Blue Monday falls this year on January 16. The expression refers to the day of the year when employees are said to be the most depressed. Beyond the concept of this day, which refers more to a marketing campaign than a scientific study, we have to admit that the start of the new school year in 2023 is feeling particularly depressing for many Belgian workers. Most workers are back behind their screens and probably already dreaming of their next getaway. While there was a time when team-building activities took place in exotic destinations and offered employees the break they needed, this trend is now being curtailed for economic and/or environmental reasons. But that doesn't mean it's no longer possible to get away from it all. Entering the Comet Meetings buildings is like opening the doors to a world tour where you can get away from it all, while remaining in the heart of Brussels and, of course, more economically.
Comet Meetings specializes in the design of inspiring meeting and seminar venues to meet the needs of companies that need to get together for a specific reason (seminars, executive committees, training...). Comet Meetings offers a new meeting and seminar experience designed to foster the collective intelligence of teams. To create the best possible atmosphere, Comet Meetings teamed up with Belgian architect Lionel Jadot to design the building as an escape from the daily grind. With just 7 staircases, it's possible to take a trip around the world.
In just a few steps, and with 45 calories less, you can open the door to the world of "The Hanging Islands in Bali". To enter, it's important to remember their way of greeting. The Balinese have the "Sembah" greeting, which is similar to Namaste. The palms of the hands are placed together against the chest. Instead of Namaste, they say "Om Swastiastu", which means "Peace be with you". It's well known that Bali is a first-class travel destination. It's synonymous with relaxation and - as Sembah proves - peace. It's an ideal place to hold networking events accompanied by original cocktails. Don't forget the palm-shaped straws!
On the second floor, you'll enter the beautiful spectacle of Japanese Ochaya. Here, too, bowing to one another is a top priority. The Japanese like to show modesty and humility, and show it in the form of a bow. Depending on who you're talking to, you bow for longer and at a higher or lower angle, depending on the level of respect you have for the person. Oh, and you may have to take off your shoes... This can be a great place for team building to create an atmosphere of respect and openness.
A few more steps (or a short elevator ride for the less adventurous) and you're on the 3rd floor, on the other side of the world: Australia. Feel like challenging your team to a game of rugby, followed by some vegemite and "shrimp on the barbie"? This floor, called The Outback Village, is perfect for you and your team.
Back to Europe on the 4th floor. Although our neighbors in the Berliner Ground don't seem too different from us, there's one constant trend: respect for the clock. German meetings start precisely on time, and rarely run over. They are very formal, with a predetermined agenda from which there is virtually no deviation. Any insecurities in the agenda must and will be eliminated. This floor is perfect when concentration and efficiency are required during meetings, such as decision-making committees or annual results presentations.
The journey isn't over yet. Don't forget to start your encounters with a Namaste when you enter The Darjeeling Odyssey floor, as bowing is absolutely forbidden. Namaste means "I bow to you" and greeting someone with this word, in India, is a way of saying "may our spirits meet". Perfect for a client meeting, don't you think?
Mesopotamia, India, Germany, Tenerife, Australia, Japan and Bali. That's a lot of countries in one building. Comet Meetings proves that you don't have to leave Belgium to see the world, or at least that it's possible to work in a heavenly atmosphere, without having to take a plane. Because holding a meeting on the premises of Comet Meetings means traveling the world and fulfilling your professional obligations at the same time. It really is the best of both worlds!
