One by Zero is a Machine Learning and AI services and solutions company, specializing in delivering AI-powered applications within the Asia-Pacific region. It is a rapidly growing startup, and has experienced the challenge of building a cohesive team identity while being geographically spread out among both team members and clients.
We organized One by Zero’s team retreat from January 9 to January 12, 2025 in Da Nang, Vietnam. It was designed to bring together 62 of their team members and clients with the goal of encouraging a collective identity since the team rarely meets in person. It was also curated to enhance employee engagement by creating a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone.
Improving Connections and Company Culture
The retreat itinerary blended professional development with team bonding which provided an opportunity for the team members and clients to connect on both personal and professional levels. By including internal working sessions and team bonding activities, the retreat united team members and clients that work within different countries by celebrating the past achievements and aligning on future goals, as well as reinforcing a strong and cohesive company culture.
Why Da Nang, Vietnam?
Da Nang was the perfect choice for this retreat since the location offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. There is a mix of both beautiful beaches and city, which provided a great environment for the retreat and made it possible to include a variety of team bonding activities. The team stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Da Nang, which is a luxurious beachfront venue known for its tranquility and modern amenities. It is surrounded by green gardens and sea views, featuring an on-site restaurant and pool, which ensured a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the team.
Midstay’s broad network of thoughtfully picked venue partners made it possible to select the Crowne Plaza Hotel for this retreat, which perfectly aligned with the retreat’s goals of fostering connections and team bonds.
Retreat Activities and Schedule
Day 1:
The team members arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Da Nang where they checked-in and were welcomed with custom swag. They got time to relax and explore the hotel’s amenities before having an icebreaker activity to encourage conversations and connections among the team members. After that, the participants enjoyed a welcome cocktail in the sunset followed by a celebration dinner at the Brilliant Top Bar, which set a warm and festive start for the retreat.
Day 2:
The second day started with a team breakfast before a full day of internal working sessions. The team members got time to relax and make the most of the hotel’s facilities before enjoying a team dinner at the Crowne Plaza’s restaurant, providing a relaxed setting for informal networking and camaraderie to end a productive day.
Day 3:
The day began with another team breakfast, energizing everyone for a day filled with team bonding activities. The first one was a Beach Olympics activity at Son Tra Peninsula Beach, where they participated in multiple team sports and challenges designed to foster collaboration and a friendly yet competitive spirit. Awards and group photos captured the team building atmosphere.
The team then had lunch at Ngon Thi Hoa Restaurant, enjoying local cuisine. Later, the participants went on a city tour of Da Nang visiting iconic landmarks such as the Linh Ung Buddhist Temple and My Khe Beach. The day was wrapped up with a dinner on a cruise, including a fire show and beach-themed dress code, which created an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection.
Day 4:
The final day of the retreat began with a relaxed team breakfast before some individual time to unwind and prepare for their departure.
The Impact of The Retreat
Our expertise in organizing retreats tailored to team needs and goals ensured the success of this company event. We carefully curated a schedule that balanced professional development with team bonding, helping One by Zero achieve its objectives:
Enhanced Team Cohesion: Activities like the Olympic Beach Challenge and city tour fostered team bonding and connection.
Strengthened Company Culture: The blend of work sessions and activities created a sense of belonging, engagement and shared purpose.
Memorable Experience: The choice of destination, accommodation, and activities left a lasting impression on participants, reinforcing their commitment to the company.
What the client says
Retreat Wrap-Up
The One by Zero retreat was a success for addressing the challenges of a spread out workforce and building strong, unified team identity among remote workers. The combination of strategic planning, right destination, and curated activities made this retreat an unforgettable experience for all team members.
A team retreat is a great tool to improve your team’s engagement and morale within your company. Get a free estimation on your next company offsite and let us start planning a tailored experience that perfectly balances professional development and team bonding!
