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BIG BREAK 2023 

BIG BREAK 2023 

BIG BREAK 2023 

BIG BREAK 2023 

BIG BREAK 2023 

BIG BREAK 2023 

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 | Corpus Christi, Texas 

RELAX ALREADY, WOULD YA?

With so many new team members and the geography that separates us, it’s nice to get to see everyone in person any chance we get. It’s been one crazy busy year and we should all be proud of the great work we’re doing. I’m extremely lucky to be surrounded by a team that knows how to get the job done but also knows how to have some fun…and relax. I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be great dialogue, good food, and plenty of laughter. Thanks everyone.
~Stephen

Our guiding principles that help propel us forward as a team.

Creativity

Remember, this is fun! It’s a big part of why we’re here. It may feel stressful at times, but don’t forget – we’re lucky to use our minds in a unique way every day.

Balance

Stay steady to be ready. We believe great work should not compete with great life quality; we strive for both.

Growth

With a deep passion for our industry, we cultivate a culture that encourages growth for our agency, our clients and for ourselves.

Innovation

Embrace next practices. We encourage newer, smarter, better ways of doing in a quest to boldly serve our vision, our team and our clients.

Service

Always deliver. We aim to be available to our clients, anticipate their needs, and earn their trust by providing quality products and honest service.

Accountability

We learn from our mistakes. We take responsible ownership, appreciating that sometimes breakthroughs come from failure. Admit, correct, move on.

Respect

We’re a family. We earn, give and expect respect from each other, our clients, colleagues and collaborators.

Humility

Confidence is attractive when you remain humble. Thus, this must always be how we present ourselves.

WEDNESDAY OCT. 11

 

3 PM: REMOTE STAFF ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN

 Omni Corpus Christi Hotel– 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus, Christi, TX 78401 

There will be no MDR-sponsored event this evening. Feel free to explore the city and enjoy your evening as you please.  

Some Options:  MDR client, Champs STX Meat Market, hosting a ribbon-cutting with Chamber at their brand new location. 4 PM – 6 PM, STAR PLAZA (Everhart/SPID) 4750 S. Padre Island Dr. 78411 .

Also, it’s highly likely you will find MDRians admiring our work and Happy Houring at Surf Club in Water Street Market. After 5 PM, 306 N. Chaparral St. Downtown CC 78401  

THURSDAY OCT. 12

 

MDR has arranged for exclusive group shuttle service to and from the Foundry and all planned activities throughout the day. 

8:20 AM – 8:50 AM: MORNING MINGLE, 4TH FLOOR OF THE FOUNDRY

ALL EMPLOYEES: Please meet MDR rep at the Parking Garage entrance of The Foundry on Mesquite Street to park your cars at the building’s parking lot. Someone will be waiting to let you in between 8:20AM-8:50AM.

Important! Remote employees: You WILL need to check out of the hotel and bring your bags and vehicle to the Foundry. Please plan accordingly and arrive ON TIME. Head to the 4th Floor for our Morning Mingle where you will find sweet and savory treats from Central Kitchen provided by media partner, Basis Technologies.  

We’ll also have the new MDR custom Driftwood coffee blend brewed up for sampling. Take a sip and help us figure what to name it when we package it as a holiday gift for clients this year. This is also when you will get your goodies….Yep, there’s a Big Break ’23 swag bag with your name on it!

Dress code: Comfortable  

 

9:00 AM: THE FOUNDRY TOUR BEGINS 

The Foundry 418 Peoples Street – Begins on 4th Floor

Behind-the-scenes look at our future stomping grounds, led by Stephen Rybak and featuring a surprise special guest!  Next, we’ll head to the main atrium on the first floor. Find an area to call your own. (chair avail upon request) 

 

9:30 AM: INTENTION SETTING SERENITY SESSION  

Mild yoga and soul-soothing sound therapy led by Yogi, Leah Murray of In Green Peace  

 

10:45 AM: PEOPLES STREET MEET & GREET 

Grab a warm and inviting cup of tea or coffee from Cafe Calypso provided by media partner, Magnite. Step out onto People Street for some fresh gulf breeze air! Meet soon-to-be neighbors, star in B-roll footage and pose for those gratuitous group pics you knew were coming.  

