Another year for our annual Org event. 10+ years of a weekend peppered with great business knowledge combined with crazy, childlike competitions and relationship building.
This year was different though...
Things started off great. 125 of our best and brightest ready and motivated for a great day of teaching and learning. The events team was on point. The teachers were on point. What could possibly go wrong?
The night before our event began, we had news of a 100 acre fire that started near Ventura. This was a concern considering we were planning on staying in Malibu - potentially being in harm's way. As the day went on, we heard news of the fires growing. As I write this right now, this 100 acre fire has grown to 132,000+ acres. Wow!
As we were preparing to wrap things up during the "business portion" of our meeting, the group came together and discussed the concerns. All of the cards were put on the table about the fire, the smoke, and the 50/50 chance of an evacuation happening in Malibu. This was the critical moment.
None of us are smarter than all of us. I believe this to be true.
Everyone was asked to get back in to their small groups and come up with some solutions to some of our challenges (regarding physical and emotional safety, evacuation if this was required, drinking and driving, finding alternative places for 125 people to sleep, etc). Everyone's voices were heard. Everyone's concerns were heard. Everyone's opinions counted.
When we all returned to talk things through, it became clear that we were not going to have our event in Malibu.
Now what?
A small group of leaders assembled to get in to problem solving mode. A clear challenge was in front of us as most hotels and airbnb's couldn't accommodate 125 people. 3 hours of internet searches, phone calls, negotiating...
We finally settled on going to hotel near Disneyland. Why not venture out to the happiest place on earth, right?
Once we solved the problem of a good night's sleep, we had our next big challenge...
What are we going to do to save our classic weekend?
Once again - a team of brains got together and talked.... and talked... and talked some more.
Huntington Beach - here we come!
First event - "The Skit".
Second event - "Dizzy Bat".
Third event - "Bocce Ball".
Fourth and final premier event - "Volleyball".
The spirit of our classic weekend was in full force as everyone acted silly and enjoyed themselves.
I was in awe of the great people that we work with. I didn't hear one complaint from anyone. I heard laughter all weekend. Everyone brought their A game to the event and everyone had a great time. This is a group of leaders and winners. The futures look bright for this squad.
We saved the notorious Big Bear Classic.
