Ask the Experts: Connect and collaborate from outside the cubicle

From nature-space retreats to historic venues, New Hampshire offers businesses unique ways to bring teams together outside the office. Off-site events provide new perspectives — literally and figuratively — to help teams think outside the cubicle and tackle your organization’s next goals. Our experts share how they’re helping companies plan memorable outings, meetings and celebrations and what advice they have for making the most of off-site events.

Panelists:

Allen Aldenberg, chief military & veterans service officer at Easterseals NH, eastersealsnh.org

Gretchen Casey, sales manager for Gunstock Mountain Resort, gunstock.com

Jessica Kaiser, owner of The Hawthorn and Tide House, thehawthornnh.com

Allen Aldenberg, chief military & veterans service officer at Easterseals NH

When building the 15-acre Easterseals NH Military and Veterans Campus in Franklin, why was it a priority for Easterseals to include an event facility?

Including an event facility was a key part of our vision for the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus from the beginning. We wanted this space to serve as a true community center for service members, veterans, first responders and their families.

By having a dedicated event and conference space, we’re able to host programming that supports connection, healing and growth. It also allows us to invite mission-aligned organizations, businesses and groups to use the space for their own events, which helps build a broader network of support.

Additionally, the facility contributes to the sustainability of the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus by generating revenue through bookings, while also providing meaningful activities and programming for the veterans who live on-site and those who visit.

How do veterans benefit from having an in-person space to gather with each other?

The transition from military service to civilian life can be incredibly challenging. Many veterans experience feelings of isolation, loss of identity or disconnection from their communities.

Having a physical space where they can gather with others who share similar experiences is vital. It helps foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which can be deeply healing. Whether it’s through peer support groups, recreational activities or simply spending time together, these in-person interactions help veterans build trust, share stories and feel less alone.

The Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus is designed to be a safe and welcoming environment where those connections can flourish.

Can the wider community use the state-of-the-art conference space and its included amenities?

Yes, absolutely. While the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus is focused on serving the military and first-responder communities, we also encourage use by the broader public.

Our retreat and conference space are available for day events, overnight retreats, seminars, trainings and more. It’s equipped with modern amenities and flexible meeting areas, making it ideal for a wide range of gatherings.

We welcome nonprofits, community organizations, businesses and professional groups to book the space, especially when their work aligns with our mission of service, support and empowerment. By opening the doors to the wider community, we’re fostering collaboration and helping sustain the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus for years to come.

What are some examples of events the center plans or hopes to host?

We’re excited about the possibilities and are actively planning a variety of events that support veterans and the broader military and first-responder communities. These may include wellness retreats, mental health workshops, peer-support gatherings, family reintegration programs and leadership development seminars.

We also hope to host community appreciation events, educational sessions, networking receptions and collaborative trainings with other service organizations. Our goal is to create a calendar of programming that reflects the diverse needs and interests of those we serve, while also inviting the public to engage and learn more about the challenges and strengths of our veteran population.

What future phases are part of this campus project?

Phase II of the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus is already underway and includes several exciting additions. This fall, we’re launching the Werner Mazda Challenge Course, which will offer team-building and therapeutic activities. Following that, we’ll be building the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center, the Solinsky Empowerment Center, and the Swim With a Mission Aquatics & Fitness Center.

These facilities will expand our capacity to offer recreational, therapeutic and empowermentfocused programming. Each phase is designed to enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors, and to ensure that the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus continues to grow as a vibrant, supportive environment for the military community of New Hampshire.

To book space, visit militaryveteranscampusnh.org, call 888-285-9248 or email us at MVCampus@eastersealsnh.org.

Gretchen Casey, sales manager for Gunstock Mountain Resort

Gunstock is known as a four-season vacation destination. How do you translate that into creating memorable company outings and events?

At Gunstock, every gathering offers a fresh opportunity to inspire, connect and energize your team. As a four-season destination, Gunstock specializes in crafting company outings that go far beyond the typical retreat. Winter team building can take place on the slopes or Nordic ski trails, followed by networking in a cozy lodge.

In summer, your team could be ziplining above the treetops, rocketing down the rails on a mountain coaster or admiring panoramic views from the comfort of a four-passenger chairlift. Fall brings breathtaking foliage and a classic autumn setting, while spring is perfect for wellness-focused getaways and outdoor leadership workshops.

Whether you’re planning a small executive retreat or a large-scale corporate celebration, Gunstock provides the natural beauty, versatile venues and customizable experiences to make your event unforgettable. We don’t just host outings; we help you create reconnecting moments that boost morale, strengthen culture and leave a lasting impression.

How does your food and beverage program complement the meeting and event experience at Gunstock?

Gunstock’s food and beverage program is designed to elevate every meeting and event with ingredients and flavors that match the setting and that are tailored to your group’s vibe. Whether you’re hosting a formal banquet, a casual team lunch or an après-ski gathering, Gunstock’s culinary team offers customizable menus that suit your event’s tone and dietary needs.

