Catalyst Ranch’s
Creative Juice Blog
We are known around Chicago as the place for team building. We're sort of a big deal. Groups don't just come to Catalyst Ranch to do amazing ice-breakers and exercises. That's only part of it. What's more is that we offer a wide selection of Meeting Mix-Ins and Add-Ons: We've vetted a number of outstanding third [...]
This week we bring to you a new story feature on our Creative Juice Blog: The #RanchStyle Spotlight! We'll highlight one of the many unique pieces of furniture and décor that go into making our singular, Catalyst Ranch #creativeenvironment and get the inside scoop on its origin and Ranch history as told by some of our [...]
What's on your meeting's agenda? A welcome address, introductions. Maybe a get-to-know-you activity. Presentations followed by a few blocks of break-out groups. But what agenda items make your meeting unique and experiential? If that piece is missing, you lose a valuable method of ensuring your attendees remember this event and retain its content. That's why we've [...]
Today we're having a FlashBack Friday and returning to our great friend MJ Ernst—truly one of our Catalyst Ranch family. Back in December 2015, we blogged an interview with this multi-hyphenate artist as we debuted the gorgeous Catalyst Ranch 2016 Coloring Book Calendar she illustrated for us.And what an apropos #FBF too, since she'll be leading two [...]
Previously on The Digital Adventures of Pogo... One can never be over prepared for an activity. For when you least expect it, the unexpected can occur. Ranchhands to the rescue! Meeting Mix-In Magic! The energized sounds from the Polka Room were building to a dull roar. Inside, Deborah, the meeting planner, watched the attendees become fully [...]
Build a Motorcycle to Build Your Team! Bike Build Chicago, from Preferred Vendor Moto Guild, is the perfect out-of-the-box experiential learning, team-building activity to motivate, empower, and create camaraderie among your employees. The event is set up to explore better ways to work together through an out-of-your-comfort-zone task that is both challenging and rewarding once the [...]
Reason #17 to love this year: get 17% off an improve it! workshop and 17% off your room rental price (either half day or full day) when booked at Catalyst Ranch! Just make sure to book your workshop by March 31st, 2017 and get this once-a-year offer. Utilize improve it!’s out-of-the-box thinking and fun energy at one [...]
Jodi Whitlock of Corporate Event Interactive tells us about how their team got started, where she likes to vacation (don't forget the wine!) and what's coming up for CEI. What made you get into this business? CEI began as a traditional event planning company. We quickly discovered an affinity for the teambuilding and interactive part of [...]
Using Puzzles to Build Your Team If you are looking to capitalize on the Pokemon Go craze but don't want to fall off a cliff while on your phone, a great place to look is The Mystery League. #Crain's Chicago Business just highlighted Sandor Weisz and his brainchild company, touting the benefits of people working together [...]
How to Inspire, Motivate, and Activate Meeting Attendees Meeting Tip of the Day for August 16th, 2016 This morning I was in a meeting with two co-workers, including our President, Eva, when we heard what sounded like a school bell. We didn't think much of it until it happened again shortly thereafter. And then again. [...]
