Getting to Catalina
On Monday, March 11, 2024, staff should arrive at the Catalina Landing at Long Beach ferry terminal by 8:50 a.m. to board the one-hour ferry ride to Catalina Island. The address for Catalina Landing is 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802. Multi-level, covered parking is available at the terminal for $22.95 per day, which is reimbursable through BDI. Carpooling to Long Beach is strongly encouraged. We will return to the Long Beach Terminal on Wednesday, March 13 at approximately 5 p.m.

On the Island
Expect to walk… a lot!
Here is a map of the island. We will be staying at Atwater Hotel, which is just over a half mile walk along the water from where our meeting room is located. It’s a beautiful walk, but be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting room if you plan to walk there.

What should I pack?
Meetings: Dress for the meetings during event is casual. We recommend packing warm layers, since the breeze from the ocean can be chilly in the mornings and evenings and the meeting room is a long walk (about 15 minutes) from the hotel.

Excursions: Be sure to bring a rain jacket in case it rains as well as comfortable clothing for your assigned excursion. You’ll also need comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen! If you plan to brave the cold and enjoy swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling, be sure to pack a bathing suit.

20th Anniversary Party: We will also take an all-team photo on the second evening before the 20th anniversary celebration. Attire for the party is dressy casual. The party will be hosted at a new location, the Country Club. Here are directions from Hotel Atwater.

Celebration of Lolly: On Day 3 of the event, we will celebrate the life and impact of Lolly Colombo. In honor of Lolly, employees are encouraged to wear colorful or floral clothing.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Please notify Lori Vernon if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions so can make sure to have appropriate meals available for you. Important: If you have allergies or other medical needs, be sure to bring your EpiPen and/or medication. Please also notify Lori Vernon.

What are the hotel arrangements?
We will stay at the Atwater Hotel in Avalon, California. Reservations have been made for each employee to have their own room. Wifi is included!

Can I post about Recharge on social media?
Yes! We would love for you to post photos from Recharge on your personal social media accounts – but please ask for permission from other employees in the photos before posting them online. Additionally, if your social media profile is public and/or you are connected with clients online, do not share a photo you wouldn’t share with a BDI client.

Should I share photos I take with BDI?
Yes! We would love to see your Recharge photos! Please email your photos to social@bdiagency.com.

Is there a convenience store on the island?
Yes! If you forget sunscreen or other essentials, there is a convenience store walking distance from the Atwater hotel. There is also a Vons grocery store nearby.

Can I bring my friends or family?
Since this is a very busy team-building work event, we ask that you do not bring friends or family to Catalina during Recharge.

Where is the meeting room?
Here is a map of the island. The Catherine’s Terrace meeting room is about a 15-minute walk from the Atwater hotel. Atwater hotel is in the middle of the map, labeled 12. Follow the beach path toward the iconic Casino Building (F), then continue down the same path until you reach Descanso Beach Club. Catherine’s Terrace is the large white building next to the beach club just up the stairs. It is located at the bottom right-hand corner of this island map, labeled L.

Other Questions? Contact Lori Vernon!
The Recharge Committee is happy to answer any other questions you have about the event! Please email Lori, and a member of the committee will respond.

Day 1 Cross-Team Dinner Groups
For a list of all Day 1 cross-team dinner groups, click here.

Cross-Team Discussion Groups
Click here to see your Day 2 cross-team discussion assignment.

Q&A Session
Please use this survey to submit your questions for the moderated Q&A on Day 3 of Recharge.

Excursion Details
Click here to see your excursion details and meeting spot!

• 8:50am – Employees arrive at Long Beach Terminal
• 9:50-11am – Ferry ride to Catalina (the hotel will transfer your luggage from the ferry)
• 11:30-1:30pm – Department lunches
• 1:30-4pm – Hotel check in
• 2-6pm – Cross team excursions
• 6:30pm – Assigned cross-team dinners

• 7:45am – 8:15am – Breakfast (mandatory) at the Catherine’s Terrace meeting room and meal time announcements
• 8:15am – 12 pm – ELT presentation
• 12-1pm – Lunch at meeting room
• 1-1:30pm – Presentation by Eric Gildenhuys
• 1:45-3:45pm – Cross-team sessions
• 3:45-5:30pm – Free time
• 5:45pm – All team photo
• 6:30-9:30pm – 20^th Anniversary Celebration Party (located at the Country Club)

• 7-9am – Hotel check out
• 9:15-10am – Breakfast morning presentation at the meeting room (mandatory)
• 10-10:30am – Cross team session debrief
• 10:30am-12pm – Fishbowl Q&A and wrap-up at the meeting room
• 12-1pm – Boxed lunches at the meeting room
• 1-2:30pm – Celebration of Lolly at the meeting room
• 3pm – Check in at ferry for departure (remove pick up luggage)
• 3:55pm – Ferry departure