client feedback
every website has a page like this - where we share some of the feedback we get after working with our clients... we were going to share all the really bad ones... but needed more space!! So we thought we'd take the easy option and share some of the great feedback we've had from clients we've worked with where we've provided event, mc, entertainment, media and pr, speaking and team building services...
event stuff
some recent feedback
Thanks for a fantastic evening, the whole team had a great night out. There has been much talk about this in the office this morning and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We are a diverse group with a lot of different people in the team....to keep over half of us there until 12:00 when you finished, was a testimony to your musical prowess. It reminded me again, that you just can't beat live music. An evening like this was much needed and you absolutely nailed it. Thanks from all of us here.
Brendon Furness - Commercial Manager, Retail, Meridian Energy Limited
John McKenzie of enthuse helped me to organise an afternoon of fun and relaxation for 40 people from Marriotts Limited and the day was a great success. John is the consummate professional who is always well prepared and he has lots of many good ideas for planning a function such as we had. John’s energy in running the function is also a great asset when considering his services.
Alan Sharr, Principal
The Singing Waiters team were fabulous. In their role as waiters they certainly grabbed everyone’s attention – from ditzy to lazy to totally in-your-face! People were commenting on how inappropriate they were but still had no idea they weren’t part of the restaurant waiting team. Aaron as the officious, very camp, busy-body waiter was excellent and John doing his Frankenfurter act was priceless. And I was amazed to see EVERYONE up dancing at one point.
Sonia Kennedy, Event Manager
Video feedback from the Rural Health conference about the Singing Waiters
enthuse and John covered lots of different roles for a series of First National Real Estate's regional conferences. See and hear what First National GM John Stewart had to say about enthuse and John
We enlisted the help of the enthuse team at two of our conferences 2009 and in 2011. Both events were not only fantastically memorable but great fun for our delegates. Everyone was pulled into the spirit of celebration egged on by the enthuse team ensuring it was a great night of laughter and fun. Both events were uniquely different, surprising and delighting those who attended. Thanks enthuse!
Lantana Wallcroft, TripleJump
A huge thank you to you and your team for your huge contribution to our staff conference. You were the glue that held all of our key activities and themeing together and certainly added the "fun" element to the 3 days. You were fantastic to work with from concept to execution of the event, and I had every confidence that you could deliver what we wanted from Day 1. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Donna Harper Arnott's NZ Ltd
feedback from a First National Real Estate Conference in Wellington:
event Management
John made our awards evening a breeze (again). Its usually the most stressful part of our entire conference, but with Johns involvement the past 2 years, things have been easier, run smoother and his attention to detail added that "little something extra" that gets overlooked in the greater planning of everything. Thanks sooooo much for all your help, and we look forward to working with you next year and beyond. Cant wait to see what you come up with next!
entertainment
Thank you once again for your total involvement in our conference in Wellington. Our delegates loved your presentations during the day, and were amazed during the evenings. The singing waiters were a real hit, not one of our delegates realised they were not part of the hotel staff, even after they got on the stage singing! It wasn't until the following evening that most delegates realised they were actually part of the organised entertainment and not just overly keen waiters - brilliant!!
Gina Fowler, Membership Services Manager, First National Real Estate.
From the 40 Winks conference dinner:
enthuse and the Singing Waiters were not only a delight to work with, but an absolute success to the event. The Waiters did an amazing job of staying completely in characters even when countless complaints were coming in on how poor their wait skills were. But from my side, hilarious to watch! And then when they broke into song, you could see the smiles on all the faces in the audience. I would recommend them time and time again!
Samantha Stirling, Operations & Special Events Manager, Exclusive Events NZ Ltd
Thank you so much for the service you provided at the Meridian Christmas Party on the night of Saturday 5th December. The feedback that we’re receiving is all good. Everyone seemed to be entertained, I saw people dance that I thought couldn’t even move. The night was definitely a huge success and most definitely was down a lot to you and your team. You did a fantastic job and really ensured that every table got involved throughout the night. Thanks again for your service and we will be sure to keep you in mind for future events.
Emma Wooding, Meridian Energy Limited
feedback from Marisa Maloney from large Australian company Orica Chemnet follows - enthuse covered a few areas and bases for this conference:
enthuse organised their entertainment and team building activities for their leadership team conference and provided the theming, event concept and MC for their awards evening.
Singing Waiters
Your waiters had everyone fooled and complaining to me about the interesting, yet entertaining, service they were receiving. But once, the reveal happened, the mood in the room was electric. I can’t believe you had them all up singing and dancing by the end of the night! What a great way to kick off the conference and set the mood for the next 2 days.
Lightning Scripts - Lights! Camera! Action!
