5 Secrets Plus Prize Ideas

Host the Best Live Trivia Event: 5 Pro Secrets Plus Prize Ideas

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Question: What’s the best way to bring in more midweek guests and keep them coming back?

Answer: Live trivia.

It’s more popular with guests than ever, that’s no secret. But there are secrets to running the best live trivia event, and we’re sharing them along with bottom line benefits – like an average increase of 21% per table check based on an independent Arbitron study*.

STEP #1: THE PRIZES

DON’T Forget Them

We put live trivia prizes at the top of the list for a reason. Great prizes draw guests. Too many bars and restaurants figure the live trivia experience is a prize in itself. But competition is fierce for trivia night, and a creative prize is your best promotional secret weapon.

DO Get Creative and Promote the Prize

Here are 6 fast ideas for trivia prizes that guests love:

• Trivia Trophy, Championship Belt, or Giant Necklace- with a big medallion that the winning team gets to take home. The winners will take plenty of pics and share on social media for instant word of mouth advertising for your live trivia event. Plus, they’ll need to return it the next week – or compete to keep it. Hello, repeat business.

• $25 Gift Card- Trivia is usually played in teams, so giving a team a $25 gift card almost guarantees that the team will come back to use it. Why $25? Anything less isn’t that exciting.

• Appetizer Duo or Trio- The caveat? The 2 or 3 free appetizers can only be redeemed on a subsequent trivia night and on one table check. Let’s be honest. Sometimes guests just order up pitchers of beer for the table. An appetizer giveaway ensures the crowd is exploring your menu.

• Social Media Shout Out- This should be included with every prize. Give the live trivia winners the spotlight. Snap a pic and share on social media. This becomes advertising for your next trivia event, too.

• Change it Up- Keep guests guessing by switching up your prizes each week. You could even bring in a prize wheel with a mix of awesome prizes. Again, this gives you an excuse to promote and talk up your live trivia event.

• Don’t Forget the Runner Up- How about 10 $2 coupons for the runner up team? Print them in bulk so you’ve always got them on hand each week.

STEP #2: THE QUESTIONS

DON’T Google use a professional service if you can

You could do a Google search binge, looking for bar trivia questions. You’ll find them.

The problem is, most questions are outdated and sometimes even inaccurate. Imagine being called out at your live trivia event for a wrong answer. Super awkward. Or, you keep asking questions about the Johnny Carson Show, but your guests are mainly millennials. Super boring. Plus, do you really have 2 hours a week to spend hunting down trivia questions? So, use a professional service who has already vetted the questions.

DO Use Reliable Sources

Unfortunately, many outside live trivia hosts use the Google search method.

You’re smarter than that. Partner with a complete trivia system like Quizz Masters. We have done the work for you!

STEP #3: THE HOST

DON’T get a Solo act

In addition to sometimes-sketchy trivia questions, live trivia hosts are often expensive. Like, really expensive. Some bars report that trivia hosts cost more than hiring a local band.

Plus, independent trivia hosts are usually solo, one-person operations and if they “call in sick” – you’re left hanging. And so are your disappointed guests.

We work as a team of two hosts. This guarantees someone is always available, and they work off of it other running the system to keep things smooth. Yes, it is slightly more expensive, but look at our packages and what you get - the BIGGEST BANG for the BUCK! Any it's really not much more than the small packages out there (I won't name the companies, but you know who I am talking about.) With our seasoned and paired great trivia host… ones who woo the crowd and build a bond, you’re in great shape.

STEP #4: THE SCORING

DON’T Try to Add It Up

Live trivia night gets competitive. Fast. So we go faster. Instead of looking to score groups after each 3 or 4 questions, we bring people up front to buzzers, where they can't look up questions on their phone or cheat. Other people in the location have input as well, but they are now not a worry. Hand-scoring takes time and can slow down the action for guests. You’re also at risk for being accused of “human error.” Recounts aren’t just for elections…

We move FAST, through three 3-5 question with Live On Stage contestants, than change them, so we have time to get to all people in the location! Now your clientele has equal chances to win Mono-e-Mono. That's great for you and the business.

STEP #5: THE TIMING

DON’T Just Host Live Trivia NIGHT

Weekday evenings are by far the most popular times for hosting live trivia events. It makes sense for customers and for you. Guests want the excitement and escape of a bar-like atmosphere on a “school night.” Bar and restaurant owners want more sales during slow times. When done well, live trivia events can definitely create a lively social scene typically only found on the weekends. But don’t stop there…

DO Host a Trivia Brunch

Mimosas, Eggs Benedict, and a side of live trivia? Yes, please.

Generate a buzz for your brunch day-part with a live trivia event.

Or, if you want more mid-afternoon action on the weekends, host: Afternoon Delight Trivia. Guests can start their weekend festivities early and you’ll enjoy an uptick in business.

The top pro secret is this: find a way to differentiate your live trivia events from the competition. Whether it's a charismatic host team and crazy real-time live action performance style trivia show, or offering a crazy good prize, the extra effort will pay off.

David P (and other contributors)