VISIONS - Part 2 - The In-Person Experience
10.18.22
Team IVC
InVision's Company Offsite
VISIONS Part 2: The In-Person Experience
Our virtual VISIONS Holiday Extravaganza was a huge success (read VISIONS part 1)—earning us a Telly Award in the Virtual Events and Experiences category. With two hours of nonstop entertainment, laughs and celebrations, it would seem like a tough act to follow. So as we entered 2022, we knew that part two of VISIONS—the in-person experience—had to bring the same energy and fun.
In the two years the InVision offices were closed, and most client programs were executed digitally, many employees were itching to connect with one another away from a screen (digital fatigue was hitting hard). Additionally, we hired nearly 40 new talents to our staff of which all had only met and worked with peers via video conferencing. So, it came as no surprise when a survey distributed to the entire company revealed an overwhelming number of employees who wanted at least part of VISIONS to be in-person…so long as it was safe and mindful of all health and safety protocols. After much internal discussion, VISIONS designed an optional two-day in-person experience that focused on networking and connection, safely.
Our creative and strategy team approached VISIONS part 2 with two thoughts in mind: how do we design an experience that allows for connection and networking, and how do we do so safely?
It began with the destination. Guided by the principle of attendee safety at the forefront, we were strategic in the venue location with an understanding that the program would be primarily held outdoors. Cast in the shadow of the stunning Camelback Mountain, premium destination Andaz Resorts in Arizona offered warm outdoor weather and a vastness of open space (no elevators or closed hallways) that not only made a small gathering safe but stimulated a sense of tranquility and creativity.
Theming and Design
As with past VISIONS programs, the integral theme relied heavily on the destination. We paid homage to the desert oasis in a sophisticated, relaxed style using a neutral palette of browns, oranges pinks and splashes of blue for all signage, communications and minimal slide presentations. The evening themed festivities complemented the natural splendor of the desert and revered the surrounding history, land and Native American culture.
Recognition (in-person)
The Founders Award is InVision’s most prestigious award given to an employee who has been with the company for more than five years, made considerable impact for attendees, and who embodies the spirit of InVision. We kicked this special award off at the resort’s luxurious turquoise pool with a group of Native American dancers who not only entertained, but who also shared the spirit of their culture.
To elevate VISIONS’ most anticipated event of the program, our internal awards, The Swooshies, employees were treated to A Night Under the Stars, enveloped under a large outdoor tent adorned with 75,000 lights. And as with every VISIONS, night one began with a newbie reception for all 40 new employees to celebrate together with CEO and Co-Founder, Rod Mickels, and Co-Founder, Drew Hagan. This special time reinforces how appreciated and valued each of them are to the owners and the entire company.
Learning and Sharing
As VISIONS is mostly a time for celebration and networking, it also gives management the opportunity to bring teams together, share best practices, and communicate the future of the company. In a deliberate decision, general sessions were kept to a minimum, so that the focus of the time remained largely around getting people back together again and interacting with one another. Even the departmental breakouts were more personable, centering around fun, interactive activities. Presentations were practically non-existent so that candid, two-way conversations between the executives and employees were encouraged instead of traditional keynote speaker PPT presentations. Appreciative employees applauded the decision and even said, “This year, we were the content.”
As is often the case, VISIONS ended on a high note intended to excite employees about the year to come. There was a monumental announcement that surprised and delighted all the attendees, in a big way. Rod and Drew announced the formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making the agency 100% employee-owned.
Turning VISIONS into two separate experiences gave our company the best of both worlds. The digital experience brought everyone together without the pressure or worries of traveling during a time of uncertainty. We successfully avoided a cliché Zoom meeting and transformed it into a highly engaging, interactive two-hour program that everyone enjoyed. The in-person experience additionally satisfied the longing for face-to-face connection with peers that many at InVision missed—and we did it safely. If you were only able to attend one or both programs, we ensured that no matter where you were, you were celebrated, you were valued, and you felt connected to your peers. And now as we plan for VISIONS 2023, we’re hopeful and excited to bring everyone together as one InVision.
Services
Creative Ideation and Execution
Experience Strategy
Messaging
Theme Pull-through
Event Visual Identity and Design
Production
Talent Acquisition
User Experience Design
Technology Integration
Motion Graphics and Animation
Video Production
Destination Management