EVI holds team retreat in the Netherlands

On 24-25 November, EVI team members convened at the Woudschoten Conference Center for a two-day retreat focused on strategic alignment, operational updates, and team cohesion. Situated in the tranquil woods near Zeist, Woudschoten offered an ideal backdrop for reflection, collaboration, and a bit of woodland adventure: including a hands-on session that tested the team’s real-time cooperation and adaptation in a fun, yet unexpected setting.

December 2025

With many team members deeply involved in day-to-day operations across several European countries, the retreat was framed as an opportunity to step back, reconnect, share updates, and align on organisational priorities.  The event opened Monday afternoon with a meet-and-greet in the conference center, leading directly into an unconventional team-building activity: sheep herding.

The EVI Team sets upon their task

Guided by Pim Visscher, a top contender at European border collie sheep herding competitions, participants were introduced to the basics of sheep behaviour, herd dynamics, and interesting parallels between animal flock movement patterns and human teamwork.

What began as a light-hearted and informal lecture soon transformed into a revealing test of communication styles and team coordination. Colleagues discovered just how challenging it can be to “lead” when the subjects move unpredictably, or in some cases refuse to move at all. 

Floss, a border collie with many years of herding experience, was ready to assist

Mr. Visscher concluded the activity by drawing parallels between herding and team behaviour: how groups respond to pressure, how leadership emerges, and how miscommunication, no matter how small, can cause an entire system to veer off course. Many found the metaphor both apt and memorable, noting that the outdoor setting and unconventional challenge provided fresh energy to kick off the retreat.

The next day was packed with sessions detailing several important topics on strategic alignment and operational updates. Participants emphasised the value of stepping out of familiar routines and gaining clearer insight into colleagues’ work, priorities, and constraints.

EVI staff members at the 2025 Team Retreat

The team departed the peaceful grounds of Woudschoten with a clear consensus: the retreat successfully blended meaningful strategic dialogue with opportunities for connection, learning, and a bit of playful challenge. The combination of serious topics and light-hearted activity not only strengthened internal alignment but also reminded everyone that strong teamwork relies on trust, communication, and shared experience, whether in the meeting room or in the pasture.