💡 1. A Sense of “Discovery"
Destination Digital is designed to immerse participants in new and exciting experiences. This year, participants were introduced to a variety of challenges, a new event format, and their assigned team members and mentors.
In addition to the core activities, we included several fun and engaging elements to enhance the experience. The rocket-building contest was a particular favorite, fostering creativity and teamwork. The bracelet-making station and other activities like bingo and trivia provided light-hearted breaks and opportunities for participants to unwind, relax and connect with each other.
👥 2. “Diversity” Leads to Greater Success, Fun, and Friendship
One of the most rewarding outcomes of Destination Digital 2024 was the chance for participants to work with colleagues from different departments within the bank. This diversity brought a variety of perspectives and skill sets to each team, enhancing the innovation process.
Participants were intentionally matched with team members who had complementary skills. For example, programmers were paired with business strategists, ensuring that each team had a balanced mix of technical and strategic expertise. This approach not only improved the quality of the prototypes but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Many participants formed friendships with colleagues they might never have met otherwise. These new connections were a highlight for many, as they bonded over the shared experience of building a prototype within a tight timeframe. Seeing these friendships develop was one of the most gratifying aspects of our Onova team and event organizers.
💪🏻 3. Having “Grit” When Things Don’t Go According to Plan
Innovation sprints are inherently challenging, and participants often face obstacles that test their resilience. At Destination Digital 2024, we saw numerous examples of grit and determination as teams navigated the complexities of their projects.
The determination and composure exhibited by participants were particularly evident during judging. Despite the pressure, teams answered questions confidently and articulately in front of our live panel of 1st Round and Final Round Judges, showcasing their ability to think quickly on their feet and how familiar they were with the solutions they had been working on.
Participants encountered various unexpected issues while working on their prototypes that required quick thinking and problem-solving. These challenges only strengthened their team and helped them grow into better presenters, developers, product managers, analysts, and leaders.
🙏🏻 4. Expressing “Gratitude” to the People Who Help You Along the Way
Gratitude was a recurring theme throughout Destination Digital 2024. Participants frequently expressed their appreciation for the mentors who guided them through the innovation process. We were fortunate to have engaged and dedicated mentors in both Chicago and Toronto, whose support was invaluable to the participants.
The mentors' willingness to share their knowledge and expertise helped participants overcome challenges and refine their ideas. This collaborative spirit was a key factor in the success of the event, and it was heartening to see so many participants acknowledge and thank their mentors.
Destination Digital 2024 not only fostered innovation and collaboration but also created lasting connections and personal growth opportunities for everyone involved. As we look forward to future events, we will continue to build on these successes, ensuring that Destination Digital remains a highlight of the year for all participants in the years to come.
