How Bankers Life and PMA Turned a Pool Party into a Team-Building Win!

Back in April 2025, the South Pool at the Hilton Cancun was buzzing as Bankers Life and PMA teams came together for a lively poolside gathering hosted by Grupo Events. Running from midday through the early evening, the event combined sunshine, music, casual social time, and a full lineup of interactive games designed to keep energy high, and guests engaged throughout the afternoon.

From the moment guests arrived, the focus was on creating a carefree, welcoming environment where people could enjoy the setting, reconnect with colleagues, and ease into the day at their own pace.

Setting the Scene at the Hilton Cancun

The day began behind the scenes with early coordination and setup at the South Pool. The Grupo Events team met with client leads from Bankers Life and PMA to review the flow of the afternoon, answer last-minute questions, and ensure everything was ready before guests arrived.

Games and challenge equipment were set up around the pool, with clear activity zones that allowed people to move naturally between lounging, socialising, and participating. The layout was designed to feel open and informal rather than structured, making it easy for guests to jump in – or simply cheer from the sidelines.

By noon, the atmosphere was fully set: music playing, lawn games already in motion, food and drink stations open, and the pool deck alive with the buzz of excited conversation.

A Warm Welcome and Easy Start

The official welcome set a light, upbeat tone for the afternoon. Guests were encouraged to grab a drink, enjoy the pool, and explore the games at their own pace, with the promise of friendly competition – and the lure of enticing cash prizes – coming later in the day.

Rather than rushing straight into scheduled activities, the early part of the event allowed people time to settle in, catch up, and enjoy the resort setting. This created a relaxed energy that carried through the rest of the afternoon.

Game Sign-Ups and Growing Momentum

As the crowd grew and energy built, sign-ups opened for the afternoon’s games. Teams formed quickly, with colleagues rallying one another to participate and spectators lining up poolside to watch.

The game lineup was created specifically for this group, balancing physical challenges, teamwork, humor, and light competition to keep things inclusive and entertaining for everyone involved.

Poolside Games and Crowd Favorites

Once games began, the pool deck stayed lively and animated, with plenty of cheering, laughter, and playful rivalry.

The Pool Noodle Relay kicked things off with fast-paced action as teams raced across the pool using only a noodle – no shortcuts allowed. The visual nature of the game made it an instant crowd favorite, drawing plenty of applause from the entertained onlookers.

Next came How Well Do You Know Your Coworker?, which delivered some of the loudest laughs of the day. Teammates tested their knowledge of one another, answering questions that revealed everything from daily habits to personal quirks.

The energy stayed high as couples took part in How Well Do You Know Your Partner?, adding a personal and light-hearted element to the afternoon. The audience stayed fully engaged, reacting to correct guesses, near misses, and the occasional surprise answer.

The Jumbled Puzzle Relay brought a different dynamic, combining swimming, coordination, and problem-solving. Teams had to retrieve dry bags from the pool before working together to unscramble a phrase, rewarding both speed and strategy.

The final challenge, Pass the Towel, Fill the Bucket Relay, closed out the games with plenty of splashing, teamwork, and laughter. Teams raced to soak, pass, and wring towels in an effort to fill their buckets first, keeping both participants and spectators entertained right to the end.

Throughout the afternoon, Grupo Events staff managed scoring, transitions, and timing, ensuring games ran smoothly while keeping the overall flow relaxed and fun.

Celebrating Wins and Wrapping Up Together

As the afternoon drew to a close, winners were announced and prizes awarded, giving everyone a chance to come together one last time. The closing remarks focused on appreciation, thanking participants for getting involved and acknowledging the great energy everyone brought to the day.

With the sun beginning to dip and the pool deck still buzzing, guests headed into the evening having shared a full afternoon of connection, play, and memorable moments.

A Pool Party to Remember

The Bankers Life / PMA Pool Party was a great example of how a custom-designed group experience can blend social time with structured activities in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. With space to relax, participate, and cheer each other on, the afternoon created shared experiences that will be remembered long after the event ended.

Designed for Them — Built Around Your Team

Every element of the day was custom-designed for this group. From the pace of the afternoon to the mix of social time, team challenges, and light competition. Nothing was off-the-shelf. The games, flow, and energy were built around how this team connects, relaxes, and engages best.

That’s how we approach every event.

At Grupo Events, we don’t run standard programs. We design bespoke group experiences shaped around your people, your goals, and your setting. Whether you’re planning a poolside celebration, a team-building experience, or a multi-day retreat, we help create events that feel natural, meaningful, and genuinely memorable for the teams taking part.

If you’re ready to build something tailored specifically to your group, we’d love to help you design it. Contact us today!