34 Years 92% Rebooking Rate 2,300+ Events Trusted By Google · Microsoft · Samsung · Cisco · Oracle · Best Buy · Walmart · McDonald’s · Scotiabank · A&W · BCAA · FortisBC · CPABC & 2,300+ more Our top 3 repeat clients have hired us 225, 117 & 114 times.

Decade after decade, the same words keep coming back. The thing we hear most from clients is a version of the same sentence: “You were the best we’ve ever had.” Here are those words in full, exactly as people wrote them.

Murder YOU Mystery

Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a role. Your team becomes the cast of a hilarious, dramatic mystery they’ll never forget.

MYSTERIES

As a manager who has seen many similar events, NEVER HAVE I BEEN INVOLVED IN ONE THIS GOOD. The actors went beyond just acting — they drew people in, charmed and entertained, and carried the evening. Scott Cumming · F&B Manager, Hotel El Dorado   It was the PERFECT ICEBREAKER for our group — many people had never met each other before, and some came from different locations across Canada and the US. Julie Hobbart · Senior IT PM, Factors Group   “We could’ve solved the crime more expeditiously if we hadn’t been killing ourselves laughing.” Karen Hadden · VHR Communications   This was the BEST PARTY THIS FAMILY HAS HAD SO FAR! WOW! Usually this group is separated — one side of the house, the other on the other side! But last night we were COMPLETELY UNITED! Can’t believe how much EVERYONE LOVED IT! Debbie Kisil · Private Family Murder YOU

Family Friendly Feud

The game show everyone knows — brought to life with professional hosts, custom questions, and a crowd that can’t stop cheering.

EVERYONE PLAYS

The Family Feud activity was a HUGE HIT, and our team ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Henry Choi · Executive Director, Tennis BC   It was a HUGE HIT with our group, bringing out everyone’s competitive side while keeping it light and fun. We’ll DEFINITELY BE BOOKING THIS AGAIN! Leanne Ross · Justice Institute of BC   “Wow, we had an AMAZING TIME! Brad was an 11/10 HOST — keeping things moving, HILARIOUS, and very aligned with our group and culture. We had a BLAST and so much POSITIVE FEEDBACK from our staff.” Nathan Meszaros · Communications Officer & Alumni Coordinator, Pacific Academy   “Collaborating with Engagement Unlimited was truly FANTASTIC. They succeeded in getting the ENTIRE GROUP of 45 carpenters INVOLVED, eliciting SHOUTS OF EXCITEMENT throughout the game.” Alyssa Cunningham · Owner & Principal Planner, Alyssa Rae Events

Pop Trivia

Fast, funny, and surprisingly competitive. Teams form, buzzers fly, and suddenly the quiet ones are shouting answers.

EVERYONE PLAYS

The end client said to me afterwards: Pop Trivia was THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE INCENTIVE TRIP so far. John Philip · Rare Indigo (DMC)   Thanks for making our Pop Trivia a HUGE SUCCESS! Kyle and Chelsey were OUTSTANDING! We wouldn’t hesitate to engage your services. Karen Klus · Sprive Agency   “Brad & Georgia were great! EVERYONE LOVED THEM — they really GOT THE CROWD INVOLVED! COULDN’T BE HAPPIER with the service.” Jessica Gregan · Program Manager, JPdL West   Please send a special thanks to Brad and Kyle on our behalf. They did a wonderful job in creating a FUN FUN FUN SPACE for all. EVERYONE LOVED IT. Stefani Lu · Campus and Community Planning, UBC

Name That Tune

High-energy music competition that turns your crowd into instant superfans. Can’t sing? Just laugh along with the people who do.

EVERYONE PLAYS

400 participants for Name That Tune! EVERYONE LOVED IT — and LEFT THE PARTY WANTING MORE! Rubeena Mokha · FortisBC   Kicking it off with Name That Tune was PERFECT, and EVERYONE LOVED IT! Sales · Fairmont Hotels Pacific Northwest   “I cannot thank you enough for those gentlemen — I am SPEECHLESS! The night was a HUGE SUCCESS, & I was thrilled to see my colleagues step out of their comfort zones like never before.” Olga Dvigun · Event Manager, Visier   I was COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY. People were up on their chairs singing & dancing to Name That Tune! I have NEVER SEEN MY GROUP do anything like that! Jeremy · Sheet Metal Association of BC

Emcees & Live-Event Energy

Whether you’re launching a major conference, hosting a gala, or leading a virtual summit, the emcee sets the tone — trust ours to elevate your event from good to legendary.