From hearty New England classics to upscale seasonal fare, the food becomes part of the experience. Food and beverage options are woven into the flow of your event — think s’mores by a fire after tubing, boxed lunches for hiking groups or a gourmet buffet after a leadership workshop.

Gunstock’s culinary team works closely with event planners to ensure every bite supports the goals of your event, whether it’s energizing your team, celebrating a milestone or simply creating a moment your team will remember long after the retreat ends.

How does your team help support the planning of out-of-office activities?

Gunstock’s team is deeply committed to making activities away from the office fun, engaging, seamless and tailored to your company’s goals. From the moment you inquire, we work closely with you to understand your vision and objectives. We help you choose the right venue, build a custom itinerary and coordinate logistics so you can focus on your team and not the details. The Gunstock team helps you select and schedule activities that foster connection, like ziplining, tubing, hiking or mountain coaster rides. We also handle equipment, staffing and safety briefings so everything runs smoothly.

What advice would you give to companies looking to plan a successful outing or off-site training session?

Since you’re hoping to make the most of a company outing, choose a venue that will inspire your group. A change of scenery away from the office and spending time together in an outdoor setting can spark fresh thinking.

Natural settings like Gunstock Mountain Resort offer built-in opportunities for adventure and team building. Comfortable and cozy indoor settings like Gunstock’s Historic Lodge, with beautiful stonework and wood beams, set the tone for relaxing and reconnecting with each other as a team. Also, be sure to select a venue with a great track record that can accommodate different-sized groups with varying goals and objectives.

Gunstock has hosted every type of social gathering imaginable, from intimate to impressive. The Gunstock crew is seasoned, creative and agile when it comes to hosting events of all sizes and for all purposes.

Jessica Kaiser, owner of The Hawthorn and Tide House

What is Portsmouth’s newest option for corporate events?

Corporate planners are buzzing about Portsmouth’s newest event venue, a historic space that’s redefining what’s possible in a city with limited event options. The Hawthorn brings a fresh, flexible backdrop to one of New England’s most popular destinations, and it’s quickly becoming the talk of the planning community.

What makes Portsmouth such a popular destination for corporate events?

Portsmouth gives planners the tools to design memorable, seamless programs. Its walkable downtown is packed with restaurants ideal for dine-arounds and private group buyouts, allowing attendees to experience multiple flavors of the city in one evening without ever needing transportation. The waterfront opens up opportunities for team-building adventures: harbor cruises, sailing regattas or sea kayaking in Great Bay. For cultural programming, The Music Hall provides a lounge for keynotes or a stage for evening entertainment, and local jazz clubs and galleries lend authentic backdrops for receptions. The city also makes logistics easy: a concentration of hotels and short-term rentals like The Tide House downtown can comfortably host both intimate and large groups within walking distance of all activities. And with its location just an hour from Boston and Portland, plus direct access to I-95, it’s remarkably easy to get here. It’s that rare mix of accessibility, variety and character that keeps Portsmouth at the top of planners’ lists.

What differentiates The Hawthorn from other event spaces in Portsmouth?

The Hawthorn isn’t just another conference room — it’s an experience steeped in history. With original brick walls, soaring 30-foot ceilings and massive wood beams dating back to the 1800s, the space has an authenticity and character you won’t find in a standard hotel ballroom. Flooded with natural light, it feels both grand and inviting, offering planners a backdrop that immediately elevates any event. Beyond its historic charm, The Hawthorn is one of the only downtown venues to provide 3,800 square feet of truly flexible event space — a blank canvas where corporate teams can customize layouts, branding and experiences to suit everything from intimate strategy sessions to large-scale gatherings.

How does The Hawthorn balance built-in amenities with planner flexibility?

The Hawthorn provides the essentials, while leaving the creative details in planners’ hands. Our 3,800 square feet of flexible event space can be configured as one grand hall or subdivided for smaller groups. At its heart is a 64-foot curved bar and a movable lounge area that adapts easily to receptions, networking or social time. A caterer’s prep kitchen and built-in surround audio and high-speed internet are also included, ensuring the right infrastructure is in place. Beyond that, planners have full freedom to bring in their own caterers, linens, AV teams and entertainment. We offer a list of trusted local vendors to make the process easier, but nothing is required, allowing every event to reflect its own brand and style.

How does The Hawthorn help corporate planners stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality?

The Hawthorn gives planners freedom to maximize value by avoiding rigid, bundled packages.

Catering can be scaled to fit any budget, from elegant plated dinners to more economical buffets, family-style meals, or lighter formats like grazing tables and brunch service. Planners can also source directly from local cafés or delis for box lunches and coffee breaks, adding Portsmouth flavor at a lower cost. With a licensed bartender, groups may provide their own beer, wine and spirits, eliminating the steep markups often charged by hotels. Unlike many venues, we don’t inflate costs by packaging AV, décor or entertainment; planners contract directly with vendors and keep pricing transparent. Plus, essentials such as the 64-foot bar, movable lounge furniture, a caterer’s prep kitchen, and built-in surround audio are included in the rental, reducing the need for add-ons. With no food and beverage minimums or exclusive vendor contracts, The Hawthorn makes it easier to design impactful events that stay on budget.