22. January 2025
Matthias Wagener

Highlights of 2024: Inspiration, Challenges, and Stability

2024 was a year that kept us moving on many levels—personally and professionally. With exciting projects, new experiences, and valuable insights, the Vast Forward team sharpened its focus and set new impulses. Let’s dive in—here are our highlights of 2024:

1. Exploring AI – Sharing Knowledge and Expanding Horizons

This year, we approached the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in several steps. We started with a historical perspective: together with Kay Stemmer, we explored “Text and Information Delivery” as our first step. A broad topic before diving into AI? Maybe—but we strongly believe that typography, text, and language in the broadest sense are the foundation of every better prompt!

Next up was our summer meetup in Leipzig. The main focus was, of course, spending time together and having a great time! Simultaneously, we continued to explore “Typography, Communication, and Media” through a mini learning journey packed with various challenges—because we’re a competitive little group! Collecting points for our team’s annual challenge couldn’t be left out.

(Beyond inspiration and exciting conversations with experts, the personal connections in Leipzig were the true highlight!)

Back to our “AI series,” we concluded with an inspiring and pragmatic session with Dirk Ollmann! Under the title “Prompting with Vast Forward,” this mini-event focused on image generation using MidJourney. The team was equipped with accounts, and Dirk introduced us to the structure and semantics of creative prompts. It was fascinating—and naturally, it ended with the task of creating a creative Santa Claus, with the best results being voted on. Check out the results for yourself!

On our Instagram channel @vastforward_official, you can relive the highlights of our AI journey.

2. Vast on Wheels – Working in Flow

2024 was also marked by a unique experiment: Vast on Wheels. From June to November, Maren and Matthias embarked on an extraordinary journey of over 6,000 km, taking the concept of “remote work” to a new level—by bicycle.

This adventure was not only physically demanding but also a test of applying our remote work practices in a completely new context. Between long rides, video calls, and spontaneous ideas, new perspectives and creative approaches emerged that inspired us to think even more flexibly and independently. Vast on Wheels was an exciting experience for the entire team, documented in a blog series. A highlight? Definitely the team’s feedback! Will this experiment continue in the same scope? Unlikely! But we’ll surely stay loyal to cycling, slow travel, and extended tours.

3. A Year of Challenges and Winners – 2024 Belonged to Vanessa

Another highlight was yet another annual challenge, designed to inspire both our community and team – to learn together and get involved in many different ways! From a typography scavenger hunt in Leipzig to a trivia quiz and a creative Santa Claus prompt competition: A big “thank you” to everyone who participated in 2024!

The well-deserved first place (though it was a close call) went to Vanessa Stier, who impressed with her creative approach and dedication.

Congratulations, Vanessa! We loved seeing how much you enjoyed your win. Your energy in these challenges is simply contagious!

4. Stability in a Perceived Time of Instability

Uncertainties in our industry were both visible and tangible in 2024, from economic fluctuations to structural changes. Yet we look back on a year of stability.

Our fully remote work structure, mutual trust within the team and network, and our flexibility once again proved the value of this strong, established foundation and our committed team.

Vast Forward remains a safe harbor—even in turbulent times.

5. Networking at its best

OMR Hamburg 2024: Where the digital world meets.
Every year, the OMR Festival in Hamburg attracts digital and media professionals from all over the world. This year, Vast Forward Ladies Vanessa and Jenny were once again on site to absorb the latest trends and meet clients.

Our highlights:

  • AI takes center stage: From chatbots to content creation: AI is changing the marketing landscape.
  • Sustainability matters: Environmentally conscious marketing is more than a trend – it’s a necessity.
  • Influencer marketing evolves: Authenticity and trust are key in this ever-changing environment.

But for us, OMR means more than just learning and networking – it’s about building real connections: As a remote-first agency, Vast Forward greatly values every personal moment with clients and partners.

6. Full Stop – Looking Ahead

We aimed for a grand finale to the year—and succeeded! Vanessa wrapped up our annual challenge with a victory (congrats again!). Then we planned to gather at our headquarters in Hamburg for a celebratory dinner, as we do every year. Unfortunately, Maren and Matthias had to skip it, stuck in hotel quarantine due to a certain virus. Still, the rest of the team enjoyed a delightful evening together.

A big thank you to our incredible team, partners, and everyone who supported us in 2024. Together, we made it another special year—with energy, many “firsts,” and lots of inspiration.

2024 was a year of milestones, challenges, and new horizons. And the best part? As the year ends, we’re once again at the beginning of a new chapter, ready to embrace whatever 2025 has in store for us.