What a milestone! Shock Media’s 25th anniversary was celebrated in style during an unforgettable weekend filled with adventure, fun, and camaraderie. The trip went to Cologne, where we enjoyed a program with something for everyone.
An early start and excitement in the air
Early Friday morning, all colleagues gathered at the office, eager to kick off this anniversary trip. The journey to Cologne started comfortably, as HR had arranged delicious breakfasts for everyone on the bus. As the sun slowly rose, we drove enthusiastically towards our first destination: Phantasialand!
Phantasialand: thrills, fun, and… lots of water!
Upon arrival at Phantasialand, everyone received a quick pass—perfect for skipping the long lines! With a large part of the group, we headed to the first roller coaster. For some, it was pure adrenaline, and for others, maybe a bit too thrilling, but that made the experience all the richer. After conquering the first roller coaster, smaller groups formed so everyone could do whatever they felt like. Whether it was more roller coasters or the gentler attractions, everyone found their way.
The water rides were a big hit, especially with the great weather. One moment we stepped into a boat dry, and the next we were ankle-deep in water, having to literally pour water from our shoes! The special drying machines were in high demand, and luckily, the sun was shining brightly, making drying off much more pleasant.
Dinner with a view: food, scenery, and magic
After all that excitement, it was time to check in at the beautiful hotel in the heart of Cologne. A moment to freshen up, unwind, and get ready for the evening program.
The evening program took place 110 meters above Cologne, at the exclusive Osman30 venue. From this special location, we enjoyed a breathtaking view over the city with pleasantly warm late-summer weather. The evening kicked off with a welcome drink on the rooftop terrace. What a sight! The sunset over the Rhine and the Cologne skyline set the perfect scene for the rest of the night.
To mark Shock Media’s 25th anniversary, the colleagues thought it was the perfect moment to put our CEO, Alain, in the spotlight at this special location. We thanked him for bringing Shock to great heights and, from the highest rooftop terrace in Cologne, symbolically also took all colleagues to new heights. We also surprised him with a collage full of unforgettable moments from the past 25 years and a VIP hot air balloon ride for him and his loved ones. After Alain’s speech, in which he emphasized that it’s not just him, but all the colleagues together who have brought Shock to such heights, we raised a glass together to this milestone.
The buffet was delicious, but the real surprise came in the form of an illusionist. He visited every table, amazing everyone with his tricks. One moment you were simply eating, and the next he pulled a shoe out of your ear. It led to hilarious moments. At the end of the evening, he gave a final show that everyone enjoyed.
Cologne nightlife
After the official evening program, it was time to make our own plans. Some made the wise choice to head to bed at the hotel. However, a large group decided to explore Cologne’s vibrant nightlife. It was clear that our anniversary celebration was far from over! According to unconfirmed sources, a few colleagues even saw the sun rise again.
Relaxation and sightseeing
After a night full of festivities, the second day started a bit more relaxed. Some chose to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, while others headed out early to further explore the city and do some shopping.
The last activity of the weekend was a cruise on the Rhine. What better way to admire Cologne than from the water? We sat on the sunny top deck and enjoyed the beautiful view over the city. It was also the perfect time to sit back with a drink and take in everything from the weekend.
Heading home: reminiscing and chatting
After the cruise, it was time to head back to the Netherlands. The bus was ready with a generous lunch for everyone on board. The atmosphere on the bus was relaxed. Some people chatted enthusiastically about all the weekend’s experiences, while others took a power nap after a long night out. Some even watched the Formula 1 on their phones! One thing was clear: everyone had thoroughly enjoyed this unforgettable weekend.
Do you want to join us next time?
The anniversary trip to Cologne was a huge success and created wonderful memories that we’ll talk about for a long time to come. However, this weekend not only highlighted how far we’ve come as Shock Media over the past 25 years, but also how close-knit, relaxed, and fun our team is!
Would you like to join one of our awesome outings next time? Want to be part of a close and high-performing team? Then take a look at our vacancies and who knows, you might be celebrating the next anniversary with us!
Check out the aftermovie of this amazing weekend
