As we look back to March 6-8, 2023, more than 135 UPSTACK team members from far and wide convened in Austin, Texas for UPSTACK Live—UPSTACK’s company-wide gathering.
Over the course of this 3-day, widely attended event, UPSTACK team members and strategic supplier partners shared a series of experiences designed to foster collaboration, create connections, and accelerate the growth of UPSTACK’s collective culture.
As partners of this inaugural event, representatives from 11:11 Systems, Dynascale, PacketFabric, and Spectrotel were organically integrated into the programming providing the opportunity to deepen their relationships with UPSTACK’s Advisory Partners and further educate team members about their value offerings to customers and businesses.
On day one, the ballroom at the Austin Proper Hotel was abuzz as guests filed in—some meeting for the first time—including the newest additions to the UPSTACK family—the teams from LinkSource Technologies and The Monaco Group. The introductory message from the UPSTACK leadership team celebrated the growth of UPSTACK to date and reinforced the organization’s focus on “the power of one” on its journey to becoming the leading digital infrastructure platform in the industry.
On the first night, attendees were transported by Austin trolley to an al fresco fiesta of wood-grilled Mexican fare at an Austin favorite, Fresa’s South First. During cocktail hour, guests mingled and sipped signature cocktails with a special performance by local artist, Blake Whitmire.
CEO Chris Trapp opened Tuesday’s programming and we celebrated our UPSTACK Honors 2022 award winners for their incredible achievements.
- Michael Leonardi and Michael Casagrande, 2022 Deal of the Year
- John Giaquinta, Outstanding Achievement in Growth
- Greg Moss, Growth Partner of the Year
- Karla Myers, Spirit of UPSTACK
- Jake Cummins, Partner of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Growth
Day two kept guests on their toes through a variety of events and team-building activities sprinkled throughout Austin–including an impromptu scavenger hunt, a bike and taco tour through Austin, a hike on Mount Bonnell, and two-stepping at the iconic White Horse. One of the unique experiences included a tequila and tostada tasting by the award-winning La Condesa in the Flour House, an underground stone “vault” and historic landmark erected in the 1860s. After guests finished lunch, NFL Pro Bowl Running Back turned mission-led entrepreneur, Justin Forsett, addressed the group with a humorous and heartfelt discussion about achieving success as a community.
To top things off, UPSTACK headed southwest to the iconic Salt Lick BBQ. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed playing outdoor games and a special performance from Jeff Hughes and Chaparral before sitting down to a family-style meal of Texas barbecue along with special BBQ-inspired vegan side dishes from Austin-based food truck, Ranch Hand.
Special thanks to our supplier partners and everyone involved in making UPSTACK Live a huge success and we look forward to our next gathering.
