How to Plan an Executive Offsite: Step-by-Step Guide for EAs and Chiefs of Staff

Quick Answer: To plan an executive offsite, define clear goals, lock your executive team’s availability, secure a strategic venue, build a hybrid agenda (strategy + team connection), arrange logistics, and ensure alignment on outcomes.

Request our done-for-you checklist and planning template to save 10+ hours and avoid costly mistakes.

Section 1: Set the Goal and Outcome

Before picking a city or a venue, you need this question answered:

What’s the #1 thing leadership wants out of this offsite?

Examples:

  • Align on next quarter’s OKRs
  • Reset post-reorg
  • Reconnect after remote burnout
  • Launch new strategy or team

* Pro Tip: Get one exec to own the objective so the rest fall in line.

Section 2: Pick the Right Dates Early

The real bottleneck is calendars.

  • Use a tool like Doodle, Clockwise, or Slack poll
  • Target Mon-Wed or Wed-Fri for best energy and focus
  • Avoid weeks near board meetings or major releases

Lock in your dates before sourcing venues.

Section 3: Source a Strategic Venue

(this is where our team at Clandestine really shines)

Venue matters more than you think, it truly sets the tone.

What to look for:

  • Private space (no hotel lobbies)
  • Natural light + breakout zones
  • Walkability or controlled “bubble”
  • Optional: AV, food onsite, post-session experiences

Want a vetted list of exec-level venues in your city? Hit us up for some assistance.

Section 4: Build a Strategic Agenda

Don’t just fill time, design the flow.

Framework:

  • Day 1: Big picture (State of business, market shifts)
  • Day 2: Strategic workshops (Breakouts, debate, alignment)
  • Day 3: Action planning + team bonding

💡 Include 1-2 “human” sessions—walks, cooking, fireside chats.

Section 5: Handle Logistics Like a Pro

Details matter:

✔ Travel & Lodging

✔ Ground transportation

✔ Dietary needs

✔ Name tags (yes, even for execs)

✔ Tech setup

✔ Printed agendas


Section 6: Add Wow Without Being Cringe

Skip trust falls. Think:

  • Sommelier-led wine tasting
  • Private museum tour
  • Chef-led dinner in a villa
  • Fireside chat with industry leader

The goal: build trust and culture in an authentic way.


Final Checklist

✔ 6–8 weeks out: Lock dates

✔ 5 weeks out: Secure venue

✔ 3–4 weeks out: Confirm agenda, logistics

✔ 2 weeks out: Send travel plans

✔ 1 week out: Final confirmations

✔ Post-event: Send recap + action plan


📈 CTA: Let Us Help You Plan It Like a Pro

Want help making this effortless? We have a variety of options at different price points, starting at $1,950 to help you bring your event to life. Contact us today!

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Kelley Troia

Founder & Chief Astonishment Officer

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