End-of-year toast at Fuerteventura Technology Park: on Friday 19 December we celebrated once again one of those moments that, without realising it, has become a tradition: our end-of-year toast at our offices in Fuerteventura Technology Park.
It started as a simple (and lovely) excuse to see each other before closing the working year and to add a human touch to the final days of packed calendars. Today, after three consecutive years organising it, it has become something more: a meeting point that reminds us why it is worth building an ecosystem, taking care of it, and keeping on adding.
A “toast” that is much more than a toast
By now we know it: the best part is not just the glass in your hand, but the familiar faces that come back — and the new ones that keep joining. Park staff, colleagues from the sector, institutional representatives, clients, friends, people close to the team… and this year, family and friends of the people who make MNX Online what it is.
We love it because, in a short while, we bring together very different profiles — ages, professions, ways of thinking — and share an easy-going space, without rushing (or at least trying not to), where what matters is simply being together. With school events, year-end deadlines, meetings multiplying and tight agendas… the fact that we were more than 50 people this year left us with a huge smile.
The team in “Swiss watch” mode (and snacks as the perfect excuse)
And yes: our “toast” always comes with what is now almost another tradition within the tradition… the snacks prepared by the team themselves.
Friday morning was a show: everyone on a mini-mission, coordinated like a Swiss watch so everything would be ready on time (even though, as always, we cut it close). Iberian cured meats, cheeses, breadsticks, chocolates, sweets, spreads, chutneys, sauces… and that extra effort to plate everything with care, nicely and thoughtfully, to surprise people.
We could hire catering, of course. But the truth is (and here the sentimental side of the house speaks) it just wouldn’t be the same. There is something very “us” about setting the table together, watching it come to life, and then hearing comments like: “I’m copying this for my table this Christmas” (hahaha). If people leave with ideas and want to repeat it, that’s it: mission accomplished.
Small gestures that say a lot
Another thing that moves us every year is seeing that this toast is not only about “showing up”, but about wanting to be there. This year we know there were people who cancelled plans to join us, or squeezed their schedule to stop by — even if only for a short while — to say hello and raise a glass.
And, as always, some people surprised us with a small gift or an unexpected detail. We don’t expect it, and it’s not necessary, but we truly appreciate it — because it’s the kind of gesture that reminds you that, when you take care of the relationship, the professional and the human meet in a very special way.
Looking back, saying thank you, and keeping on adding
During the toast we like to say a few words to thank people and — even briefly — remember the steps that brought us here. Not for show, but out of genuine gratitude: for the trust, the conversations that open doors, the projects that challenge us, the people who recommend us, and those who have come closer to contribute from the public, private, or academic side.
And also internally: because this year we grew as a team, and it was especially lovely to meet the important people in our team’s lives, to get to know their families and friends, and to feel that our “tribe” is getting bigger.
The downside of being the hosts (and the promise to do it again)
If there is one downside, it’s the same as always: when you are hosting, sometimes you don’t get enough time to give each person the attention you would like. Between greeting people, keeping an eye on everything, making sure nothing is missing and that things flow… minutes disappear that we wish we could stretch.
But we also leave with a clear feeling: this tradition fills us up. And watching it grow year after year motivates us to keep taking care of the “how”, not only the “what”.
Thank you, from the heart
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday 19 December. For the shared moment, the affection, the conversations, the time stolen from impossible agendas — and above all, for continuing to be part of this ecosystem we are building with many hands.
We wish you calm holidays, with health and good moments. And we hope next year brings more opportunities to meet with time and calm — professionally too — to keep making things that are useful, beautiful, and meaningful for the territory.
See you in 2026. And hopefully, with more time to sit down and talk properly.
