Maximize Impact
Start with purpose. Clearly define your why, then build your experience from there. Be intentional. Clarity of purpose drives everything else: who attends, how long you gather, what gets designed into the experience. Design for outcomes, and measure impact.

Anchor the Cadence
Choose your rhythm (quarterly, biannual, annual). Put dates on the calendar early, plan ahead and protect these moments as a strategic culture cadence.

The 20/30/50 Rule
Create a few high-quality containers, then protect freedom. Use Chase Warrington’s (Doist) 20/30/50 as a guide: 20% work, 30% activities, 50% free time. That 50 is where trust forms. Avoid the biggest trap: trying to fit too much into the agenda and leaving people exhausted.

Guided Autonomy
Invest in shared anchor moments (openings, meals, closings), then design for choice. Be inclusive. Offer options across energy levels. Make opting out normal. Build for introverts and extroverts. Belonging comes from autonomy and psychological safety.

Design Culture Year-Round
Go beyond one-off retreats. Real impact comes from designing connection year-round. Culture change happens when pivotal in-person moments are reinforced through ongoing initiatives that reinforce them over time. At Nomad Pass, we call these Culture Moments That Matter, the year-round rituals and gatherings that unlock alignment, engagement, and genuine human connection.