App vs. Onsite Host: Which One Does Your Event Need?
When the app is enough. When to add a facilitator. The real differences, with examples.
Quick answer
Most Social Scavenger games run with a virtual host (briefing video, virtual game day team monitoring progress, virtual judging) and the app, with no in-person facilitator needed. About 90% of clients run this setup. Onsite hosts are available as an add-on at higher tiers and make sense for specific event types: large groups (300+), high-touch executive events, custom productions where the host is part of the show, or events where the planner wants someone physically present to handle questions. The app does the heavy lifting; the onsite host adds polish.
- Best length
- Onsite host best for 300+, exec events, custom productions
- Works for
- Onsite host add-on at Premier+ (additional fee)
- Best locations
- App-only fits most conference, retreat, and offsite events
- Popular formats
- Default: virtual host + virtual game day team
Every Social Scavenger game starts with a hosted briefing. The question is whether that host is virtual (video, customizable to the group) or in-person (a Social Scavenger team member physically at the event). About 90% of clients pick virtual, since it lets the budget flow into customization and tier features rather than into hosting fees and travel. The app handles scoring, judging, and live leaderboard tracking on the day. The virtual game day team monitors progress and handles judging questions in real time.
Onsite hosts make sense for a smaller subset of events. Large groups benefit from in-person production at scale. Executive and leadership events sometimes want the polished feel of an in-person host. Custom productions where the host is part of the show (a costumed actor, a themed character, a live emcee) need that person physically there. The decision isn't about whether the app works; it's about whether the event format calls for the extra layer of in-person production.
What actually works
Default to virtual unless the event specifically calls for onsite
For most corporate events (90-minute conferences, pre-dinner activities, offsite gatherings, smaller retreats), the virtual host plus app setup works cleanly. Adding an onsite host doesn't change the experience much for the players; it just adds budget. Save the onsite spend for events where it makes a real difference.
Onsite hosts shine in three scenarios
Large groups (300+) where production scale benefits from in-person leadership. Executive and leadership events where polish matters. Custom productions where the host is part of the show. Outside those three, virtual usually delivers the same experience for less.
The "virtual" host isn't a stripped-down option
The virtual game day team monitors the event in real time, handles judging questions, validates submissions, and manages the live leaderboard. The briefing video is customizable to the group. The format isn't running unattended; it's running with a remote production team. The only difference vs onsite is whether there's a Social Scavenger person physically in the room.
Recommended formats
Onsite Poster Games
Virtual host + app, most events. The default 90-minute setup.
Read →Indoor Team Building
Multi-station formats run with facilitators at each station.
Read →Custom Conference Games
Mix, depends on production scope. When the host is part of the custom production.
Read →Planning FAQs
Broader pricing and hosting tier breakdown.
Read →Frequently asked questions
Do we need an onsite host?
What does the virtual game day team actually do?
When does adding an onsite host actually matter?
What does the onsite host actually do during the event?
Can we use our own staff as facilitators instead of paying for onsite hosts?
How much does an onsite host add to the cost?
Keep planning
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City, date, group size - we'll recommend the best format.