The nine full-time employees that make up the team at The Event Company recently traveled 100 miles east of Sioux Falls to Okoboji, Iowa, for our company’s semi-annual #DreamBuilders Retreat. The popular summer destination is typically bustling with vacationers boating on lakes, eating gelato and waiting in line to ride rollercoasters at Arnold’s Park — but the return of back-to-school had quickly transformed the scene into a quiet lake town. A calm lake and trees dropping acorns in anticipation of Fall proved to be the perfect backdrop to reflect on the last six months of business and set goals for the next six months.

“Being able to ‘unplug’ together, as a team, and get to know each other on a more personal level is one of my most favorite moments throughout our time together,” said Addie Graham-Kramer, Founder + CEO of The Event Company.

THE AGENDA

Our team left Sioux Falls Monday morning to make the hour and half drive to Okoboji. The team was arrived to The Sunset House (Addie’s lake house) with a build-your-own sandwich bar awaiting. Fresh fruit, salad, chips + oversized monster cookies from a local bakery completed the spread. In true event-planner fashion, the table was decorated in a beautiful blue + green “camp” theme. Each place setting had camp flags personalized with a name! In each room, an Okoboji branded tote bag with gifts was waiting for each team member. The team spent the first day of the retreat bonding with each other by way of Arnold’s Park shopping, having a “guess that seltzer” contest, sipping cocktails, playing UNO + enjoying a sunset cruise on the lake.

“I think this time together is important for the team to bond + grow closer as friends + not just coworkers,” said Jess Muhs, Event Brand Designer. “Getting along with the people you work with is so important to the overall culture of the office.”

“Our team is just so special in that we all love just being together,” said Nicole Mutchler, Event Project Manager. “My favorite moment of the retreat was hanging out after a day of work in our comfy clothes watching a rom com, playing uno, and eating sweets.”

Homemade s’mores cookie skillets + “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” rounded out the first night before the team got some much needed sleep.

Breakfast at a local restaurant started the second day of the retreat. After veggie omelets, caramel rolls + pancakes the size of a large pizza were finished off with lots of coffee, the team headed back to the lake house to start work. Addie + Kali Trautman, Director of Event Operations led the team in a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities + threats) analysis of the company.

“I think we had productive + supportive conversation when it came to the operations items + processes that we would want to see on the team,” said Kali.

Retreats provide time for team members to propose new ideas, discuss current policies + talk through anything that’s been on their mind recently as it relates to the company + their role.

“One of my favorite parts of the retreat each time is hearing the forecast and outlook for the year ahead,” said Krista Vandersnick, Event Project Manager. “It’s energizing to know what our leaders are working on behind the scenes to better us professionally and personally.”

After a few hours of work time, 2025 scheduling + a late lunch, Addie + Kali rolled out one more surprise. They split everyone into two teams + put 20 minutes on the clock.

Each team was tasked with coming up with four gala-worthy napkin folds. The more creative the better!

“I’m one of the most competitive people I know + I don’t back down from a challenge, so when Addie + Kali gave us the rules for this game, I went straight to work with my team to ensure a win,” said Ariana Mount, Communications Manager. “My team decided to center our napkins around four themes: love, beauty, family, and personal growth. I think the explanation + symbolism resonated with judges Addie + Kali.”

Team two chose a holiday theme complete with Christmas tree, bow, tuxedo shirt and Easter bunny napkin folds.

After deliberation from the judges, Addie + Kali named team one the winner!

“My favorite moment of the retreat was winning the Napkin Fold Competition with my team,” said Makenzie Stensrud, Event Designer.

PERSONAL + PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Dedicating time together with a change of scenery proves to be productive in providing opportunities for personal + professional growth.

“Personally, I feel very invested in at retreats + I get to know my coworkers on a deeper level,” said Kendra De Boer, Happiness Coordinator. “Professionally, I feel like my voice is heard and opinions matter. Retreats are a great way to grow internally and externally in your business!”

Many members on the team reflected on the intentional details that went into the retreat’s planning by The Event Company’s leadership team.

“One thing I took away from this retreat is that we all care deeply about the success of this company,” said Gianna Feige, Event Designer.

This retreat + the many others we’ve had prove that good things happen when we come together.

Follow The Event Company on Instagram to see more content from the retreat + our day-to-day of serving clients across the country!