LIVE EVENT ENERGY

Still to this day, hands down the BEST EMCEE I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. And not to mention a truly genuine, awesome guy! Dave Campbell · Relationship Manager, BMO Financial Group   Roger is ONE OF THE BEST MCs I’VE SEEN (AND I’VE SEEN MANY). Entertaining and confident, yet subtle — in control and fun, but he really didn’t take the spotlight. Ron Jacklin · MPI June Gala   “Thanks again for emceeing and facilitating — you KEPT EVERYONE ENGAGED and the speakers on topic. This is much appreciated!” Chris Peters · CEO, Tourism Burnaby   “You did a GREAT JOB and I have not experienced an emcee/moderator like you in OVER 30 YEARS in the business!” Joost de Meyer · Chairman & CEO, First Incentive Travel

Parties & Entertainment

Not just entertainment — an experience. Your team doesn’t watch. They live it. These are the moments that become company legend.

ENTERTAINMENT & ROVING

The feedback has been: MOST FUN EVER, best party in the past few years — so funny, HAVEN’T LAUGHED SO MUCH IN A LONG TIME. Bobby Brosseau · Westin Bayshore   John truly was THE BEST OF THE BEST. It was AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE for everyone, and I have never seen our boss so happy. Oleg Chechel · MV Construction (Undercover Actor)   “Once again, Stefano did a TERRIFIC JOB with bringing groups of people together & engaging them during the Welcome Reception. We feel very fortunate to have him at our events!” Tracey Tse · Events Manager, CPABC   “Every time the Prize Patrol burst in, THE ROOM EXPLODED — THE BEST MORALE BOOST we’ve ever had.” Manager · Retail Division

Give-Back & Impact

Team experiences that combine engagement with meaning. Your people build, pack, give, and connect — and the impact lasts long after the event ends.

IMPACT & PURPOSE

Everyone loved building Buddy Benches! This was the BEST VOLUNTEER / GIVE-BACK EVENT WE’VE EVER HAD! Yvonne Clarke · Amazon Web Services   The kitchen build went PHENOMENALLY WELL! Our group was SO HAPPY and had a WONDERFUL TIME. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Engagement Unlimited and the MudPie Kitchen build for future giveback events! Sarah Meyers · Equinix   Thanks so much for such an AWESOME AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE with this giveback. Such a good cause that REALLY TOUCHES MY HEART. Monica Rivera · Sr. Producer, Incentive Events, Google   One person said, this is the BEST STAFF TEAM-BUILDING EVENT THAT WE’VE EVER HAD — it really felt like we were doing something positive together. Leanne Ross · Justice Institute of BC (MudPie Kitchens)

Team Building

Game-show energy. Real connection. Everyone involved — even the people who swore they’d just watch.

EVERYONE PLAYS

Our group loved the Buddy Benches. It was the MOST HIGHLY RATED TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY OUR SALES TEAM HAS EVER DONE — anywhere we have sent them in the world. Sales Team · Cisco   One of our team members remarked it was the BEST TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY WE’VE EVER DONE. We highly recommend Engagement Unlimited. Alex Crew · ESSA Technologies (company retreat)   This was definitely the BEST TEAM BUILDING EXERCISE I’VE DONE — not just at Oracle, but in my 15-year sales career. It was FUN, ENGAGING, and everyone FELT GOOD after. Oracle   The Engaging Escape was such a fun team building afternoon and all of your team were amazing. So many great comments from our staff about it and the challenge was great! Carmen Skoblanuik · Destination BC

Keynotes & Sessions

High-energy keynotes that spark confidence, connection & real behaviour change. Your audience won’t just clap — they’ll act.

ENGAGE THE ROOM

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY I’ve had at Microsoft! The keynote (Pressure Cooker Confidence) and building MudPie Kitchens was so successful, my boss wants to do it for the top executives in Seattle. Amazing! Henry Watson · Microsoft (Big Park)   I’ve worked in this district for 30 years and gone to every day of training — and I have NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE what we did with Roger. Staff Attendee · Abbotsford School District   Having Roger Haskett and Engagement Unlimited involvement in our organization over the past eleven years has been an UNQUESTIONABLE GAME CHANGER. Robert MacDonald · Professional Institute for Public Service   I have had the privilege of hearing Roger keynote speak on numerous occasions and he is now and remains the GOLD STANDARD OF PRESENTATIONS. Roger delivers an experience that you will TRULY BE ENGAGED IN, and in the end, wish you had more time with him. Sean Bacon, CD · Leadership & Mental Toughness Specialist

Workshops & Training

Hands-on workshops where your team doesn’t just listen — they participate, practice & transform.

