How do you structure an effective seminar program?

The success of a business seminar is largely based on the quality of its program. If it is well thought out and adapted to the objectives, it will strengthen the relationships, motivation and skills development of employees.

Formeret accompanies you inorganization of a seminar in Paris and gives you tips for preparing it effectively, examples of programs over one or several days, as well as ideas for activities for an event that will make an impression.

Reminder: what is a business seminar?

One business seminar is a professional event organized outside the usual professional framework. It represents an ideal opportunity to bring together and federate employees around objectives defined in advance.

Whatever the type of seminar, this meeting is an important management tool in the strategic development of a company. This format generally combines sessions of collaborative work, of fun or sports activities, and moments of conviviality (meals, evenings, breaks).

How do you prepare an effective seminar program?

The success of a business seminar depends above all on a clear and balanced program. For this, several key elements must be taken into account in the organization:

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1. Define goals

Before you start planning the program, start by clearly identifying the goals you want to achieve. It can be:

• Improving team cohesion, well-being at work, motivating teams...;
• Train participants in new working methods, new tools, etc.;
• Start a new project;
• Promote innovation and creativity;
• Present news or new business strategies, etc.

These are the objectives that will guide the theme of your professional event, its pace, the choice of activities and the location of seminar room.

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2. Adapt content to participants

The profile of the participants (managers, field teams, management...) must be taken into account in order to propose adapted formats: serious games, workshops, conferences, simulations... The design of the program will be different depending on the interests, needs and level of expertise of the invited collaborators.

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3. Finding the right balance between work and relaxation

The key to success isalternate work sessions in a balanced way (workshops, meetings, formal exchanges, brainstorming) and moments of relaxation (break time, fun activities, interactive workshops, meals and cocktails).

A seminar is an intense event that can lead to fatigue. Relaxing sessions are essential to allow participants to recharge their batteries and be fully involved in productivity times. Alternating formats is therefore essential to offer a stimulating experience and maintain the engagement of participants.

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4. Find a suitable seminar location

The location of the seminar is also very important. The space chosen will be the setting for your event: it strongly influences the atmosphere and effectiveness of this corporate event.

Here are some important criteria for choosing a location:

• Accessibility : the space must be close to transport or offer accommodation on site if it is a two-day seminar;
• Stimulating environment : opt for an atypical place or an inspiring space to boost creativity;
• Infrastructures : equipped seminar room, modular space, relaxation areas, catering for a tailor-made event;
• Consistency with the objective : the location must be chosen according to the objectives to be achieved and the planned activities;
• Corporate identity : the location that hosts your event must reflect the image you want to convey.

Also remember to take into account your budget and the number of participants.

The ideal location will promote swaps, the concentration, and participate in Make an impression of the participants.

With its three Parisian spaces with a rich history, a unique setting and rooms that are modular and equipped according to your needs, the Formeret group offers you a place of work and temporary cohesion for your seminar. Tous our spaces and our services adapt and live according to the needs expressed.

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5. Communicate the program clearly

Send all participants the program with details of activities and speakers, as well as information on the location of the seminar. Good communication beforehand helps participants to plan ahead and get more involved.

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Example of a one-day seminar program

An effective program should combine harmoniously Working time, moments of relaxation and informal exchanges.

Here is an example of how it unfolded over a day:

8:30 — Welcome of participants
Coffee, pastries, program distribution. A friendly moment to start the day off right.

9:00am — Opening plenary session
Presentation of the objectives of the corporate seminar, word from the management.

10:00am — Collaborative workshop or training
Work in small groups on practical cases or targeted themes.

12:00 — Lunch
Buffet or sit-down meal, ideally in a setting conducive to informal discussion.

14:00 — Team building activity
Games, escape games, artistic workshops, sports challenges: this is an opportunity to strengthen group cohesion.

16:00 — Round table or feedback
Sharing lessons, concrete proposals to be implemented.

17:00 — Closing and cocktail
Summary of the day and thanks around a friendly moment.

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Example of a two-day seminar program

Over two days, the program can go further by integrating more exchanges, content and moments of relaxation.

