The annual grand meetup is a cherished tradition at Awsm Innovations and is eagerly anticipated by everyone on our team. This year, we traveled to the serene and picturesque Wayanad in Kerala from December 5 to 7, immersing ourselves in its natural beauty, strengthening team bonds, and sharing knowledge.
Our journey through Wayanad was filled with unforgettable experiences. We began with the breathtaking vistas of Lakkidi View Point, where misty valleys stretched endlessly before us. The majestic Thusharagiri Waterfalls and the peaceful Pookode Lake offered moments of tranquility and awe. At Banasura Sagar Dam, we marveled at the sheer scale of nature’s splendor, while trekking to Meenmutty Waterfall gave us an adrenaline rush and a chance to bask in its cascading beauty.
Karlad Lake provided an opportunity for a serene boating experience, and the ziplining adventure thrilled those seeking a burst of excitement. We also explored the fascinating ancient carvings of Edakkal Caves and captured memorable photographs at the uniquely shaped Phantom Rock.
To cap off our adventure, we visited Mittai Theruvu, or SM Street, in Calicut for some lively shopping and ended our trip with a serene sunset at Calicut Beach.
Our base for this incredible experience was the Abad Brookside Lakkidi Hotel, which offered the perfect blend of comfort and a connection to nature. Here, amidst the lush greenery, we came together for some of the most meaningful moments of the trip.
A key highlight was our CEO, Aravind Ajith, addressing the team. Reflecting on the achievements and challenges of 2024, he also laid out our goals for 2025, inspiring everyone to strive for greater heights in the year ahead. We also celebrated his birthday, making the day double special.
The meetup was also an occasion to celebrate contributions and accomplishments. Our WordPress 6.7 core contributors were recognized, and winners of our popular Chaaya and Charcha sessions were showered with gifts.
In true Awsm spirit, the meetup also included a series of enriching technical sessions. Topics like Effective Writing for UI, Job Listing Block in the WP Job Openings Plugin, and Switching from PHP to Python were covered, providing valuable insights and fostering knowledge sharing among the team.
For our remote team, these meetups are more than just an annual event. They are a vital part of our culture, fostering collaboration, creating cherished memories, and strengthening the bonds that help us work better together. As we bid goodbye to Wayanad, we carry its spirit with us, ready to face new challenges and create new successes in the year ahead.