Dr. Bill helps physicians across Canada submit their claims and get paid. Its team works mostly remotely, across BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and beyond. So once a year, in October, the company brings everyone together for Align and Inspire, an annual week of connecting in person as part of RBCX.
This year, 85 team members spent the day at StartWell. Most came from across the GTA, 16 flew in from British Columbia, and a handful traveled from other provinces. The goal was simple: to talk about where the business is heading over the next few months and years, and to spend real time together.
"Because we're a primarily remote company, when we do get the chance to get together you really realize how nice it is to connect. It's different than a Zoom meeting or a WebEx call. It's just a more organic experience."
— Cassidy Tonkin, Director of Customer Experience and Billing Services, Dr. Bill
A room where nobody misses anything
Big group days often split into the people with a good view and everyone else. In our Offsite Venue, the front section was set up for the keynote with Chris Foster. Screens throughout the venue meant people on the couches and at the high tops could follow along too.
"Some previous venues we've been to, if you don't get a good spot, you miss out on some of the important stuff," Cassidy says. "Here everything is close together, but still very available for people to participate."
Breakfast and lunch were served in the same space, and there was a seat for everyone. A barista kept the coffee coming, so nobody had to step out for a coffee run. "Everything was in one place. It made a lot of sense."
Why the space matters
Cassidy says the setting changes the conversations. "If something is booked at a corporate office venue, it feels a little bit cold and stale. It's just a boardroom." Her view is that a space where people can talk in a corner or settle onto a couch "leads to better conversations, a lot more creativity."
That holds for in-office teams too. "Having a space where you can shift the energy and experience something different is really important. It gets the creativity flowing."
Booking was easy, she adds: a tour, a few package options, and quick answers by email. "We had a really wonderful experience and we would love to book again."