FACILITATION

I heard such great remarks as they were leaving. One faculty member said she could have sat and listened to you the entire day. Others said it was the BEST TRAINING THEY HAD EVER BEEN TO. They absolutely loved you! Jennifer Potter · CEM Program Manager, IAEE   “Thank you for helping me BREATHE SOME LIFE into a group that has fallen into a rut. The Exec group LOVED YOU and we would like to EXPLORE A RETREAT with you!” Don Durand · Managing Partner, Viewscape Management Consulting   “The ILEA Las Vegas Board of Directors COULD NOT STOP TALKING about how impactful your presentation was! You have such MAGNETIC ENERGY and are a GREAT STORY TELLER.” Thuy Diep · PRA Las Vegas   Thank you so much for the virtual event. It was EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR! Everyone seemed RECHARGED AND EXCITED going into our next session. Dani Laidlaw · Marketing Coordinator, Gilead Pharmaceuticals

AWARDS & RECOGNITION ★ Society for Incentive Travel Excellence — President’s Award ★ Canadian Event Industry Awards — Best Entertainment under $25,000 ★ MeetingsNet — Changemaker of the Year ★ MPI BC Chapter — Supplier of the Year (×2) ★ MPI Florida — Program of the Year “Pressure Cooker Confidence” ★ M+IT Magazine — Hall of Fame Nominee ★ Canadian Association of Professional Speakers — Rising Star Award ★ Ovation Awards — Best Director ★ Disney Studios / ASCAP — Best New Musical

See More Testimonials  ▶

Opens in your browser

Want us for your own group? Get in touch.

Roger + Michael + the EU Crew

A little fun before you go

<p>The post The Best They’ve Ever Had first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

“We could’ve solved the crime more expeditiously if we hadn’t been KILLING OURSELVES LAUGHING.”

— Karen Hadden, VHR Communications — Murder YOU Mystery

A chemist with NO PULSE, and a house full of people who all swear they were elsewhere when poor Dr. Distillation took his final soak. Murder? Or just a bad case of the cramps?

Six guests become the costumed suspects — NO MEMORIZING REQUIRED, just the ability to read English easily. Everyone else forms teams of junior detectives who grill suspects and dig for real evidence.

Hit the clue table for the autopsy report, sort the RED HERRINGS, and solve it before tea-time. So much fun it’s a real crime.

“It was the PERFECT ICEBREAKER for our group — especially since many people had never met each other before. A GREAT SUCCESS.”

— Julie Hobbart — Murder YOU Mystery

Saturday, October 17, 2026 · Museum of Vancouver. Tickets are $46 general admission, or $45/$43 per person for groups of 2 or 3 (plus fees & taxes). We will email before the event to see who wants to volunteer to play one of the six suspects.

THE SUSPECTS BECOME THE HEROES OF THE NIGHT. — all it takes is being comfortable as the center of attention and able to read English and speak clearly. For this first event, there’s no cost to be a suspect, but future events will charge, so get in while the going is good.

Want us to run this for your own group instead? Get in touch.

Roger + Michael + the EU Crew

A little fun before you go

<p>The post Murder at the Museum of Vancouver first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

“I’ve worked in this district for 30 years and gone to every day of training and education and I have NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE what we did with Roger. It was HELPFUL NOT JUST PROFESSIONALLY BUT PERSONALLY as well. AMAZING.”

— 30-year staff attendee · full-day workshop, Abbotsford School District

Then one day, something made them sit up and take notice.

Here is a question I ask from stage. How much information goes in one ear, crosses your brain pan, and falls out the other ear, onto the carpet, never to be remembered again?

Between 85% and 90% of what you hear doesn’t stick. You heard that right. 85% to 90% falls out of your head and lands on the carpet, never to be remembered again. What’s the point of all this information if it’s just gonna fall out of your head?

Think of all the experiences this relates to: conferences, staff meetings, workshops, retreats, webinars, keynotes, seminars… Multiply that across a career — real days, real hours, real budget left on the floor. What a waste!

It wasn’t just charisma. It wasn’t just a better speaker. What they’re describing is something different.

That different thing they’re describing is a superpower called ENGAGEMENT.

Engagement isn’t a mood in the room. It’s a power you create by focusing on the elements of engagement.

Connection time. The first activity at the beginning of any of our sessions is to change people from attendees to PARTICIPANTS. Most of the time, when people come to conferences, they sit in their chair ✅ they’ve attended. Mission accomplished. Really?!?!

PARTICIPANTS — that means when you show up & walk into the room, that’s when your job starts, because the more present you are in it, the more you get out of it.

