@HOWARD&CO We Like to Let the Mountains Do the Talking
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
There is something powerful about taking people out of their everyday environment and placing them somewhere that changes how they think, feel, and connect.
Recently, we worked with an international client to design and deliver a 24-person corporate retreat in Switzerland, built around one simple idea: create space for clarity, alignment, and genuine connection.
The Brief
The group needed more than just a meeting, they wanted:
• A board-style working session with real focus and structure
• A setting with mountain views to shift perspective
• A shared outdoor experience to break routine and build energy
• Evenings that felt refined, relaxed, and memorable
And importantly, it had to be seamless from start to finish, allowing stakeholders to feel both focused for the meetings and relaxed enough to build lasting connections.
The Experience
We designed the retreat as a complete journey, not just an agenda. Guests were welcomed with airport transfers, ensuring a smooth and considered arrival into Switzerland and up to the mountain venue. From the moment they stepped into the environment, the pace changed. The meeting space was carefully selected to balance professional structure with natural light and panoramic views, allowing the team to stay focused while thinking beyond the day-to-day. To shift energy and create shared momentum, the group experienced a sledging descent through the mountains. It was simple, fun, and exactly what was needed, the conversations changed, barriers dropped, and the group connected in a way no meeting room can replicate.
Evenings were curated around luxury dining experiences, bringing the group together in a more informal, yet still elevated setting. These moments often became the most valuable, where discussions continued naturally and relationships deepened.
The Outcome
The result was a retreat that delivered on every level:
• Clear alignment on key objectives
• Stronger team connection and understanding across an international group
• A shared experience that people will remember, and refer back to
And most importantly, a sense that time had been genuinely well spent.
Why It Worked
Because the environment was not an afterthought, It was the strategy.
Why HOWARD&CO
While the client's company has a strong internal events team, they chose to partner with HOWARD&Co for this retreat to ensure the experience remained completely private and impartial for all attendees. This in turn created a neutral environment where stakeholders could engage openly, without internal dynamics influencing discussions.
At the same time, it allowed their internal team to stay focused on their core priorities, particularly promotional and marketing-led events, while we took full ownership of the retreat design, coordination, and delivery.
If you are looking to create a corporate retreat that is designed around people, purpose, and meaningful outcomes, not just logistics, let’s talk.
Howard
HOWARD&CO
Based in Switzerland - Working Globally
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