A New Joiner’s Perspective: Experiencing Our PitStop as a Social Media Intern

Our Pitstops are a highlight of the year for many MB.ioneers. These gatherings bring the Tribe together, offering chances to reflect, engage in meaningful dialogue, and create lasting memories. While the format may differ, the purpose remains the same: deepening our connections and strengthening our Tribe spirit. As a first-timer, I was immediately struck by the warmth and energy of the community — an experience I won’t forget!

Stepping into Something Bigger

Heading to my first PitStop, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. Being a social media intern, I knew I’d have a hand in capturing the day’s highlights, but as much as I’d heard about this event, I wanted to keep my expectations open. This was one of those “big days” that truly shaped the company culture — and this year’s theme, Let the Games Begin, set the stage for a day filled with energy, fun, and a spirit of friendly competition. I’d sensed even before joining Mercedes-Benz.io that PitStop was something special, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.

The Buzz and Warmth of Arrival

Walking into the event, I was immediately captivated by the energy around me. The venue was incredible, clearly designed with the MB.ioneers in mind, from the layout to the tiny details. My peers, who’d attended the event in past years, were as thrilled as I was, which only added to the excitement in the air. Being a new joiner, I knew this was a chance to absorb the company culture, connect with fellow MB.ioneers and learn as much as I could.

The Power of Honest Leadership

The day kicked off with a powerful talks from our Managing Directors. I had always admired them, but hearing their personal stories about the challenges they’d faced, their journey, and even moments of failure made them even more inspiring. They didn’t just share their successes; they showed us the grit and resilience it took to get here. It was a refreshing reminder that growth isn’t always linear and that even leaders have to overcome setbacks. I walked away from those talks with a renewed sense of purpose and immense respect for the people who lead us.

Newcomer Perspectives: In Their Own Words

As the day unfolded, I discovered just how much thought had gone into creating this experience for us. From interactive tribe booths and games to the playful Sticker Book we received, each activity was crafted to help us connect and celebrate together.

When preparing this article, I felt a real responsibility to capture how special this day was. Attending the event with fresh eyes gave me a unique perspective, one that I wanted to reflect honestly. I even reached out to fellow new joiners, who shared that they, too, were incredibly impacted by the experience. We all walked away feeling more connected, inspired, and excited to be here.

This was my first time attending PitStop and I couldn't be happier with the experience. I loved the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to meet colleagues in person that I hadn't yet connected with directly. The event really gave me a sense of the strong connection and collaboration within the company, and it was inspiring to see the team spirit up to close. I'm excited for the next year's PitStop's and look forward to strengthening these new connections! – Ana Pedrosa

Everything felt brand new, and seeing everyone from Lisbon and Braga come together was heartwarming. Having face-to-face conversations with my colleagues, whom I usually only interact with online, was a special experience. The social games were a fantastic icebreaker, helping us connect with people from other ARTs in a warm and friendly way. I was genuinely moved by the grandeur of the company event held in such a beautiful location, and it was inspiring to witness the recognition and celebration of everyone’s hard work through the awards. – Agostinho Ferraz

Attending my first ever PitStop in Stuttgart was an unforgettable experience, starting with the fun of traveling from Berlin with a plane full of Mercedes-Benz.io colleagues. The event was engaging and filled with energy—I loved the interactive booths, the sticker-collecting games, and the chance to team up with colleagues I hadn’t met before. The recognition ceremony was especially touching, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere. I left feeling inspired, connected, and more enthusiastic than ever about my role and the team! – Almira Arfa

Closing Out My First PitStop

In the end, my first PitStop was a true testament to the values and people that make this company remarkable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this experience, and even more grateful to be part of a team where events like these are part of what bring us all together.