Here is an example:

Day 1

10:00 — Arrival & coffee welcome
10:30 — Plenary meeting: strategy & goals
12:30 — Sitting lunch or buffet
14:00 — Thematic workshops/world café
16:30 — Break & check in to the rooms
18:00 — Team building activity
20:00 — Dinner & informal/lively evening

Day 2

9:00am — Breakfast
9:30 — Resumption/Return of workshops or group work
11:00am — Inspiring conference or feedback
12:30 — Closing lunch
14:00 — Summary & action plan
15:00 — End of the event & departure of participants

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Adapt the program according to the objectives of the seminar

In planning, the most important point is probably to successfully align the program with the main objectives defined in advance, for example:

• Team spirit : promote friendly interactions, outdoor sports activities, collaborative games;
• Vocational training : integrate practical sessions, short and targeted modules, rely on adapted tools;

The main thing is to create an adapted dynamic, both engaging and structured. The pace of the day, the duration of the sessions and the nature of the activities must therefore be adjusted according to the aim sought.

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Good to know : the objectives vary greatly from one professional event to another. A commercial seminar will not have the same purpose at all as a back-to-school seminar, for example. Here are some illustrations:

• Cohesion seminar : focus on group activities, collective challenges and informal moments. Collaborative work is to be encouraged, as are communication workshops.
• Training seminar : include thematic training sessions, case studies, expert interventions, and practice times.
• Executive seminar : plan moments for in-depth discussions and planning, workshops for the co-construction of action plans.
• Launch seminar : Focus on team member alignment, project communication, motivation, and celebration.

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Activities for an original business seminar: the idea box

Are you looking for ideas for unusual activities and original activities to include in your program? Here is a list of varied activities to meet each of your specific needs.

Team building activities

• Escape game : a life-size enigma about the location of the seminar;
• Connected rally or treasure hunt : with mobile application and team challenges;
• Open air Olympiads : collaborative games, sporting or quirky challenges;
• Survival workshop : going outside the box, strengthening solidarity;
• Role-playing games or murder parties : immersion in a plot to develop listening skills, logic and cooperation.

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Creative and cultural activities

• Collaborative fresco workshop : to paint or to build a collective work together;
• Theatrical improvisation : to stimulate exchanges, to develop spontaneity;
• Writing workshop : promote individual and collective expression;
• Podcast or mini-video creation : work on corporate storytelling;
• Cooking class or culinary challenge in teams : conviviality guaranteed.

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Personal development & well-being activities

• Sophrology, yoga or meditation : release pressure and refocus;
• Stress or emotional management workshop;
• Soft skills development path : communication, leadership, trust;
• Express skills assessment/flash coaching.

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Responsible or solidarity experiences

• CSR workshop : creation of impact projects or awareness-raising games;
• Solidarity team building : build birdhouses, help a local association...;
• Climate or biodiversity fresco : committed collaborative animation;
• Zero waste workshop or eco-friendly DIY.

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Original and memorable animations

• Interactive quiz night : digital blind test type;
• Thematic photobooth or 360° booth;
• Mentalist magician or cartoonist live;
• Virtual reality stand or simulator (driving, flight, etc.).

There is no shortage of possibilities to plan a unique corporate seminar program that will contribute to the strategic development of your company.

Create a customizable seminar schedule with Formeret

Formeret accompanies you in the design of your turnkey and personalized seminar program. With more than 40 years of experience, we put our expertise at your service:

• Of exceptional places suitable for work and relaxation : modular and fully equipped rooms (video projector, high speed internet, microphone, etc.), gardens and rooftop;
• Of personalized advice from our team of experts on the spaces adapted to your needs and the best formats for your event;
• One comprehensive logistical support, from reception to accommodation, including technical support during the seminar;
• One wide choice of activities that can be easily organized within our spaces for a unique event.

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Are you looking for a conference room in Paris, flexible and equipped workspaces, as well as a quality service for your corporate events? Explore our spaces in the heart of Paris and contact our teams for a turnkey experience.