KICK-OFF & SUMMER PARTY 2025 - Balancing Transformation

Are you ready for our annual Kick-off & Summer Party?

A full day in the name of Balancing Transformation awaits with inspiration, team spirit and good vibes. You can expect strategic updates and customer insights to get you up to speed, team-building activities where you can get to know your colleagues in a completely different way or personal development workshops to help you grow. All followed by a cozy dinner party. 

Dear Colleagues, please read the following practical information!

Venue – all day and evening
Aarhus Internationale Sejlsportscenter, Aarhus Ø
Esther Aggebos Gade 80 A, 8000 Aarhus C

Transport 
Bus from Ballerup/Køge and back
For more information, please await separate mail for those who have requested bus-transport

Transport in private car
Employees from Aarhus, Middelfart, Viborg and Aalborg should arrange their own transportation (car pooling).
Employees from Ballerup can also car-pool.

Car travel is only reimbursed by Columbus when sharing with at least two others. Remember to add names on the passengers in the text field in Concur.

Parking at the venue
Parking is free at the venue until Saturday 12.00 PM – registration via tablet/mobile phone at the venue.
Q-Park SHIP, Ester Aggebos Gade 28, 8000 Aarhus C (parking basement next to the venue)

Accommodation
Scandic The Mayor, Banegårdspladsen 14, 8000 Aarhus, Danmark
Parking: Parking is located in Bruuns Galleri, Værkmestergade, 8000 Aarhus C (remember to register your parking at the Front Desk) or street parking

Scandic Aarhus City,  Østergade 10, 8000 Aarhus, Danmark
Parking: Basement parking

For more information, please await separate mail for those who have requested accommodation

Shuttlebuses
We have arranged shuttlebuses between the hotels and venue both in the afternoon after the activities and dinner and after the party (last bus departs from the venue at 01.15)

Afternoon Outdoor Activities  
Everybody will get their first priority on the afternoon activities. Did you forget what you signed up for? Check the overview here 😊

  • Mind, Body, Business: alone and/or working in pairs
  • Cruise: Up to 12 persons/boat
  • Treasure hunt: We will be sailing in minor teams (4-5 persons/boat)
  • Match race: We will be sailing in minor teams (4-5 persons/boat)

The activities are not in pre-defined teams – info will follow on the day.

Clothing
Daytime calls for practical outdoor attire, according to your chosen activity and the weather.

If you have submitted to a sailing-activity – please wear some kind of sneakers without black soles.
Please note that you have to be dressed for the outdoor activities at arrival – we do not have time scheduled for changing clothes.

🌞Fingers crossed for nice and sunny weather - with a little wind to the sailboats.
Remember sunglasses! We will support you with a small goodie back with a cap or sun visor, spectacle cord & sunscreen

The evening's dress code is festive.

The venue has shared changing rooms (women and men separated).

For those with accommodation at the Scandic hotels, there will be shuttlebuses back and forth after the afternoon activities and before the welcome drink starts. 

Program Friday

Time Activity Location
05:40/06:10-09:30 Bus transport from Ballerup (05:40)/Køge (06:10) Ballerup/Køge
09:00-10:00 Arrival, parking, small breakfast

Aarhus Internationale Sejlsportscenter  

10:00-10:45 State of the union – Claes  

Indoor  - Sailboat hall  

10:45-11:45 Market presentation

Indoor  - Sailboat hall   

11:45-12:45 Lunch

Served outdoor – find a place to eat   

12:45-13:00 Introduction to the afternoon activities & and find your activity starting point  
13:00-16:00 Sailing & MindBody activities  

Sailing outdoor  - MindBody in/outdoor depends on the weather   

16:00-18:30

Free time for changing clothes

‘Hygge’ with snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine at the venue  

In-/ Outdoor

Shuttlebuses can bring you to the hotels and back

Your luggage can be brought to the Scandic hotels
Last shuttlebus from the hotels departs at 18.30  

18:30-19:00 Welcome drink

At the venue area in- or outdoor   

19:00 Dinner

Indoor - Sailboat hall  

21:00 Party with DJ

Indoor - Sailboat hall

00:00-00:45 Midnight snack

Indoor - Sailboat hall

01:00 Thank you and goodnight

First shuttlebus departs at 22.00 from the venue 
Last shuttlebuses to the Scandic hotels at 01.15 

Program Saturday

 

Time Activity Location
07:00-09:45 Breakfast at the hotels Scandic hotels
09:00-12:30 Bus transport Aarhus Scandic hotels
12:00 Free parking at Aarhus Sejlsportscenter ends Aarhus Internationale Sejlsportscenter

Time registration 

Please register the 13th of June as internal time on A0004448 with no more than your daily norm hours.

We are so much looking forward to welcoming you to the Columbus Denmark Summer Party & Kick-off 2025 June 13!

About the Sailing & MindBody activities

Don't worry if you are not the most fond of the water. There are activities for everyone's preferences. You can choose between four different activities, both on the water and on land. 

Cruise

Relax and unwind on larger sailboats with hosts who guide you along the beautiful coast around Aarhus. Depending on the wind, you might sail into the city or towards Kaløvig. Surrounded by nature, you'll find a perfect way to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Whether you want to steer, set sails, trim, or simply relax, skilled skippers provide drinks and light snacks, tailoring the experience to your needs. It's a blend of team building and relaxation, with storytelling on the water and a deep connection to nature. Enjoy the sail in safe and comfortable conditions, taking in the beauty of the journey.

Mind, Body, Business Workshop

Imagine a workshop that offers a unique chance for personal growth. Through a mix of theory and hands-on practice, you'll discover how your thoughts and emotions shape your life. By identifying and challenging limiting beliefs and understanding modern stress, you'll build a foundation for positive change. This workshop provides practical, evidence-based tools like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and reflection techniques that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of yourself and a toolkit full of resources to help you navigate and find balance in life's changes.

Throughout the workshop, you'll explore various topics, starting with an introduction, then diving into the power of thoughts, body language, modern stress, stress management and balance, biohacking your life to build resilience, and wrapping up with a conclusion. This experience encourages you to expand your horizons, learn new skills, and gain a better understanding of yourself.

Sailing & Match Race

Imagine the thrill of working together towards a shared goal, where every team member plays a crucial role in steering the boat to victory. Sailing races are all about effective coordination and clear communication, fostering a strong sense of team spirit. As you navigate the waters, you'll face challenges that strengthen bonds and create unforgettable memories. It's not just about winning; it's about building a community and a sense of belonging that makes the team thrive.

Feel the adrenaline rush as you compete against other teams in match races. These races are intense, pushing your collaboration skills and decision-making under pressure to the limit. It's a dynamic experience filled with excitement and team spirit. Picture four groups, with one always ready to switch from rubber boats between races, ensuring everyone stays engaged and energized.

Treasure Hunt on the Water

Dive into an interactive adventure where you and your teammates navigate and solve tasks together. This race challenges you to think creatively and strategically, making decisions under time pressure as you explore unfamiliar waters. It's a journey that boosts group dynamics and cooperation, creating memorable moments and high spirits. Each team has a coordinator guiding tasks on the water, using dinghies, rubber boats, and markers with tasks attached.