theICEway Summer Party 2024

Our annual summer has always been a great way to unwind after a busy year. This year, we managed to get over 100 attendees from 10 different countries around the world. The occasion served not only as a joyous celebration but also as a heartfelt farewell to our esteemed Co-Founder, Conor Byrne, who is bidding adieu after an impressive 17-year journey with theICEway. 

Activities & Games

This year's selection of games and activities included rounders, cornhole, badminton, painting, football and ping pong. True to ICE tradition, each activity was met with an overwhelmingly competitive spirit. The standard of play was the only thing separating our rounders game and an MLB game. The competitiveness and atmosphere were second to none!

A massive thank you goes out to our Finance Director and Company Secretary, Malcolm Taylor, and his wife, Pam, for their annual coordination of the water painting station and competition. Although some of the paintings were truly magnificent, the author of this blog couldn't help but feel that his frog from memory didn't receive the flowers it truly deserved.

Feedback From The Team

Freddy Loft, Service Delivery Manager:  "Another great Summer Party, with everyone getting on board with the festival theme! I especially enjoyed the live bands who really added to the occasion. A special shout-out to everyone who helped organize the day and helped with decorating, those extra hands are always much appreciated!"

Andy Morgan, Customer Service Advisor: "In my opinion, it was a fantastic evening. The venue was amazing, and my friend peaking a little too early is something I will long remember. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the event."

Tracy Fletcher, Head of Operations: "The summer party this year was one of the best, bringing many Team members together for a great celebration. The bands made the evening extra special. Thanks to everyone who helped organize such a great event."

Lily & Ashley, Customer Service Advisors: "The staff party was so much fun! Everyone enjoyed themselves; we played a game of rounders, had live music & an ice cream truck. So much time & effort was put into making the day / night so enjoyable for everyone. It was so sweet seeing everyone's appreciation and love for Conor during the presentation speech. We always have a wonderful time at theICEway parties! "

The Injury List Grew Even Further

It wouldn't be an ICE party without an injury of some kind. Even in the build-up to the party, we had a broken wrist, 3 broken fingers, and a tooth cracking in half. We can see how at face value, it sounds as if we are running some kind of underground fight club, however, this couldn't be further from the truth. The wrist went while playing padel tennis and landing all his weight on his wrist. The 3 'out of commission' fingers are the authors of this blog, as I type I am using my thumb and pinkie finger on my left hand like a crab claw. A subtle fourth wall break right there, although I'm no Ryan Reynolds. The cracked tooth was caused by biting down on an overcooked panini on the flight over. Not as exciting as it could have been. 

On the day of the party, one of our team members, unfortunately, miskicked a football, which resulted in her tearing a muscle in her thigh in 2 separate places. Looking on the bright side, the kick would have been pretty good if the muscle gave way twice.

theICEway Family

It might be a little cliché for us to claim that our staff don't see one another as colleagues but as friends and family but it really is the truth. Our shared experiences, both in and out of the workplace, have cemented our relationships that transcend your usual professional environment. Many of our staff have been at the organisation for over 10 years and have seen their fair share of staff parties. As we continue to gather year after year to celebrate and socialise, it becomes that our team is more than just a group of co-workers. 

The summer party isn't just for our team members but it also extends their loved ones. With over 30 family members in attendance, the summer party became a multi-generational celebration. From children playing games to partners mingling with colleagues, the event truly showcased the inclusive and family-oriented culture that defines our organisation.

We cannot wait till next year's outing. The success of this year's summer party has set the bar extremely high, but we are confident that we can surpass it. Thank you to everyone who got involved, this wouldn't have been possible without you.