 

11:15 AM: SHUTTLE TRANSFER #1

All employees: This is our group transfer from The Foundry to our NEXT location (Please be ready to board on time.)  The Art Museum of South Texas – 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 

Until 11:45: Explore the the art

 

11:45 AM: LUNCH

Private Mediterranean lunch at Elizabeth’s  provided by media partner, Spectrum Reach. Enjoy bayside views you will recognize in the Ajuha Room, followed by a Creative Team presentation and, you guessed it, a relaxing group activity. 

 

1:30 PM: SHUTTLE TRANSFER #2

ALL employees transfer back to The Foundry parking lot. 

 

1:45 PM: ONE-HOUR BREAK

Ahhhh! A break from our Big Break! Take a stroll in downtown Corpus Christi, check out our work in Water Street market and use the Foundry lavatories to freshen up before our grand finale. You are also welcome to hang out on the third floor of the Foundry in the temporary MDR area or arrange to be shuttled to/from the Wilson Plaza office if needed. 

 

2:45 PM: SHUTTLE TRANSFER #3 

ALL employees meet back at The Foundry to board shuttle to next group location. Harrison’s Landing – 108 Peoples St. T-Head, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 

Dress Code: Party vibes (jeans are OK, too); Light jackets for potentially chilly weather aboard yacht. 

 

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: TEXAS TEASE PARTY CRUISE 

A private tour of Corpus Christi Bay aboard a 65-foot yacht, along with a presentation of the MDR Biggies and a Champagne toast. Featuring tasty bites from Bar Under the Sun provided by media partner, GumGum.

 

5:10 PM: SHUTTLE TRANSFER #4 

ALL employees head back to cars parked at Foundry parking lot. 

The End. Safe travels home to all! 

BB'23 PLAYLIST

In times of stress, music has the power to instantly calm your mind. It could be the soothing notes of a melody or the relatable lyrics of a catchy song. Whatever it is, it can tap into your emotions, ease your worries and be your call to relaxation. The following playlist is a compilation of Big Break music, each song carefully selected by a team member at MDR.
Jam Out

BB’23 PHOTO GALLERY

If you’re here while this page is empty, that means we haven’t had our amazing retreat yet. If you’re looking for more of your pretty face, but don’t see your awesome photos in this gallery, you probably haven’t submitted any yet. Please do. We want them all.  If you’re here to simply reminisce, you’re right where you belong. That was fun, wasn’t it? 
Share Your Photos

BB’23 FAQs

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably all day, especially for the first half of our day. There will be some light walking throughout the Foundry Tour and after, and we may be seated on the floor during our Serenity Session that includes mild yoga and sound therapy.  

Our private shuttle (more on that in a minute) will be taking us directly from The Foundry to lunch at Elizabeth’s, so keep that in mind. A full-blown gym fit is not necessary. Just be comfy. 

Dress to impress for our Texas Tease Yacht Tour. This is where we’ll be sippin’ Champagne while laughing over the MDR Biggies and basking in the Emerald City views from the water. We’re not saying put on your suits and fancy dresses, but it’s more picture-worthy party vibes. Oh, you should also bring a light jacket of some sort in case of chilly wind.
 

For a detailed breakdown of our day, see the BB ’23 Itinerary. 

I’m a remote employee. Where do I go, and what do I do upon arrival?

Plan to arrive in Corpus, Christi on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Check-in at the Omni Hotel starts at 3 P.M. Your arrangements have been taken care of, and the hotel room is under your name. Yup. That’s it. 

There are no MDR-sponsored activities on Wednesday evening. While we have listed some available options, do not feel obligated in any way! Take the opportunity to enjoy the Bayside City and do absolutely whatever you’d like.  

I’m a local employee. Where do I go, and what do I do to start the day?

Please arrive at The Foundry no later than 9 AM on Thursday, Oct. 12. You can park at the building’s parking lot and leave your car there until the shuttle brings you back after lunch.  

For a detailed breakdown of our day, see the BB ’23 Itinerary. 

Did I read something about private shuttles?

Yes, you did. You’ll be chauffeured around town, as you deserve to be. MDR is providing private shuttles to take all employees to and from our activities throughout the day.  

Shuttle transfer times are outlined in the BB ’23 Itinerary. 

What and when are we eating?

A deliciously fresh Mediterranean-inspired lunch will be catered at Elizabeth’s at noon. There will also be finger-lickin’ good light bites and sweets aboard the yacht cruise at 3 PM.