X Marks the Spot: A 2009 Retreat Recap
Last Thursday, the MindComet team set out on an adventure. Although the destination had already been leaked, there were plenty of surprises in store for us - in classic MindComet fashion.
We packed our bags, loaded up our caravan and left for the Carnival Sensation en route to Nassau, pumped to connect with our team members and celebrate the completion of MindComet's tenth year. We're so proud to have reached this point thanks to our leadership team, as well as our clients.
On the ship, we took over our own wing. We were lucky to have rather understanding and fun-loving neighbors, as we found it hard to contain our excitement from the very beginning. Our VIPs (veteran MindCometeers who have helped bring us where we are today) shared a connected balcony above which would serve as our after-party headquarters.
Eventually, we settled down, ate some chow, explored the ship and got some sun. Being a little rockier than usual, it slowed down a few of our team members, but not for long.
The first of many surprises surfaced as we were called on deck wearing outfits that were cryptically required on our packing checklists. We donned khaki shorts and white shirts that would soon be decked out with full-on adventure gear assembled by our retreat squad - Jeremy, Marcelle and James.
Jeremy, playing an eccentric billionaire, had a mission for us. We drew golden eggs that were marked to determine what team we would join, as well as our role. The teams comprised of Hunters, Pirates and Archaeologists - each with their own set of special tools and skills to bring their team closer to victory.
Maps lead each team across the ship to various locations to take pictures and complete tasks. Teams were rewarded with redemption cards that would serve to be quite valuable in the end. We won them by frantically searching for treasure in a kiddie pool, playing a larger-than-life game of KerPlunk and making the tastiest, most creative and life-sustaining drink on a budget.
Each team was given a mascot that accompanied them on their journey. Among them were Octopus Prime, Biff the Shark and a little dolphin named Micah.
This experience was the beginning of a blossoming bromance between Micah and Stuart. Micah was a frisky little dolphin that caught the attention of a lot of ladies on the ship. It must have been the sexy mustache.
Upon completion of our treasure map, we gathered in the lounge with our teams for a few final challenges. For the last redemption cards, we had to put together a MindComet puzzle and show our craziest, most creative photo from the experience. I'm not exactly sure which photo won that battle. Then, we opened our treasure chests, counted our coins and pirate medallions that were collected along the way and cashed them in for a final tally.
And our eccentric billionaire decided to share a little bit of his wealth. We cashed in our cards to pull hidden dollar amounts from a board to share with our team. However, it wasn't all fun and games, as we had to watch out for the dreaded Tox DeMooch, a terrible creature that preys on adventurers and steals their coins. Jamie was a big winner, drawing $100 in one pull for her team. Micah and Stuart did very well too.
After receiving a clue for hidden treasure on the island, we gave our best shot at burning a hole in the Kaleidoscope disco floor, but we just weren't feeling it and had our own separate adventures, many returning to their bunks to rest for the upcoming, eventful day two.
As we pulled into port on Friday morning, we collected into our departmental teams and discussed strategy and growth for the new year. It can be refreshing to have an opportunity for open discussion outside of the daily rigors of Interactive Agency life. Relaxed and refreshed, the ideas flowed and flowed.
Before departing the ship, the entire company gathered to hear Marcelle and the executive team share their vision for 2010. We're stoked to start another great ten years of MindComet. And on that note, this is when a few of our team members finally realized the significance of the Xpedition (X being the Roman Numeral for 10). I was guilty, I admit it! Then we were off.
With some free time in a foreign land, some of us grabbed taxis to check out the local delicacies, gathering at a fish fry across the island. Others checked out the straw market and haggled for knock-off purses and local crafts. At 3, we met at Rawson square and followed our clue.
Heading west, we found Senor Frog's and an X on the chest of this crazy guy.
Wait... what?! This guy wasn't on the cruise! Ted Murphy, our founder, flew down to Nassau to party with us. We were glad to have him, because without his vision and direction, none of us would be where we are today. And wherever we would be... we definitely wouldn't be having as much fun!
After settling in, someone pointed out that it was time for #handstandfriday! Yes, #handstandfriday has officially gone international! David put up a good fight but... well, just watch the video.
Returning to the ship, it was nearing time to dress up for dinner. We put on our Sunday best, realizing that... we sure are one beautiful group of people!
...and that we really know how to cut a rug!
After filling our bellies and sharing some bubbly, it was time to recognize some of our outstanding team members for the jobs that they've done, the help that they've given and the accomplishments that they've made for their teams and MindComet over the last year.
Some of our very first MindCometeers, Doug and Ted took stage to recap our last ten years. The show was filled with MindComet trivia, fond memories and inside jokes. Having possibly the strongest team we've ever had, competition was fierce, but here are our winners. Note that we switched things up a little bit, with all new categories. Each award could now be won by a team member, no matter of their discipline.
David was named the 2009 Big Thinker. His innovative designs and vision, including that for our new Web site, and RE:BRAND landed him the award. He consistently pushes the limits and never fails to impress. It takes a lot of courage to accomplish what he does.
This Art guy was named the 2009 SUPAFREAK. The trophy says that I bleed MindComet blue, but I actually bleed MindComet pink now that we've completed our RE:BRAND. My braces match too, but that's an entire other blog post.
