Remote? Here’s How to Maximize In-Person Time

Hey friends!

I just got back from a week at the Product Platform org off-site at HubSpot, and just WOW, it was energizing and eye-opening.

If you’re a remote PM (like me), these kinds of in-person moments are rare but so valuable. This week reminded me of a few core lessons and taught me some new ones, too.

Here’s what stood out, plus some takeaways you can apply to your next off-site (or even your day-to-day)

✈️ Set Your Intention (Before You Board the Plane)

Off-sites aren’t just a break from Zoom! They’re a chance to reset how you work together.

A practice I love:

➡️ Pick 1-2 personal goals going in.
For example:

• Build a stronger relationship with a specific teammate

• Get clarity on a long-term project vision

• Practice deep listening (vs. jumping in to solve)

Going in with a mindset shift makes the whole experience richer.

This really paid off. It helped me say yes to the right convos and no to distractions - and I left feeling more aligned than ever.

☕️ The Best Conversations Aren’t in the Agenda

Some of the biggest unlocks come from walking to lunch or chatting over coffee, or those late-in-the-day hangouts when everyone is a little less formal.

If you’re remote most of the year, these informal moments are where the magic happens.

Lesson learned: Prioritize those informal moments just as much as the structured ones.

My tip: Keep a running note of what stands out in those convos. You’ll spot unseen blockers, alignment gaps, and brilliant ideas that get everyone excited about getting started.

🧑‍💼 Remote? You Can Still Own the Room

Trust me! I get that it feels weird stepping into a room where most people see each other all the time. The first time I went to one of these off-sites, I kind of faded into the background… but I’ve been learning to push past that.

What works for me:

• Try to rotate who you sit with

• Volunteer to summarize or recap sessions

• Ask at least one big-picture question per day

• Follow up post-off-site with 2-3 key takeaways (and don’t forget to thank the people you connected with!)

Presence isn’t about where you are, it’s about how you engage.

🤝 Debrief With Your Team ASAP

After the off-site wraps, don’t let your notes collect dust.

Try and book a 30-minute sync with your team and cover:

✅ What we learned that affects the team and strategy
✅ Any decisions that we need to clarify
✅ Any signals about shifting priorities

This closes the loop and keeps your team feeling connected (and valued)

🪞 Reflect on What Didn’t Work

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: Not every session or conversation will land.

Instead of brushing it off, I try to jot down:

• Moments where I felt disengaged

• Sessions that didn’t feel valuable

• Energy drains

Usually, there will be an opportunity to share feedback anonymously with the organizers. This feedback makes the next ones better for everyone.

Bonus: I check in with myself, too. Did I push myself to connect? Did I ask good questions? There’s always room to grow.

📚️ One Resource I Keep Coming Back To:

Off-Sites That Work by Bob Frisch and Logan Chandler
Whether you’re planning one or attending, this is gold.

I’ll be back next week with more product thought, but I’m still buzzing from this experience, and so grateful for the reminder that even in a remote first world, in-person connection matters.

See you soon!

Stefanie