Reuniting in the Heart of Virginia: CANA's Offsite in Airlie

“The whole is greater than the sum of each individual part. We are better together!” 

In the realm of remote work, where screens often serve as our windows to the world, there's something truly magical about the prospect of meeting face-to-face. At CANA, a company bound by a shared vision but spread across different corners of the globe, the idea of coming together in person was more than just a gathering—it was a rekindling of camaraderie, a celebration of shared achievements, and an opportunity to fortify the bonds that make us who we are.

As the date drew nearer, anticipation buzzed through our digital channels. Emails bounced back and forth, filled with excitement and plans for our upcoming offsite at the historic Airlie in Virginia. For many of us, this would mark the first time meeting our colleagues in three dimensions! 

Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Virginia, Airlie provided the perfect backdrop for our rendezvous. Surrounded by lush greenery, with the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance, nature conspired to set the stage for our gathering. As we arrived one by one, our hearts raced with anticipation, eager to put faces to the names we had grown so familiar with through countless video calls and messages.

 "This was my first offsite with CANA, and I truly enjoyed the experience. My favorite part of the offsite was the “Day 1 Dinner”. This was the first time that I was able to physically meet a large portion of the company, and it was amazing. I felt like I was star-struck as each new person walked in the door and I saw another “movie star.” I was so excited and wanted to get everyone’s autograph!"

-Donovan Holloway, Senior Project Manager

The following days were a whirlwind of activity as we delved into workshops, brainstorming sessions, and team-building exercises. From dawn till dusk, we immersed ourselves in the work we were passionate about, fueled by the energy of being together in the same space. Ideas flowed freely, creativity sparked, and barriers dissolved as we collaborated with newfound synergy.

"CANA culture is why CANA is such a great place to work! Everyone at CANA works together and appreciates each other’s talents. When we get together in person, we learn more and more about one another and our backgrounds, lives, and experiences. This time together re-enforces relationships and gives us the opportunity to build new relationships with our peers."

-Kristin Fairman, Senior Contracts Manager

Yet, it wasn't just about the work. In the evenings, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter late into the night. We even ended one night with a cornhole tournament (Donovan and Aaron took home the gold)! 

Our journey to Airlie was more than just a company offsite—it was a testament to the power of human connection, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering bond that unites us as members of the CANA team. As we bid farewell to Virginia's verdant landscapes and the memories we had forged within them, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of who we are, and an unshakeable belief in the strength of our CANA culture. And though we may once again be scattered across the globe, our hearts remain intertwined, united by the shared experience of Airlie and the journey that lies ahead.

Watch our recap video of our Spring 2024 Offsite below!