ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As executive vice president of SNA Displays, Jason Helton oversees North American sales and operations for the display manufacturer. A chemical engineer from the University of Texas at Austin, Jason also earned an MBA and has been shaping the digital signage industry since the year 2000.
“Illuminate” is the name we use for our company gatherings, namely quarterly meetings in which we shine some light on successes, losses, strategies and other fodder for this or that company objective. It’s really our company space to be together.
We recently hosted our Illuminate 2026 Company Retreat and Meeting in Atlanta, and it was an incredible few days—a nice reminder that this is an important tradition for SNA Displays. Even with all of the ways for colleagues to stay in touch, the energy that comes from connecting in person is something modern tech just can’t replicate.
Go Big
Our Illuminate motto this year is “GO BIG,” reflecting our mission to be bold, to move the needle, and to attack our daily work in a big way. And we picked the perfect venue: the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park. What better way to illustrate going big than spending time together at the home of one of Major League Baseball’s biggest, most-storied franchises—and a place where time and time again our team has done great work, not only to give confidence to the Braves that SNA Displays was the correct vendor for its massive video overhaul, but to constantly step up in a big way throughout our work for this valued client. (See the Braves’ comments for yourself.)
Seeing Is Believing
I think one of many highlights for our staff was walking into Truist Park, many of us for the first time, and seeing the work around the ballpark and the surrounding Battery Atlanta. It definitely helped that some of the screens showed our company colors and the conference theme. Some enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark, including the control rooms that house the heart and soul of our display technology there.
Down To Business
While fun is definitely had, we try to get down to business for a day. It’s a time to reflect on the previous year (man, did we do some BIG things!) and our plans for the next, but it’s also a time to recognize the wonderful work of all our departments and staff to make the SNA wheel go ‘round. Presentation after presentation was informative and inspiring.
We were delighted to welcome two guest speakers at Illuminate 2026, Charles Adkinson of WJHW, and Scott Waid with the Atlanta Braves. Charles is principal and SVP of sports and pretty much everything else with WJHW and PMY Group, and as many conference attendees can tell you, he has a wealth of knowledge to share about the intersection of sports and technology. (And salad dressings!) Scott is SVP and head of technology for the Braves, the ballpark, and The Battery Atlanta entertainment district. He was an innovative and strategic leader at AT&T/Bell South and Equifax prior to joining the Braves, so Scott brings a healthy dose of insight and perspective to improving fan experience and the financial viability of a major pro sports organization. I know we all learned a thing or two from these industry giants, and SNA Displays is very thankful for their time.
Building Bonds
Illuminate 2026 was also a great time for team bonding. From a spirited scavenger hunt at the Georgia Aquarium to competitive Lego and Jenga building to company-wide meals and hangout sessions, I’d say we definitely strengthened our cohesion, learned better to appreciate the many skills and efforts of colleagues, and generally just had a fun time.
Finally, I just want to thank our event planners and organizers who made this happen. There’s always so much work and effort that goes into making these get-togethers possible, and I’d say you all hit a homerun this year! #GOBIG