If there’s one thing we took away from our 2025 retreat in Istanbul, it’s this: taking time to step back and celebrate your team isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s essential.
We stayed at the legendary Pera Palace, where the air feels thick with history (and, honestly, really good coffee).
But this retreat wasn’t just about sightseeing - it was about staying curious and challenging ourselves to see things through a different lens. It’s exactly the type of innovation and bold thinking that the Skift IDEA Awards celebrate.
For one unforgettable week, we traded Google Meets for face-to-face conversations, Basecamp notifications for real-life moments, daily routines for shared experiences, in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and the chance to look at the world - and our work - through a fresh lens.
Sharing borek and Turkish coffee with a local family. Watching teammates try their hands at Ebru, the art of Turkish marbling. Wandering the Grand Bazaar, getting lost, and somehow still ending up in the same souvenir shop.
The whole trip reminded us: Work isn’t just about what you do. It’s about the people you do it with.
Our meetings weren’t typical company check-ins. Sure, we talked about where Skift is going, but more than that, we asked ourselves:
It isn’t just about business, it is about shaping how we see and share the future of travel. And that’s what made this retreat powerful. More than a “break,” it was a reset: A reminder of why we do what we do.
The work never stops. There’s always more to do, more to think about, and more deadlines to hit. But we’ve learned that great work doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people feel inspired, connected, and valued.
That’s why taking the time to invest in your team is essential. It’s the foundation for everything, from the day-to-day tasks to the bigger, bolder ideas that can shape the future of travel.
The best work happens when people are empowered to think big, take risks, and break the mold - without fear of failure. When people feel supported and appreciated, they come up with their best ideas, which is exactly what makes a difference in this industry.
The best companies aren’t just about what they build but about how they treat their people. A strong, healthy culture doesn’t just help attract talent, it keeps the best people motivated and engaged.
When people feel seen and valued, they take bigger risks, ask better questions, and come up with ideas that truly move the needle. That’s what drives innovation and lasting impact in the travel industry - and it’s why recognition, like what we see at the Skift IDEA Awards, is so powerful.
This retreat reminded us that travel is all about perspective; about seeing the world differently and sharing those insights with others. It’s about celebrating the ideas that challenge the status quo and push us to think in new ways. And that’s what makes moments of recognition, like the Skift IDEA Awards, so special.
If your team is doing something innovative, whether it’s through creativity, leadership, or pushing boundaries, it’s worth sharing that story. The IDEA Awards are about shining a light on the ideas and teams that are shaping the future of travel, hospitality, and meetings.
So ask yourself:
If so, don’t keep that story to yourself.
📢 The Skift IDEA Awards are now open for entries. If your team is doing the kind of work that deserves to be recognized, why not share it?
Because great teams don’t just build amazing things; they inspire change. And that deserves to be celebrated.