Leisure

Risky Business

The Most Intimidating Meeting Spots

Business. That’s a thing you occasionally conduct. And sometimes, that’s a thing that requires a modicum of intimidation. Or, you know, sharks. So below: five unusual spots to not-so-subtly get your points across.

A GUN RANGE

Tom Lowe Trap & Skeet Range

The Plan: Reserve a meeting room at this skeet range. Run a PowerPoint or something. Then, when negotiating reaches an impasse, suggest heading out to the adjacent field with a few loaded shotguns and a couple clay pigeons.
The Cold-Blooded Line: “I almost never miss from this distance.”

A RICKETY FERRIS WHEEL

SkyView Atlanta

The Plan: Have a subordinate who’s iffy about heights join you on that new downtown Ferris wheel. Request a gondola with leather seats... and a glass bottom. Then, slip the operator a $20 and tell him to stop it at the top.
The Cold-Blooded Line: “Well, looks like we’re climbing down.”

A SHARK TANK

Georgia Aquarium

The Plan: Invite some clients over for a BBQ. Tell them to bring bathing suits because you’ll be going swimming after. Casually omit the fact that said swimming will be at the aquarium. In a shark tank.
The Cold-Blooded Line: “You know what’s a fun movie? Jaws.”

AN UNSETTLINGLY SLOW PADDLEBOAT

<i>Spirit of Lanier</i>

The Plan: Arrange a summit on this old-fashioned paddleboat. It’s got a bar. It’s got a lovely second-floor deck. It’s... going to be completely surrounded by water for the next hour and a half or so.
The Cold-Blooded Line: “How deep do you think that water is?”

A TRAIL OF FIERY COALS

Atlanta Firewalking

The Plan: Schedule an afternoon of team-building exercises for the office. Then, call up these professional fire walkers to set up a path of burning coals in the parking lot. Have people remove their shoes. Smile and rub your hands together.
The Cold-Blooded Line: “So I’m going to need everyone to sign this waiver...”