Remote work has its perks. You can wear what you want, schedule dog walks between calls, and flip laundry while working. No more questionable microwave smells or mind-numbing traffic jams. Life is good.
But there’s something magical about spending time together as an agency in person. And this is coming from someone who uses way too many Slack emojis (revealing my age here) to convey feelings daily.
Last week, Alipes got together in Boston, and the energy it left behind was palpable. Being physically present does something different — it builds trust in a way a video call can’t. Seeing people in 3D, with their fabulous quirks and brilliant ideas, reminds you of the unique value each individual brings.
A few of my favorite moments:
Brainstorming in real life is 10x more powerful
We met at a cool location with a theme of "organized chaos" (how fitting). Armed with a massive chalkboard, we went old-school, scribbling out ideas that soon turned into something we could actually build on. There’s something about brainstorming in person that unlocks a different creative flow.
Reigniting the company spark and culture matters
It's crucial to gather outside of work to just be. Whether we’re being silly, philosophical, theatrical, or just plain funny, these moments remind us of why Alipes has that special spark. The epic stories born here will carry us until the next offsite, giving fresh material to laugh about — and reminding us why we’re proud to be Alipians.
Sharing the Alipes history is magical
I’m so proud that Alipes has been rooted in Boston for over 20 years. We took a walk through the city, visiting old office locations, client buildings, and favorite lunch spots. It was like a shot of North End espresso, showing how the company has grown over the decades, fueled by creativity, history, and a strong sense of culture.
I’m already looking forward to our next offsite — and thinking we should have them more often! That said, I’m back in my sweatpants today. Win-win.