Clarity Goes to Porto!

Last Friday, April 21st, marked a significant milestone for the Clarity Group as we embarked on our first team conference abroad! Our three hardworking teams, scattered across Ireland, the UK, and Portugal, had been communicating through emails for years, only seeing each other's faces through computer screens. It was high time we took to the skies and met in person. So, we packed our bags and headed to sunny Porto!

Thanks to the incredible organisation skills of Sofia and Laura, the trip was not only an opportunity for us to finally meet face-to-face and bond, but it was also full of fun activities and delicious food and drink! Who says business trips can't be enjoyable?

After a celebratory pint at the airport, our slightly delayed flight landed in Porto at 11 pm, where we were warmly welcomed by Aoife and Lara with a big cheer and an even bigger poster! After settling into Yotel Porto, we gathered at the rooftop bar, where a sumptuous spread awaited us. You can take the Irish out of Ireland, but that won’t stop us from having a drink… or two… or three! As the drinks flowed, we talked the night away until late before heading to bed. 

Saturday morning arrived and most of us managed to rise early enough to have breakfast together before heading off to our first activity of the weekend - the Banzai challenge! We donned our brand new 'Clarity Porto' t-shirts and competed in challenges that tested our teamwork, logical thinking, and communication skills. Although some teams worked together better than others, (not naming the team who scored -147 points) we all had an amazing time.

The challenges had left us with an appetite, so we took a stroll down the sunny Porto streets until we reached Brasao where we devoured Francesinhas, a specialty sandwich in Porto that we had heard so much about.

In the evening, we held the long-awaited Clarity conference, where different speakers gave updates from their teams and departments. We played fun icebreaker games, had a Clarity-themed quiz, an incredible five-course meal, accompanied by more drinks and even karaoke to end the night!

The final day arrived with a few sore heads, but the sunny skies were a perfect cure. Some of us went shopping on the main street, while the others indulged in port tasting in the old town. The trip was an absolute blast, and we left Porto with reluctance, wishing we could stay longer.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, bringing together three teams from different countries, and providing us with a perfect opportunity to get to know each other better while having fun. We are already looking forward to the next one! Vegas anyone?