Small Cities Like Rogers, Arkansas Are

The Future of Corporate Retreats

With vibrant culture and room to roam, small cities like Rogers are redefining what team-building, innovation and workplace connection can look like.

Is the “Big City” Retreat Still Worth It?

Because planners are  frustrated by rising costs, logistics headaches and attendee fatigue in major metro areas across the country, corporate retreats in small cities are on the rise. That’s because alternative meeting destinations such as Rogers, Arkansas, are affordable, yet equally charming destinations for events of all sizes. In some ways, conference attendees may even have better experiences in smaller, second-tier cities, which are more walkable, hospitable and affordable than larger metropolises. Let’s dig into why small cities like Rogers are the future of corporate events.

Can You Afford to Host a Great Event Without Blowing the Budget?

Finding affordable corporate retreat venues for budget-friendly meetings in the United States can seem impossible due to rising costs, making it harder to justify traditional retreat locations. Thankfully, Rogers offers excellent value for planners alike, including high-quality venues, a walkable downtown and one-of-a-kind activities and attractions at a fraction of the cost of big cities. 

For example, the average hotel price for one night in Rogers is between $123 and $229, while the price range in Chicago and Orlando—most popular cities for conferences and meetings—are $160 to $299 and $174 to $324, respectively. Venue rentals in larger cities are also generally higher than those in smaller enclaves.

Do Your Attendees Need a Break from the Hustle?

Burnout is real. While visiting a bustling metropolis is exciting, there’s a rise in biophilia—the human tendency to seek connections in nature—which has also boosted the popularity of nature-focused travel, as well as wellness-focused corporate events. In fact, research has proven pairing nature with work boosts morale and productivity. According to the Harvard Business Review, companies such as Google and L.L. Bean are even incorporating elements of nature, from rooftop parks to tree-lined courtyards, into their commercial spaces to give employees access to the benefits of the outdoors.

Retreats in nature are built into Rogers residents’ DNA, thanks to Northwest Arkansas’ location in the Ozarks. Rogers offers easy access to a bounty of outdoor adventures, peaceful spaces like Lake Atalanta and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, and wellness-focused dining and lodging. 

Are You Struggling to Create Genuine Team Connection?

Instead of dragging your teams through big cities, where distractions can often overwhelm attendees and dilute team bonding, opt for a more intimate experience in Northwest Arkansas. Meaningful small group activities and team-building opportunities abound in Rogers, where locally inspired options include everything from expert-led biking and hiking excursions to guided biking and brewery tours.  Set up a cooking class at Honeycomb Kitchen Shop, a craft java tasting at Onyx Coffee Lab or a field trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Is Tech Holding You Back from Going Small?

There’s a myth that small cities can’t support hybrid or high-tech events. If it was true, the Rogers area wouldn’t be home to such an impressive roster of major companies such as Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Walmart Inc. Rogers may be a  small city, but it’s certainly a  tech-friendly destination with tons of hybrid-ready event venues ready to meet your needs. Venues in Rogers are equipped with robust A/V, livestream capabilities, and dedicated event support. For example the Rogers Convention Center has  an in-house Bose sound system, programmable lighting system and spotlights, ceiling-mounted remote projection with 20-foot screens and wireless A/V and lighting controls, while the city also has local tried-and-true audio visual experts like Cameron Magee and his team at AVAD 3.

Start Planning Your Corporate Retreat in Rogers

Are you ready to get ahead? Whether you’re looking for scenic venues, group activities, or help coordinating the details for your Rogers corporate event, the event planners at Destination Rogers are here to help. Download a Rogers Arkansas Meeting Planner Guide to get started!