What’s Next? A Guide for New Destination Imagination Team Managers

So, you’ve purchased your Destination Imagination (DI) team number, signed up your team members, and are ready to dive in—congratulations! You’re officially a Team Manager (TM), and that means you're about to embark on an exciting journey of creativity, collaboration, and growth—not just for your team, but for yourself as well.

Here’s what you can do next to set your team up for success:

1. Access the Challenge Materials

Once you’ve completed and passed a background check, you’ll gain access to the full suite of DI Challenge materials in the DI Resource Area. Use the same email address used to sign up for an account with DIHQ.

These materials include:

• The Team Challenges
• The Rules of the Road (a must-read!)
• Roadmap, a step-by-step guide to help manage team meetings
• Instant Challenges, which help develop quick-thinking and teamwork skills

Take time to read through everything before your first team meeting. It’ll give you a solid understanding of what to expect and how to guide your team.

2. Schedule and Host Your First Meeting

Now it’s time to bring your team together! Use this initial meeting to:

• Introduce yourself and your role
• Set season and team expectations and discuss the Interference Policy (very important!)
• Play some fun team-building activities to help them get to know each other

3. Choose a Challenge*

Read through the options together with your team. Encourage discussion about each Challenge's strengths and what excites them the most. Many teams take more than one meeting before choosing a Challenge. Once chosen, it’s all systems go!

4. Organize a Meeting Schedule

Plan a regular meeting schedule that works for you, the team, and their families. Some teams meet weekly; others meet more often closer to tournaments. Consistency is key.

5. Gather Supplies and a Workspace

Whether you’re meeting at a school, a library, or your garage, make sure you have:

• A dedicated space to work
• Storage for materials and props
• Access to basic crafting and building supplies

Let families know you may need donations or help with transportation or snacks—it’s a team effort!

6. Join the DI Community

Don’t go it alone! Attend any Team Manager training or orientation sessions offered by your Regional or State organization. Watch the WIDI and DIHQ Facebook pages and websites for resources and updates. Watch your email for updates. These will be incredibly helpful for whether you are a first-timer or a veteran Team Manager!

7. Start Building Team Skills

Use Roadmap and Instant Challenges to help your team build creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These will be invaluable when they start working on their Team Challenge.

8. Embrace the Journey

Above all, remember: DI is about the process, not just the final product. Your job is not to solve the Challenge for the kids, but to empower them to do it themselves. Encourage creativity, guide collaboration, and celebrate every step along the way.

Welcome to the DI family!

Being a Team Manager is one of the most rewarding roles you can take on. You’ll watch your team grow in confidence, skill, and creativity—and you’ll be amazed at what they accomplish together.

Still have questions? Reach out to WIDI for resources and support at info@wisconsindi.org or call/text 414-207-4117! You've got this!

*All Early Learning teams (Pre-K - second grade) complete the Early Learning Challenge and present their solutions at tournaments for positive feedback.