When it comes to planning group activities for small vs large teams, one size never fits all. The dynamics, engagement, and outcomes of your event hinge on the number of participants and the strategies you use to bring them together. At UP Events, we’ve spent over 15 years perfecting the art of team-building and event management for groups ranging from intimate teams of 15 to corporate gatherings of 5,000. Here’s how we tailor unforgettable experiences for every group size — and how you can, too.

Understanding the Impact of Group Size

Group size is one of the most important factors in event planning. It shapes everything from the choice of activities to logistics, engagement, and the overall atmosphere.

• Small teams (typically under 10 people) thrive on intimacy, trust, and flexibility. Research shows that smaller teams complete collaborative tasks up to 36% faster than larger ones, thanks to stronger support networks and higher accountability.
• Large teams (10+ people) offer broader networking and resource-sharing opportunities. However, they also face challenges like “relational loss” — where individuals feel less supported — and a greater risk of disengagement if activities aren’t designed to involve everyone.

Expert insight: As psychologist Jennifer Mueller notes, “Relational loss occurs when an employee perceives that support is less available in the team as team size increases.” This makes it crucial to design activities that foster connection, regardless of group size.

Planning Activities for Small Teams

Why Small Teams Shine

Small teams are agile, personal, and collaborative. They’re ideal for activities that require close cooperation, creativity, and open communication. At UP Events, we often recommend:

• Escape rooms: Perfect for problem-solving and teamwork.
• Workshops: Such as cocktail making, cooking classes, or innovation sprints.
• Outdoor adventures: Like our Expedition Robinson team challenge.
• Volunteering: Giving back together builds strong bonds.

Pro tip: Personalize the experience. With fewer people, you can tailor activities to individual strengths and interests, making everyone feel valued.

Overcoming Small Team Challenges

Small teams sometimes lack diversity of ideas and can fall into groupthink. To keep things fresh:

• Rotate roles and responsibilities during activities.
• Encourage open feedback and creative thinking.
• Mix up the format — combine physical, creative, and strategic challenges.

See our full range of activities for small teams: UP Events Activities

Planning Activities for Large Teams

The Power — and Pitfalls — of Large Groups

Large teams bring energy, diversity, and the chance for cross-departmental networking. But they also require careful planning to keep everyone engaged. Our most successful large-group events include:

• Outdoor City Games: Scalable, interactive, and perfect for breaking into smaller teams.
• Team Olympics or large trivia contests: Everyone participates, but in manageable groups.
• Company-wide scavenger hunts or themed festivals: Combine plenary sessions with breakout activities.
• Hybrid events: Mix in-person and virtual elements for distributed teams.

Expert advice: “For large groups, hands-on activities that require every person’s participation remedy disengagement,” say leading event planners.

Managing Logistics and Engagement

Large events demand robust logistics:

• Venue selection: Our Amsterdam West location offers 45,000 m² of indoor and outdoor space, ideal for big gatherings. Outings in Amsterdam
• Facilitation: Professional hosts keep energy high and ensure smooth transitions.
• Breakout sessions: Divide into smaller teams for parts of the event, then reconvene for shared experiences.

Explore our corporate event options: Corporate Events at UP Events

Customization and Flexibility: The UP Events Approach

Every group is unique. That’s why we offer fully customizable event packages, including:

• Choice of activities: From VR Team Challenges to BBQ parties with live entertainment.
• Catering and entertainment: All handled in-house for a seamless experience.
• Decorations and themes: Tailored to your brand or occasion.

Whether you’re planning a product launch, a family gathering, or a school event, we ensure your experience is memorable, meaningful, and fun. Learn more about our event agency in Amsterdam

Trends and Best Practices in Team-Building

Embracing Technology and Inclusivity

• Hybrid and virtual events are on the rise, especially for distributed teams.
• Inclusivity and accessibility are central to modern event design.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly and charity-driven activities are increasingly popular.

Government Guidelines and Safety

In the Netherlands, corporate event guidelines emphasize safety, inclusivity, and accessibility. While COVID-19 restrictions have eased, we continue to prioritize:

• Proper ventilation for indoor events.
• Flexible group sizes and contingency planning.
• Activities that promote well-being and social cohesion, in line with EU workplace health directives.

For more on our school activities and safe event planning, visit School Activities.

Maximizing Connection, Fun, and Learning

For small groups:

• Choose activities that require collaboration and allow for personal input.
• Foster open communication and feedback.

For large groups:

• Break into smaller teams for parts of the event.
• Use professional facilitators to manage group dynamics.
• Ensure every participant has a role.

Always debrief after activities to reinforce learning and connection, and use feedback surveys to continuously improve.

Success Stories: Bringing Teams Together

One of our recent clients, a multinational tech company, brought 200 employees to our Amsterdam West venue for a hybrid event. We combined a large-scale outdoor game with smaller workshops and a BBQ party. The result? Increased collaboration, new cross-team friendships, and a 4.8-star review from the client.

Our promise: Whether you’re a small startup or a global enterprise, we create experiences that inspire, connect, and energize your team.

Useful Resources

• UP Events Activities
• UP Events Meetings
• UP Events Corporate Events
• UP Events Bachelor Party
• UP Events Workshops
• UP Events Team Building
• UP Events Event Agency Amsterdam
• UP Events School Activities
• UP Events Outings in Amsterdam
• UP Events Outings in Weesp

External links for further reading:

• Harvard Business Review: Why Small Teams Win
• Society for Human Resource Management: Team-Building Activities
• Dutch Government: Event Safety Guidelines
• Forbes: The Science of Team Building

FAQ: Planning Group Activities for Small vs Large Teams

What are the main differences in planning for small vs large teams? Small teams benefit from personalized, collaborative activities, while large teams require scalable solutions and structured facilitation to keep everyone engaged.

How do you keep large groups engaged during team-building activities? Break the group into smaller teams, use professional facilitators, and design activities that require everyone’s participation.

Are there activities that work for both small and large teams? Yes! Many activities, like outdoor games or workshops, can be scaled up or down. The key is adapting the format and facilitation to the group size.

What safety measures are in place for corporate events in the Netherlands? We follow Dutch government guidelines, including proper ventilation, flexible group sizes, and contingency planning for health emergencies.

How can I book a customized event with UP Events? Contact us directly for a personalized quote and consultation. We’ll help you design the perfect event for your team, whether you’re in Amsterdam, Weesp, or beyond.

Ready to plan your next unforgettable team event? Let us help you create an experience that inspires, connects, and energizes your group — no matter the size.