FAQs

We believe that one of the most important ways for a fully remote team to build connections is through occasional, intentional, in-person collaboration. The purpose of this event is to lay a foundation for our working relationships. We want you to feel a sense of connection to your team, the Product department, and Vox Media as a whole. 

We haven’t quite hosted an event like this before, either! But previous all-staff events for the Vox Media Product team included a combination of presentations, lightning talks, hackathons, and un-conference style workshops.  We are still planning the exact agenda for our event (with much input from all of you) but it will lean much more toward smaller group activities rather than large presentations, and we will not have a hackathon component.

Attendance is limited to regular employees (employees who do not have a predetermined end date to their employment with the Company). If you are unsure, you should reach out to your team manager.

No, this event is optional but encouraged. 

Your hotel stay will be covered by your reply to the RSVP form. When booking travel, air travel must be booked in coach class with the lowest logical airfare available or please take the lowest cost fare available for your train. Please use the following codes when booking planes and trains in Egencia: 

• Project name: PPRO7003 – PRODUCT SUMMIT 2024
• Department: PRO606-Product Operations
• Class: Corporate

Yes, transportation expenses can be reimbursed through Concur with a few constraints! Similar to the airfare and train fare guidelines, please book the lowest logical option available by avoiding priority pickup and luxe upgrades and aiming for carpool rates where possible.

In general, if your travel plans would negatively impact arrival time (3+ hour flight, no arrivals until late in the day, etc) you can plan to arrive the night before. As of 4/28 all the pre-arrival rooms are booked, so speak with Sasha about other options. You should have email confirmation from Rosie if you’re booked to arrive early, on June 4th. 

We assumed that those living in Philly will want to go home at night, but if you have a reason to stay at the hotel instead, please reach out to Rosie Mejia.

The Kimpton Monaco hotel provides a bell desk service for guests arriving before the 3pm check-in time. Let them know you’re with the Vox Media group. You’re welcome to store your luggage there or bring it with you to the Science History Institute, where we’ll have a room dedicated to luggage storage. After Wednesday’s programming ends at 5pm, anyone who hasn’t already checked in to the hotel will be able to, before team dinners.

Yes! The Science History Institute has 2 lactation rooms available. For storage in your hotel room, please ask for a “mommy fridge” at check-in. 

There are two multi-stall bathrooms at the event space. Both will be designated gender-inclusive and can be used by anyone.

Focus on assigned/planned work, as you would during any other sprint. If you aren’t sure, coordinate with your team leads or manager.  

Teammates on call or support during this time are expected to fulfill these responsibilities as they would any other day. Work with your teams and your manager to ensure coverage needs are met. 

Yes! Our agreement with the hotel presumes they will follow all local and federal safety guidelines. Additionally, we have a team member dedicated to thinking about COVID safety for this event: Jamie McCarthy. There will also be optional masks and tests available.

Yes! There is a $100 per diem for team dinners. The company’s per diem policy is usually $75/day, but since meals are provided during the event, it’s adjusted to $50/day for Thursday and Friday. Tuesday’s budget is also a $50 per diem due to anticipated afternoon travel. Dinners can be expensed using the following budget codes:

• Project name: PPRO7003 – PRODUCT SUMMIT 2024
• Department: PRO606-Product Operations
• Class: Corporate

Please use Concur to submit group meal expenses. Managers can submit expenses on behalf of each of their team members or individuals can ask for separate checks and submit their own expenses.

Yes! While you are not required or expected to participate, if you are available and would like to join us – we would love to see you in Philadelphia. If you sign up to attend, Liz will follow up to adjust your parental leave return date.

The Summit will be limited to in-person only. We are using this as an opportunity for our team to build on our working relationships, and focus on the quality of our connections in person. 

Casual. Dress comfortably! You will probably be doing some walking. We do recommend layers though as people have different temperature preferences in conference room settings.