My entire team is in Chicago right now for our 2013 planning meeting and holiday dinner.

In preparation for the week, travel plans were made, client work was doubled to make up for two days away, guest blog posts were scheduled, and anticipation filled the air.

In fact, I think most of Facebook is jealous they’re all here because of the anticipation they’ve built online about their visit.

To say it’s been fun is putting it mildly. We’re like a bunch of old friends getting together after not seeing one another for years. And the really interesting part? Some of them have never met in person.

Having a virtual company will do that. We added three new staff members in third quarter this year and this is the first time they’ll have a chance to meet live. Sure, we see one another’s faces through Skype a few times a week, but it just isn’t the same. (more…)