Connecting Globally, Celebrating Locally: #WeConnect2024

An Annual Gathering Transformed

Originally envisioned as a celebration of WeCollabify’s anniversary, our annual gathering was designed to be a team-centric event, marking another year of hard work and collaboration. Set against the serene backdrop of Tolú, Colombia, the plan was simple: to unwind, reflect, and strengthen the bonds within our team.

However, the nature of the event took an unexpected turn when casual discussions with two collaborators from Webber + Studio, our client, revealed their interest in experiencing Colombia alongside our team. Enthusiastic about the possibility of joining us, their curiosity sparked a broader invitation.

At the helm of this transformation was Lenny, WeCollabify’s Operations Manager. Known for her dedication and pivotal role in the company, Lenny has been instrumental in orchestrating events that encapsulate WeCollabify’s ethos.

“We mentioned our upcoming retreat, and they were so intrigued that they wanted to attend. Seeing their interest, we then decided to invite the entire Webber + Studio team,” Lenny recalled. This decision shifted the dynamics significantly.

What began as an internal celebration quickly transformed into something much larger. Our first edition of WeConnect, initially just a break for the team, was organized in very little time but caught the interest of many. Due to this high interest, we had to expand our accommodations.

Fortunately, the main cabin we rented had an extra, slightly smaller cabin available, making it possible to accommodate the entire Webber team. In this whirlwind of preparation, we also took the opportunity to craft some branding elements, including the WeConnect logo, designed collaboratively with our team to truly represent our company’s spirit.

This shift not only altered the logistics but also enriched the event’s purpose, making it a broader platform for connection and mutual understanding, celebrating not just internal milestones but also the strong partnerships we’ve nurtured over the years.

Cultural Connection and Personal Interactions: The Heart of WeConnect

At WeCollabify, we understand that the essence of collaboration extends beyond digital screens and virtual meetings. WeConnect 2024 was designed with this understanding at its core, focusing on creating genuine, face-to-face interactions that enrich our professional relationships and deepen our cultural appreciation.

“The main goal of the event is to connect, get to know each other, have a cultural exchange, and why not enjoy and dance to the Colombian rhythm,” Lenny explained. 

With Webber + Studio, our longest-standing client, joining us, the event became a vibrant celebration of these ideals. “Personal contact is very important. Meeting in person has strengthened our personal and work relationships significantly. It’s crucial for our partners to experience our culture firsthand – Colombia’s beauty and the warmth of our people, especially our team.”

The event provided a unique opportunity for everyone to step away from their desks and engage in a more traditional, yet dynamic setting. Activities were carefully planned to encourage not only professional interactions but also personal ones, allowing team members and clients to share experiences that go beyond the scope of everyday business.

Lenny highlighted the shift from virtual to actual interactions, a crucial transition in today’s increasingly remote work environment: “Remote work is feasible, but we need tools to manage it and ensure we don’t become deskbound machines. At WeCollabify, we prioritize people over technology. This event allowed us to put the phone aside and truly engage – through a dance, a conversation, a game, a beer. That’s what makes our WeConnect event so special, and it’s why it has become an annual highlight thanks to its success.”

The White Night: A Celebration of Colombian Culture and Community

A standout moment of WeConnect 2024 was the “White Night,” an evening that truly embodied the spirit of the gathering. As the sun set on the Caribbean coast, everyone donned their brightest whites, coming together in a luminous display of unity and celebration. 

The night was filled with the rhythms of Colombia, courtesy of a local papayera band—a delightful surprise for our guests. The band played a lively mix of traditional Caribbean Colombian and other regional songs, infusing the air with festive melodies that invited everyone to the dance floor.

“The energy was incredible,” Lenny recalled. “Seeing our clients and team dancing together, learning new steps, and enjoying the Colombian music – it was a beautiful expression of our cultural heritage and a chance for everyone to truly connect.”

The evening wasn’t just about dancing; it was also a time for deeper engagement. Amidst the revelry, we conducted informal interviews with both WeCollabify team members and our guests from Webber + Studio. These conversations were insightful, allowing us to gain a better understanding of their experiences at our first edition of WeConnect. “It was enlightening to hear directly from our guests about their impressions and what they enjoyed the most,” noted Lenny.

In addition to the lively dances and interviews, the event featured an afternoon of casual yet memorable activities. We organized a photo session against the backdrop of a stunning beach sunset, followed by a relaxed bonfire. Here, the informal setting encouraged open conversations and shared laughter, further solidifying the bonds being formed. As the evening progressed, participants also engaged in a friendly game of beach volleyball, adding a touch of spirited competition to the mix.

“These moments—whether sharing a dance, a conversation by the fire, or a game on the beach—highlighted the essence of WeConnect,” Lenny explained. “They’re about more than just fun; they’re about building relationships that extend beyond professional contexts, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”

The White Night was a vivid illustration of WeConnect’s goals: to merge professional networking with genuine cultural exchange and interpersonal connections. It left participants with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the unique culture and camaraderie of WeCollabify.

Unity in the Smaller Cabin: A Snapshot of Team Spirit

A particularly memorable anecdote from WeConnect 2024 encapsulates the essence of the event’s success and the vibrant energy of the Colombian team. On the last day of our gathering, a seemingly ordinary moment transformed into a vivid demonstration of community and warmth.

