Running the Event

Day-of, you are the host — not the game master. The game runs itself from the first QR scan; your job is the route check, the briefing, and the finale.

1 hour before

• [ ] Re-walk the route. Signs wander; wind is the usual suspect.
• [ ] Open the Day-Of Troubleshooting page on your phone and keep it handy.
• [ ] Charge check: your phone and the backup battery.

The start

Gather players at the start poster, hand out (or post) the access code, and read the 30-second briefing:

"Six stops, scan the QR at each, solve the puzzle, hints cost you nothing but pride. Most solved wins."

Then start the clock.

During the game

• Roam, don't hover. Wander the route, enjoy being the person who knows where everything is, and let teams play.
• Teams share one phone each and move at their own pace; a full run takes 30–60 minutes.
• If a team falls behind, remind them hints are free — and if a team is truly stuck, walk them to the next stop yourself. Fun beats fairness.
• The Lab monitors zqmcomputing@gmail.com during every event window — if something breaks that the troubleshooting page doesn't cover, email.

The finale

• Gather everyone at the last stop.
• Tally solved counts. Tied? Your answer key includes a tiebreaker question — read it aloud, first correct shout wins. Still tied? Declare co-champions; it's a party.
• Hand out the finisher badges.
• Take the group photo — see After the Event for what happens to it.