Span the Gap Build
One bridge, many builders and a single test: will the car make it across?
About
Great projects are rarely delivered by one team alone, and Span the Gap Build makes that point in the most tangible way possible. Each team is responsible for one section of a long company bridge, built to precise customer specifications.
Resources are limited, deadlines are strict and communication between teams is deliberately restricted, so every conversation needs to count.
Teams design, decorate and brand their sections, competing for awards for the most inventive engineering, the strongest branding and the most efficient use of resources. Because each section must join seamlessly with its neighbours, teams have to agree key measurements and keep one another updated throughout.
Finally, all sections are installed to form one extended bridge, and a remote-controlled vehicle attempts to drive the full length. The whole room holds its breath.
Learning outcomes
Every team in Span the Gap Build is both a supplier and a customer. The end goal is shared, so success depends on managing relationships across teams and understanding how communication affects everyone downstream.
Tight timelines and scarce materials demand sound project management. Teams must decide early how to use their resources and how to keep neighbouring teams informed, and those who share updates early avoid unwelcome surprises.
The programme is rich in business metaphors, illustrating how cross-functional cooperation underpins big-picture goals and how a single weak link can stall a whole initiative. It is especially relevant for organisations with many interdependent departments.
When the vehicle completes its crossing, the sense of shared achievement is considerable, and the lessons about specifications, trust and communication are easy to connect to daily work.
Program flow
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The specifications
Teams receive customer specifications, limited materials and rules on how they may communicate.
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Plan the section
Teams design their section and confirm key measurements with the teams on either side.
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Build and brand
Teams construct, decorate and brand their section against the clock.
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Join the span
All sections are installed together to form one long company bridge.
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The crossing
A remote-controlled vehicle drives the full bridge, followed by the awards.
What is included
Included
- Expert facilitators throughout
- Bridge building materials and tools
- Customer specification briefs
- Remote-controlled vehicle for the finale
- Awards for design, branding and resource use
Not included
- Venue hire
- Meals and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transfers to and from the venue
- Bespoke printed materials
Frequently asked questions
How big can the group be?
From 10 to 500 guests, organised into smaller teams.
How long is the programme?
The programme typically lasts about 2 hours.
Are engineering skills needed?
No. Clear specifications and materials are provided, and success comes from planning and communication.
Indoors or outdoors?
Either. It can be staged indoors, outdoors or across both, depending on your venue.
How do we know the bridge works?
A remote-controlled vehicle attempts to drive the full length of the completed bridge in the finale.
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Request a quote for Span the Gap Build
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.