Reflex games for corporate events: how to choose

Some games can be understood in five seconds, played in under a minute, and still get half a department queuing up to beat their own score. These are reflex games for events, and they work as well at a company dinner as on a trade show stand or during a conference break.

In this guide we explain which games of this kind we offer, how they differ, how to combine them and how to set up a leaderboard so the competition lasts all day long.

Why reflex games work at an event

A reflex game has three ingredients that suit a professional audience: rules nobody has to explain, very short rounds and a result you can compare instantly. Nobody needs a tutorial, and nobody feels judged for more than a few seconds.

They are also games for spectators as much as for players. People waiting for their turn watch, comment and tease their colleagues. That breaks the ice between people who rarely talk, which is exactly what you want at a corporate event or a networking session.

Batak Pro: the light panel that demands a rematch

The Batak Pro is a panel of lights that switch on at random. Players have to hit them with their hand as fast as they can. Rounds last about 30 seconds and the leaderboard shows on screen, so every attempt invites another one.

It is the most requested reflex game at trade shows and conferences because it takes little space, has a high-performance look and fits any professional setting. If you only pick one, start here.

Reaction ring and buzz wire: reflexes and a steady hand

The Drop Stick reaction ring drops sticks without warning and the player has to catch them before they hit the floor. It weighs 20 kg and uses very little power, so it is the choice for small stands that want to draw a queue.

If you want the opposite, staying calm under pressure, the giant buzz wire is a metre-and-a-half wire course along which you must guide a loop without touching it. If you touch it, the buzzer sounds and the light comes on. It is a steady-hand challenge everybody knows and, in XXL format, it becomes a show.

Pairing a fast reflex game with a steady-hand game is a good formula: some guests shine at one and some at the other, so the competition feels more balanced.

Head-to-head duels: air hockey and the dance machine

If you would rather have players face each other directly, the air hockey table is the fastest duel in the arcade: two players, a flying puck, an electronic scoreboard and rounds of about three minutes that almost always end in a rematch.

The dance machine also pits two people against each other, but with a different kind of reflex: following the arrows in time with the song. It draws one of the biggest crowds around it, because dancing is above all a show, which makes it ideal for an end-of-year party.

These duels work well as knockout brackets between departments, with a final at the close of the event.

How to run a leaderboard that lasts the whole event

The game is only half the appeal; the other half is a visible leaderboard and a clear prize. Decide before the event what is rewarded: the best score of the day, the best team score or the best of each time slot. Announce it on a sign next to the game.

To close the activity with a touch of luck, the push-button light wheel mixes reflexes and chance: the lights spin at top speed and the player presses to stop them on the winning slot. Rounds take 30 seconds and it can be seen from far away.

• Assign someone to note down scores if the game does not store them.
• Reserve a slot in the agenda for the final, with a host and a microphone.
• Hand out the prize in front of everyone: it reinforces the competition.

Where to place them and how to manage queues

Place the games in walkways, visible but without blocking access, and leave free space around them so the audience can watch. A stand aisle, a corner of the hall or the cocktail area all work well. If you need help assessing the space, see how we work in Barcelona; we also cover the rest of Spain.

To avoid long queues, mix very short games with slightly longer ones, and mark clearly where the line starts. That way people always have something to do while they wait for their turn.

Branding the games with your company

Reflex games make a good brand platform because people stay and watch them. Every game can be customised with the client’s brand: vinyl, screens with your logo, prizes and staff uniforms, plus data capture if the event calls for it. The custom branding page lists the options.

At a trade show, you can ask for the leaderboard to carry your company name and a prize tied to your product. At a dinner, a more discreet tone and a trophy for the winner are usually enough.

Frequently asked questions about reflex games

How many games do I need?

It depends on the number of guests and the length of the event. As a guide, one game for each large group of guests avoids long queues, and two or three different games add variety.

Are they suitable for a formal adult audience?

Yes. They are designed for adults, with a polished look, and fit trade shows, conferences and company dinners.

Do they need staff?

Simple games run on their own, but a host who keeps the leaderboard and entertains the queue improves the experience a lot.

How much does it cost to rent them?

The cost depends on the games, the days, the location and the branding. The best approach is to ask for a quote with your event details.

Do you already know what kind of event you are planning? Tell us on the contact page and we will suggest the mix of reflex games that fits best; you can also browse the game catalogue.