Highlights From 983 Group’s First Team Offsite

While virtual work powers our day-to-day, especially with half our team fully remote and the Boston team operating on a hybrid model, there’s no substitute for real connection. Our first in-person offsite wasn’t just overdue—it was essential. After merging in January 2025, team members from Boston, Chicago, and New York connected for two days of quality bonding time. Despite our success as a mixed virtual and hybrid team, challenges like Zoom fatigue, siloed interactions, and text-first relationships reminded us there was more we could do to build trust and culture.

983’s Vision & Values Recharged

Surrounded by panoramic views at the UMass Club in Downtown Boston, we reconnected with our mission. Leaders Aimée, Nigel and Cassie guided us through thoughtful discussions about the company’s vision and plans for growth. They encouraged us to lean into the discomfort that comes with change because it means we’re evolving, learning and stretching toward new goals. Less than a year into our merger, this in-person moment helped us zoom out from daily tasks to realign around shared goals, reigniting our passion for storytelling and impact.

Bonding Beyond the Screen

Once work was finished, 983 was ready for some good old-fashioned team bonding! We started with a cocktail cruise around Boston Harbor that inspired a Taylor Swift sing-along and gave us the chance to go from Slack handles to real high-fives. Once the team was off the water, and Nigel put away his captain hat, we went to dinner in the city’s historic North End for some incredible Italian food at Trattoria Il Panino and almost closed the place down.

We learned each other’s favorite songs, foods, and hobbies, building friendships that make virtual collaboration easier and more natural. Now, there’s a deeper connection between all of us that wasn’t there before and that will benefit our work in the long run.

AI, Ethics, and Innovation: Thinking Bigger as One Team

On day two, we explored the future of communications through a live session with Mark McClennan: "Preparing Communicators to Survive and Thrive in a Dynamic AI Environment.” While AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance content creation and research, our in-person conversation made it clear: navigating new technologies takes real dialogue, trust, and shared understanding. Being together sparked richer questions and more meaningful takeaways than a webinar ever could.

Mark’s session covered not just how AI works, but also highlighted practical applications we can already leverage. From using AI to help build media lists or researching background information for clients and meetings, it became clear that AI is a tool—but not a replacement for human expertise.

The discussion also touched on risks: misinformation, deepfakes, and accuracy challenges. We explored how integrating AI thoughtfully into our workflows requires both technical literacy and ethical mindfulness. By sharing real-time questions and examples during the session, we strengthened our collective understanding and set the stage for how 983 Group can guide clients in navigating these evolving tools.

Strategically Pickled and Stronger Than Ever

To close out our Boston experience, 983 braved the 90+ degree heat and hit the pickleball courts—literally. We rallied through lively matches that tested both our coordination and our stamina. For many, it was a first introduction to pickleball—a little intimidating at first, but everyone embraced the challenge, pushing past initial nerves and learning new skills together.

Switching teams, encouraging each other, and adapting to new roles on the court mirrored the same skills we rely on every day at work: communication, adaptability, and focus. These quick team rotations not only kept the games fresh but also gave us a chance to bond with colleagues we might not usually collaborate with. Luckily, we had ice-cold water, Gatorade, and frozen towels to help us beat the heat! By the end, we weren’t just sweaty—we were stronger as a team, proving once again that stepping outside your comfort zone pays off both on and off the court.

Looking Toward the Future

Two days in Boston reminded us of something powerful: virtual and hybrid work works best when it’s built on real human connection. Stronger teams mean better results - for each other and our clients. We left Boston recharged, reconnected and ready for what’s next!

Why In-Person Interactions Still Matter in a Virtual Workplace