Remote employees from around the country gathered at the welcome dinner, surrounded by flickering candles and acoustic guitar. While several people stayed close to observe live lettering — "Wait, you're doing these by hand?!" — they also talked with each other.

That's how I overheard conversations among co-workers about what their initials stand for, the origins of their names, their family history. It led into other discussions about purpose and goals. One conversation ended with, 'Let's work on that together.'

Sometimes, even a simple experience can serve as a bridge. And a launchpad.

Video note: The guest requesting his initials AAA said his parents just wanted to give him a jump start in life!

Event planner: Rose Gold Collective

Personalizing luggage tags with foil initials for a tech company retreat at The Stein Ericksen Lodge Deer Valley in Park City, Utah