A guest book for a retirement
Gather the words, photos and voices of everyone who worked with the person who is leaving: current colleagues, former colleagues and partners, even from a distance. Everything stays secret until the leaving party.
Why a digital guest book
Years of memories, finally together
Current colleagues, former colleagues who moved on, loyal clients: everyone writes from home, even from the other end of the country.
Voices, not just signatures
A 30-second voice note, a photo from a 2009 seminar, a short video: far more than a card where everyone writes “Happy retirement!”.
A surprise until the leaving party
The wall stays sealed: nobody sees anyone else’s memories, and the guest of honour sees nothing before the big day.
How to organise it, step by step
- Step 1Create the bookletChoose its size, the title (“Thank you Martine!”) and the first name of the guest of honour. The free 10-card booklet is enough to try.
- Step 2Share it discreetlyCopy the link or print the poster with the QR code. Everyone adds their memory from their phone, with no account and no app. Think of former colleagues: the link is easy to forward by e-mail.
- Step 3Send a reminder before the dateThe dashboard shows how many memories have arrived. Invite one or two colleagues as co-organisers or moderators.
- Step 4Give it at the leaving partyOn the chosen date, send the secret link by e-mail or hand over the QR code. The first names appear, then the memories one by one, with music, before the full wall. You can also project it during the party.
Message ideas
To help those who don’t know what to write. Sentence starters are also offered in the form.
- “My first memory with you is my first day: you explained everything twice without ever sighing.”
- “What I admire most about you is the way you stay calm when everyone else panics.”
- “One thing you taught me without knowing it: you can be demanding and kind at the same time.”
- “Thank you for the Monday morning coffees, and for all the times you covered for my slip-ups.”
- “For your retirement, I wish you mornings without an alarm clock and trips without a suitcase that is too heavy.”
- “If I had to describe you in three words: reliable, funny, indispensable.”
How many cards should you plan for?
For a team or a department, 25 to 50 cards are usually enough; for a whole company, or when there are many former colleagues, plan for 100 cards or more. Everyone can add several cards, and the booklet can be enlarged during the collection period.
Frequently asked questions
Can we invite colleagues who have left the company?
Yes. Just send them the link, by e-mail or message. They need neither an account nor an app.
Can the guest book be projected during the leaving party?
Yes. The experience is designed for a computer or a tablet held horizontally: it can be projected or cast onto a screen, with the music if you chose one.
How long should we allow for the collection?
Allow two to three weeks so everyone has time to write. The collection period of a paid booklet lasts one month, two with the “Collection + 1 month” option; for the free booklet, 7 days.
All the questions · Digital guest book, card or collection pot: compare