Among all the groups that meet at Marholmen, few choose what we in the industry call a "Kaluka meeting", i.e. coffee, lunch, coffee in a conference room with four walls. No, here almost everyone takes the opportunity to discover the island, our spa or spend time in nature! And as you know, there is no bad weather, so you can come all year round.

You will be welcomed to Marholmen by one of our professional project managers, who will keep track of all the details and the day's schedule. After a morning meeting, which usually includes an invigorating coffee break and sometimes a walking meeting around the island, it is time to enjoy lunch around one of our Ofirs, where the chef grills the day's lunch with the sea as an extra spice.

Re-energized, you gather again for another couple of hours of meetings, before it's time for our project manager to make another entrance. Because now it's time for a team-building activity! Among our most popular activities is Marholmen's Champions. And anyone who has seen the program understands what it is all about - a competition where you use both bud and bud. Just one suggestion among many activities that can be done here at Marholmen! See all the possibilities here>>

During the evening dinner, the lucky winners will be announced. But before that, there's time to relax in the Mareld Spa, swim in the hot tub at Badholmen, hang out in the bar or just relax in your hotel room or in our cozy cottages or villas here on the island. The next day it's time to return to everyday life again. Now as an even more tightly knit group, strengthened by the fresh air on Marholmen and new shared memories.

A kickoff is one of your best tools to set the tone for the corporate culture you want your business to have. The better relationships your employees have, the more easily they understand, communicate and read each other, which in turn allows for more creativity and faster problem solving. Few things build teams as effectively as a fun and inclusive team building activity. Here are our top tips for team building activities during your kickoff.

We are now seeing more and more reports that reinforce the picture of how important pieces of the puzzle for successful businesses - such as creativity, collaboration and corporate culture - are suffering because we have not been able to meet physically during the corona pandemic. The purpose of a kickoff is not only to anchor the goals of the business or project with all employees or project members, it is also a chance for all participants to build and deepen relationships. Because when we build relationships, we also build the all-important team spirit and trust in our colleagues. This is the glue that makes us a 'we'. The better the relationships, the easier it is to understand and read each other, which in turn creates room for creativity and problem solving. In short, the kickoff is a tool to set the tone for the corporate culture you want to characterize your business.

So far, so good. But choosing an activity that the whole group can appreciate, participate in and that achieves the purpose of your kickoff can be tricky. What to choose? How to think about it?

Our advice is to spend some time choosing the right activity that reflects the purpose and objectives of your meeting. If the group doesn't already know each other well, the purpose is probably to get to know each other. Consider making the activity a collaborative exercise with plenty of time to talk and interact with each other, such as cooking together. Does the group already know each other well? Then perhaps a more experiential activity, such as a high-altitude course, would bring the team together and increase trust?

Consider not organizing a half-day of mountain climbing if there are people in the group who have physical limitations or disabilities. Also, don't choose a quiz on Swedish pop songs during dinner if any of the employees did not grow up in Sweden. And a karaoke night can be quite stiff if it's a new group that doesn't already know each other well...

Here are a number of activities that you can do here on Marholmen to inspire you:

• Masters of Marholmen

Challenge yourself together with your colleagues! In Marholmens Mästare, you practice the ability to cooperate and weld the team together, while becoming a snack for a long time to come. The activity takes place outdoors on Strömsholmen when the weather permits. In the cold and rain, we have just as much fun in our activity cellar.

• Boat orientation

Get to know the islet around Marholmen and embark on a breathtaking adventure at sea! As a team, collect clues from buoys and solve the puzzle under time pressure. May the best team win!

• Yoga Walk About with forest bathing

Take the whole group out for a lovely, leader-led yoga walk with Forest Bathing on the island to replenish energy levels, boost creativity - and spirits.

• Half past seven at Marholmen

Our Dinner Box is a cooking activity consisting of a three-course dinner prepared by our chefs, which you prepare together and eat in your cottage or villa. Suitable for groups up to 6 people. If you book Villa Berg, you can do the activity for up to 14 people.

• Escape Box

Does your team work well together under pressure? With this activity, you will strengthen and build team cohesion while solving an advanced spy game as secret agents. A lot of fun!