The feedback I received from our staff after their stint behind the camera has been nothing but positive. You captured and engaged our leaders (and they certainly are a varied bunch) in a way that left them wanting more! Perhaps we have some “actors” in the making. We even had them fooled into thinking the videos would not be ready for a couple of weeks. Instead, you edited them overnight in readiness for the big finale on the following evening and I know this was done under extremely difficult circumstances. So thankyou for the professionalism and commitment you all displayed to ensure that the “show did go on”.
Oscars Night
What a way to end our 2008 Leadership Conference!! Our participants entered the function room in style – they walked the red carpet (via the paparazzi) before being treated to a special movie screening of the movies they had produced the previous day. Your hilarious and interactive antics provided plenty of fun and the Oscar’s after party entertainment was simply sensational. Our participants are still buzzing around the office (2 weeks on)!
John, you have an amazing team working for you at enthuse and their energy, enthusiasm professionalism, commitment and, of course, extremely good sense of fun really made our conference as successful as it was. I cannot stress enough how awesome you all were... I know we will certainly be working with you all again!
but wait, there's more event feedback... then mc, team building, presentations and media feedback follow as well....
enthuse provides such a great package. Not only did John provide fantastic entertainment for our function, the presentation he pulled together at short notice was awesome. I don't think we have ever had so many good comments on choice of entertainers!
Belinda Nyberg, Phonak
Just a quick note to thank you and your team for making the annual Gala Awards dinners for both NZ and Australian First National networks here in Christchurch such huge successes, recently. The concept, presentation, management and enthusiasm of your team, made the events something truly special.We look forward to your involvement with the NZ events in Wellington next May.
John Stewart, General Manger, First National Real Estate
The Team Building was a challenging experience and everyone is still talking about it. Friday night was fantastic, your professional and sense of humour made the event a huge success.
Louise Edwards, Chief Executive, Perpetual Trust
John exceeded our expectations. His energy, enthusiasm, creativity and obvious passion to make a difference for us was impressive, and the end result was an incredibly successful conference. I was extremely impressed with John’s attention to detail, his creative drive and professionalism. John developed and ran our sales training, organised the entertainment – including the theming and concept – and generally added the "X" factor. He was a pleasure to work with and our christmas cookie sellers found him very motivating and inspiring. We can’t wait to use John again in the future. Enthusiasm is without doubt his middle name.
Lincoln Booth, General Manager Cookie Time
At our recent Convention in Queenstown we included John in a number of roles - as our MC or Conference weaver, as an entertainer, and as a Conference presenter/speaker. John was able to separate the roles and to perform at the highest level for each of them. His enthusiasm and willingness to create a great show and rally the delegates helped make our Convention one of the most memorable in recent years. John is a delight to work with, extremely accommodating, and I am positive that anyone employing his services will find that John “over delivers” on what he promises.
Garry Mason, CEO First National Real Estate Network Limited
Feedback from the staff has been fantastic. Everyone has said they had a great night, lots of laughs, and a good balance over the evening. Enjoyed the part when you had the staff get up and get involved with the entertainment. The music and entertainers were fantastic as always – we loved the Oscars theme!! In regards to your part – felt you did a fantastic job of managing the event – liaising with hotel, props and myself. It was great that you kept in touch with what was happening, getting in touch when you needed feedback from me, or just keeping me informed on where we were at and what you had organised. Your part as Silly Pistol during the night was really fab and you played the part really well!! Great job!!!
Meeghan Ellison, Finance Now
“A truly adaptable entertainer, John eagerly took up the challenge when Vodafone was looking for that unique aspect at our yearly Christmas function. The theme was Rocky Horror and John transformed himself into Frank-n-Furter with his Faithful Handyman. The Sweet Transvestite truly delighted our guests and the feedback has been fantastic. It was easy working with John, the continuous lines of communication & his wealth of great ideas, helped to make the night run effortlessly. Thanks John for a terrific evening.”
Sally Goldsmith Vodafone
Please accept my thanks, on behalf of the YHA Board and staff, for your efforts on Saturday night as MC for our 75th Celebrations. You also choreographed a show that had the right mix of formality, theatre, fun and entertainment. It was a high energy performance that incorporated all the elements we had discussed in our planning and it was very well received by our staff, YHA members, tourism industry representatives and dignitaries. I have had some fabulous feedback already – especially from staff and Board members, who commented that your role and performance reflected the values and style of YHA. Well done and thanks for all your hard work John – this was never going to be an easy job – yet you pulled it off with flair!
Nikki Waghorn, YHA National Office Communications
The singing waiters routine took our team completely by surprise. Everyone was in the dark and actually thought one of the ‘planted’ waiters was going to get into a fight with our key note speaker for earlier in the day – that just ‘happened’ to be John. The whole concept was very entertaining and the ‘reveal’ was fantastic.. the waiters transforming into a series of famous performers... our team then didn’t want to get off the dance floor! Great fun, great time and very professional.
