SCANVenger Hunt: Gamification That Encourages Face-to-Face Interaction and Active Learning

March 3, 2013

The Mission: Get members of the Denver Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE Denver) networking, while showing off the LoDo neighborhood of Downtown Denver. Oh, and make it fun.

NACE Denver tasked the Arrangers, a Destination Management Company headquartered in Denver, to carry out this mission. Danny Findley, sales manager at Arrangers, said, “The chapter wanted to do a team building event and thought maybe a scavenger hunt.”

The Arrangers decided to turn that idea up a notch with a modern approach. They partnered with SCANVenger Hunt, a company that provides a mobile interactive gamification platform for corporate team building, as well as the travel and hospitality industry.

Attendees were randomly split into teams at the start of the event to encourage networking with people they were less likely to be familiar with. Each team was given their first clue and off they went. At each stop, participants had to answer a trivia question in order to get to their next clue via a QR code scan.

Findley said the trivia questions were designed so that the attendees would learn more about what Downtown Denver has to offer in the way of restaurants. Not only would participants get to do some sampling at each restaurant, they also were actively trying out a new bit of technology.

Event planners and show organizers often struggle with the delicate balance of technology and face-to-face interaction. There always is a fear that attendees will be so focused on the technology that it will discourage them from connecting face-to-face.

This game was a perfect example of starting with clear objectives and then finding the right tool to get event organizers to their goal. This particular tech tool is one that encourages interaction with other attendees and builds excitement during an event. “[Participants] could see real time who was in the lead and we also had bonus points built in to incorporate local info,” Findley said.

Findley also has seen SCANVenger Hunt used successfully at trade shows. Unlike passport books, where show attendees just go from booth to booth to get a stamp, SCANVenger Hunt helps exhibitors start a conversation through a relevant trivia question.

At their 2012 Awards Gala, NACE Denver awarded Arrangers with Best Entertainment for the LoDo Dine-Around QR Code Scavenger Hunt. That sounds like a  mission accomplished.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.