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We Believe
Play Is For Everyone!

Our goal isn’t to make everyone play the same way. It’s to help people play together in the way that fits them best.

A Simple Idea

Pop CoLab started as a simple idea: build a fun space where people rediscover the power of play. As we grew the concept and met others who believe play matters, Pop CoLab became more than a space; it became a movement. Today, we design play-based experiences for companies, families, and friends, and we grow a community of facilitators who bring joy and smart ideas to every session.

 

Founded by Donavan Robinson (Speaker and Strategic Play Thought Leader) alongside his partner, Lindsey Cabato-Robinson, Pop CoLab blends research with hands-on activities. Hence, teams feel safe, curious, and connected. Our goal isn’t to make everyone play the same way. It’s to help people play together in the way that fits them best.

Explore
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The Foundation and The Three Pillars

At Pop CoLab, we design experiences and environments where people thrive, so teams understand each other, individuals know themselves, and trust becomes the foundation.

Building Trust
(The Foundation)

Build it fast, then keep it strong.

Trust isn’t a box you tick, it’s a muscle. It fades if you don’t use it. We strengthen it often with low-stakes, playful moments that lower guards, surface real voices, and create a sense of psychological safety. Frequent, intentional play helps maintain trust between projects, role changes, and difficult conversations.

Enviroment

Norms and spaces that invite curiosity, healthy debate, and focused fun.

Your environment shapes how you show up. It’s not just the room, it’s the flow, the prompts, the people, and the sensory cues. We craft spaces that make participation easy and inclusive, so energy rises and connection feels natural.

Self-Awareness

Know your play styles and strengths so people bring their best.

Growth starts with knowing yourself. Through guided play, people notice what energizes them, how they communicate, and where they add the most value. That shared insight makes teamwork smoother, roles clearer, and contributions feel purposeful.

Autonomy

Autonomy turns trust into daily behaviour.

When people have clear goals and guardrails but freedom in the how, decisions get faster, bottlenecks shrink, and motivation rises. It signals “we trust you,” which boosts psychological safety, ideas, and ownership.

What We Do

Trust is the foundation of great teams, and play is the quickest way to build it. We help leaders create environments where people feel safe to share ideas, challenge thoughtfully, and enjoy working together.

Why We Exist

We’ve worked inside agencies, hospitality, retail, and corporate. Different industries. Same problem: meetings multiply while trust doesn’t. Quarterly socials didn’t fix it.


Trust isn’t an event. It’s built daily.

Pop CoLab exists to close the Trust Gap quicker, inclusively, and in a way that teams can sustain without us. Fun is welcome. Outcomes are required.

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Why Pop CoLab

Rooted in Experience

Built by entrepreneurs with 20+ years in hospitality, events, and community building.

Backed by Community

We collaborate with local facilitators, businesses, and creatives across Winnipeg.

Proven Impact

We turn “colleagues” into teams, quickly. Play builds trust, and trust is the foundation for long-term success.

The Power of Play 
Our CoLab 
Framework

We bring people together through joy-fueled experiences that spark connection, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you’re planning a team event, workshop, or activation, we make it easy (and fun!) to co-create something memorable.

C

Choose Curiosity

| Let go of the perfect idea. Follow what pulls you.

O

Own Your Perspective

| Your voice matters. Make it yours

L

Let It Be Messy

| Doodle. Wander. Change your mind.

A

Ask, Don’t Assume

| Collaboration grows through curiosity.

b

Be Bold

| Any step forward is brave. Take it.

Engaging

Think, DIY Craft workshops, mocktail-making experiences, and culture-based workshops— all led by local facilitators.

Community Focused

Pop CoLab is rooted in community and inclusion.

Customizable

Tailored to your team’s vibe and needs

Experiences & Tools

We bring people together through joy-fueled experiences that spark connection, creativity, and curiosity. Whether you’re planning a team event, workshop, or activation, we make it easy (and fun!) to co-create something memorable.

Make & Take: DIY-style experiences your team can personalize and enjoy at their own pace.

Big Group Energy: Facilitated fun designed to get everyone moving, laughing, and working together. 

Mindful Moments for Team Wellbeing.

(Perfect for Larger Group Activities of 15 or more)

Practical Tools for Personal + Professional Growth.

(Large Group Activities of 15 or more)

Guided Strategic Workshops + Play-Based Activities

A unique blend that sparks connection, creativity, and collaboration, resulting in meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

Helping Your Team Thrive Through Play, Purpose & Personal Growth

Online
Booking

All bookable through our online hub

Book your next experience at a Pop CoLab or bring it directly into your space.

Whether you’re in HR, on the social committee, or a founder who hates trust falls, we’ve got better ways to play.

Partnering for Success

We partner with companies committed to improving workplace culture through team-building initiatives and group activities.

Focus on People

We focus on the people—the individuals who make these companies thrive. We believe that integrating play into the work environment isn’t just beneficial; both companies and their employees need to flourish in work and in life.

Expert
Facilitators

By bridging the gap between innovative facilitators and forward-thinking companies, we’re building a more engaging, creative, and efficient work environment.

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Enrich Lives

– Explore new skills, spark creativity, and build meaningful connections for personal growth and fulfillment.

Support Mental Health

– Reduce stress, boost happiness, and foster a positive mindset through engaging, play-driven activities.

Build a Better World

– Create a more connected, inclusive, and collaborative community through creativity and shared experiences.

The Founders
& Team 

 

Donavan Robinson / Co-Founder of Pop CoLab

Donavan Robinson

Founder, Pop CoLab | Helping Teams Build a Strong Foundation of Trust With Strategic Play | Small Business Advisor | Keynote Speaker & Play Consultant

Lindsey Cabato- Robinson

Corporate Teams Account Manager | Co-Founder Pop CoLab | Curator & Owner at Made Here

 

As the curator and buyer at Made Here, Lindsey is passionate about sourcing unique, locally made products and crafting thoughtfully curated corporate gifts that tell a story and leave a lasting impression.

Lindsey Cabato-Robinson - Co-Founder of Pop CoLab

Our Partner
Facilitators

Meet the people who bring Pop CoLab to life — a dynamic group of creatives, facilitators, and experts passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences across a wide range of specialties.

Interested in becoming a facilitator?

Pop CoLab | Perry Holmes

Lauren Best

Lauren Best | Pop CoLab

Kat Daaca

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Jospeh

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Perry Holmes

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Goldie

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Ben Dueck

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Tamara Kreoker

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Mass Vash

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Rachel E. Smith

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Donavan Robinson

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