Last week, we hit a major milestone: our first in-person, company-wide event in five years—Gate 39 Backstage. For our hybrid-remote team, this gathering was more than just a change of scenery. It was a celebration of our culture, our people, and our shared purpose.

Over the course of three days in Chicago, teammates who usually collaborate through screens came together face-to-face to connect, brainstorm, and build something bigger—together.

Real Conversations, Real Collaboration

The idea behind Gate 39 Backstage was simple: create space for the kind of connection that only happens in person. Sure, we’ve mastered remote work. But as productive and functional as virtual collaboration can be, there’s still something uniquely powerful about being in the same room—sharing a meal, reading body language, bouncing ideas off one another in real time.

Backstage was about taking a moment to step out of the daily hustle and look at the big picture—where we’re headed as a company and how we each play a role in that journey.

Throughout the event, we mixed big-picture strategy with focused teamwork. Our all-hands session gave everyone a transparent view into upcoming initiatives, while department breakouts and one-on-one sessions gave teams the time and space to work deeply and intentionally. And between the structured sessions, there were countless casual moments—the kind where great ideas spark and lasting bonds form.

"Incredible, positive energy filled the room as each person arrived. Seeing the warmth between G39'ers as they re-connected or met for the first time brought me real joy. Throughout the sessions, individual meetings, and group activities, the enthusiasm never wavered as we shared insights," says Shane Stiles, President and Founder of Gate 39. "Markets, technology, trends, and the macro environment are changing rapidly, making this the perfect time to gather and explore the changes ahead and their implications for our clients and Gate 39. Backstage was simply incredible, and I look forward to building on the great vibes from this event."

Recharging Culture and Creativity

Of course, no backstage experience is complete without a little fun. From welcome receptions to shared meals to a hilariously competitive game show night, this event reminded us that work is better when it’s personal.

When we take the time to connect beyond the inbox, we strengthen the trust and culture that fuel everything we do.

These shared experiences build a sense of belonging that carries into our day-to-day work, making collaboration smoother and communication stronger. Laughter and connection become the glue that holds a remote culture together. And in those lighthearted moments, we’re reminded that we’re not just coworkers—we’re a team.

Gate 39 Backstage was an important reminder that remote work works, but in-person connection deepens our impact. It helps us move faster, think bigger, and feel more like a team. We walked away re-energized, re-aligned, and ready to bring that momentum back into our workspaces.

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