Companies across Asia are being invited to join the 2nd YAANA Corporate Challenge, which will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 21-23 September 2018.
The 2-day/3-night corporate networking event has been designed for business people interested in environmental best practice. By day, the participants ride bicycles to see the best of northern Thailand scenery. Participation in the bike rides raises funds for Operation Smile Thailand. The charity pays for operations for Thai children to fix debilitating deformities such as cleft lip.
Evenings in Chiang Mai will feature relaxed activities such as a cocktail reception and dinner to replenish calories burnt by day. The Friday evening dinner will feature a guest speaker. The closing dinner on Sunday night will take place at an iconic location in Chiang Mai city.
The annual cycle ride was conceived by responsible tourism investor, YAANA Ventures. Khiri Travel and cycle trip specialists, Grasshopper Adventures, will handle logistics. YAANA is leading the sign-up and fundraising component.
“It is not a cycle race,” says Mark Remijan, CFO of YAANA Ventures. “Far from it. Our priority is corporate networking and fundraising based on sustainability and conservation themes. It’s also about health, enjoying amazing scenery, and raising funds that will enhance young people’s lives.”
Only a moderate amount of fitness is required. The bike ride element will offer two options: 140kms or 100kms over two days. This comes with full back up support van and plenty of good food and refreshments along the way.
Last year the male and female riders in the YAANA Corporate Challenge raised US$25,000 for Operation Smile. They are targeting around US$40,000 this year.
The funds will be used to pay for operations, after care and speech therapy for Thai children born with facial deformities. Kind-hearted companies can sign up teams of one to three riders depending on their sponsorship package: platinum (three riders for THB175,000/US$5,600), gold (two riders for THB125,000/US$4,000), or silver (a single rider at THB75,000/US$2,400).
Packages include bikes with full technical support, accommodation, corporate branding, apparel, meals, souvenirs, publicity for participating brands, and more.
The inaugural YAANA Corporate Challenge bike ride took place in coastal central Vietnam in September 2017. Companies interested in participating this year can view the Vietnam clip as a guide to what to expect in Chiang Mai.
The YAANA Corporate Challenge is open to business leaders from any sector, says Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures.
“Participants from any industry can join,” says Niemeijer. “They should be passionate about people and planet as well as profits – and ready to get in the saddle to enjoy great scenery by day, and the exchange of ideas in the evening.”