When we pre-quiz people before teaching them the important stuff, the quiz actually tells the brain, “Hey, pay attention to this. This stuff matters.” It primes your brain to grab on and remember. Our pre-quiz is always fun and dynamic, which gets people laughing with their teams (ENGAGEMENT!) We build competition in here as well, because that gets a whole other group of people ENGAGED! 👏

PLAY is everywhere in every session we do — every keynote included. Play is a superpower that can turbocharge both our brains and our bodies. As Dr. Stuart Brown of the National Institute for Play puts it:

“Nothing lights up our brains like play.”

And that’s exactly what we want in these sessions: brains that are lit up and powerful, potent, and ready to do whatever comes next.

Movement. Getting people to move is what I do all day. Two of Roger’s Rules sit underneath it.

• Movement is Necessary — your brain absorbs only what your bum can endure. 😂
• Misery is Optional — do what you need to do to be present. (Example: if your leg hurts, stand up and stretch it out. If you’re falling asleep, get up and do some movement. If you have an important phone call to take, take it, so you can come back and put your head back in the game.)

So why movement? Because Presence Creates Power. This runs through all of our work.

Hive Mind Time. This is where we pull everything together and get the group to focus on the TOP 2 OR 3 THINGS THEY WANT TO BRING BACK TO THEIR LIFE. (All of Roger’s sessions help professionally and personally.)

It’s essential to move the most important learnings into the 10% that people do remember. Most keynotes end with applause. Roger’s keynotes end with accountability & change — and a lot of applause. 😂

Sessions also end with a growing recognition in each person and group that ENGAGEMENT IS A PRACTICE. INTERNAL POWER IS A PRACTICE. Neither is a one-off. It’s something you have to keep working on — but you’re motivated now, because you see how valuable it is, how powerful it is, and how much difference it can make in your life.

A 30-year attendee is one kind of proof. Here are others offering theirs.

“Our Better Together Engagement Workshop with Roger and Engagement Unlimited was an ASTOUNDING TRIUMPH! … We observed a significant SURGE IN ENGAGEMENT throughout the Region, with many attendees embracing higher leadership roles within our Union and some even advancing to management positions with their employers. … What an INCREDIBLE OUTCOME from a single day-long workshop.”

— Robert MacDonald · Director, BC/Yukon Region · PIPSC, 11 years and counting

“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Roger Haskett to speak at your next event. I believe he is ONE OF THE VERY BEST IN THE INDUSTRY. His ability to get the higher level of engagement from every one of our participants was REMARKABLE.”

— Jeff Kissinger · PMI Grand Rapids · 3 events

Somewhere in YOUR organization is the person who has sat through every session for a loooong time.

Let’s make the next one the one they still talk about.

A little fun before you go

<p>The post 30 Years of Attendance. One Day of Engagement. first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

Music team building doesn’t require talent or anyone who thinks they can sing — just a group and one moment when every part comes together into something that couldn’t exist without all of them. Roger Haskett has known this for 34 years, and now he’s built it into an experience your team can walk into.

Oxford University’s Experimental Psychology group found group singing elevates mood and builds social bonding faster than almost any other shared activity (Dunbar et al., 2012, Evolutionary Psychology) — a physiological reset for a team that’s spent the day in back-to-back calls.

I love using music in my keynotes, our facilitation and retreats, our games, our shows. When I was given an opportunity to create something similar for our clients, I jumped at the chance.

I’ve directed and acted in musical theatre for 15 or 20 years. We almost always rehearsed at night, after a full day of stressful work, then a fight through traffic — I had lots of reasons to be in a bad mood by the time I got there.

No matter how bad of a mood I was in on the way to that rehearsal, by the time I was driving home after having sung for hours, I was in the best mood. I was singing in the car. I’d dance and sing around the house.

Whatever problems I had to deal with were so much easier with all that positive power in my body, with all that belonging I had created by singing together with other people in a group — dealing with the biggest issues in life becomes faster, easier, & less demanding.

One Song, Every Voice: Team Harmony, co-produced with Jana Berengel, who leads The Agency Singers, opens with fun, dynamic warm-up exercises that get everyone in the best mood, then splits participants into three vocal sections, each learning one part of a familiar song — Hey Jude, Sweet Caroline, Lean on Me. No experience required, no solos. Each part sounds incomplete alone, until all three come together.

“When you’re singing, feeling the beat in your body, when you’re in a group where you’re all making the same sound, a sound that cannot exist unless you all work together, it’s electrifying & deeply engaged.”

To see what this looks like in practice, click here.

