As the year begins to wind down and we embrace the Thanksgiving season, it feels only fitting to reflect on one of the highlights of the PAMT calendar—Connections 2024. This annual corporate retreat is more than just a gathering of colleagues; it’s a celebration of teamwork, learning, and the meaningful relationships that fuel our success.
This year, the beautiful Windermere Resort on Lake Rosseau in Ontario set the stage for four unforgettable days of connection, collaboration, and, yes, even a little bit of magic. Over 40 of us came together, including special guests, to share experiences, gain new knowledge, and strengthen the bonds that make PAMT truly special.
Why Connections Means So Much
In a world where so many of us work remotely, the name Connections couldn’t be more appropriate. Getting to meet and spend time with colleagues from around the globe—many of whom we’ve only seen on a screen—was a powerful reminder of how essential personal connections are. From insightful sessions on ServiceNow to lighthearted moments like the scavenger hunt or the famous lake jump challenge (yes, eight brave souls took the plunge into Lake Rosseau for a shot at winning extra raffle tickets!), every interaction brought our team closer.
For me, there’s nothing quite like talking to someone face-to-face, sharing a laugh, or brainstorming over a cup of coffee. It’s these little moments that reminds us we’re not just co-workers—we’re a Community, we, are a Family. And that’s what makes PAMT such a remarkable place to work. It’s why I proudly call PAMT a #DestinationEmployer.
Learning, Laughing, and Growing Together
The week was packed with enriching workshops and fun-filled activities that brought everyone together. Paul McNamara, our CEO, and Angie, his incredible partner, did an amazing job curating both educational sessions and unforgettable experiences. We had kinesiology workshops to keep us energized during our work-from-home lives, ServiceNow Hackathon that fueled our innovation, and even an eBonding workshop led by The ServiceNow Magician himself, Chris Schuh.
One of the highlights for the BAs and PMs was the Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) workshop led by Teunis Schouten, the session covered key topics like innovation management, demand prioritization, and financial tracking, with hands-on labs that brought these concepts to life using ServiceNow’s SPM suite. To round off the day, they all took part in a fun and challenging 2-Minute Impromptu Presentation, where each of us had just two minutes to present a random topic. It was a thrilling exercise that tested their quick-thinking and communication skills, pushing them out of their comfort zones in the best way possible.One of the highlights was our PAMT Bingo, a creative and fun icebreaker where we filled in the names of our colleagues to answer questions like “Who have you worked most with?” or “Who’s traveled the farthest to be here?” It was an interactive way to learn more about each other, and by the end, we all knew a bit more about our team’s quirky facts! The Scavenger Hunt was another favorite, where groups explored the resort grounds with flashlights in hand, hunting for hidden clues while laughing and bonding in the process. These activities weren’t just games; they were opportunities to strengthen relationships and build team spirit in the most enjoyable way possible.
Of course, no retreat is complete without a little fun. From team hackathons to plunging into Lake Rosseau, and the much-anticipated prize table filled with quirky yet coveted items—from Commodore 64 replicas to Oculus headsets — there was something for everyone. Paul’s generosity and knack for choosing these eclectic prizes really added to the excitement, making each day special in its own way. (Word on the street is, some of us will be grilling smarter, not harder, thanks to those wireless meat thermometers!)
A Culture of Generosity and Appreciation
One of the most touching moments was seeing the mutual appreciation between leadership and team members. Paul and Angie’s generosity in giving out these tokens of appreciation is something we all look forward to each year. But this year, the tables turned a bit when our team surprised Angie with a spa gift card as a token of our gratitude for all she does behind the scenes. It was a heartfelt reminder that PAMT isn’t just about professional success; it’s about recognizing the personal efforts that make us who we are as a company.
Looking Ahead
As we head back to our remote workspaces, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude—not just for the amazing experiences we shared at Connections 2024, but for being part of a company that values its people so deeply. It’s these relationships, these connections, that make PAMT a place where we all want to thrive and grow together.
Today, on Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to work in a community where generosity, learning, and fun are all woven into the fabric of who we are. Here’s to another amazing year at PAMT, and here’s to the connections we’ve made and will continue to build—whether we’re working side by side or miles apart.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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