London, United Kingdom - In July 2025, CloserStill Media marked its second annual CloserStill Week – a bold initiative designed to unite global teams, promote employee wellbeing and celebrate the company’s culture and values.

An initiative led by the CloserTogether Taskforce, CloserStill’s DEI working group set up in 2023, the week was created by the employees and has rapidly become the key fixture in the internal calendar. Following standout engagement in 2024, this year was even bigger, better and more connected

Across four days, 850 CloserStill employees took part in 50+ unique activities that ranged from high energy sports to immersive learning experiences. Whether in-person or remote, every employee was encouraged to take part, connect and contribute to building a stronger CloserStill culture. The initiative culminated in a global day off shared across the entire company, giving all employees an opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy an extended weekend.

“CloserStill Week 2025 was another incredible success, showcasing the creativity and unity of our global teams” said Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media. “Our commitment to mental wellbeing and building a positive company culture is stronger than ever. The global day off gave everyone time to reset and reconnect – a calm, collective pause before a high-velocity second half, and a reminder that wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.”

These highlights showcase a small selection of the diverse activities that took place throughout the week:

UK

CloserStill’s Black Network affinity group organised a vibrant Sports Day in London, fostering camaraderie and team spirit. London and Coventry based employees also participated in a neuroinclusion-themed escape room, an interactive experience designed to raise awareness around accessibility in the events industry.

In Hove, Elite Exhibitions hosted a charity bake-off, raising funds for a local children’s hospice. The UKi team in Dorking completed a team bike ride, bringing colleagues together for a shared physical challenge that encouraged both wellness and perseverance. In Crawley, Partnership Network Events employees took part in a guided meditation session followed by a nature walk to promote mental wellbeing.

Singapore

In Singapore, employees took on blindfolded walks and fire-building exercises as part of Forest Adventure, an outdoor experience that built confidence and trust. Teams also connected through a pickleball session, encouraging movement and collaboration, later tapping into their creative side during an Art Jam, where they expressed themselves through painting.

Spain

In Spain, employees joined a Voice Confidence workshop, gaining practical techniques to communicate more assertively in both professional and personal settings. They also enjoyed a lively padel tournament followed by a team lunch, combining friendly competition with great food and connection.

US

Across the U.S, remote colleagues demonstrated that distance is no barrier to teamwork. They joined forces virtually with an escape room and online training sessions, wrapping up with a Magic and Mentalism show. All activities were designed to build engagement and connection, no matter the location.

Germany

In Hamburg, employees engaged in the Dialogue in Silence workshop, an immersive experience that heightened empathy and communication skills by simulating conversations without sound. Teams in Berlin and Mannheim participated in a dedicated wellness day, featuring mindfulness coaching and self-care resources aimed at supporting mental health. Teams also gave back to their local communities by taking part in an environmental clean-up challenge.

Janine Gartner, HR Manager in Germany, played a key role in coordinating activities across the region. Gartner commented: “CloserStill Week was truly amazing. After such an intense and busy first half of the show season, it felt like the perfect moment to celebrate, breathe, and reconnect. Sharing those moments, laughing, reflecting, and simply being present with each other reminded me why I love what we do and who we do it with. It was uplifting, grounding, and deeply motivating. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity - it reminded me of how strong and supportive our team spirit is.”

Also helping to organise activities across both the London and Coventry offices, Latoya Cardoza, Junior Team Manager, said: “My plan for CloserStill Week was mostly to build its reputation as one of the best weeks in the office by mixing fan favourite activities with new ideas. The highlight of the week for me was the Black Network’s Charity Sports Day. Seeing people interact with new colleagues they don’t normally get to speak to, creating fun memories and then having another friendly face in the office to talk to - I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.”

CloserStill Week highlighted the diverse ways teams can come together to reflect, relax and reconnect, whilst contributing to a positive workplace culture.

 

 

---

More information on CloserStill Week can be requested from Rachel Kilmartin, Head of Communications, r.kilmartin@closerstillmedia.com.

About CloserStill Media:

CloserStill Media specialises in high-value, content-driven events and the nurturing of B2B or professional communities. The company operates events across a wide range of sub-vertical sectors within Business Technologies, Healthcare and Future Transport and Infrastructure across the U.S., Europe and Asia, with operations and 800+ staff in the U.K., USA, Germany, Spain and Singapore.