The Partner’s conference before Photokina is designed for the international partner base to learn from one another in order to become a stronger whole. We have two days of internal conversation covering all topics of software, hardware, accessories, and partnerships. All of this in an incredible atmosphere of a globally historic hotel.
Yesterday started off with Phase One’s primaries in Musketeer’s costume and ended with a full Lederhosen ensemble. Now even though I took pictures during these events I must assure you that it is in your best interest to not witness these as I have. You will thank me for it, trust me.
Instead, I will show you one team building event that has us all in muscle cream and heating pads as I speak. Someone had the brilliant idea that we should have a football tournament between members of Phase One and the partner base. And by football I unfortunately mean American Soccer. Of which, I have not played since Jr. High School and I hated it then as well.
But of course we tried our best. Interestingly, 4 Years ago at another photokina I was presented the award of “the person who succeeded the most with the least amount of talent.” This was after a marathon Formula 1 event between the dealers where I drove NASCAR style, bumping and blocking, to the strong dismay of every single European in the event. I have to say I did my best to win that award again but I was dethroned by Knowlege Integrated’s Walter Borchenko. He was by far superior to me in this category as you can see. : )
By the end of the match, our team placed in 3rd out of 8, mainly through the efforts or our captain, P1 CEO Herik Hakonsson, and a steller player from our Barcelona partner. We North Americans threw or weight around and bullied our way but were only bit players to their European excellence.
In the end we had a great first day of team building. And in true Phase One fashion, concluded the day with one hell of a party. A long drive through the pitch dark German forest opened to a small secluded Bierhaus. We had a wonderfully traditional meal with ample amounts of beer and wine. But to everyone’s suprise, within minutes of the meal’s end, this quiet and quaint little room quicly transformed into Coyote Ugly East! Dancing girls and shooters! What a trip. Let me just say that this picture is tame and is the only thing that I can show. More to come soon!