David Gopperth, National Sales Manager Broker Channel Westpac NZ Ltd
The VERY friendly waiters were the perfect entertainment for a small group of professional women. Everyone enjoyed the evening, with the highlight being the well presented entertainment.
Lesley Dawson, Managing Director Hill's Pet Nutrition Ltd
Bethany Laughton, Noel Leeming Group
Fantastic, energetic, motivational. An intravenous delivery of corporate caffine. Great to work with John and enthuse once again.
Wayne Evans, finance now
The singing waiters routine took our team completely by surprise. Everyone was in the dark and actually thought one of the ‘planted’ waiters was going to get into a fight with our key note speaker for earlier in the day – that just ‘happened’ to be John. The whole concept was very entertaining and the ‘reveal’ was fantastic.. the waiters transforming into a series of famous performers... our team then didn’t want to get off the dance floor! Great fun, great time and very professional.
I was impressed with your attention to detail and this really showed out for the theme evening at the gondola and skyline restaurant. Also your efforts during our awards ceremony where we had to ask you to step in as MC at very very short notice showed you can react and perform to a high standard when you don't really know what the scene requires - you were great.I could go on and on with accolades but what I really want to say is thank you. You made my conference as chairman of the First National Group an event to remember and for that I thank you.
Colin Wilson, Chairman First National Real Estate Network Limited
We sought out John one night at a function he was performing at and asked him to help us prepare for our Management Christmas Party.He along with a team of two put together a real fun evening that was enjoyed by all and has been talked about for many days after the event. The team performed (like trained seals) from the outset as a meet and greet for the function and then entertained with fun segments throughout the evening meal culminating in a Company “Idol” singing challenge which turned out to be rather challenging for some but great for the audience. The trio performed many songs of the era we chose which they presented magnificently with good musical talent. Great night, good laughs, excellent memories and fun to be part of.
Rod Grout, CEO Pacifica Group
“You want enthusiasm, passion, style and professionalism, then you want John McKenzie and that’s without his Austin Powers persona! John is a natural and talented entertainer with a commitment to his customer; his preparation is first class, contributing to a performance that exceeds expectations.”
Chris Rowe Promotions Manager Riccarton Park
as an mc...
Great Conference MC - very professional with amazing enthusiasm and energy.
Glenda Harding, Harding Consultants (Professional Conference Organiser)
I’d like to thank you on behalf of the directors and everyone that attended our company's 20th Birthday Celebrations. Your Bob Cramer character was certainly memorable as the MC and thanks for keeping the evening going with enthusiasm, humour and professionalism, I think it worked really well. Thanks also for your assistance in organising the night and for handling the audio visual presentations and for working with Shipleys and the lighting/theming folks. I was really able to relax and enjoy the evening knowing that the event was in good hands. Thanks again.
Paul Bingham, Managing Director Black Cat Group
John is an excellent as MC. He does his homework on background facts and figures, then on the day he keeps spectator crowds entertained and informed. Very professional and very enthusiastic!
Steve Gurney, Gurney Gears and multi sport legend
You came highly recommended to me for your expertise in public speaking and your ability to adapt to any situation whilst portraying a professional image. I can honestly say that your "performance" as Prince Charming, our MC for Cholmondeley Children's Home "Cinderella Ball", far exceeded my expectations !!! You were fantastic, and the feedback from those who attended the ball has been very positive. I will certainly be recommending your services and look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you so much for your part in helping us raise money so we can continue to support children and families in crisis.
Michele Wattez, Events & Fundraising Co-ordinator Cholmondeley Children's Home
As an MC John was extremely professional meeting me before the event to go over the brief and discuss the run of night. As Austin Powers he had the entire group eating out of his hand as soon as he entered the room. This is no mean feet as our group is an extremely diverse one, but his energy level made him irresistible to all who attended – they loved him! He got everyone interacting with each other and got them up and moving. He was brilliant and went well above and beyond what we expected and I'd certainly recommend him to anyone who was wanting an unsurpassed entertainer and MC.
Kim Semmens, Franchise Support Manager Robert Harris Cafe Franchise Network
“John is an extremely confident speaker/presenter with an enthusiastic style. He relates well to his audiences and is equally comfortable adlibbing or delivering a prepared speech. John has a flexible approach enabling him to pick up on things happening around him and incorporating them into his performance if appropriate.”
