How to Choose the Right Venue for Your 50-Person Offsite in 2026

Planning an offsite for 50 people can feel daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the right venue. Did you know that 79% of companies report improved team collaboration after a well-planned offsite? However, 50% of event planners cite venue selection as their biggest challenge. Let’s break down how to make this process easier and more effective in four straightforward steps.

Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Budget

Before diving into venue options, clarify your offsite goals. Are you focusing on team building, strategic planning, or just a relaxing getaway? Once you have your objectives, establish a budget. For a 50-person offsite, you might consider a budget of $200-$400 per person per day, which includes lodging, meals, and activities.

Budget Breakdown Example

| Category | Percentage Allocation | Amount ($) | |----------------|-----------------------|-------------------| | Venue | 40% | $4,000 - $8,000 | | Food & Beverage| 25% | $2,500 - $5,000 | | Activities | 15% | $1,500 - $3,000 | | Travel | 15% | $1,500 - $3,000 | | Contingency | 5% | $500 - $1,000 |

Step 2: Research Venue Options

Next, identify potential venues that can accommodate your group size and align with your budget. Below is a curated list of venues across various price points suitable for a 50-person offsite.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |-----------------------------------|-------------------|----------|---------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------| | The Westin St. Francis | San Francisco, CA | 50-200 | $250 - $350 | Corporate Retreats | Historic Venue | Yes | | The Ritz-Carlton | New Orleans, LA | 40-100 | $300 - $400 | Luxury Experiences | Rooftop Pool | Yes | | Kimpton Hotel Monaco | Portland, OR | 30-80 | $200 - $300 | Creative Brainstorming | Unique Meeting Spaces | Yes | | The Drake Hotel | Chicago, IL | 50-120 | $175 - $275 | Team Building | Iconic Architecture | Yes | | The Assembly Room | Nashville, TN | 40-60 | $125 - $200 | Casual Gatherings | Flexible Space | No | | The Omni Hotel | Austin, TX | 50-150 | $225 - $325 | Tech-Focused Retreats | Proximity to Downtown | Yes | | The Foundry Hotel | Milwaukee, WI | 30-70 | $150 - $250 | Startups and Innovators | Industrial Chic | Yes | | The Liberty Hotel | Boston, MA | 50-150 | $275 - $400 | Formal Presentations | Stunning Views | Yes | | The Graduate Hotel | Madison, WI | 40-80 | $180 - $280 | Academic Collaborations | Campus Vibe | Yes | | The Thompson Hotel | Toronto, ON | 50-100 | $200 - $350 | International Teams | Skyline Rooftop Bar | Yes | | The W Hotel | Seattle, WA | 40-120 | $300 - $400 | Trendy Gatherings | Modern Design | Yes | | The Hilton Garden Inn | Orlando, FL | 50-150 | $150 - $220 | Family-Friendly Retreats | Outdoor Space | Yes | | The Avalon Hotel | New York, NY | 30-50 | $275 - $375 | High-End Networking | Exclusive Atmosphere | Yes | | The Drake Hotel | Chicago, IL | 50-120 | $175 - $275 | Team Building | Iconic Architecture | Yes | | The Thompson Hotel | Toronto, ON | 50-100 | $200 - $350 | International Teams | Skyline Rooftop Bar | Yes | | The W Hotel | Seattle, WA | 40-120 | $300 - $400 | Trendy Gatherings | Modern Design | Yes |

Step 3: Visit Your Top Venue Choices

Once you have a shortlist, schedule site visits. This is a critical step; it allows you to assess the ambiance, facilities, and service quality. During the visit, ask about:

• Availability of AV equipment
• Catering options and menus
• Accessibility for all participants

Insider Tip: Book direct for a potential 15% discount on room rates and request a room block early to secure better pricing.

Step 4: Make Your Decision and Plan Logistics

After evaluating the venues, choose the one that best meets your needs and budget. Once selected, coordinate logistics such as transportation, catering, and activities. Ensure to communicate all details with your team for smooth execution.

Sample Timeline Template

• 8 Weeks Out: Finalize venue and book
• 6 Weeks Out: Confirm catering and AV needs
• 4 Weeks Out: Finalize agenda and activities
• 2 Weeks Out: Send out itineraries to all participants
• 1 Week Out: Confirm final headcount and any last-minute adjustments

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Choosing the right venue for your 50-person offsite doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By clearly defining your objectives, budgeting wisely, researching options, and coordinating logistics effectively, you can create a successful offsite that meets your team's needs.

Start planning today by reaching out to potential venues and asking the right questions.