• Play adventure golf

Adventure golf is a sport for everyone - from colleagues who already play at a professional level to those who have never held a golf club. On our course, everyone is challenged! The tournament ends with an award ceremony.

• Conference lunch over an open fire

Even the conference lunch can be an experience here! Gathering around an open fire to cook and eat together is in our DNA, paving the way for creative conversations.

• Spa provision

Reward your team with a relaxing moment in the Mareld Spa after a long day of productive meetings. Features include a whirlpool, a dry sauna overlooking the bay and a steam room with a starry ceiling.

• Challenge each other in boules

It only takes a few minutes to learn how to play boules but it is said to take years to master all the tactical and technical subtleties. Boule is an increasingly popular sport.

• Mat curling

Challenge your colleagues to carpet curling in Grosshandlargården's historic building. This is an activity suitable for those who have little time but want to do something fun together.

• Go on a kayak tour

Rent kayaks and enjoy a nature experience on the lake. Instructors will accompany you if you wish and life jackets are of course included. 

• Fishing with guide and equipment

Book a half day, full day or an afterwork on the lake! You will be taken on an exciting fishing trip on fully equipped sport fishing boats with a professional fishing guide and all the necessary equipment.

• Ping pong tournament in Båthuset

In Marholmen's boathouse, located below the hotel, icy winds blow in through the walls. With the heat from the roof, your hat on and a table tennis racket in your hand, you can play a game of unusual table tennis.

• Badholmen with its own hot tub

Badholmen has two hot tubs, a private sandy beach and a sauna that you can rent for the whole group for two hours. Snacks and drinks can be ordered for a magical moment on the private headland.

• Music quiz

A music quiz with a troubadour is a team-building, laughter-inducing activity suitable for groups of all types and sizes. A perfect end to the day or mood enhancing party starter.

• Cold bath with sauna

Challenge yourself to a refreshing cold bath followed by a sauna that is good for both body and soul. You rent the entire Badholmen for private use. Complete the experience with drinks and snacks.

Remember! Choose activities during the kick-off that reflect your purpose and goals. If the aim is to get to know each other, consider some kind of cooperation exercise, such as cooking together. And don't organize a half-day of mountain climbing if there are people in the group who have physical limitations or disabilities. Also, don't choose a quiz on Swedish pop songs during dinner if any of the employees did not grow up in Sweden.

It's mid-July at the time of writing, but soon enough we'll be in the middle of the Christmas party season, which is already starting to be booked. For most people, the festive gathering at work on the eve of the holiday season is just fun. But for some, anxiety about knowing who to talk to or what kind of behavior to accept can create stress before the party. 

Here are seven tips to make this year's Christmas party safer and more fun for you and your colleagues.

1. Talk aboutsomething other than work
Break the pattern and talk about something other than what you do during the day. After all, the Christmas party is a social occasion where the focus should be on just that. Not sure what to say? Ask questions! Most people love to talk about themselves.

2. Dare to broaden your horizon
Don't just talk to colleagues you already know. Talk to everyone. Both because it's nice to get to know new people, but also because it doesn't hurt to have good relationships with colleagues in departments you don't usually work with.

3. Skip the negative talk
Avoid talking shit, complaining about your boss or whining about a difficult customer. If someone is still talking shit - ask them to take it up with the person concerned and say "this sounds important, but it doesn't feel like it concerns me. I should have taken it up with xx instead."

4. Dealing with inappropriate jokes and comments
If you are the target of inappropriate comments or jokes, or see someone else being targeted, it is important to speak up, even though it may be difficult. One way to speak up without being rude to the person is to lower the behavior, but raise the person. For example: "When you say that, you sound sexist and it feels strange, because you are not sexist. You would benefit from not making such jokes in the future."

5. Take a break fromyour phone
Pay attention to the people there instead of your smartphone. Be present and get to know the other people at the Christmas party, rather than just documenting it. And if you are going to post something on social media, wait until afterwards and ask for approval from those in the picture.

