Acorn Technology, a consulting company based in Gothenburg, has made conference trips a central part of its company culture since 2011. Initially, these trips took place within Sweden, but as the company grew, organizing group travel independently became increasingly challenging. To manage the larger groups and the more complex logistics, they therefore partnered with a professional travel organizer.
"Our company is made up of consultants who don’t meet in the office every day," explains Thomas Pantzar, Founder and Chairman of Acorn Technology. "There is a real need to come together and strengthen our culture, which is our top priority. Being able to spend a few days together is extremely valuable."
From the early days of small group trips to today’s larger events, both the scale and complexity of the arrangements have increased. "Things were easier when we were a smaller group," says Thomas. "We could quickly choose a destination and book flights and a hotel for ten people. Now that we are more than 70 employees, we need experts who understand and can manage the travel industry."
How and Why Acorn Travels
Following their first successful international trip in 2013, Acorn Technology decided to continue working with a travel partner for future events, fundamentally changing the way they approached company travel. "Our company culture is built on innovation and challenging the norm, and the same applies to our conference trips. We look for destinations that are different and avoid larger cities that our colleagues often visit on their own time," Thomas explains. "Once we have chosen a destination, we build the program around it, selecting hotels, restaurants, and activities that suit the group."
The primary purpose of these trips is to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community among employees. "The conference trip is an important part of our vision of building the company around its people," says Thomas. "It is also a fantastic opportunity to welcome new employees into the team. On our most recent trip, we even had someone start their first day with us on the day we departed!"
Cooperation with Lost in Spain Incoming
Acorn has chosen to partner with Lost in Spain Incoming for its conference travel arrangements. “The support we receive in finding suitable hotels, discussing different concepts, coordinating with local suppliers, and having someone on-site to keep everything running smoothly is invaluable,” says Thomas. “It gives us peace of mind knowing that someone is overseeing every detail, allowing us to focus on the destination, the conference, and most importantly, spending time together.”
Acorn’s most recent conference trip took them to Segovia, Spain. “I’m a passionate traveler and always look for something new when I travel,” says Thomas. The choice of Segovia was driven by its unique character, rich history, and the wide range of experiences it offers for both business and leisure. “There is something for everyone here, from adrenaline-filled canyoning adventures down waterfalls to authentic Spanish cuisine, fascinating historical sites, vineyards, breathtaking scenery, and, of course, a spectacular old town.”
Through its partnership with Lost in Spain Incoming, Acorn has been able to stay focused on the core purpose of its conference trips: strengthening team spirit and creating memorable experiences for all employees.
