A Sustainable and Culturally Immersive Team-Building Event in Rome 

The Challenge 

A global leader in Content Services Platforms wanted to kick off the new year with an event in Rome that aligned with their corporate values—sustainability, local cultural integration, and employee engagement. The company aimed to:

• Avoid generic hotel chains and instead stay in a locally owned, independent hotel. 
• Conduct key meetings in a setting that authentically reflected the spirit of Rome. 
• Provide employees with activities that combine cultural enrichment and fun while steering clear of mass tourism hotspots. 

The Approach 

From the outset, our team embraced the client’s vision, structuring the event around:

• Sustainability: Selecting venues, accommodations, and activities that supported responsible tourism. 
• Local Integration: Crafting an experience that would allow participants to deeply connect with the city’s traditions and heritage. 
• Innovation: Designing a team-building activity that blended education, collaboration, and entertainment. 

The Solution 

The Event Venues

Our collaboration began with selecting the ideal accommodation and event venue. We recommended Hotel Ripa in Trastevere, an unconventional, design-forward property in one of Rome’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. This gave participants the opportunity to explore the city on foot, reinforcing the Client’s preference for an immersive experience.

For the keynote sessions, we proposed two museums—Chiostro del Bramante and MAXXI Museum. While the MAXXI reflected the company’s modern, innovative identity, the Chiostro del Bramante resonated more with the Client’s appreciation for timeless creativity. The client ultimately chose the Chiostro, a venue where the essence of Rome could be deeply felt.

The dining experience was another crucial element. We curated a selection of authentic Roman trattorias and restaurants, ensuring employees enjoyed high-quality, traditional cuisine rather than generic tourist menus. The farewell dinner took place at the renowned Antica Pesa, a historic eatery in Trastevere, providing a warm and memorable closure to the event.

The Aperiteam Challenge

To foster team bonding in a fun and meaningful way, we designed the Aperiteam Challenge. This dynamic activity engaged participants through the following:

• Culinary Exploration: Teams were named after classic Italian food pairings (e.g., Parmesan & Balsamic, Porcini & Risotto) and competed in a food-and-wine discovery challenge. 
• Collaboration & Interaction: Employees participated in a mix of tasting routes, trivia, and hands-on pasta-making, all while interacting with their colleagues. 
• Cultural Learning: Challenges included meeting artisans in Trastevere and learning about traditional Italian ingredients and culinary techniques. 
• Company Identity: One highlight was a creative team activity that resulted in a collaborative art piece representing the Client’s brand symbol—an “X” made from interwoven colourful strings. This piece was later shipped to the company’s headquarters as a reminder of their shared experience. 

Unconferencing the Meetings

Rather than following a conventional conference format, our Client opted for an Unconference—a participant-driven meeting structure that encourages open discussions and knowledge-sharing. Hotel Ripa’s flexible spaces provided the perfect setting for this dynamic format, allowing employees to engage in sessions that matched their interests freely.

Additionally, the Client demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by minimising printed materials and producing a compact, eco-friendly event booklet.

Exploring Rome Differently

In keeping with the Client’s preference for authentic experiences, we curated a set of alternative leisure activities, avoiding overcrowded landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican. Instead, we designed:

• Cycling & Food Tours: Exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Testaccio and Trastevere through guided bike rides and tastings of traditional Roman delicacies. 
• Hidden Rome Discovery: A guided van tour for first-time visitors, offering a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture. 
• Artisan Experience: A private visit to a Trastevere artisan’s workshop, allowing participants to interact with a local artisan and learn about ancient traditions. 

One of the most magical moments came on the final morning when, following our advice, the Client’s team visited Piazza Navona at sunrise. They experienced this iconic site in complete tranquillity thanks to careful scheduling—an unforgettable contrast to its usual bustling crowds.

The Outcome 

The event was a resounding success, with employees leaving Rome with strengthened connections, renewed energy, and lasting memories. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with special appreciation for the cultural integration and seamless organisation.

Client Testimonial

“We have had so much positive feedback! I want to thank you and your team again for all your help—we could not have had such an amazing event without you.”

Final Thoughts 

The Client’s team-building event in Rome showcased the perfect blend of sustainability, innovation, and cultural immersion. By prioritising thoughtful planning and unique experiences, we helped create an event that met and exceeded expectations.