Annual kick-off event 2024

The LEUE & NILL annual kick-off event takes place every January. The plans and goals for the new year are discussed there and the results of the previous year are presented.

Every year, a few trainees are also allowed to take part in the event. This year, Michelle, Hanan and Dmitrij were allowed to attend. We interviewed the three of them to find out their personal impressions of the annual kick-off event.

But first, let's talk about the process:

When the three of them arrived at the Westfälischer Industrieklub (the location), they were given name badges to start with. Then they started with a snack. The official part, which was presented by the management, began at around 13:00. The employees who were attending for the first time, including us trainees, were introduced. The first part of the evening also included Ayyoub's trainee presentation. Then there was a break.

After the break, the presentations from the TV, International and Automotive departments continued. After the presentations, there was another short break during which you could have a snack and a drink. Then came the presentations from the departments Industrial Property Insurance, Industrial Liability Insurance with a 5-minute video, Private / VIP and Pensions. This was the longest part of the event. After the presentations, there was another short break with the opportunity to talk to colleagues. After the break came the guest speaker Thorsten Havener. He showed how facial expressions and gestures can be used to recognize what a person will do next. There were also a few magic tricks included.

After the guest speaker had left, there was a closing speech. Then there was a standing reception. The tables were marked with name tags so that we could sit with colleagues we might not yet know. This allowed us to talk to them and get to know them better. We then had dinner afterwards. As it was an open evening, you could decide how long you wanted to stay. Many of our colleagues stayed on after dinner to chat and catch up.

How did you imagine the evening and were your ideas fulfilled?

Michelle: I already knew that there would be a lot of presentations, so I was expecting that. I liked some of the departmental presentations better than others, but on the whole I found all the presentations quite interesting. You get to see what's going on in the department and what the plans are for this year. Videos/photos and the presentation of the customer portals gave you a good insight into the department and its projects.

Dimi: I imagined the evening to be relatively relaxed and calm, and this idea was fulfilled, but it was a lot more exciting and interesting than I had imagined.

Hanan: The evening was very informative and exciting at the same time. During the evening, I was able to gain a lot of insights into the various departments that I didn't know so well yet.

What was the dress code?

Michelle: You had to dress neatly and smartly.

Dimi: The dress code was more formal and serious, e.g. suits, jackets, etc.

Hanan: Most of the guests were wearing suits. Sneakers weren't planned as it was already an elegant event, so everyone was dressed quite smartly.

What was the atmosphere like that evening?

Michelle: The atmosphere was relaxed. Even as a trainee, you could have a good conversation with the others. There were also breaks during the presentations so that they didn't go on for too long.

Dimi: The atmosphere was good. It was easy to talk to the other employees and we had a good conversation. We felt comfortable.

Hanan: We had a good end to the evening. There was a lot of laughter and conversation. Especially when we were surprised by the guest speaker.

What was your highlight of the evening?

Michelle : The highlight of the evening was the guest speaker. He presented and showed how gestures and facial expressions can be used to recognize what the other person is going to do next.

Dimi: There were a lot of presentations that evening that were very interesting and also had a lot of relevance for the future, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the show at the end of the evening.

Hanan: In the evening, Thorsten Havener, the mind reader, was invited by the management. There he showed us his ability to read and influence human thoughts and emotions. He explained techniques and secrets from the field of communication as well as concepts for personality development.

Would you want to go there again?

Michelle: I would like to go again because you can find out what's going on in the individual departments at the moment. The atmosphere was also very relaxed and you had time to chat with your colleagues. There was a seating plan during the meal so that you could also get to know new colleagues. I really enjoyed the evening, which is why I would want to take part again.

Dimi: Definitely, especially because you get to talk to people you haven't seen or spoken to for a while and because you also want to see what has happened in the last few months and what plans are coming up.

Hanan: Yes, I would love to go there again. The evening was a lot of fun.