As the Chief Marketing Officer of Travel Document Systems (www.traveldocs.com) my position requires that I organize and oversee many corporate events that we host globally for clients.
I truly enjoy planning and executing our annual manager’s retreat because our general managers do so much for or company on a daily basis and go beyond the call of duty. Without them running our offices across the US so efficiently we wouldn’t be so successful. In my opinion a company is only as good as the team that supports it!
When it came time to plan our retreat for 2016 I immediately thought of the Salamander Resort in Middleburg Virginia because of the close proximity to Washington DC and the impeccable grounds and service. I wanted a venue that would allow us to hold our meetings but be surrounded by nature as we were all arriving from major US cities. I was thirsty for a location that would allow us to detox and breathe in some fresh air. The team at Salamander went out of their way to make our retreat a success. From the amazing head of reservations Gemma Brown to Elizabeth Toland the super customer service oriented Conference Service Manager and her team. We were taken care of in the finest manner allowing our team to let loose, have an intellectual discourse and enjoy themselves.
Our general managers flew in on a Friday night where we meet for a brief meeting and headed to the charming Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville Virginia for pub fare. Housed in a historic building we felt like we were stepping back in time.
Saturday we started our morning at the Salamander Resort with a group stress burner yoga class that made us take a real look at ourselves and our daily business habits. We learned to incorporate deep breathing in our daily business lives to relax our bodies and souls.
Our all-day meeting on Saturday even though arduous allowed for a great discussion between company partners and managers, a true discourse of the meeting of the minds. Followed by a much deserved lunch and break session we ended on a high note exchanging many great ideas and creating a road map to what we want to achieve as a company in 2016!
Of course after ever long day of meetings one has to have food and libations. Enter The French Hound with tantalizing French bistro fare and a fantastic wine list located right in historic Middleburg. After a few hours of great conversation and great food we headed back to the Salamander for libations by the outdoor fire bit. Some of us on foot and other chauffeured back by the Salamander’s sleek silver Audi’s. It was truly a stunning end to a productive day.
Sunday after a scrumptious brunch at the Salamander we parted ways but our memorable experience in the Virginia horse and wine country will always be with us. Until next year when we all gather together again!