With 22 team members attending, including several new faces, it was an exciting opportunity for everyone to meet in person, share success stories, and build stronger connections.
The team journeyed in from their respective locations and met at the prestigious Hilton Doubletree Hotel rooftop bar. The atmosphere was buzzing as team members chatted and enjoyed drinks while enjoying the stunning city views. After the initial mingling, CEO Rob Scott delivered a speech outlining the key successes achieved over the last six months.
Rob Scott stated, “We have hit many milestones this year, performed financially, hired some great people, and done this within a four-day work week, which I am incredibly proud of. We are not only delivering at a high level as a business, but we are also creating a great working environment that continues to attract top talent.”
The Senior Management Team followed Rob’s briefing with insights from each department, including achievements, and key updates. There was even time for a group photo between hearing about the group’s success and catching up with colleagues.
Dinner was held at a fantastic Italian restaurant, where the teams could catch up in a relaxed setting and talk about the events to come! Laughter rang through the restaurant as team members got to know each other.
The night ended with a lively karaoke session for those brave enough to step on stage! It was an unforgettable bonding experience that the teams relished. The highlight was a superbly delivered rendition of “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, which got the entire crowd cheering and singing along.
Day two started with a tour of the Heineken factory, where we learned about the beer-making process and enjoyed some free samples. The tour was an immersive experience full of interesting facts about the history of the Heineken brand, its founders, its advertising journey and how it is entwined with modern-day culture. Some team members even had the chance to show off their bartending skills and pour their own beers!
Next, we enjoyed a cruise along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals. Despite almost missing the boat due to having too much fun at the Heineken factory, the team made it to the barge to set sail!
The tour included amazing views and commentary from the boat’s Captain about the city’s culture, people, and architecture. From the Dutch East India Company to the Seven Bridges of Amsterdam, the team was taken on an educational trip through the city’s history.
After some free time in the afternoon, we regrouped for dinner. This time, it was a Burgundian meal, which was enjoyed by all. The football fans among the team were keen to catch the end of the France vs. Portugal Euros game, so the team descended on a local pub for a few goodbye drinks. For those with stamina, a few of the team ventured to a famous techno club to enjoy some music and dance the night away.
On the final day, everyone headed home. The event was a great chance for team members to bond, especially for the new starters who had only met their colleagues virtually to that point. The shared experiences and personal interactions really helped us connect and have been key to supercharging collaboration within the business.
As my first Summer Recharge event, I found it an incredible experience that truly brought our team closer together. The fun activities, personal interactions, and shared achievements made it a memorable event for all. I look forward to seeing how this enhanced team spirit will drive our success in the coming months, and I can’t wait for the next meetup at Christmas!