Beyond the Lights: Exploring Las Vegas with our Dynamic Marketing Team

Step into the world of team building and employee satisfaction as we sit down for an exclusive interview with Harleigh Gabrrielson, the esteemed Head of Operations at Glide. In this captivating conversation, we delve into the essence of creating a cohesive and engaged workforce, focusing specifically on the remarkable Las Vegas off-site organized for Glide's marketing team. As an expert in nurturing company culture and fostering connections, Harleigh shares insights into the motivation behind the off-site, the thought process behind choosing Las Vegas as the destination, the thrilling activities that brought the team closer together, and the meticulous selection of the renowned ARIA hotel. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Glide's successful off-site endeavors and learn how they cultivate an environment where work, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences seamlessly blend together.

Can you please provide me with an overview of the Las Vegas off-site?

Yeah, our marketing team is amazing. We hired a new VP of Marketing about a year ago in late spring 2022, and she's an incredible leader. The team has been growing rapidly ever since. Eventually, she felt that it was important for the marketing team to have an off-site gathering to strengthen their bond and foster more personal connections that go beyond screen interactions. She wanted to infuse their work with even more power and connection.

Sounds great. So, the VP's name is Branka, right?

Yes, that's correct. She wanted to organize a retreat for the team.

Okay, that sounds great. They definitely deserve some team bonding. Now, why did you choose Las Vegas as the destination?

It was a balancing act between providing the team with a memorable, comfortable, and fun experience while considering our budget. Las Vegas made sense because it was easily accessible for everyone and relatively affordable in terms of travel expenses. Additionally, it offered a fun and unique setting for the team. We managed to secure a great deal on a fancy hotel where our employees were well taken care of. From the feedback we received, it seems that Las Vegas was the right choice for our trip.

Thank you. That's great to hear. So, what kind of activities did you engage in during the trip?

During the trip, we started off with a hike at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a state park or national park—I apologize for forgetting which one. It was a brief one-hour hike to get people away from their screens and allow them to explore the beautiful desert surroundings of Las Vegas. It was a different travel experience, showcasing the natural side of Nevada beyond the strip and the casino scene. Someone brought a drone and captured fun pictures of the team in Red Rocks Canyon, which was fantastic. We also had a fancy dinner at a restaurant called Best Friend, located in the MGM hotel. Apart from that, there was plenty of eating, some drinking, and enjoying the overall fun that Las Vegas has to offer. On one occasion, we ventured out of the strip to downtown Las Vegas, where we strolled up and down the main street and had a team dinner at a restaurant there.

That's great to hear. I hadn't heard much about the off-site, so I'm glad to know they enjoyed it. Now, you selected the ARIA hotel. What was the reason behind choosing that hotel?

When we were selecting the venue back in January, we had a spreadsheet where we compared prices and available amenities. ARIA stood out because it provided easy access to a variety of food options. Since we had team members coming from different time zones, we wanted to ensure they could easily find food at any time they needed. The hotel's pool was a nice perk, although our team didn't use it much since they were more focused on working. ARIA also had suitable meeting rooms, which worked well for our purposes.

Thank you so much. Lastly, if you have any questions or feedback regarding the Las Vegas marketing off-site, please let me know.

Sure. I would suggest expanding the range of activities offered during the planned retreat. It's impressive how you have a diverse menu of activities to choose from. We decided to do a hike, which wasn't initially included in the retreat options, and it turned out to be a great choice. Coordinating that additional adventure to Red Rocks Canyon wasn't too difficult, as you had already put in a lot of effort in coordinating the hotel arrangements. It would be great to continue offering small opportunities to experience the natural surroundings of the off-site location, even if the team isn't particularly outdoorsy. Just having a taste of the local natural environment and realizing where we are on the planet can be a valuable and exciting option.