Chris, affectionately known as Mitches by our crew, brought home the Hercules award for just plain being awesome. This guy can do anything. He's like Chuck Norris only stronger and better looking.
Andrew was named the 2009 Role Model for being such an awesome, hard working, brilliant guy that's always willing to help. He does a great job of helping out whether your on his team or not. No matter what, you can always count on him. He's amazing.
James took what many believed to be a highly contested award (with all of the brilliant talent that's joined our team over the last year). He was named the ULTIMATE NEWBIE, and that he is. He jumped in head first and really hit the ground running, producing amazing work from day one. I am still in love with his design for our new executive blogs, including Pink Lenses and Jen X, Y and Me.
Bryan had done such an awesome job over the last year, that the executive team created the Comet award to acknowledge everything he's accomplished. A thought leader and one-stop-shop for everything email, as well as skilled account manager, he's really gone above and beyond to create amazing work and build relationships with our clients.
Finally, we have the final award, the 2009 Powerflux. This is the ultimate honor, the Best in Show, the person who has served as a great leader showing dedication beyond belief and put out amazing work consistently, impressing our clients and making MindComet look awesome in the process. If you've had the pleasure of working with him, then you probably already know from this description that I'm talking about Dean Proctor. This guy is a powerhouse. He's a freakin' genius and a great person to work with. Thanks for everything, Dean!
After a few more quick snapshots, were were off to celebrate our teammate's victories.
Actually, I almost forgot: Each of us got a box of new MindComet swag! Among the cool stuff was a new MindComet Tee and some super sweet sandals to show off our new RE:BRAND design. Check it out. I sure do love a good box of swag!
Our final full day was mostly day free, some of us hit the pool. Others took the plunge down the ship's new water slide, and Jamie even played her first game of Settlers of Catan.
In the evening, we enjoyed a nice meal, then rushed off to karaoke. We made it in a little late because we were double booked with dinner. I guess Carnival wanted to save a few bucks on repairs... because we were ready to bring down the roof! Here was one of our favorite performances. We'll add more soon on the MindComet YouTube Channel.
We finished out the Retreat dancing the night away in Kaleidoscope before hitting the hay, packing up and disembarking.
We were happy to be on dry land (that ship sure could rock), but sad to see the retreat over. I'm really looking forward to what is in store for us next year.
A tremendous thanks to Jeremy for spearheading the planning of the retreat, Marcelle for helping bring it all together, James for the sweet designs and anyone else who was behind the scenes working to make this a really wonderful experience!
We'll have plenty of more pictures up soon, so make sure to check our MindComet Flickr page later this week!
We packed our bags, loaded up our caravan and left for the Carnival Sensation en route to Nassau, pumped to connect with our team members and celebrate the completion of MindComet's tenth year. We're so proud to have reached this point thanks to our leadership team, as well as our clients.
On the ship, we took over our own wing. We were lucky to have rather understanding and fun-loving neighbors, as we found it hard to contain our excitement from the very beginning. Our VIPs (veteran MindCometeers who have helped bring us where we are today) shared a connected balcony above which would serve as our after-party headquarters.
Eventually, we settled down, ate some chow, explored the ship and got some sun. Being a little rockier than usual, it slowed down a few of our team members, but not for long.
The first of many surprises surfaced as we were called on deck wearing outfits that were cryptically required on our packing checklists. We donned khaki shorts and white shirts that would soon be decked out with full-on adventure gear assembled by our retreat squad - Jeremy, Marcelle and James.
Jeremy, playing an eccentric billionaire, had a mission for us. We drew golden eggs that were marked to determine what team we would join, as well as our role. The teams comprised of Hunters, Pirates and Archaeologists - each with their own set of special tools and skills to bring their team closer to victory.
Maps lead each team across the ship to various locations to take pictures and complete tasks. Teams were rewarded with redemption cards that would serve to be quite valuable in the end. We won them by frantically searching for treasure in a kiddie pool, playing a larger-than-life game of KerPlunk and making the tastiest, most creative and life-sustaining drink on a budget.
Each team was given a mascot that accompanied them on their journey. Among them were Octopus Prime, Biff the Shark and a little dolphin named Micah.
This experience was the beginning of a blossoming bromance between Micah and Stuart. Micah was a frisky little dolphin that caught the attention of a lot of ladies on the ship. It must have been the sexy mustache.
Upon completion of our treasure map, we gathered in the lounge with our teams for a few final challenges. For the last redemption cards, we had to put together a MindComet puzzle and show our craziest, most creative photo from the experience. I'm not exactly sure which photo won that battle. Then, we opened our treasure chests, counted our coins and pirate medallions that were collected along the way and cashed them in for a final tally.
And our eccentric billionaire decided to share a little bit of his wealth. We cashed in our cards to pull hidden dollar amounts from a board to share with our team. However, it wasn't all fun and games, as we had to watch out for the dreaded Tox DeMooch, a terrible creature that preys on adventurers and steals their coins. Jamie was a big winner, drawing $100 in one pull for her team. Micah and Stuart did very well too.
