Bringing together Catapult Sports, a global leader in sports performance technology, for a multi-day kick-off retreat uniting teams from across Europe, Africa and Australia. Over three days, strategy sessions, product demonstrations and team experiences unfolded across Ashridge House, creating a focused and inspiring environment for connection, alignment and performance.
Case study
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Tell us a little about your event. How many people attended, where did they come from, how many days was it, and what type of event did you host?
We hosted Catapult Sports’ annual global Sales Kick-Off retreat, bringing together approximately 80 team members from across Europe, Africa and Australia. The event took place over three days and combined strategic business planning, leadership sessions, product demonstrations, sales enablement, awards and team-building activities. The objective was to align our teams ahead of the new financial year while also strengthening collaboration and culture across regions.
What were the primary objectives for bringing your team together, and why was an immersive, residential setting important to achieving this?
The primary objective was to create alignment across our global commercial organisation ahead of a new financial year, ensuring teams were connected around strategy, priorities and execution. Beyond the business objectives, it was equally important to strengthen relationships and reinforce company culture across geographically dispersed teams.
Having everyone together in an immersive residential environment was critical because it created opportunities for more meaningful interaction outside of formal sessions. The setting encouraged collaboration, informal networking and deeper team connection in a way that simply isn’t possible in a standard day meeting or city conference environment.
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What initially drew you to Ashridge House as the location for your event?
Ashridge House immediately stood out because it offered a unique balance of professionalism, history and atmosphere. We were looking for a venue that felt different from a traditional corporate hotel and could create a memorable experience for our team.
The combination of impressive meeting facilities, beautiful grounds and residential accommodation made it an ideal fit. It provided the right environment for focused working sessions during the day while also delivering a sense of occasion and energy throughout the event.
Your event combined meetings, awards, team building and evening experiences. How did the variety of spaces at Ashridge House support the flow and success of your programme?
One of the biggest strengths of Ashridge House was the flexibility and variety of spaces available. We were able to seamlessly transition between large group presentations, breakout sessions, product workshops, team-building activities and evening social events without the event ever feeling repetitive or constrained.
The larger conference areas worked perfectly for keynote sessions and awards presentations, while smaller breakout rooms enabled more interactive collaboration. The dining spaces and social areas also created natural opportunities for informal conversations and networking, which were just as valuable as the formal agenda.
How did the catering and private dining experiences contribute to the overall experience for your team?
The catering and dining experience played a major role in the overall success of the event. The quality of food and service was consistently excellent and helped create a premium experience for attendees throughout the three days.
The private dining experience in particular elevated the event and gave the team an opportunity to relax and celebrate together in a more personal setting. These moments are important at leadership and sales kick-off events because they help strengthen relationships and create lasting memories beyond the meeting rooms.
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What impact has the event had on your team, both immediately and since returning to work?
Immediately after the event, there was a noticeable increase in energy, alignment and motivation across the team. Bringing people together in person helped reinforce clarity around objectives and gave individuals a stronger sense of connection to both the business and each other.
Since returning to work, we’ve seen stronger collaboration across regions and functions, improved communication and a renewed sense of momentum heading into the year. The event also reinforced company culture and gave teams shared experiences that continue to strengthen relationships long after the event itself.
What would you say to other organisations considering Ashridge House for a multi-day corporate event or retreat?
I would strongly recommend Ashridge House to any organisation looking to host a high-quality corporate retreat or leadership event. The venue offers an excellent combination of professional facilities, unique surroundings and outstanding service.
What stood out most was the ability to create an experience that felt both productive and memorable. The team at Ashridge House were highly supportive throughout the planning and delivery process, and the venue itself creates an atmosphere that genuinely helps bring teams together.
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