For the first time ever, a joint team building event in Catoira (Pontevedra, Galicia) for the teams from Madrid and Galicia came together. After nearly a year of collaborating exclusively through screens and Microsoft Teams, this long-awaited meeting was an opportunity to finally meet in person, strengthen connections, and celebrate the human side of innovation.
The gathering represented a meaningful step in Contactica’s growth. Over the past years, the company has expanded its activities, its projects, and its people — welcoming new talent, new perspectives, and new energy. Bringing everyone together in one place was not only a logistical achievement but also a celebration of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Why this team building mattered
At Contactica, teamwork is more than just a way of working, it’s part of our identity. Our success in European projects depends on communication, trust, and synergy between people with very different profiles: scientists, engineers, communication experts, sustainability analysts, economists, and project managers. While digital tools keep us connected, true understanding and team cohesion grow through real human interaction.
This meeting was designed to nurture that connection. For many, it was the first time meeting colleagues they collaborate with daily on complex projects spanning multiple work packages. The event provided the space to exchange not just technical insights but also personal stories, laughter, and shared experiences.
Exploring Catoira: history, culture, and connection
The two-day event began with a series of group activities that encouraged creativity, participation, and fun. Through interactive dynamics, participants discovered more about their colleagues’ backgrounds, interests, and motivations, revealing the diversity and richness that define Contactica’s team.
After the morning activities, the group set out to explore the natural and cultural treasures of Catoira, walking along the route of the windmills and visiting Pedras Muídas and the Viking ruins. These historical landmarks reminded everyone of the deep connection between nature, history, and resilience, which are values that resonate strongly with Contactica’s mission of sustainable innovation.
The visit continued at the Catoira Viking Museum (Centro de Activación Cultural Torres del Oeste), where a guided talk delved into the fascinating Viking influence in the region of Galicia. Learning about how cultures have evolved, adapted, and thrived through collaboration and exchange felt like a fitting metaphor for Contactica’s own journey.
Moments to remember
In the evening, the team gathered for a shared dinner at Restaurant Derby, preceded by an informal get-together at El Flexi Bar, a cozy, lively space where colleagues could relax, chat, and laugh together outside of work. The atmosphere was full of energy, gratitude, and a sense of belonging.
The following day, the group reunited at a traditional furancho, a family-run tavern typical of Galicia, to enjoy an authentic Cocido Gallego, a hearty local dish perfect for autumn. This meal wasn’t just a culinary delight; it also marked a moment of celebration as the company honored Blanca Carramiñana’s 11th anniversary at Contactica.
Blanca’s long-standing commitment to the company reflects the values of dedication, growth, and teamwork that continue to guide Contactica’s path forward. Her colleagues celebrated this milestone with heartfelt applause and words of appreciation, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the company culture.
More than an event, a milestone
The gathering in Catoira was much more than a social event. It was a symbol of connection between teams, individuals, and shared aspirations. It reminded everyone that behind every research paper, report, or deliverable, there are people who collaborate, care, and strive together for excellence.
By stepping away from screens and engaging face to face, Contactica’s professionals strengthened their bonds and discovered new ways of communicating and collaborating. This sense of unity will translate directly into more efficient teamwork, greater empathy, and stronger alignment across all departments, from R&D consulting and sustainability to communication and project implementation.
At Contactica, we firmly believe that innovation starts with people. When individuals connect, creativity flows more freely, challenges are solved faster, and collective success becomes more attainable. The event in Catoira captured this philosophy perfectly: progress happens not only in laboratories or offices, but also in the conversations, smiles, and moments shared between colleagues.
Looking at the future
The success of this first team building event marks the beginning of a new tradition at Contactica. Future gatherings will continue to bridge the geographical distance between our offices, strengthen collaboration across teams, and celebrate the diversity of people and perspectives that make our company thrive.
As we look to the future, we carry with us the spirit of those days in Catoira, a reminder that behind every innovation, there’s a team working with passion, respect, and shared purpose.
Because when people connect, ideas grow and projects become reality.
