Connecting, Collaborating, and Celebrating: Our Global Team Seminar in the South of France

Why We Host an Annual Seminar

For the past three years, our annual seminar has been a cornerstone event, uniting every member of our growing team to kick off the season with purpose and unity. With many new hires and a rising number of remote employees, the seminar is essential for fostering a strong team culture. It’s an invaluable opportunity for teammates from France, the U.S., and other parts of the world to build connections that go beyond virtual interactions.

Each year, this seminar strengthens the GitGuardian community, creating a shared vision and deepening our collective sense of belonging. As our teams work closely across borders, these moments of in-person interaction make remote teamwork smoother and more effective.

Adam Mikula, BDR, Boston, USA:
"It was so valuable to meet my coworkers in person and build real connections. I left with great memories and felt even more excited to be part of the GitGuardian team!"

Months of Planning, Weeks of Anticipation

Organizing an event of this scale is no small feat. The HR team spent months coordinating every detail—from choosing dates and venues to managing travel and accommodations. Every logistical element was meticulously planned, but it was a collaborative effort, with the finance, legal, and design teams also contributing to make the seminar a success.

However, this event wasn’t all about work. While the agenda included productive workshops and vision-setting sessions, we ensured there was plenty of time for Guardians to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This approach created an atmosphere where ideas flowed freely, and connections formed naturally.

Mathieu Bellon, Senior Product Manager, Rennes, FR:
“The seminar was incredible—I finally got to meet my teammates in person, which allowed us to connect on a whole new level. Spending time together outside of work really made me feel part of something bigger!”

Achievements and Highlights of the Seminar

Our time in Giens was packed with memorable moments and meaningful accomplishments. For many, it was their first time meeting the full team face-to-face—a unique experience for those who had only interacted virtually until then.

We kicked off the seminar with a plenary session introducing new projects for the upcoming year. Later, team workshops allowed smaller groups to collaborate and align on specific goals. And, in true GitGuardian style, the evenings featured unforgettable gatherings—a beach get-together and a lively party with a DJ, where everyone celebrated the strength of our community.

Geoffroy Horaist, Valence, FR:
"As a new hire, the seminar was an amazing opportunity to get to know my coworkers and understand GitGuardian’s values and goals in depth."

Why We Chose the South of France

Selecting the Giens Peninsula as our destination was no coincidence. With most of our team based in France, holding the seminar here reduced the need for air travel, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility. After careful planning, we opted for the south of France for its promise of sunny weather and outdoor activities, easily accessible by train for our Paris-based team.

The choice paid off—though the weather was mixed, the team made the most of the beautiful surroundings, which added a relaxed, vacation-like vibe that helped everyone connect in a more informal setting.

Lauren Drolet, Customer Success Manager, Atlanta, USA:
“As a fully remote U.S. employee, it was an incredible experience to spend time in a beautiful country and connect with my teammates in person. I appreciated meeting Guardians I don’t usually work with day-to-day.”

Building Connections for a Stronger Future

Our seminar on the Giens Peninsula was more than just a meeting—it was a chance for Guardians to recharge, connect, and return to work inspired. Through shared experiences and face-to-face connections, our annual gatherings strengthen the bonds that keep GitGuardian aligned on our vision and values.

Brandy, Senior HR Manager, Boston, USA:
"GitGuardian's annual seminar fostered camaraderie and strengthened professional relationships across departments. Shared experiences like these are invaluable in creating a unified and supportive team environment."

With unforgettable memories and renewed motivation, we are ready to tackle the year ahead together, empowered by the support of an amazing team. Here’s to more moments of connection, collaboration, and celebration as we continue to grow!