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Spotnana’s global offsite: Converge 2024

November 26, 2024
By Andrew Sheivachman
Categories Life at Spotnana

It takes dedication and discipline from hundreds of Spotnana employees around the world to achieve our vision of powering The Perfect Trip for travelers everywhere.

In September, Spotnana held its second annual global offsite. Named Converge, the event brings together our diverse group of talented Spotters from around the world and helps us align on how we move forward together as one unified team. More than 250 Spotters gathered in Dubai for four days of collaboration, learning, and in-person connection at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. 

As a company that builds next-generation technology for the travel industry, travel plays an important role in our company culture and we believe travel connects us like nothing else. It has tremendous power to help people form deeper relationships, build stronger teams, and achieve greater understanding of one another’s needs, cultures, and perspectives.

“I’m still in awe of the memories I made during this trip,” said Deepak Jain, Engineering. “Not only did I have the opportunity to meet the entire Spotnana team and participate in insightful sessions, but I also had the chance to fulfill my personal ambitions for learning about other cultures through international travel.”

Build the future

Converge 2024 was an opportunity to align around Spotnana’s corporate goals, explore the city of Dubai, and build personal relationships that will enhance our ability to deliver for customers.

Global Spotters traveled to Dubai from the U.S., India, UK, Australia, and Argentina.

The core of Converge 2024’s programming was based around Spotnana leadership providing context around the company’s goals and how every Spotter will contribute to the company’s continued growth and focus on customer needs.

Presentations, question and answer sessions, and hands-on brainstorms helped to boost collaboration and help Spotters align on how Spotnana is building the modern infrastructure for travel.

Spotters participating in a brainstorming session.

“Engaging with colleagues from every part of the organization underscored the importance of fostering more brainstorming sessions as we scale our product development,” said Shivani Chopra, Product. “The most memorable aspect of Converge was the camaraderie and strengthened relationships that emerged through the meticulously planned activities.”

Spotnana’s refreshed values and operating principles were announced as well, as we gear up for the next stage of global growth. Spotnana has three values that highlight our beliefs, and each value has three operating principles that provide actionable guidelines for living our values. You can learn more about our values here.

Spotnana’s VP of People Jess Bartlett.

We also heard from representatives of Spotnana’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on insights into their missions and how Spotters around the world can contribute to diversity and inclusion.

Exploring Dubai

Dubai was the star of the trip, however, as Spotters had ample opportunity to join planned activities with colleagues and explore the city during free time.

Team building activities included a walking tour of Old Dubai and its Souks, a kitchen dinner with a tasting menu designed by Spotnana Founder and Chief Product Officer Sarosh Waghmar, and a desert dinner under the stars outside of Dubai that included authentic cuisine, camel rides, performances, and more.

Spotters having fun in the desert outside Dubai.

Spotters having fun in the desert outside Dubai.

“The highlight for me was definitely the dancing—witnessing everyone let loose and come together on the dance floor to music from around the world on the desert rugs was truly magical!” said Chopra.

The ample number of activities allowed Spotters to bond over Spotnana’s goals and achievements, while making personal connections that will last a lifetime.

“Our company goals became clearer through open discussions, allowing us to align our visions and aspirations,” said Angeles Yugdar, Content and Commercials. “The opportunity to listen to diverse voices from different parts of the company enriched our conversations, bringing fresh perspectives that sparked innovative ideas. What stood out for me was not just the sharing of thoughts and strategies but also the laughter and great moments we created together.  Overall, this experience reminded me of how strong we can be when we are together!”

Spotters posing during Converge 2024.

Spotters posing onstage during Converge 2024.

Interested in joining Spotnana? You can check out our Careers page for information on open roles. We’re hiring!