— Roger Haskett, musical theatre performer and director

Active listening. Trust. Each contribution mattering to the whole. Amazing for introverts especially — the structure protects them. No one is exposed; everyone belongs to a section, so none of you is out there alone.

Adding this into a retreat, a conference, a team-building activity is genius — so potent and powerful. The problems are still there when your team drives home. What’s different is the power that the song created. That’s the engagement advantage.

A little fun before you go

<p>The post The Mood You Didn’t Expect to Drive Home With first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

“The Family Feud activity was a HUGE HIT, and our team ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.”

— Tennis BC · Family Friendly Feud · Christmas Party, Dec 2025

“The Murder Mystery was a HUGE HIT, and everyone had a FANTASTIC TIME. It was the PERFECT ICEBREAKER for our group.”

— Factors Group · Murder YOU Mystery, Dec 2025

“They did a wonderful job creating a FUN FUN FUN SPACE for all. EVERYONE LOVED IT.”

— UBC · Pop Trivia · 60 people, Dec 2025

“Brad and Kyle were a HIT! Everyone LOVED THE ENTERTAINMENT. Appreciate their energy and leaving the party with folks wanting more!”

— FortisBC · Name That Tune · 400 people · Holiday Party

A little fun before you go

<p>The post Plan Your Holiday Party first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

“As a manager who has seen many similar events, NEVER HAVE I BEEN INVOLVED IN ONE THIS GOOD. The actors went beyond just acting. They DREW PEOPLE IN, charmed and entertained, and carried the evening in a FUN AND SPIRITED manner.”

— Scott Cumming, F&B Manager, Hotel El Dorado · Murder YOU Mystery

“You made me THE HERO. The entertainers were SUPERB. How you coached the participants was BEYOND BELIEF.”

— Beverly Mahood, Western Management Consultants

“We could’ve solved the crime more expeditiously if we hadn’t been KILLING OURSELVES LAUGHING.”

— Karen Hadden, VHR Communications

“It was the PERFECT ICEBREAKER for our group — especially since many people had never met each other before and some came from different locations across Canada and the US. The Murder Mystery was a HUGE HIT, and everyone had a FANTASTIC TIME.”

— Julie Hobbart, Senior IT Project Manager, Factors Group

92% of our clients rebook. Murder YOU Mystery is our most re-requested show.

Roger + Michael + the EU Crew

A little fun before you go

<p>The post Never Have I Been Involved In A Murder Mystery This Good first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

Book early because we don’t want this to happen to your group

Looking for the shows, add-ons and FAQ in one place? See our corporate holiday parties in Vancouver page.

34

Years

92%

Rebooking Rate

2,300+

Events

Trusted By

Google · Microsoft · Samsung · Cisco · Oracle · Best Buy · Walmart · McDonald’s · Scotiabank · A&W · BCAA · FortisBC · CPABC & many more

Our top 3 repeat clients have hired us 225, 117 & 114 times.

Six ways to get everyone involved

Murder YOU Mystery

“Your Murder YOU Mystery (we had 137 people) was a HUGE SUCCESS. Your actors were so great as well. We have REBOOKED our Christmas party for next year.”

— Krista Christiuk, Marketing Manager, WestGen Group of Companies

Family Friendly Feud

“Collaborating with Engagement Unlimited was truly FANTASTIC… They succeeded in getting the entire group of 45 carpenters involved, eliciting SHOUTS OF EXCITEMENT throughout the game.”

— Alyssa Cunningham, Owner & Principal Planner, Alyssa Rae Events

Pop Trivia

“Thanks to you & your Team for making our Pub Trivia last night a HUGE SUCCESS! OUTSTANDING! SO MUCH FUN! We wouldn’t hesitate to engage your services again!”

— Karen Klus, Co-Chief Experience, Sprive Agency

Name That Tune

“400 participants for Name That Tune for Fortis! Brad and Kyle were a hit! EVERYONE LOVED Name That Tune! Appreciate their energy and leaving the party with folks WANTING MORE!”

— Rubeena Mokha, FortisBC

Prize Patrol — The Roving Game Show

“Stefano did a terrific job bringing groups of people together and engaging them during the Welcome Reception. We feel very fortunate to have him at our events!”

— Tracey Tse, Events Manager, CPABC

Improv Comedy

“They killed it — even without mics, people were still buzzing about it the following week.”

— Steven, EllisDon

Book Here for Your Corporate Holiday Party in Vancouver

Pick a shortlist of dates now — formats and details can flex around a date once it’s held.

