Saturnalia 2026: Highlights from a week of teamwork and fun

Blacksburg, Virginia, got a little more Ozmo this October as employees gathered for Saturnalia 2026. For the first time since Saturnalia 2024, dozens of Ozmonauts from 13 different states came together for a week of team outings, company updates and friendly competition. From pumpkin carving and hiking to Family Feud and an ’80s-themed casino night, the gathering offered plenty of opportunities to reconnect and spend time together outside the usual workday.

And so it begins

Before the Saturnalia festivities officially kicked off, Ozmonauts stepped away from their screens for some department bonding and adventure. Teams explored local farms, carved pumpkins, hiked Virginia’s scenic trails and tried their hands at rock climbing, each finding its own way to enjoy the day.

The fun continued that evening as Ozmonauts headed to a local brewery to kick off the week together. For some, it was the first time meeting teammates face-to-face after months or years of connecting through a screen, while others enjoyed a reunion with familiar faces. The gathering gave employees a chance to put faces to names and catch up outside their usual virtual meetings.

A little business, a lot of fun 

The next day kicked off with a company-wide Town Hall at the German Club Manor on the Virginia Tech campus, where Ozmonauts gathered to hear updates from across the business. Each department shared its current projects, key goals and upcoming initiatives, giving employees a closer look at the work happening across Ozmo and how different teams contribute to the company’s broader priorities. The presentations also created opportunities to share ideas, identify areas for collaboration and get a better understanding of what lies ahead.

Of course, Saturnalia wouldn’t be complete without a little friendly competition. Ozmonauts took a break from the presentations for Family Feud, bringing teams together for a lively showdown.

After the Town Hall and Family Feud, Ozmonauts spent the rest of the afternoon playing games, catching up with colleagues and enjoying some downtime. Employees also had the opportunity to get professional headshots taken, giving their LinkedIn profiles a refresh.

Casino night, ’80s style

The afternoon may have ended, but the excitement continued. Ozmonauts gathered back at the German Club Manor for an evening of ’80s nostalgia, casino games and dinner. Dressed in their best retro looks, the team brought the decade back to life with bold outfits, throwback styles and plenty of personality. From trying their luck at the casino tables to enjoying a delicious dinner and spending time together, the evening was full of fun. The night also featured a costume contest, giving Ozmonauts a chance to show off their best retro looks.

The impact of Saturnalia 2026

To close out the week, OWN (Ozmo’s Women’s Network) hosted a yoga wellness event on Friday morning, led by Ozmonaut, Anna Berman. Ozmonauts came together at for a chance to recharge after a week of festivities. It was a perfect way to wind down and share a few laughs before Ozmonauts said their last goodbyes as teammates prepared to head back home. 

For a company with employees spread across different locations, gathering in person offers a chance to build relationships beyond the usual workday. Saturnalia gave Ozmonauts time to connect with colleagues, learn more about work happening across teams and strengthen relationships that continue long after the event ends.