How to Meet Venue Expectations Across Generations: Gen Z, Millennials & Baby Boomers

Organising a venue for a work away event is increasingly providing more of a challenge for planners who have to appeal to multi-generational workforces. From tech-loving graduates to communication and cost-focused industry veterans, it is important that individual needs are met, meaning today’s conferences have to be able to do it all.

Tailoring Event Elements to Meet Everyone’s Preferences

It is typically the older generations in the office who will be in charge of the budgeting in the workplace, therefore funding any corporate away day, with the venue and any team building events included. But for a corporate away day to be effective, it should be held in the interest of all employees, benefiting the business as a whole.

Generational Preferences

By 2030 millennials and Gen Z will make up 60% of the global workforce, yet Gen X and Baby Boomers are more likely to be in control of finances and ultimate decision making.

To engage today's diverse workforces, it is important to be innovative in event planning for corporate away days. Varying formats is the most effective way of entertaining all age groups.

Baby Boomers typically enjoy phone calls and formal emails, whilst Gen Z may stick to texting and sharing short video clips. Before, during and after the event any communication should be multi-channeled. Email the day’s schedule, send text reminders, activate app alerts, and then post the highlights on socials. This effort will motivate different generations in the workplace, boosting collaboration and developing rapport.

Bridge the technological divide with alternatives. Whilst 96% of under 30s and 88% of baby boomers now own smartphones, it is still good to offer a variety of formats to ensure engagement across the board, not only for preference but to avoid technical issues. Having no service or a minimal charge is less stressful when you have a reliable paper format. Provide QR codes for your guests to scan, but be prepared to print a few out for those who prefer a physical form and have staff on hand for those who may want to ask questions.

The content of the day should also be varied to appeal to all ages. Whilst Boomers and Gen X may have the attention span to sit through and engage with 60 minute lectures, younger generations are more used to quick and snappy videos. To balance out preferences, include a variety of guest speakers with long and short talks, offering presentations with imagery and video clips. Break up the day by allowing employees to get involved with an interactive workshop. This way you provide everyone with a learning method that suits them so they go away feeling fulfilled.

In between speeches and presentations, provide the opportunity to network. Whilst Boomers might feel more confident to hold face to face conversations off the cuff, Gen Z may need an activity or app to break the ice. Provide conversation starters and fun icebreaker games, utilising technology and physical areas in the room like splitting the guests into mixed groups for a scavenger hunt.

What You Can Do Before Booking a Venue

Before booking a venue, it is important to do your research and understand the demographics of your workplace. Ask HR what the generational range of your workplace is. Finding out how many Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X Baby Boomers will help you format your conference accordingly.

If the event is open to external stakeholders and partners, a venue that combines breathtaking architecture with advanced tech and multiple social spaces is probably your best bet.

Internal vs External: Adjust Your Approach

Utilise venues that allow for both digital devices and instructor-led workshops and sessions. Offer tiered experiences. Some staff want the full immersion, others want to dip in and out. Enable both. Train staff to learn from one another, improving both technical skills and communication.

After the Event

Measure engagement by generation, ask age groups how they felt about the day, what went well and what they would like to see next time. During the event, observe reactions; Are all age groups engaging? If not, why?

Choosing the Right Venue

Venue choice is vital to the experience and enjoyment of your guests, so it is important to find one that suits your office. The best venues for corporate away days with a multi-generational workforce are those that offer a blend of active, relaxed, and engaging experiences.

Baby Boomers tend to gravitate toward more traditional styles with meaningful networking opportunities and professional growth. Venues that exude elegance and comfort with attention to detail and service are usually the most chosen by boomers.

Generation X enjoys hybrid arrangements that blend in-person engagements with digital elements.

Millennials often thrive on experiences that offer connection and are purpose-driven. They gravitate toward unique venues, interactive technology, and social media worthy moments.

Generation Z tend to be digital natives, more likely to expect a tech driven and immersive experience. Personalisation, interactivity and social media integration are important to this age group. Modern venues that feature advanced tech features will appeal to this group.

Our Venues

We provide a range of suitable venues, blending advanced tech with traditional designs to appeal to the multi-generational workflow. Whether you are looking for a venue to host a team building event, activity, or conference, we have the location for you.

Engineers' House, Bristol

Engineers' House, based in Bristol, combines elegant architecture with modern technology, creating a space that is both visually appealing and practical. Its grade II listing and prestigious location will appeal to the baby boomers and Gen X members of your workflow whilst the 24 high tech meeting rooms and quirky theming of different spaces spaces will appeal to the Millennials and Gen Z members in the office.

With free onsite parking and delicious, locally sourced food and drink, this venue offers a sustainable destination that provides the perfect opportunity to position your organisation as authoritative and industry leading, creating a memorable corporate away day.

Contact the venue or call 01179 064800 to make a booking or request more information.

Broadway House, London

Based in the centre of London, Broadway House is an Edwardian building which offers five impressive floors filled with 20 contemporary meeting rooms, making it the perfect place to host conferences or team building activities with employees, meetings with clients and talks with delegates.

Its grandeur Edwardian appearance, all inclusive cost, and comfortable surroundings will appeal to the baby boomers and Gen X. Meanwhile, millennials and Gen Z of the office will apprceciate the themed rooms, hybrid working options and breakout rooms which offer ample opportunites for socialising.

Enjoy high quality food and drink in this impressive, sustainable venue located opposite St.Jame’s Park Tube station. Within walking distance of St.Jame’s Park, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament Broadway House combines history and function for flexible team days.

Book this venue, or request more information, or call us on 0207 2227777.

Woodland Grange, West Midlands

Set in 6 acres of beautiful gardens just outside Leamington Spa, Woodland Grange is an award winning residential conference venue and hotel. With 32 meeting rooms and picturesque surroundings, this is likely to be a favourite with your Gen X and Baby Boomer colleagues whilst the games room and gym facilities will appeal to your millennial and Gen Z employees.

Paired with the bar, restaurant,onsite parking and accommodation, this sustainable destination makes for a memorable corporate away day setting. Enquire about a booking, request more information or call 01926 336621.

Multi-generational Workplace Venues FAQs

How to meet the needs of a multi-generational workforce when it comes to corporate venues?

A multi-generational workforce requires venues and environments that are inclusive and adaptable to diverse needs and preferences. This means providing flexible workspaces, accessible technology, and opportunities for both formal and informal interaction. Venues should also support various communication styles and offer spaces that cater to different work preferences, such as quiet areas for focused work and collaborative zones for teamwork.

What are the key challenges of the multigenerational workforce?

As different generations come with distinct values and perspectives, managers may face difficulty satisfying the requirements of every age group. For example:

Communication: Each generation has different communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace.
Different working styles: Similarly, many age groups deliver different working styles. Baby Boomers may opt for a more structured process, whereas millennials and Gen Z thrive in flexible environments.
Different work ethic expectations: Whilst Baby Boomers often strive for job security, Millennials tend to pursue career progression, and Gen Xers prefer work-life harmony and financial security
Technological proficiency: Hybrid working may introduce technological challenges to baby boomers and Gen X who may need more training and support in comparison to Millennials and Gen Z. This offers the opportunity for knowledge sharing to bridge gaps.

What is key to success for multigenerational teams?

Multi-generational environments require clear communication, with training focusing on different styles and personalities. Look for opportunities for mentoring in each age group to create a more harmonious workflow.