After receiving a clue for hidden treasure on the island, we gave our best shot at burning a hole in the Kaleidoscope disco floor, but we just weren't feeling it and had our own separate adventures, many returning to their bunks to rest for the upcoming, eventful day two.
As we pulled into port on Friday morning, we collected into our departmental teams and discussed strategy and growth for the new year. It can be refreshing to have an opportunity for open discussion outside of the daily rigors of Interactive Agency life. Relaxed and refreshed, the ideas flowed and flowed.
Before departing the ship, the entire company gathered to hear Marcelle and the executive team share their vision for 2010. We're stoked to start another great ten years of MindComet. And on that note, this is when a few of our team members finally realized the significance of the Xpedition (X being the Roman Numeral for 10). I was guilty, I admit it! Then we were off.
With some free time in a foreign land, some of us grabbed taxis to check out the local delicacies, gathering at a fish fry across the island. Others checked out the straw market and haggled for knock-off purses and local crafts. At 3, we met at Rawson square and followed our clue.
Heading west, we found Senor Frog's and an X on the chest of this crazy guy.
Wait... what?! This guy wasn't on the cruise! Ted Murphy, our founder, flew down to Nassau to party with us. We were glad to have him, because without his vision and direction, none of us would be where we are today. And wherever we would be... we definitely wouldn't be having as much fun!
After settling in, someone pointed out that it was time for #handstandfriday! Yes, #handstandfriday has officially gone international! David put up a good fight but... well, just watch the video.
Returning to the ship, it was nearing time to dress up for dinner. We put on our Sunday best, realizing that... we sure are one beautiful group of people!
...and that we really know how to cut a rug!
After filling our bellies and sharing some bubbly, it was time to recognize some of our outstanding team members for the jobs that they've done, the help that they've given and the accomplishments that they've made for their teams and MindComet over the last year.
Some of our very first MindCometeers, Doug and Ted took stage to recap our last ten years. The show was filled with MindComet trivia, fond memories and inside jokes. Having possibly the strongest team we've ever had, competition was fierce, but here are our winners. Note that we switched things up a little bit, with all new categories. Each award could now be won by a team member, no matter of their discipline.
David was named the 2009 Big Thinker. His innovative designs and vision, including that for our new Web site, and RE:BRAND landed him the award. He consistently pushes the limits and never fails to impress. It takes a lot of courage to accomplish what he does.
This Art guy was named the 2009 SUPAFREAK. The trophy says that I bleed MindComet blue, but I actually bleed MindComet pink now that we've completed our RE:BRAND. My braces match too, but that's an entire other blog post.
Chris, affectionately known as Mitches by our crew, brought home the Hercules award for just plain being awesome. This guy can do anything. He's like Chuck Norris only stronger and better looking.
Andrew was named the 2009 Role Model for being such an awesome, hard working, brilliant guy that's always willing to help. He does a great job of helping out whether your on his team or not. No matter what, you can always count on him. He's amazing.
James took what many believed to be a highly contested award (with all of the brilliant talent that's joined our team over the last year). He was named the ULTIMATE NEWBIE, and that he is. He jumped in head first and really hit the ground running, producing amazing work from day one. I am still in love with his design for our new executive blogs, including Pink Lenses and Jen X, Y and Me.
Bryan had done such an awesome job over the last year, that the executive team created the Comet award to acknowledge everything he's accomplished. A thought leader and one-stop-shop for everything email, as well as skilled account manager, he's really gone above and beyond to create amazing work and build relationships with our clients.
Finally, we have the final award, the 2009 Powerflux. This is the ultimate honor, the Best in Show, the person who has served as a great leader showing dedication beyond belief and put out amazing work consistently, impressing our clients and making MindComet look awesome in the process. If you've had the pleasure of working with him, then you probably already know from this description that I'm talking about Dean Proctor. This guy is a powerhouse. He's a freakin' genius and a great person to work with. Thanks for everything, Dean!
After a few more quick snapshots, were were off to celebrate our teammate's victories.
Actually, I almost forgot: Each of us got a box of new MindComet swag! Among the cool stuff was a new MindComet Tee and some super sweet sandals to show off our new RE:BRAND design. Check it out. I sure do love a good box of swag!
Our final full day was mostly day free, some of us hit the pool. Others took the plunge down the ship's new water slide, and Jamie even played her first game of Settlers of Catan.
In the evening, we enjoyed a nice meal, then rushed off to karaoke. We made it in a little late because we were double booked with dinner. I guess Carnival wanted to save a few bucks on repairs... because we were ready to bring down the roof! Here was one of our favorite performances. We'll add more soon on the MindComet YouTube Channel.
We finished out the Retreat dancing the night away in Kaleidoscope before hitting the hay, packing up and disembarking.
We were happy to be on dry land (that ship sure could rock), but sad to see the retreat over. I'm really looking forward to what is in store for us next year.
A tremendous thanks to Jeremy for spearheading the planning of the retreat, Marcelle for helping bring it all together, James for the sweet designs and anyone else who was behind the scenes working to make this a really wonderful experience!
We'll have plenty of more pictures up soon, so make sure to check our MindComet Flickr page later this week!