The majority of the Colombian team was staying in a smaller cabin, adjacent to the main, larger cabin where other activities were planned. As the event was drawing to a close, the Colombian team members decided to gather in this smaller space to enjoy some relaxed, informal time together. What started as a casual group chat soon became the event’s final and most compelling gathering spot.

“Literally, everyone ended up gravitating towards the smaller cabin,” Lenny described. “It wasn’t planned – it just happened. People heard laughter, saw the informal setup, and just walked over to join in. Before we knew it, the small pool was brimming with people from both the WeCollabify and Webber + Studio teams, sharing stories and enjoying the water.”

This spontaneous congregation in the smaller cabin highlighted a key aspect of WeCollabify’s culture – its ability to create welcoming, inclusive spaces that encourage genuine interactions. “It was a beautiful sight,” Lenny continued. “It really showcased the magnetic energy of our Colombian team, drawing everyone together into that smaller space. It wasn’t just about being Colombian or part of a particular team; it was about the shared sense of being part of a larger, unified community.”

The moment was emblematic of the entire WeConnect philosophy: fostering environments where professional barriers dissolve and personal connections flourish. “This gathering in the smaller cabin demonstrated how our team not only works together but also how we live our moments of leisure together. It was an act of integration, where everyone felt welcomed and part of a family,” Lenny reflected.

Deepening Connections: The Lasting Impact of Personal Interactions

The essence of WeConnect lies not just in bringing people together but in creating a platform where meaningful relationships can flourish. Lenny highlighted the profound impact of in-person interactions, an element that remains at the heart of the event’s success.

“As I mentioned earlier, person-to-person contact has an impressive impact,” Lenny observed. “It’s different from the virtual interactions we are used to. You see, hearing someone remark, ‘Oh, I thought you were taller,’ or discovering, ‘I didn’t know you were so sociable,’ transforms our perceptions. These are experiences you only get when you meet face-to-face.”

During WeConnect, such moments were abundant. Attendees were seen not just as colleagues or business partners but as individuals with unique personalities and interests. Whether it was through a shared dance, a volleyball match, or a casual stroll on the beach, every activity provided an opportunity to see each other in a new light.

Lenny continued, “The most valuable benefit that the event leaves us with is the ability to meet your work team in person. This creates a level of complicity and familiarity that greatly enhances how we communicate back in the remote work setting. For instance, someone you used to address formally as ‘Carolina’ might now be ‘Caro.’ It’s a small change, but it says a lot about the closeness we’ve developed.”

These newfound connections go beyond mere acquaintance. They forge a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that is often missing in remote interactions. “It’s not the same working with someone you only know through a camera as it is working with someone with whom you’ve shared personal moments,” Lenny explained. “These interactions build a foundation of trust and understanding that improves teamwork and makes our daily communication more effective and enjoyable.”

This deeper level of connection not only improves the quality of work but also enhances the overall job satisfaction of team members. Participants leave the event not just with memories, but with relationships that carry forward into their professional lives, enriching the way they collaborate and interact on a daily basis.

By fostering these genuine connections, WeConnect reinforces the philosophy that at WeCollabify, relationships are the cornerstone of business success. It underscores the company’s commitment to creating an environment where employees and clients alike are valued not just for their professional contributions but also for who they are as people.

Reflections and Future Aspirations

The inaugural WeConnect was not just an event; it was a celebration of connection, culture, and collaboration. Lenny shared her reflections on the gathering, emphasizing its success and the valuable feedback received. “This was an enriching event for everyone involved – our first edition of WeConnect. We loved the reception it received from both the team and our clients. There were many learnings and areas for improvement highlighted, which will guide our planning for future events.”

Feedback from the post-event satisfaction survey indicated a strong desire among participants for more integrated activities. “Many people suggested including more interactive activities with clients, which suggests a need for even more space and time to get to know each other in person,” Lenny noted. Based on the feedback, the focus on relaxation and free time was well-received, but there is also a clear call for structured engagement that fosters deeper interpersonal connections.

Looking ahead, Lenny is excited about the potential for making WeConnect an even more impactful gathering. “For future events, we’re considering incorporating more games and competitive activities, as well as possibly hosting the event in Colombia’s coffee region – a stunning and culturally rich setting.”

The aspiration to expand the event into a larger, more structured gathering is already taking shape with ideas for a new initiative. “In the quest for the event name, some initiatives emerged from the team to strengthen interaction with clients. One exciting idea is the WeCollabify fair, or ‘WeCo Fest.’

It’s still in the planning stages, but it’s a concept we’re eager to develop further,” Lenny explained. This week-long fair could focus on networking, growth, and training, culminating in the grand event, WeConnect, providing a continuous space for quality interactions across diverse company cultures.

“This event was born from our clients’ desire to connect with us in Colombia, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. WeConnect achieved its objective – to connect and share with our clients and collaborators, providing a break before returning to our routines,” Lenny summarized.

“The foundation of WeCollabify is collaboration, and events like WeConnect are essential in strengthening the bonds and interpersonal relationships that make our remote work environment not just functional but truly exceptional.”

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