Building Connections Beyond Screens: Daily.dev's Retreat in Belgrade

DailyDev's team posing

About daily.dev

daily.dev is a fully remote platform designed to keep developers connected, informed, and inspired. With a team of 23 members spread across Israel, Europe, the Philippines, Cape Town, and Australia, daily.dev has embraced remote work from the very beginning. While digital connections work well day-to-day, the team knows there's no substitute for face-to-face interactions.

Why Hold a Retreat?

More and more remote companies are realizing the importance of getting people together in person, though each does it at their own pace. Some gather once every two years, others annually. For daily.dev, twice a year feels just right.

This latest retreat was their sixth, and with each one, Dafna finds it less like “going away for work” and more like “meeting up with friends.”

“In each retreat, we can feel the effect of meeting up, and our connections deepen from one retreat to the next.”
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev
2 people from DailyDev posing
3 people playing a game

Planning with OnsiteHub

Previously, daily.dev chose locations they already knew well or where team members had spent time. But this year, they wanted a fresh experience and partnered with OnsiteHub to explore new options. Eastern Europe was on the radar, and Belgrade seemed like an intriguing pick.

“The way Milana and the team presented options was excellent and really narrowed things down, so we could make an easy choice.”
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev

Why Belgrade?

daily.dev chose Belgrade, Serbia, known for its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and affordability. The city-centre hotel exceeded expectations with ample space for the team to gather. The outdoor terrace was especially popular, giving them a beautiful city view for team meetings.

“It was great to have some of the meetings outdoors with the great city view.”
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev
People walking in Belgrade

Partnership with OnsiteHub

Organizing an international retreat can be daunting, and Dafna admits she was a bit nervous about handing over logistics.

"Usually, I do it all myself, but partnering with OnsiteHub, I could focus more on the team's experience."
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev
4 happy people posing

OnsiteHub’s flexibility and support made last-minute changes easy, helping Dafna focus on team-building activities, including a fun gift exchange where team members had to decode messages to find out who their gifts were from. OnsiteHub handled the venue, accommodations, and all logistics, from arranging meeting spaces to coordinating team activities and selecting restaurants for the best Balkan cuisine.

"I feel really comfortable and close with you both. You’re true professionals who know what you’re doing."
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev

Impact on Team Dynamics

Each retreat strengthens daily.dev’s culture, reinforcing bonds that are hard to build over screens alone. These in-person meetups not only boost morale but also improve collaboration when everyone returns to their remote routines.

Meeting face-to-face builds trust, creating smoother collaboration across distances.

“It always does good to meet people in person and have a few laughs together.”
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev
A man playing VR game
Group of people enjoying drinks and talking

Advice for Companies Considering a Retreat

For other companies considering a retreat, Dafna’s advice is to get clear on your goals early.

“Ask your team what they’d like to do, it saves time later and helps you focus on what matters most.”
Dafna Ran,
Head of People at daily.dev

Also, give yourself a deadline for final changes to avoid last-minute stress. OnsiteHub’s flexible approach made it easy for daily.dev to create a retreat that balanced work and play.

Highlights and Activities

Welcome Drinks on the Terrace

The first evening together in Belgrade kicked off with drinks on the hotel’s beautiful terrace in the heart of the city, offering a view to remember. Since daily.dev meets twice a year, most of the team already knows each other well, but for some, this was their first retreat—making it the perfect opportunity to finally put faces to the names they’d only seen on screen. 

3 people talking and enjoying drinks
Woman playing a game

Gaming World

One of the activities that really excited the team was a visit to Portal Gaming World, which offers a fresh take on gaming and an unforgettable experience in the heart of Belgrade. The team had the chance to try out various VR games, augmented climbing, racing simulators, and even relive the classics, like the very first computer game, Pong.

Dinner at Tri Šešira

A visit to Tri Šešira is a must for anyone in Belgrade, especially for those looking to experience the city's bohemian heart. Situated in one of the oldest streets of Belgrade, Skadarlija, this iconic restaurant serves up rich Balkan flavors, and the lively atmosphere complete with live music, only adds to the charm of the evening.

People having dinner at Tri Šešira in Belgrade
People having dinner at Beton Hala in Belgrade

Boat Ride on Danube River

To wrap up the retreat, the team took a night boat ride on the Danube. It was a beautiful way to end their time in Belgrade, with the city's lights reflecting on the water, creating the perfect atmosphere for last night's private party on the water.

Danube river boat ride in Belgrade

Final Thoughts: Sixth successful retreat completed, seventh to go!

dailydev’s sixth retreat once again gathered remote workers, providing a perfect balance of work and play that strengthened the company culture and reinforced bonds. Meetups like these enhance team spirit and greatly improve collaboration when everyone goes back to their remote work routines.

With OnsiteHub taking care of the venues, accommodations, and all logistical details—including arranging meeting spaces, coordinating team activities, and selecting restaurants serving the best Balkan cuisine—dailydev was able to achieve their goals seamlessly!

3 people playing rock band
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