"The best part about the whole trip? Going on a RIB rib out into Saltstraumen and seeing sea eagles only a few metres away," says Maia Hoang enthusiastically.
"We saw six eagles and even some reindeer. It was fantastic!"
Taking the team up north
Maia works at Miele Professional, which sells dishwashers and laundry services to hotels, kindergartens and hospitals.
But in May, she and her colleagues traded the office, sales figures and item numbers for exciting experiences up north after Maia entered them into the Thon Test contest – which they won. The prize was a conference weekend in Bodø for the entire B2B department, which has a team of ten.
“It was fantastic that Maia made such an effort for the team,” says Håkon Paulsen, sales director and head of the department.
"It was also great to be able to do something together outside since we normally spend our days in offices scattered around the country and usually only see each other on a screen."
A dip in the sea
The group stayed at Thon Hotel Nordlys, which is located next to the pier and marina in Bodø and has great views of both the Lofotenveggen and Hurtigruta sailing past. Everyone stayed in their own business room, with views of the water.
"The rooms were nice and spacious and the bed was fantastic. It makes all the difference to wake up feeling rested and also have a place where you can rest for a little while between activities," says Maia.
"For coffee lovers like me, it was also great to have a coffee machine in the room."
But mornings consisted of more than just coffee for the Miele colleagues. Every morning, some of the group enjoyed a dip in the sea, followed by warming up in the sauna before breakfast
“It was fantastic, as well as refreshing, with water that is only two degrees in Celsius in May,” says Maia and adds,
"It’s also worth mentioning that we girls jumped in first. I think the guys are still bothered by that," she laughs.
Activity hotspot
There's lots to discover during a company trip to Bodø, from beautiful mountain trails on Keiservarden and Junkerfjellet to a Northern Lights tour, dog sledding, sea kayaking, fishing and a sea eagle tour on a RIB boat.
"A RIB boat tour is an absolute must!" says Maia.
"In addition to being a wonderful nature experience, the guides were excellent and shared exciting local stories, myths and probably a few tall tales."
A food truck festival, city walk and Ashtanga yoga course were also on the agenda for the Miele group. With an age range of around 20 years, it was important to have activities that are suitable for everyone.
“Everything was voluntary, of course, but I think our boss was especially happy that all of us did the yoga class,” laughs Maia.
"Our daily work is stressful, so we probably benefited from learning to breathe more deeply."
Attractive conference facilities
Although there was plenty to do in the 'capital of Nordland', the Miele team also had time for some professional content.
“We were given access to a very nice meeting room at the top of the hotel, with green grass, great views and a large screen that worked perfectly for our presentations,” says Håkon, who believes that good facilities are important for any conference.
"Thon provided everything we needed and made it easy for us to carry out both sales meetings and professional programme.
They were also very helpful and added that little something extra to the conference, so it wasn't just 'dry and factual'."
“I would also like to mention the excellent food,” Håkon adds.
"Yes! The homemade bread at the breakfast buffet and slow-cooked brisket were very popular" says Maia.
The group also appreciated that the kitchen staff used fresh shellfish and seaweed for the dinner and that the chef took the time to chat with us at the table.
"It’s clear that they are passionate about their work in the kitchen and use quality local products. We’re all foodies, so that’s something we appreciate," continues Maia.
Better working environment
Both Håkon and Maia believe that travelling together has a positive impact on both their working environment and results.
“It’s a great way to get to know each other in a different setting,” says Håkon.
“I've noticed that it’s easier to pick up the phone and ask people for help now,” says Maia.
They agree that a company trip results in a better company culture, better teamwork, more energy and better results.
“But most importantly, we enjoy each other's company,” says Håkon.
Dreaming of a new trip
"If I were to sum up the trip in three words, they would be: fantastic, fantastic, fantastic," says Håkon, and adds,
"Fantastic nature experiences, fantastic atmosphere and fantastic hospitality! Bodø has everything you need for a successful business trip. And you feel very welcome both at the hotel and in the city thanks to all the friendly people."
"I absolutely agree. It was truly an unforgettable experience! We'd love to come back again," says Maia.
"But next time I suggest we go during winter. It would be fantastic to go on a Northern Lights tour by snowmobile!"