This mindset, taken over from our easy-going and open-hearted “great founder,” (may our Media Relations dept. forgive us for borrowing this wonderful phrasing from their introductory messages to media outlets) has shaped not just how we work, but who we are as a team. And in 2024, we had the perfect opportunity to bring our people-first culture to life and celebrate it together.
That moment came with one of the most memorable events of the year: the celebration of Outset PR’s two-year anniversary. It was more than just a milestone – it was a reflection of how far we have come, working remotely from the very beginning. Experiencing our workplace values in action deepened our confidence that we are on the right track!
Since many of us reside in different parts of Europe, we had only interacted through screens, making the idea of an in-person gathering feel both exciting and surreal. So when Mike, particularly inspired as the agency’s father, announced a festive meetup in Tbilisi, Georgia, the overall excitement was off the charts. While tools like Zoom and Google Meet provide convenient ways to connect, nothing can truly replace the richness and authenticity of face-to-face interactions – something we cherish and encourage whenever possible.
Our media manager, Maria Bulgakova, expressed her surprise:
“I joined Outset PR in the summer of 2024, and I had no idea that, come fall, I would be flying across the map to sit together with the entire team!”
It was finally time to meet, work, and unwind side by side during a week-long adventure from November 9 to 17.
Settling into Tbilisi
On the eve of our meetup, we arrived in Tbilisi and settled into a magnificent four-story house, reminiscent of the student clubhouses seen in American movies – minus the Greek letters, of course. As the week began, we explored the city’s captivating architecture and stepped into a stylish coworking space that truly exceeded expectations.
Equipped with new Outset PR T-shirts and branded swag, we not only looked like a cohesive team but truly felt like one. Immersing ourselves in Georgian culture, we engaged in a variety of team-building activities. One example was learning the ancient jewelry art of Minankari, where we crafted our own handmade pieces. Naturally, we couldn’t stay away from the local culinary scene, embarking on a khinkali tour to savor this classic Georgian dish at some of Tbilisi’s top spots.
Such hearty meals gave us a boost of energy. With two days remaining before our agency's birthday celebration, we not only had fun but also relished every moment of working together in a shared space. Collaborating in person brought a newfound efficiency, allowing us to tackle work challenges faster than ever. This experience taught us valuable lessons, helping us to further refine our remote processes. As our senior operations officer, Sofia Andreeva, wisely noted:
“At Outset PR, a problem is never a death sentence; rather, it is a challenge to overcome and an opportunity to gain expertise.”
In the meantime, we also visited one of the most beautiful places in Tbilisi, the Wedding Palace (also known as the Palace of Rituals), and enjoyed a master class on cooking khachapuri and other Georgian appetizers, hosted right in our house.
The day before the celebration was a whirlwind of activity. For instance, we embraced the foggy mystique of Turtle Lake, where the Silent Hill-like atmosphere added an unexpected twist to our hike.
The grand celebration
Finally, November 14 marked the official birthday of Outset PR. We began the day with a tour of Tbilisi’s historical and religious landmarks, where breathtaking mountain vistas provided a fitting backdrop to deepen our connection with Georgia’s rich heritage.
After the cultural exploration, we headed to our main celebration venue in a picturesque setting. While waiting for the festive dinner, we sampled appetizers and, much to our surprise, participated in a unique culinary tradition – burying a ram to roast underground.
Later, we had an opportunity to walk between abandoned street art sites, which evoked a blend of Chernobyl’s haunting charm and vibrant creativity.
As evening set in, we gathered around a large table to enjoy the lamb, share toasts, and create wonderful memories. Reflecting on the celebration, our organic content team lead, Danijela Tomić, said:
“Outset PR really showed how amazing it can be to bring people together, making it the gold standard for creativity, connection, and just enjoying life while being part of an agency that truly rocks!”
The gift for Mike
One of the most special moments in Tbilisi was the preparation of a heartfelt gift for Mike. Each team member had secretly taken a photo with him, which we compiled into a book filled with personal notes and well-wishes.
While the book was being finalized, we spent the last two days indulging ourselves in singing master classes, street art tours, sulfur baths, and the botanical garden.
On our final evening together, we presented Mike with the book. His reaction was unforgettable!
Later, Mike shared:
“It would be a lie to say I wasn't astonished because this was one of those moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I still can't find the perfect words to describe how I feel about the way the team put this gift together with so much love and sincerity.
Since people are a company's most valuable asset, business should always revolve around them. When this happens, such miracles can occur. Now that I have this little book on my desk, I can't go a day without flipping through a few pages. It has become one of my most treasured possessions – something I carry with me wherever I go. I simply can't imagine a better gift.”
Reflecting on a remarkable experience
November 17 was the last day of our unforgettable meetup. We left Tbilisi with bags full of souvenirs and presents, but more importantly, we carried memories of a profoundly productive week. Face-to-face discussions proved invaluable, allowing us to outline and strategize plans for 2025 and beyond, which we are already eager to implement.
After the trip, we weren’t just fans of our work – we became fans of each other. As our media analyst Maximilian Fondé passionately declared:
“I am an avid Outset PR fan. I've never been a fan of a sports team, but it would be a sin not to be a fan here. PR is a sport, and we have everything in place: a stellar roster, relentless forward momentum, and catchy slogans!”
None of us had ever experienced something so unique and enriching, making it an event we won't soon forget. Grand celebrations like this, along with the smaller ones in between, not only make us feel great but also inspire us to approach our work with immense joy. We are already looking forward to gathering again as we pursue our collective goals for Outset PR!
