2023 Movetic Q1 Retreat in Julian, California

At Movetic, we believe that taking a break from our computer screens and spending time together in nature is crucial for our growth and success as a company. That’s why we decided to host our 2023 Q1 retreat in Julian, California, a charming town surrounded by scenic nature.

 

But it wasn’t just any ordinary location – we chose to stay in a unique Airbnb with a rich history tied to the Walt Disney Company. Our team rented an Airbnb steeped in history, once belonging to a retired Disney animator named Ollie Johnston, one of the legendary “nine old men” who brought life to some of Disney’s most iconic characters and moments.In the backyard of this historic home, Ollie, a train enthusiast, built a one-of-a-kind backyard railway. The rails, 1,100 cross ties, and other materials were sourced from Disneyland’s Viewliner attraction and supplemented with additional rail to accommodate the half-mile journey through oak trees and meadows. This magical place served as a backdrop to our team’s bonding and goal-setting as we look ahead and supercharge our agency.

In the morning, we gathered for team meetings to discuss our excitement for the year ahead. We listened to ideas about expanding our client base, entering a wider range of awards, giving back to the community, and pushing the boundaries of creativity through internal collaboration. This led to the establishment of our “North Stars” for 2023, which included prioritizing company culture, communication, company growth, balanced progression, and truly distinguishable creative.

The design department set specific goals, such as becoming more process-oriented, increasing collaboration, and pushing the limits of creativity. Meanwhile, the development department aimed to become more skilled with headless technology and to lead the way in web development.

After our productive morning meetings, we hit the trails for a scenic hike at a nearby state park. Although it was a little muddy from the recent rain, this time in nature allowed us to further bond and discuss our goals for the year ahead. In the afternoon, we explored the charming town of Julian, visiting local shops and trying some bomb pizza and craft beers at the Julian Beer Co. The day ended with some intense competition over cornhole and life-sized Jenga. We truly had no idea how many future cornhole champions there were on our team.

At Movetic, we value the importance of in-person bonding and connection, especially in the world of remote work. Our quarterly retreats have become a priority for us, providing a space for us to connect, reflect, and plan for a successful future. We left Julian with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision for the year ahead.