Big Smoke Events - Ahead of the new trend in ‘Competitive Socialising’

In a world where traditional team-building events have become a little passe, a new trend is emerging - 'Competitive Socialising.'

Activity bars like Flight Club, Electric Shuffle and Bounce have transformed leisure time, offering reinvented pastimes ranging from ping pong and darts to adventure golf, clay-pigeon shooting, and axe-throwing. This wave of change has injected vitality into the hospitality and team-building industry, providing a breath of fresh air for those seeking a mix of competition and camaraderie.

Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UK Hospitality, attributes the surge in 'Competitive Socialising' to the evolving landscape of work patterns post-pandemic. Hybrid working has altered behaviour, with companies increasingly drawn to activities fostering social interaction and team building. Nicola Blackford, commercial director at State of Play, the entity behind three Bounce ping pong bars, notes the shift in popularity of office days for bookings, highlighting Wednesdays and Thursdays as the new Fridays.

Amidst this rapidly growing trend, a standout brand has emerged as a frontrunner in crafting memorable team experiences - Big Smoke Events. Since the introduction of their award-winning Scavenger Hunt in 2015, the company has been redefining team building with a diverse range of uniquely adapted experiences based on universally loved games.

One of their flagship offerings is the 'Challenge Series,' featuring The Giant Jenga, Ping Pong, and Crazy Golf Challenge Shows. These experiences add a competitive edge to team dynamics, fostering collaboration and friendly rivalry simultaneously. The Giant Jenga mixes up quirky team challenges against the clock with all the tension and excitement of keeping the tower intact, while the Ping Pong and Crazy Golf Challenges infuse a sense of playfulness and escapism into the corporate environment.

Continuing their innovative streak, Big Smoke Events has recently unveiled The Bingo Challenge Show. This ingenious adaptation replaces traditional numbers with words and incorporates TV, film, and music clips from around the world. Teams go head-to-head in offthe-wall challenges against the clock, creating a highly charged and humorous atmosphere that epitomises the ethos of 'Competitive Socialising.'

Fran Hubbard, the founder of Big Smoke Events, emphasizes the company's core values, centred around social engagement, physical activity, and, most importantly, fun. "Happiness and connection are the keys to a positive work culture," says Hubbard, capturing the essence of their approach to team building.

Big Smoke Events isn't just a player in the field; it's a trendsetter. Hosting in-person team building events for start-ups and global brands alike, the company continues to create indelible and longlasting memories within its extensive client base. Notably, they recently organised a London-wide Scavenger Hunt for Meta, engaging 3,000 of its London-based workforce. The brand's commitment to delivering highly personalized experiences over the past seven years has solidified its position as a leader in the realm of 'Competitive Socialising.'

As the demand for innovative team-building experiences continues to rise, Big Smoke Events is amongst its leading lights, setting the standard for this new and exciting trend.