Let’s Talk Before the Calendar Fills

P.S. — Meme Monday

Friday Fun

Roger + Michael + the EU Crew

<p>The post The Holiday Weekends Go First. Then the Thursdays. first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

I’m 14 years old and in grade 9. I’m sitting at my desk, head down, doing my work when, suddenly, in the middle of the class, Mr. Sutherland barks, “Hey you, Haskett, you!… I want to see you after class.”

After class, he says: “Roger, a bunch of teachers have been tasked with finding student leaders.” And he looks at me.

I look over my shoulder at the emptying classroom. “Um … you want me to help you find student leaders?”

“What? No. Idiot. You. You’re the student leader I’ve found. Next Tuesday you’re coming to a lunch. With me. Now get out of here.”

You’d think I’d be ecstatic. But instead, each step I take, I’m more stressed. Each step, I sink deeper into crisis. “I’m a Leader? ME?

Thoughts smash & crash in my head, louder and louder, pushing everything else out of the way. I’m struggling not to drown in the frantic, overwhelming, potent energy inside of me. I was desperate — many of my great ideas have been motivated by desperation. I got some social support.

“Lindsay, I’ve been invited to this lunch for student leaders.”

“Oh, am I invited too?”

“No. Sorry. I’m invited. But I want you to come with me. I’m a leader so I’m inviting you” (wildly overstepping my role here!)

Lindsay, being such a great friend, says, “Is lunch free or do I have to pay?”

The Lunch

Lindsay and I open the door… I stop dead in the doorway. There are adults in the room! Strange adults wearing suits and stylish dresses. I’m dressed like a 14-year-old kid in runners, a t-shirt and jeans!

Thoughts and ideas swirled around my head. “Who are these adults? Was I supposed to wear a suit? I don’t even own a suit!… What if I just go to the bathroom and never return? How important is high school, really? Wow, that girl over there is really cute.”

Up pops the principal… “I’d like each of you to stand up, say your name and tell us a little something about yourself.”

The Firing Squad

I immediately fall into a panic. As people stand up and talk, every eye turns to them. And suddenly it feels like a firing squad! And I’m waiting for my turn, for the guns (eyes) to turn on me. My head is pounding. My breathing is shallow and labored. My mind is screaming RUN! But my body is frozen in fear.

First the Black Hole

I have my first “black hole experience”… everything in my head gets sucked into the black hole that used to be my brain. What is left? Nothing. I have nothing to say.

Then Black Magic

The only refrain circling inside my head has been, “I’ve got nothing to say! I’ve GOT NOTHING!” Magically it becomes, “I AM NOTHING.”

I AM NOTHING.

The Joke

At that moment, Lindsay leans over and whispers, “This is what I’m going to say…” And what he says next is so hysterical, so shocking that even in my heightened state of crisis, I burst out laughing. As does Mr. Sutherland. Damn it, Lindsay! Lindsay — who wasn’t even invited to this student leader lunch — is going to kill with his joke. And I have nothing! I am NOTHING!

And then suddenly the guns are pointing at me. I tell myself, “Don’t work legs! Just sit still! Just look at Lindsay like he’s next! Brilliant!”

None of that escapes my black hole brain.

I am now standing! How? What?

WHAT! IS! HAPPENING!!!

My open mouth … and out pops … Lindsay’s joke.

Lindsay’s joke, that he had so graciously “written” for me, KILLS. The audience is erupting with laughter and applause. But instead of lapping it up, I am sitting down into the darkest moment of my (young) life.

“…I followed many of your suggestions and found to my amazement that I WAS NOT EVEN NERVOUS! I had fun, guests had fun, people bought books… You had an enormous impact on me and my ability to achieve this life-long goal… thank you, thank you, thank you!”

— A.K. White, Author of No Reason to Stay

What I found in my worst moments

Something so big it touched my soul. I found that inconsequential (but real) stress could change my character. My character!

In that darkest moment… I decided that stress was not going to determine my character. Rather, my character would (try to) determine how I responded to stress. A journey to find my internal power had begun.

How stress changes your character

That journey became a book and a course. Here’s what it does for the people in the room:

“Your session was LIFE CHANGING and the best I attended throughout the whole conference. Please keep on doing what you do — there are millions of others whose life needs an impact like mine had.”

— Anonymous Attendee, Pacific Dental Conference

“…this event was LIFE CHANGING for me. THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO!!!”

— Lorraine Peña, Bosa Development

“Thank you to both Michael and Roger. Your work is EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND VALUABLE as it has the power to CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF PEOPLE’S LIVES.”

— Scott Lee, Founding Partner, Revesco Properties

If you want that system for yourself, it’s Pressure Cooker Confidence. To bring it to your team, let’s talk. It’s also the heart of every keynote I give.

