Appealing Activities for Frolleagues: Friends and Colleagues

The concept of bleisure has influenced the events industry for at least a decade now. As people look to combine business with leisure when they travel—such as adding a family vacation before or after an annual conference—planners are adjusting their programming accordingly. They might provide flexible room packages so attendees can stay longer, incorporate family time in the agenda, or promote nearby activities and attractions in addition to the main events.

While bleisure shows no signs of slowing, there is a growing attendee trend that also goes by a mash-up name: frolleagues—friends who are also colleagues.

Knowing a frolleague will be at an event may help ease the anxiety of business trips. Among Gen Z travelers (born 1997–2012), 70% look forward to traveling for work, but they are also more likely to find the experience stressful than older generations do, according to a 2025 study. Planners would do well to find ways to appeal to these younger attendees—Gen Zers and millennials (born 1981–96) will make up nearly three-quarters of the workforce by 2030.

Gen Z attendees, in particular, are looking for meaningful experiences and connections. But designing events that focus on the needs of Gen Z will benefit everyone at your event.

Here are four ideas for making events attractive to frolleagues.

Unique Transportation

Sometimes, a journey with friends can be just as exciting and memorable as the destination. When coordinating off-site activities, get creative in considering how attendees will get there.

If your location is near the water, see if the property can access a water taxi. At The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, for example, friends and colleagues can board the taxi from the event space to the beach and back. The daily water taxi is a year-round, complimentary amenity for resort guests, offered through the on-site marina.

The hour-long ride takes frolleagues on a cruise to Fort Myers Beach, with views of mangroves, dolphins, and coastal wildlife along the way. At the beach, frolleagues can relax together in the sun or explore beachside bars and shops.

If you’re in a city offering autonomous (self-driving) vehicles, such as San Francisco, this type of ride could also make for a memorable experience. Encourage frolleagues to take a Waymo tour between sessions.

Breweries with Besties

With nearly 9,800 craft breweries around the U.S., you’re never too far from a fun, pub-inspired place to raise a glass with friends.

Craft breweries, especially, are known for their unique menus of food and drink, and their local flavor. As nonalcoholic beers and cocktails become more widely available, friends can partake regardless of their drink preferences.

Brewery X Harbor Island is an attractive destination for frolleagues staying at the Sheraton San Diego Resort —and they can enjoy it without having to leave the property.

Groups can choose from a variety of draft beers and bottles from Brewery X and other notable local beer-makers while enjoying the laid-back vibes. Seasonal activations include live music, trivia nights, and game-day viewing parties.

Community Service

Sustainability continues to be a focus among event planners and attendees. Properties that support local culture and communities through conservation efforts give people a means of contributing directly to worthy causes while providing an outlet for collaboration and camaraderie among friends.

For instance, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa supports several local initiatives that can allow friend groups to find a deeper meaning and a profound sense of connection through volunteering.

Working with Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project, for instance, volunteers from Sheraton Maui remove invasive grass that predators use for hiding spots, and plant native plants to prevent erosion and provide safety for seabirds.

Through Treecovery Hawaii, volunteers help plant trees on the Sheraton Maui grounds that will be nurtured and later donated to residents who lost their homes to fire.

Serious Game Time

Games have long been a staple of engaging meetings. They’re a chance to liven any activity, whether attendees are working together to overcome a challenge or simply enjoying themselves.

Las Vegas can be a place where business gets done, but as the entertainment capital of the world, it also regularly ranks among the top destinations for fun.

At the Luxor Hotel & Casino, frolleagues can head to HyperX Arena for e-games usually only experienced by professional gamers. The 30,000-square-foot, two-level arena houses 150 PCs ready for gaming, plus a professional esports competition stage and VIP rooms that can be booked for private events.

Elsewhere on the Strip, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino’s Level Up is an adult playground with DJ or live music nightly, arcade games and virtual reality gaming, and special theme nights.