When businesses are moving at full speed, team connection is often one of the first things to get pushed aside. Everyone is focused on deadlines, projects, client work, and simply keeping things moving forward. But over time, constantly operating at that pace can start to impact creativity, communication, and overall team culture, even within really strong teams.
Something we’ve been learning lately is that making intentional space to step away together matters just as much as the work itself. Not because every team needs a retreat at a resort or a perfectly planned schedule, but because people do their best work when they feel connected, supported, and inspired. For some businesses, that might look like a team lunch, a planning day, or dedicated learning time. For us, this retreat became an opportunity to slow down, learn together, reconnect outside of our usual routines, and make space for conversations and ideas that often get lost in the middle of busy seasons.
Our recent retreat at Elkhorn Resort & Spa was the first one we’ve ever done as a team, and it reminded us how valuable that time really is.
Stepping Away to Move Forward
We spent two nights together in the Elkhorn chalets, trading our usual pace for something a little slower and more intentional. The goal wasn’t just to “get away”, it was to create space for learning, creativity, and connection. And for a team that’s usually moving quickly between projects, events, and client work, that kind of space matters.
Learning + Creativity
At the centre of the retreat was a full day of learning and development.
We took part in a virtual creative advertising series that covered topics like:
- Make Something Out of Nothing
- Working With & Pitching to Brands
- How to Tell a Story in 30 Seconds
- Selling a Crazy Idea
Alongside that, we explored cinematic video techniques and creating meaningful content that actually connects with audiences on social media.
These weren’t just passive sessions, they sparked real conversations within our team. We took the time to pause between sessions, talk through ideas, and start translating what we were learning into how it could show up in our client work.
Some of the best moments came from those in-between conversations – brainstorming, challenging ideas, and pushing each other to think a little differently.
Balancing Work With Real Connection
Halfway through the day, Tara led us through a restorative yoga session, and it was exactly what we needed. A chance to step away from screens, reset, and come back with a bit more clarity.
That balance between learning and slowing down carried throughout the retreat.
We made time for walks and hikes on nearby trails, giving us space to talk, reflect, and enjoy being outside of our usual environment. There were quiet moments, lots of laughs, and the kind of conversations that don’t always happen in the middle of a workday.
The Moments in Between
Aside from the learning and development, it was the in-between moments that really made the experience. Evenings at the chalet looked like prepping meals and snacks, and time spent together without an agenda. We headed out for a team dinner following our learning day, relaxed in the hot tubs, and found ourselves naturally settling into a rhythm that felt easy and connected.
One of the highlights was finally visiting the Speakeasy at Elkhorn Resort, something we’d all been wanting to check out. Great cocktails, a great atmosphere, and time to just enjoy being together as a team. And of course, a campfire on our last night. (Max and Ceone definitely proved themselves when it came to fire-building.) Ashleigh brought her signature touch with savoury s’more-style charcuterie snacks – which, if you know her, feels very on brand.
A Simple, Meaningful Ending
We wrapped up the retreat with one last breakfast and coffee together before heading home.
And in true “right place, right time” fashion, Whitehouse Bakery opened for the season the same day we were leaving. Naturally, we couldn’t pass that up, and made sure to grab our first cinnamon buns and bakery treats of the year before the drive back.
What We’re Taking With Us
We left feeling full, not just from the food (although, that too), but from the experience itself.
More aligned.
More connected.
More inspired to bring new ideas into the work we’re doing every day.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of things, especially during busy seasons. But this retreat was a reminder that stepping away, even briefly, can bring a lot of clarity and momentum back with you. And for a first retreat, it set the bar pretty high.
To Ashleigh and Ashley – thank you for the time, thought, and care that went into planning this.
It was such a meaningful experience for our team, and one we won’t forget anytime soon. 🤍
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