Fill your niche: hobby-focused excursions are the new retreats.

• Author: Beers, Heather
• Position: Executive Getaways

The roar of the surging water fills your ears. You feel the current resist every stroke of your oar. You look to the left and see an odd melange of delight and horror-film terror in the eyes of your CEO. You're rafting Cataract Canyon on the Colorado, and this is your executive retreat.

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Brainstorming and strategizing don't have to take place under fluorescent lights. When it comes to management retreats, more Utah companies are matching executives' interests with interesting getaways--and executives love it.

Western River Expeditions has hosted several executive groups on day-long and multi-day excursions on the Green and Colorado Rivers. Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions and its sister company, the Moab Adventure Center, says that companies find high adventure lends itself to team-building, and the remote, natural environment provides an opportunity to disconnect from distractions and focus on company issues.

"We raft during the day, stopping along the way to hike to Native American ruins, petroglyphs and waterfalls. We camp in the evening, and that's when groups will gather to discuss goals and plans."

From white water rafting, to guided Hummer tours, hiking and canyoneering in Moab, the options are varied. And if there are some on the exec level who have never so much as dusted their Ferragamos or Manolos with red dirt, Merrill's professional guides and state-of-the-art equipment can help even the indoorsy get outdoorsy. And the well-appointed are often pleasantly surprised to find the meals--fully prepared by guides--include New York steak, salmon and fresh produce.

Peggy Larsen, senior vice president of marketing for Workers Compensation Fund, says that getting away as an executive team to enjoy specific interests can make a difference. She says WCF's board and management teams have done just about everything available in Utah, including golf trips to St. George, a tram ride and hike at Snowbird, and pottery and jewelry-making classes at Sundance Resort. She also says mixing in fun brings about good results--and staying local helps the economy, and the company budget.

Specialized getaway options are endless in Utah, says Rusty Chambers, Christopherson Travel Group team lead for groups, incentives, meetings and conventions. Chambers is one of Utah's pioneers in organizing innovative retreats. While she has...