Inside Kion is a people-focused blog where we share what makes our culture thrive. Insights from behind the scenes, the values we live by, and the ways we keep our team connected, energized, and inspired.
Earlier this spring, the Kion team traded Zoom calls for real handshakes, high-fives, and (yes) karaoke mics at our annual in-person All Hands event in Philadelphia, PA. Hosted at the beautiful Hotel Monaco. The multi-day gathering brought Kioneers together from across the country to strengthen our culture, align on strategy, celebrate our wins, and prepare for the future in true Kion fashion.
Every company has its own rhythm, its own way of coming together, setting intention, and refueling its culture. At Kion, that rhythm brought us to Philadelphia, for what would become one of the most energizing moments of our year. And for a remote-first company like ours, it was more than just a few days of catching up over coffee. It was a deliberate reset. A culture-deepening experience. A collective breath and a rally cry for what’s ahead.
Head of People Note: We’ve been gathering for an annual All Hands for years now, and each one reinforces just how vital these moments are. In a remote-first world, where casual hallway chats don’t just happen, intentionally creating space for connection, alignment, and joy becomes a strategic priority. These gatherings aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re a cultural accelerant. The energy and engagement they spark can ripple across teams for months. – Casey Cover
The streets of Philly set the scene… historic, gritty, full of soul… and the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme: Rocky.
That symbol of resilience, unity, and unwavering grit showed up everywhere: from the keynote and team swag to the scavenger hunt, social events, and even our mindset. But more than a motif, it was a mirror, reminding us who we are when we’re at our best: focused, relentless, values-driven, and in it together.
Head of People Note: Choosing the right location for All Hands is no small feat. It takes months of research, evaluation, and careful consideration. Cost is one factor, but we also weigh travel accessibility, regional balance, local experience, venue fit, and how well the location supports the theme we want to bring to life. In past years, we’ve gathered near our HQ, at Disney for a family-friendly celebration, and in Lake Las Vegas. This year, we partnered with external support to help manage the RFP and contracting process. That step was critical in negotiating the right terms for our team and ensuring the experience aligned with our values. – Casey
For some of us, it was the first time meeting face-to-face with teammates we’ve worked alongside for months from behind a screen. There’s something quietly profound about turning Slack handles into handshakes, and video calls into real conversations. The magic of All Hands wasn’t just in the sessions or the structured agenda, it was in the small, spontaneous moments: the laughter spilling out of team dinners, the in-between hallway chats, the shared sense that we were exactly where we needed to be.
That’s what this gathering was: space. Intentional space to reconnect, realign, and remember why we do what we do. Every element of the event was designed with care by our People Team in close collaboration with Leadership. That partnership was essential, not just for logistics but for impact. At Kion, we know culture doesn’t belong to one team or one function; it’s a shared commitment. And when People Ops and Leadership operate in lockstep, the results go far beyond planning a great event. They create a deeper sense of unity and direction that lasts long after the name tags come off.
Head of People Note: When it comes to People and Culture, the strongest organizations know that it starts at the top. If your leadership team isn’t living and breathing the company’s values, in their decisions, their actions, and how they show up for their teams, then no culture initiative can truly stick. At Kion, we’re fortunate to have leaders who didn’t need much convincing. They saw the value of All Hands and leaned in from the start. That kind of buy-in matters. When leaders are part of shaping the experience, they feel a sense of ownership that carries through the entire event and long after it ends. For some People teams, securing that level of partnership is the hardest part. But it makes all the difference. – Casey
One of the most powerful moments came during our general session, when one of our Founders and CPO, Brian Price, got up to speak.
Through clips and metaphors pulled straight from the Rocky films, he reminded us that resilience isn’t just about getting back up. It is about showing up with heart, humility, and determination, again and again. His keynote wasn’t just a nod to a movie classic. It was a masterclass in connection, leadership, and the kind of mindset that builds long-term momentum.
But this wasn’t just about inspiration, it was about innovation, too. One of the most exciting additions to this year’s gathering was our first-ever AI Hackathon. In the spirit of experimentation, teams came together to learn, build, and showcase how AI can act as a force multiplier in our day-to-day work. From automating repetitive workflows to enhancing customer experience, the energy in the room was electric. This wasn’t just theory. It was real-time learning, brainstorming, and creating. We weren’t just talking about how to work smarter, we were living it. The message was clear: AI can be a powerful “helper,” but the magic still lies in the human layer: our curiosity, creativity, and collective drive to evolve.
That same idea echoed in another important theme throughout the week: engagement. Just as AI tools help us produce more efficiently, an engaged workforce is the human accelerator for any strategy. Engagement turns intention into action. It’s what transforms a plan into results. And the kind of engagement we’re talking about at Kion doesn’t come from surface-level perks. It’s built on authenticity, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. We talk a lot about being agile as a business, but agility starts with people who care deeply and feel connected to the mission. This All Hands wasn’t just a moment to engage, it showcased why engagement matters.
Head of People Reflection: Ashley nailed it here. Engagement is the multiplier for everything we’re building. It’s not just about showing up. It’s about caring, contributing, and feeling connected to something bigger. That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over time through consistent transparency, trust, and meaningful recognition. This week reminded me just how deeply our people care, and how powerful that energy can be when we harness it together. – Casey
And of course, we had a blast. A city-wide scavenger hunt brought out our competitive spirit as teams raced through Philly solving clues, laughing at inside jokes, and snapping selfies along the way. We gathered for dinners that filled the room with laughter, toasted at Morgan’s Pier as the skyline twinkled, danced until far past bedtime, and, yes, belted out karaoke with impressive (and occasionally questionable) confidence. These weren’t just fun outings, they were memories in the making. Shared moments that turn coworkers into teammates, and teammates into friends.
Head of People Confession: Yes, even I grabbed the mic for karaoke night. I won’t reveal what songs I sang (and I’m crossing my fingers that any video evidence has mysteriously vanished) but here’s the truth: I never ask our team to step out of their comfort zone in ways I’m not willing to do myself. Including a little musical embarrassment. It was totally worth it. – Casey
The week closed with our first-ever Lux Awards, honoring Kioneers who truly embody our core values with consistency, care, and excellence. Watching those awards be received, seeing the genuine surprise, the standing ovations, and the emotion was the perfect reminder of what makes Kion different. Even in a remote setting, we show up for each other. We celebrate each other. We see each other.
Head of People Note: This may have been my favorite moment of the entire week. I had the privilege of MCing the Lux Awards, and I truly mean it when I say it was an honor. I love that we created space to recognize the people who make everything we do possible. At the end of the day, we are a people business. We don’t have machines to operate or facilities to maintain. We have individuals who show up every day with passion, talent, and care. Celebrating them and shining a light on their impact is one of the most meaningful parts of my job. – Casey
As we all packed our bags and returned to our home offices, the energy didn’t fade, it carried forward. These few days in Philly reminded us that connection is not a luxury in a remote-first world, it’s a necessity. Culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s something you invest in, nurture, and recommit to over and over again.
Inside Kion is more than a blog. It’s a window into how we show up, how we build together, and how we keep culture at the center of everything we do. We’re proud to be a values-driven, people-first company. And if Philly was any indication, we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for future editions of Inside Kion, where we’ll keep sharing stories, lessons, and glimpses into what makes this community one of a kind.
