Each year, the Ingage team comes together for an annual trip to celebrate the year behind them and reconnect as a group. This year’s destination was Asheville, North Carolina, a setting known for mountain views, great food, and culture. What the team didn’t anticipate was a historically rare winter storm that would turn the weekend into an unforgettable experience.
The trip began under sunny skies, with team members arriving on Thursday and easing into the weekend. Friday offered opportunities to explore Asheville and the surrounding area, from hiking near the Blue Ridge Parkway to visiting local art studios, shops, and restaurants. Team members gathered for a happy hour featuring local musicians, reconnecting and sharing stories from their journeys to Asheville. Small groups ventured downtown for dinner, conversation, and local favorites as snowfall loomed overnight.
By Saturday morning, the storm had fully arrived. Heavy snowfall and widespread business closures brought much of Asheville to a standstill. Despite treacherous road conditions, some team members were still able to attend scheduled tours, while others stayed close to the hotel or indoors. What could have disrupted the weekend instead created space for connection. An impromptu game room emerged, filled with board games, card games, music, and laughter, turning the unexpected downtime into a highlight of the trip.
Community impact remained central to the experience. While some gathered for games, team members organized a service activity supporting Hearts with Hands, a nonprofit that provides “boxes of hope” to individuals and families affected by natural disasters. The group split into teams to write handwritten notes and assemble kits. In total, the Ingage team assembled 288 kits and prepared additional supplies to support 112 more.
The weekend also marked a significant milestone for the organization: 15 years of Ingage. During dinner on Saturday evening, leadership reflected on the collective effort that made 2025 a successful year. A video tribute walked the team through Ingage’s journey, from humble beginnings to where the organization stands today, celebrating the people, relationships, and moments that have shaped the company along the way.
The evening concluded with great food, dancing, and shared celebration, bringing the weekend to a close in a way that reflected Ingage’s culture, resilient, people-centered, and deeply connected.
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Though the trip didn't start as planned, it reinforced what defines Ingage. When plans change, the team adapts. When things slow down, connections deepen. And when faced with the unexpected, Ingage continues to make the most of each moment with a great team of individuals!