Ever had your own “black hole” moment in front of a room? I’d love to hear about it — drop me a line.

P.S. — If you’re like most people (big, dangerous assumption), then right now you’re dying to know: what was the joke? Here’s the funny thing: neither Lindsay nor I have the slightest idea what it could have been. We never remembered it. But it was huge — at least when I was 14.

<p>The post Black Hole, Black Magic: The Day I Learned Stress Could Change My Character first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

Roving Mounties corporate event! Here’s how Roving Mounties turn a reception into something guests are still talking about — before the main event even begins.

Your guests  are arriving. The reception is open. And here’s what happens…

• a Mountie stops them for a “Canadian security quiz”
• a Park Ranger steps up to demonstrate “best bear behaviour”
• their “personal bodyguard” appears out of nowhere to handle their ‘fans’

And they haven’t even crossed the threshold yet!

That’s what roving Mounties do. They start the engagement before the event officially starts. They turn a hallway or a hotel lobby into the first act of something guests didn’t see coming. It’s the most underrated form of cocktail hour entertainment in the corporate world. They make your guests the centre of the story.

Our guests were BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT. As always, your performance was OUTSTANDING and definitely the highlight of the guests’ trip. Wow, was it ever PERFECT.

— Elaine Chick · Rare Indigo

Why Roving Mounties Work at Corporate Events

There are two reasons roving Mounties at corporate events work every single time.

The uniform does the work before the performer says a word. The RCMP’s red serge is recognized around the world. When a Mountie appears at your corporate event in Vancouver — or anywhere in Canada — guests don’t need context. They already know what to do. They smile. They reach for their phones. They want in on the experience.

The people inside the uniforms are engagement experts. Our Mounties are trained improvisers who read a crowd in real time. They find the guests who need a nudge. They make the quiet table feel like the most important people in the room. They turn moments into engagement magic.

The ROVING COMEDIC MOUNTIES were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and added such a FUN AND WONDERFUL TIME for everyone. It really brought the whole event to life RIGHT FROM THE START!

— Sandy Heer · HR Manager · Mainland Construction Materials

The Biggest Impact at the Best Price

Roving Mounties are our highest-impact, best-value option. We can handle up to 15 Mounties easily, and more as needed. One Mountie or a dozen, the formula is the same: maximum impact, right from the moment guests arrive.

We are returning to Vancouver for another conference and want to book the roving Mounties again. They were such a HUGE HIT last time that our attendees are STILL TALKING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE TO THIS DAY!

— Tania Sprankle · Senior Manager · Pratt & Whitney

Friday Fun

Just popping in to wish you a Fabulous Friday!

---

FAQs: Roving Mounties at Corporate Events

Are Roving Mounties just people in costumes?

No — and that’s the whole point. Any company can put someone in a red serge. Engagement Unlimited’s Mounties are trained improvisers who read a crowd in real time. They find the guests who need a nudge. They make the quiet table feel like the most important people in the room. The costume opens the door. The engagement expertise is what happens next.

Do Roving Mounties work for international groups visiting Canada?

They’re one of the best options for exactly this. International guests — especially those visiting Vancouver or Whistler for a corporate conference or incentive trip — come to Canada with the Mountie already on their bucket list. They want that photo. We give them that, plus performers who make the whole interaction into a story they’ll be telling when they get home. Roving Mounties are Engagement Unlimited’s most-requested format for DMC and inbound corporate programs.

What if my group is quiet or doesn’t usually participate?

This is one of the most common concerns event planners bring us — and it’s exactly what our performers are trained for. Our Mounties read the room. If a group isn’t naturally outgoing, they meet them where they are and bring the energy up gradually. In 34 years and 2,300+ events, the Mounties have never once failed to connect.

What is “Mounties for a Minute”?

“Mounties for a Minute” is an optional add-on where 3 guests from your group get dressed as Mounties and run through Mountie training. The results are hilarious, the photo ops are incredible, and it gives even reluctant participants a reason to fully engage.

How many Mounties can Engagement Unlimited provide?

We can handle up to 15 Mounties easily, and more as needed. Most corporate events use 2–4. If your program calls for more, reach out and we’ll confirm availability.

Are Roving Mounties available in Whistler or outside Vancouver?

Yes. Engagement Unlimited’s primary service area includes Metro Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, and Kelowna, with delivery across British Columbia and Canada. If your event is in BC but outside Metro Vancouver, reach out with your date and location and we’ll confirm availability.

Can I combine Roving Mounties with other entertainment?

