The Barter Brigade
A pirate-themed trading challenge testing negotiation, trust, and strategy.
About
Step aboard a fast-paced, pirate-themed adventure where negotiation, information gathering, and relationship building are the keys to treasure. Teams take on the role of pirate crews, each commanding a ship loaded with goods ready to trade.
The goal is simple: accumulate as much treasure as possible by striking deals with rival crews at port while using cunning and charm to uncover valuable market intelligence. Swords, blindfolds, and bandanas add flair to the experience, but beneath the fun lies a serious challenge in trust, strategy, and relationship management.
Highly adaptable and instantly engaging, this program captures attention from the very first moment and keeps energy and accountability high throughout. It’s a dynamic way to explore how negotiation and trust-building translate directly into real-world business success.
Learning outcomes
This activity demands sharp thinking and quick decision-making, as teams negotiate and trade to maximize their returns. While the game is inherently competitive, the most successful crews quickly discover that collaborating with rival teams often produces the best outcomes for everyone involved.
Participants learn to balance self-interest with cooperation, staying focused on their core objectives while remaining open to mutually beneficial deals. This mirrors real business environments, where trust and relationship management often matter more than outright competition.
During the debrief, winning strategies are shared openly, allowing every team to reflect on what worked and why. These insights are then connected back to everyday business challenges, helping participants apply lessons in negotiation, trust-building, and strategic communication to their own workplace relationships.
Program flow
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Briefing and Crew Formation
Participants are divided into pirate crews, each assigned a ship and a stock of trade goods. Rules of engagement and trading mechanics are explained.
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Port Trading Rounds
Crews venture out to negotiate deals, gather market intelligence, and trade goods with rival teams in a series of fast-paced trading rounds.
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Strategy and Alliances
Teams refine their approach, forming temporary alliances and adjusting tactics based on information gathered from competitors.
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Final Trading Push
In the closing rounds, crews make their final trades and negotiations to maximize their treasure before time runs out.
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Debrief and Treasure Count
Total treasure is tallied, winning strategies are revealed, and facilitators guide a discussion connecting the experience to real-world negotiation and trust-building skills.
What is included
Included
- Professional facilitation team
- Pirate-themed props (swords, blindfolds, bandanas)
- All trading game materials
- Scoring and treasure tracking
- Debrief and strategy discussion
Not included
- Venue hire
- Catering and refreshments
- Travel and transportation
- Audio-visual equipment (unless specified)
Frequently asked questions
Can this activity be run both indoors and outdoors?
Yes, the format is highly flexible and works well in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
Is this activity suitable for large groups?
Absolutely. It is designed to accommodate large groups, from 24 participants upwards, with no fixed maximum.
Do participants need prior negotiation experience?
No prior experience is needed. The activity is designed to be intuitive and engaging for all skill levels.
How competitive is this activity?
While competitive at its core, the most successful teams learn to balance competition with collaboration to achieve the best results.
What is the main takeaway from this program?
Participants leave with practical insights into negotiation, trust-building, and strategic communication that apply directly to their workplace.
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Request a quote for The Barter Brigade
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.