Corporate Retreat in Honduras Faces Serious Logistical and Health Issues

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:54:00 +0200

In 2017, Plex organized a $500,000 'Survivor'-style corporate retreat in Honduras for its employees, which quickly encountered numerous difficulties. The CEO, Keith Valory, fell seriously ill with E. coli before the event began, leaving the chief product officer, Scott Olechowski, to oversee activities. The retreat included Navy SEAL-led physical drills, but employees faced harsh heat, fire ant attacks, and challenges involving unusual food items, such as consuming a dead tarantula. Guests also dealt with failing utilities, uncooked food, and even wildlife intrusions, including a porcupine falling through a ceiling. Planning complications arose because the hotel manager and chef had quit just days before the trip. Some employees experienced mild health issues, while others struggled with basic accommodations. The retreat's organizers had to manage water, electricity, and shower interruptions. While the experience was physically taxing and occasionally chaotic, some participants still f