Janet Copeland Inspiration PR
John managed the announcing and entertaining at the start/finish area which is outside the Christchurch Town Hall on Kilmore Street which is closed for the day. He also was our MC at the Awards Ceremony held in the auditorium of the Christchurch Town Hall. We at the SBS Marathon Event were very pleased with John’s services. He was very professional and brought a new style of entertainment to both the start/finish area and our Awards Ceremony. He also proved to have a very good understanding of the technical equipment that we used which also added to the overall atmosphere that was ultimately created this year. We had really good feedback from both our sponsors, the competitors and supporters on this aspect of what has now become a top event in the South Island with a reputation for being professionally organised.
Chris Cox, Race Director SBS Marathon Event Christchurch
We were extremely pleased with the MC work you did for the inaugural Armstrong Prestige Festival of Cycling. We could not have done it without you and really enjoyed the professional touch you gave to the event. The ability to think on your feet, fill in the gaps and ad lib where necessary was crucial for the smooth running of the event. Great job!
Simon Hollander, Event Director Armstrong Prestige Festival of Cycling
Having ridden the European professional cycling circuit for a number of years including the Tour de France, I know how important a professional commentator is to making the event a success. Being present at the Armstrong Prestige Criterium and having the pleasure of hearing John commentate had me glued to the event from start to finish. His passion, enthusiasm and energy bought back many memories but more importantly he entertained the crowd with a level of professionalism I’ve not seen here in New Zealand.
Eric Mackenzie, Director EMC2 Bikes
team building
Your entertainment and team building afternoon was the highlight of our trip - what an awesome time! You guys were right on the money. Very funny and motivating. We had some people who really pushed themselves, some even saying it was the best thing they had ever done. We will definitely be recommending you to others – we have already. enthuse definitely exceeded expectations on all counts. It was great to have you keeping the energy and momentum going right from start to finish. Wahoo – bring on the next event!
Kate Coombridge, Generation Developments Ltd
The feedback I received from our staff after their stint behind the camera has been nothing but positive. You captured and engaged our leaders (and they certainly are a varied bunch) in a way that left them wanting more! Perhaps we have some “actors” in the making. We even had them fooled into thinking the videos would not be ready for a couple of weeks. Instead, you edited them overnight in readiness for the big finale on the following evening and I know this was done under extremely difficult circumstances. So thankyou for the professionalism and commitment you all displayed to ensure that the “show did go on”.
Marisa Maloney, Orica Chemnet
presentations
John’s personal branding presentation is motivating, stimulating and very informative. It has been with complete confidence John has presented on Westpac’s behalf at numerous conferences and the feedback has been fantastic. He relates very well to his audience, does his homework beforehand and always delivers. I have no hesitation in recommending John McKenzie as a motivating, entertaining and enthusiastic speaker and presenter.
David Gopperth, National Sales Manager Broker Channel Westpac NZ Ltd
John is also a very professional motivating speaker who spoke at our sales conference. We will definitely get him back for a return visit. A great start to another year for our team. All staff said it was the best sales meeting they have ever attended. I have no hesitation in recommending enthuse to motivate and entertain at your next sales conference.
Lesley Dawson, Managing Director Hill's Pet Nutrition Ltd
Excellent. John was above expectations, especially due to the timeframe. He listened carefully and responded very well. Bob the Farmer was talked about for the whole conference. Set the tone - a lot of fun and then delivered intensive (great content) workshop.
Dianne Watson, Wrightson
You were wonderful. You breathe energy and life. You were terrific and an inspiration to us all.
Dr Rodney Ford, National Speakers Association
pr and media
John and enthuse were engaged to help develop and lead our public relations strategy aimed at increasing the awareness of dyslexia and having it recognised by the New Zealand Government. His clarity of thought, his persistance & determination, his commitment - to say nothing of his enthusiasm - resulted in our aim being acheived and a whole lot more. John delivered 100%.
Guy Pope-Mayell, Trustee Cookie Munchers Charitable Trust and Dyslexia Foundation of NZ
We asked John from enthuse to help us with promoting our World Environment Day events, he was superb. He quickly grasped exactly what was needed and was able to apply his fertile imagination to marketing and public relations activities. With his knowledge and experience in marketing he was able to negotiate some extremely good deals and engage some powerful players to assist. I would happily engage John again for similar work.
Bill Simpson, Communications & Relations Manager, Environment Canterbury
Thank you for your constructive effort, support and planning that has guided me though to my new brand. I could not have done this without your invaluable input, creative ideas and structured approach. Time frames have been met, media exposure and feedback has been fantastic.
Niki Olds, Viva Home Loans
John brought a very professional approach to the publicity for our national event which resulted in nationwide exposure for the event and our sponsors in print, on radio and TV. We would never have achieved this without John and his enthusiastic media management. He also provided some fantastic voice and MC work which further demonstrated his versatility and value to the event. He did his research and was extremely well prepared, with his efforts exceeding our expectations.
Tim Preston, Tournament Director NZ Grass Court Tennis Championships