6. If you are a manager - act as a role model!
If you are a manager, remember that employees look to you to see how they should behave. Both in terms of how you behave yourself, but also what behavior you accept from others. If there is someone who you know is at risk of behaving badly, have a little chat with the person before the party.

And finally, don't forget to have fun!

At Marholmen you can book a Christmas party in your own historic venue for 30-80 people. Contact us for our Christmas party packages.

We thank the rhetoric agency Snacka Snyggt for tips 2-7, which were first published in an article in Svenska Mötens magazine in the fall of 2019.

Are you looking for the perfect location for your next conference or kickoff? Are you looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, comfort and opportunities for productive meetings? Then look no further than Marholmen - a gem in the Roslagen archipelago, just an hour away from Stockholm and Arlanda Airport.

An inspiring and secluded environment

One of the main advantages of choosing Marholmen for your next corporate event is its inspiring and secluded environment. At Marholmen, you will have the opportunity to get away from the noise and stress of the city and instead embrace the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding nature. The 34-hectare island offers a perfect combination of greenery and water, providing a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere perfect for stimulating creativity and focused meetings.

Varied meeting environments

Marholmen offers a variety of conference rooms that can be adapted to your specific needs and wishes. Whether you are planning a smaller meeting in one of the historic villas or a larger conference in the spacious Skeppet, there are options to suit your group. You can also choose to rent the entire island to create an exclusive and customized experience for your company.

Accommodation for all needs

At Marholmen there are accommodation options to suit all participants' preferences and requirements. Whether it is a comfortable hotel room with its own terrace or balcony, a charming archipelago cottage or a characterful villa, there is something for everyone. For those who want a unique experience, Marholmen also offers glamping tents on the island of Rackaren during the summer months, as well as pitches with electrical outlets for those who bring their own accommodation all year round.

Tailor-made activities and teambuilding activities

Marholmen has an experienced activities team that can help create customized activities and team building exercises to strengthen cooperation and team spirit within your company. Whether it's outdoor activities that challenge participants or more relaxed activities that promote team building, there are opportunities to create memorable experiences that strengthen the bonds between colleagues and increase engagement.

Proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport

Another advantage of choosing Marholmen is its proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport. With only an hour away from the capital and the airport, it is easy for participants to get to and from the venue. This saves time and minimizes travel, allowing the conference or kickoff to begin smoothly and efficiently.

Summary

Marholmen is not only a beautiful and secluded place in the Roslagen archipelago, but also an ideal destination for conferences and kickoffs. With its inspiring setting, varied meeting environments, comfortable accommodation, customized activities and proximity to Stockholm and Arlanda Airport, Marholmen offers a complete experience for companies looking for a place where productivity and relaxation can be combined in the best possible way.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do I book a conference or kickoff at Marholmen? To book a conference or kickoff at Marholmen and get help to plan and customize the event based on your needs, please contact the booking department by phone +46 (0) 771 16 17 00 or e-mail bokning@marholmen.se.
2. Is it possible to rent the entire island for a corporate event? Yes, it is possible to rent the entire island for a corporate event. This gives you exclusive access to all areas, premises and accommodation on Marholmen.
3. What types of activities can be arranged for team building? Marholmen offers a range of activities for team building, including outdoor activities such as boat orienteering, canoeing, team challenges such as Marholmen's Champions, spa, bath and sauna experiences and much more. Their activity team can work with you to create a tailor-made experience to suit your needs and goals.

Marholmen changes its logo and launches a new website. At the same time, all of the island's signs will be replaced with a new, uniform design and feel.

- " From the very first time I came here to Marholmen, I saw the potential in developing the brand to do justice to this beautiful island and its great history. Now it is so much fun to see how everything grows into a whole that reflects the feeling here on Marholmen," says Bibi Rydbacken, Marketing Manager at Marholmen.

The new brand is part of a larger effort to develop the island and put Marholmen on the map as a year-round destination. The project includes a number of other initiatives on the island to update Marholmen's concept and attract new target groups. Partners in the development of the concept and brand are the architectural firm Krook & Tjäder and Tinktur.

Marholmen's website will be launched on April 12 and before the end of April the entire rebranding will be completed.