Reimagining the annual retreat
When plans changed overnight
Cisco Meraki’s annual appreciation retreat was a cornerstone of their company culture. But when circumstances forced them to go virtual, they faced a daunting question:
How do you recreate the magic of an in-person retreat through screens?
They needed a partner who could deliver not just activities, but a complete virtual experience that would honor their tradition of employee appreciation.
Annual retreat goes virtual
More than activities — transformation
Within the hour of their first call, we understood the assignment. This wasn’t about filling time with virtual activities.
This was about creating a full-day journey that would:
- Energize teams from morning to evening
- Blend fun with professional development
- Create genuine moments of connection
Fast. Strategic. Comprehensive.
A day of magic, delivered virtually
We crafted a seamless flow of experiences, each building on the last:
- Morning: Coffee Tasting — started the day with energy and connection
- Midday: DIY Lunch Workshop — teams cooked together, sharing recipes and stories
- Afternoon: Creative Sessions — arts, crafts, and collaborative activities
- Evening: Management Training — led by an MBA professor, growth alongside fun
The ultimate validation
“They immediately rebooked with us”
What began as an urgent pivot became a new model for virtual retreats. Cisco Meraki discovered that with the right partner, distance doesn’t diminish — it can actually enhance — the power of team connection.
Immediately rebooked
