only a great competition but also

valuable for teambuilding. All of the team members had to be involved to help solve the clues and determine the best course to take. Unlike team-building exercises we’ve had in the past that were mostly lecturing by ‘experts’ on how to work together or make the most out of people’s different styles and personalities, our eco-challenge allowed for a real case study in how to evaluate the best person for each task

and to devise mutual ways to succeed at the challenges.”

“Attorneys are by their nature very competitive, and they went at it eager-ly and aggressively,” explained event organizer Deb Amundson, paralegal for Krass Monroe. “Some of the spots they had to go to were 20 to 30 miles away,” said Amundson. “In order to be successful, they had to work together as a team. They had to figure out the

best and fastest ways to get to the des-tinations. At its completion, they had the opportunity to earn extra points for jumping in the lake, and all of them took the plunge.”

Seasonal TeambuildingNot all teambuilding programs need

to be involved or elaborate. Take Rymax Marketing Services, a Pine Brook, NJ-based company with 120 employees.

The company sponsors seasonal team-building exercises to motivate its de-partments to work together.

In July, for example, it celebrates Independence Day with a red, white and blue day. Each department works as a team to show its creativity, and patriotic and Rymax spirit. It also throws a company Fourth of July pic-nic with Simon Sez and a watermelon-eating contest.

She pointed out that it can cost roughly 21/2 times an employee’s salary to replace him or her, so by keeping ev-erybody motivated and happy, costs are reduced. By focusing on team camara-derie, Rymax’s turnover rate has been low and employee morale high.

No matter what the teambuild-ing activity, it must require that the group work together — communicat-ing, trusting, supporting one another, thinking creatively, planning and fol-lowing through in order to succeed. Successful training activities such as these emphasize team problem solving.

When choosing a teambuilding com-pany or consultant, research its track re-cord, educational background and safety record. Some consultants, for example, possess recreation experience but no business or corporate experience.

Think about it, professional sports teams spend 95 percent of their time practicing skills but only five percent actually performing. In the business world, an executive spends 95 percent of his or her time performing. What better way to practice skills than out-side the work environs where business results are not the measure of success?

Executives who have participated in teambuilding programs agree that the end result is a newfound camara-derie that opens new avenues of coop-eration and collaboration back at the office. Taking it a step further, when teambuilding helps to bond an employ-ee with his or her company’s mission (read: brand engagement), the return on investment is a sure bet. C&IT

Culinary competitions remain a teambuilding staple. Here, HealthSouth employees compete in a Chile Cook-off at The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in New Mexico.

“Helping Hands is extraordinary. ...It will

define your meeting for your attendees and convey your message in

a meaningful way.”

Dahlton Bennington, CMP, CMMDirector Business Meeting Services

Spherion Corporation Fort Lauderdale, FL

Photo courtesy of The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa

38  March  2010  •  Corporate & Incentive Travel  •  TheMeetingMagazines.com

YOUR TIME. YOUR PLACE. YOUR INSPIRATION.

With spacious suites, fl exible meeting space and a personal Conference Services Department catering to your every need, Hammock BeachSM Resort is more than just a meeting site. It’s your place to share ideas, reward successes and inspire your team.

More than 80,000 sq. ft. of fl exible meeting space and event lawns

Themed outdoor meeting and banquet facilities

State-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities

On-site professional Conference Services department

386 spacious 1 to 4 bedroom, fully serviced suites and villas

Two Signature restaurants plus casual dining

Unique meeting rooms, packages and breaks

36 Holes of Signature golf designed by Watson and Nicklaus

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Visit HammockBeach.com or call 866-502-6228

The Sundancer, a 117’ luxury motor yacht

Multi-level Water Park

World-class Spa

Complete Tennis Center with lighted courts

•

•

•

•

HAB-0046-AwardOfExcellenceAd09.i1 1 11/12/09 4:00:39 PM