Absolutely — and it’s one of our most common configurations. Roving Mounties work the arrival and reception while a game show, mystery dinner, or keynote anchors the main program. The Mounties warm the room; the main event delivers the peak. If you’re considering a second element, ask us about pairing options.

Through their charm, wit and amazing improv skills, they led 2 x 45 minute performances for the crowd of 400+ to ENDLESS SMILES AND CHEERS. They EXPERTLY WORKED THE ROOM with professionalism and masterful skill.

— Shaw Madson · Event Planner · Total Entertainment Network

The Mounties were GREAT! They added the PERFECT AMOUNT OF “CANADIANA” and were great at reading the crowd. This group wasn’t very outgoing and they met them at their level.

— Heather Pelletier · Nature’s Boardroom

---

Ready to Add Roving Mounties to Your Next Corporate Event?

34 years. 2,300+ events. The Roving Mounties are the highest-impact, best-value option in the Live Event Energy lineup — and they start working before your event officially begins.

Let’s talk about your next event. Reach out and let us know your date, your guest count, and what you’re hoping your guests walk away saying — and we’ll put together the right configuration for you.

Tell Us About Your Event

Monday Meme

---

Roger Haskett is the founder and The Big Cheese at Engagement Unlimited, and author of The Me You Want To Be. For 34 years and 2,300+ events, he has been the person clients call when they need their group genuinely, joyfully, unforgettably engaged.

<p>The post Roving Mounties: Before They Even Cross the Threshold first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>

Why we built a give-back team building day around a birthday

We’ve been running MudPie Kitchens & Buddy Benches for years, highly successfully. But clients kept telling us the same thing: “This is a premier product that requires a premier amount of time — like two hours from the group. Can you give us something that is equally special but takes less time and costs less?”

So we went away & thought about it. We talked to our charity partners. We did research into what was possible. We believe in creating signature products — we don’t go for what’s easy; we go for what has purpose & impact. We asked our charity partners one question: what are the extremely emotional & difficult pain points for families undergoing challenges? They said:

“Picture a kid at school. Everyone else has birthday parties. They get invited to all of them. But they never get to invite anyone to their own party. For a family going through a hard season, a birthday is one more thing that’s out of reach.”

So we created Birthday Boxes

We created a box that everything needed for an amazing birthday goes into.

Cake · Prizes · Presents · Games · Decorations · Utensils, plates & tablecloths…

All themed to a specific child’s party — unicorns, or cars, or Disney princesses, or Paw Patrol. Each box, on the outside, has a list of what’s inside plus who it’s for: “This box is for four- to six-year-olds who are interested in Paw Patrol.” “This box is for nine- to ten-year-olds who are interested in unicorns or rainbows.”

The kids get to invite their friends & have a party where everything they need is there. All they have to do is unpack the box & have the best time.

“The Birthday Boxes for the children were so thoughtful and parents will be very PROUD to share them.”

— Doris Peters, Manager, Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society

Why the people in the room are heroes

Putting together this project was full of joy for everyone involved. Jeni smiled every day when supplies arrived — because she knew these boxes were going to give children a birthday party they wouldn’t have otherwise.

We’ve facilitated Birthday Boxes a number of times now, & the response of the people in the room making them is as deep, as potent, as making Buddy Benches or MudPie Kitchens. The people in the room are heroes. They’re helping kids & families they will never see, but who will benefit from what they’re doing in that room.

“A hero is someone who helps others when there’s no chance that they will ever be thanked or rewarded.”

— Roger Haskett, author of The Me You Want To Be, founder & The Big Cheese of Engagement Unlimited

That’s the engagement advantage of a give-back team building day: the energy in the room isn’t manufactured. It comes from doing something that matters for someone you’ll never meet.

“a 6 year old had a WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY this month because of Engagement Unlimited’s birthday party box donations 🤡”

— Kyla Dawn, In-Home Support Coordinator, Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society

The word came back from our charity partners that the Birthday Boxes were a massive, massive success — that parents were emotionally overwhelmed in gratitude.

Now, instead of heartbreak, they get joy & celebration & a party geared specifically for their child.

“The Birthday Box Give-Back event WENT GREAT! Everyone enjoyed the activities and your team was GREAT. Very kind and EASY TO WORK WITH!”

— Bailee Dutton, Executive Assistant, CPABC

Build a birthday with your team 🧡🧡🧡

Give-back team building FAQ

Friday Fun!
Meerkat on the lookout for the weekend

<p>The post Birthday Boxes: A Birthday for a Child Who’d Otherwise Go Without first appeared on EngagementUnlimited.ca.</p>