Every year, Adapting Social comes together for something more than just a company event—we gather to grow, reflect, and ignite the energy that pushes us toward greatness. The Annual Conference & Gladiator Gala is our moment to pause, connect, and recharge our mission: helping business owners live their dreams while creating growth opportunities for our own team.
The 2025 conference brought teammates from across the country together for three days filled with insightful speakers, team-building sessions, and a night of recognition at the Gladiator Gala. It was a reminder of what’s possible when passionate people unite with a shared purpose.
Reconnecting Beyond the Screen: Why Coming Together Matters
In today’s remote work environment, it’s easy to fall into the routine of online meetings, emails, and Google chat messages—but growth doesn’t happen in isolation. One of the key messages shared during the conference was the power of being together. As John Vagueiro reminded us, “You’re here because YOU matter to the future of this company.” When we come together in person, we don’t just talk about goals—we build real relationships, learn from each other, and gain momentum as one team.
Jeff Jones, our executive coach, drove this home by challenging us to think about how we can maximize the time that AI and tech can give back to us—not just to be more productive, but to be more intentional. Coming together allows us to reconnect with our purpose, sharpen our communication, and remember that behind every email or task is a teammate working toward the same mission.
We’re not just working remotely—we’re building something real, together. And that connection is what transforms good teams into great ones.
Speaker Highlights: Insight, Inspiration, and Impact
This year’s conference featured an incredible lineup of speakers who shared their wisdom, challenged our thinking, and reminded us of the impact we can all make—both personally and professionally.
John Vagueiro, CEO – Welcome & Vision
John kicked things off with a powerful message: “You are responsible for the growth of your career.” He emphasized the importance of personal accountability, innovation, and retention—urging us to align on our mission and keep climbing together.
Megan Gianvito (CMO) and Chris Iafelice (COO) – Innovation & Retention
This powerhouse panel dove into how we can each contribute to client retention by delivering real results, aligning content with goals, and staying one step ahead. They introduced new tools like Flowlu to help streamline our processes and increase efficiency.
Jeff Jones, Executive Coach – “AI Won’t Replace You, But…”
Jeff reminded us that while AI may transform workflows, it’s how we use the time it frees up that defines our value. He challenged us to focus on being proactive, strengthening relationships, and becoming true partners to our clients. “Your career is your responsibility,” he said—and that hit home.
Kristen Leone, Leadership Coach – Building Championship Teams
Kristen shared a framework built on three key pillars: Curiosity, Commitment, and Communication. Her session helped us reflect on how we show up for each other and inspired us to raise the bar on how we collaborate, support, and grow together.
Ian Maskell, Global Marketing VP – “Too Woke, or Not Woke Enough”
Ian tackled the role of purpose in modern branding, breaking down the difference between performative messaging and authentic impact. With examples from Dove, Patagonia, and beyond, his session sparked conversations about how brands can truly lead with values.
Honoring the Gladiators: Celebrating Impact and Excellence
One of the most anticipated moments of the conference is the Gladiator Gala—a night dedicated to recognizing the team members who go above and beyond. Being named a Gladiator isn’t just about performance; it’s about embodying the core values of Adapting Social with consistency, drive, and heart.
Gladiators are the teammates who lead by example, lift others up, and make a lasting impact on both their clients and their colleagues. They represent what’s possible when passion meets purpose—and they remind us that greatness isn’t just about hitting goals, but about how we show up every day.
This year’s Gladiator Gala wasn’t just memorable—it was historic. For the first time ever, we crowned not one, but two Gladiators of the Year, making 2025 a landmark moment for Adapting Social.
Congratulations to Pearly Allarey-Barron and Katherine Worrell, our 2024 Gladiator of the Year winners! Their dedication, impact, and relentless pursuit of excellence have inspired all of us. From driving results for clients to lift up their teammates, Pearly and Katherine truly embody what it means to be a Gladiator.
We also want to recognize Eurose Villarin, a finalist for Gladiator of the Year. Her contributions and commitment to the team have been nothing short of incredible. Being nominated is a testament to her consistent excellence, and we’re grateful for the energy and impact she brings to Adapting Social.
The Gladiator title isn’t just about high performance—it’s about heart, hustle, and leadership. It’s about showing up every day ready to solve problems, support others, and push boundaries. Pearly and Katherine set that standard—and raised it.
This year’s celebration also marked a bigger moment: a full-circle team experience. Between the three unforgettable keynote speakers, powerful sessions from our executive team, and the announcement of our dual Gladiators, the night captured what Adapting Social is all about—collaboration, innovation, and community.
We can’t wait to see where our Gladiators are off to next…
What’s Next: Taking the Momentum With Us
As the conference wrapped up, one thing was clear: we’re heading into the rest of the year more aligned, more energized, and more committed than ever.
The insights we gained, the connections we deepened, and the goals we set together are already fueling the next chapter for Adapting Social. From new tools and fresh perspectives to renewed motivation and shared purpose—every team member left with something valuable to carry forward.
We’re grateful for the time we had together, the conversations we shared, and the inspiration we now get to apply to our work, our clients, and each other.
And honestly? We already can’t wait for next year.
