For one day each summer our offices across the country become suddenly (and uncharacteristically) silent. We call it “Big Day” and for us, it’s a big deal – an opportunity for us get together and celebrate the achievements of the past year.

Big Day is part reunion, part professional development and part party, all rolled into one. It’s a tradition we love, and like many traditions, it’s always evolving. But three things remain at its heart – the opportunity to connect, to inspire and to learn from each other.

To say Big Day is team building exercise is definitely underselling it. The stories told of Big Days past are part our shared mythology. ‘Were you at the Big Day where’ is a question you often hear. This past year was no different, and with the inclusion of our FH colleagues, the legend only grows!  

We have always operated as a famously flat organization that celebrates collaboration across levels and offices. Big Day helps to build those bonds between offices—after all, there is nothing like some great games, a few drinks and a dance floor to help bring people closer together.

Big Day is also an opportunity to replenish the “creative well.” Our teams work tirelessly all year to bring fresh ideas to our clients. That’s why inspiring creativity has become an important element of Big Day. We’re always looking for new ways to ignite the teams’ imagination and build up their creative reserves for another year of amazing and unexpected ideas.

Finally, Big Day is an opportunity to share industry best practices and to challenge our teams to continually elevate our game. As an organization, we are committed to learning with enviable professional development programs. Our shared desire to learn, improve and take on new challenges is one of the things that defines us.

I’m already looking ahead to our next big day!