Day one of our 20th-anniversary celebration was a fantastic kick-off, but the journey wasn't over! Days two and three were dedicated to further strengthening bonds within our amazing team, and immersing everyone in the beauty and culture of Madeira Island, the "Pearl of the Atlantic."
Day Two: Celebrating as a Family
On the second day, we reserved the evening for celebrating with our dedicated team members, along with their cherished partners. We wanted to create a truly special experience, so we chose one of Funchal's most exclusive locations, the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva for an unforgettable dinner celebration.
This elegant setting provided the perfect backdrop for heartfelt speeches from our CEO, Thomas Berndorfer; our COO, Adam Maurer; our CTO, Kirill Zhuklinets; our CFO, Phillip Frangandonis, and our software architect, Sherif Kenawy.
It was a heartwarming evening filled with laughter, shared stories, and a deep sense of appreciation for the incredible journey we've shared together. We raised a toast to two decades of success, innovation, and most importantly, the incredible people who make Connecting Software what it is today.
Day Three: A Taste of Madeira Paradise
Day three offered a taste of paradise… literally! We embarked on a thrilling adventure to the enchanting village of Porto Moniz. This picturesque location is famous for its natural volcanic pools, formed by solidified lava and filled with crystal-clear ocean water. It was quite an experience to take a refreshing dip amidst this breathtaking scenery, surrounded by nature's raw beauty.
Following our aquatic adventure, we went into a traditional Madeiran bar. This was a delightful opportunity for our central European and remote colleagues to experience the island's signature drink, Poncha. This unique concoction, made with sugarcane rum, offered a taste of local tradition.
The culinary journey didn't stop there! We then indulged in "espetada," a skewered meat dish that's a staple of Madeiran cuisine, paired with the island's famous "bolo do caco" bread.
These experiences went beyond sightseeing – they were a chance to connect, share laughter over delicious food, and create lasting memories.
As the three-day celebration came to a close, a sense of unity and camaraderie resonated throughout the entire team. We returned to our respective locations with renewed energy, a deeper appreciation for our company culture, and a heart full of warm memories from Madeira and our 20th-anniversary celebration.
