Introduction
Ben Brunner, known on stage as Emcee Ben Jammin, is a voice actor, narrator, and live game show host based in the Mid-Atlantic. He hosts two branded formats: Let's Do Trivia and Play That Funky Bingo. In this interview, he shares practical advice for bars, restaurants, and private event planners who are considering a live game show host.
What People Get Wrong Before They've Seen a Show Run
Brunner says the most common mistake is choosing a host based on price alone.
"When people book a live game show host for a bar or private event, they often pick someone who is the cheapest, and who just puts together some questions that seem fun and entertaining."
He explains that at Let's Do Trivia, the process is more structured than it might appear from the outside.
"At Let's Do Trivia, we pride ourselves in having writers who not only research thought-provoking questions, but also proofread them, while keeping them fun."
Beyond the questions themselves, Brunner points to ongoing engagement as a key part of the service.
"We also spend time putting together game-recaps, which we send to our players in newsletter form, so that we keep our players engaged with the regular game schedule, and the venues where we host games."
That continuity, he says, is what many first-time bookers fail to evaluate.
"A proven track record of player-host-venue relationships is often overlooked."
For venues, this means the value of a host isn't only in the night itself. It's in whether players come back, whether they remember the venue, and whether the host has a system for keeping the audience connected between events. Brunner's approach with Let's Do Trivia includes a newsletter that ties players to both the game schedule and the venues that host it.
What Surprises First-Time Hosts in the Room
Even with well-researched questions, Brunner says the live room brings challenges that aren't obvious until you're in it.
"If someone is convinced that they 'heard somewhere' that the answer they gave was correct, you have to strike a balance between being fun and being fair."
He describes the tension between keeping the energy up and maintaining the integrity of the game.
"You don't want to shoot people down, that's no fun. But you don't want to accept an answer that is too far from the correct answer. That's not fair."
For Brunner, the solution is a kind of live judgment call that only comes with experience.
"Striking a balance between the two is important."
This is the kind of moment that a first-time host may not anticipate. A player who is certain about an incorrect answer can shift the mood of the room. Handling it well means acknowledging the player without undermining the game for everyone else. It's a soft skill that doesn't show up in a question list or a price quote.
Choosing Between Trivia and Bingo for a Venue
When a venue is deciding between a trivia night and a bingo night, Brunner says the answer isn't universal.
"That's a great question. It's all a matter of what the customers like, and in my experience, sometimes bingo just works better for some places than trivia, and vice versa."
He notes that some restaurants run both formats, which suggests the choice isn't always either-or.
"Some restaurants do both."
But the most reliable source of information, according to Brunner, is the customer base itself.
"The best place to look is the customers. Regulars will definitely let the staff know which one they would enjoy doing most, and of course, our goal is to keep regulars happy, plus bring in new customers."
For venue owners and event planners, this points to a simple starting point: ask the people who already show up. Regulars often have a clear preference, and their feedback can determine whether a night succeeds or stalls. Brunner frames the goal as a dual one: retain the regulars and attract new customers.
Takeaways for Venues and Event Planners
- Look beyond the lowest price when booking a host. Ask about question writing, proofreading, and how the host keeps players engaged between events.
- Ask for evidence of player-host-venue relationships. A track record with specific venues and recurring players matters.
- Prepare for in-room judgment calls. A host needs to balance fun and fairness when players challenge answers.
- Let the customers guide the format choice. Regulars will often indicate whether Let's Do Trivia or Play That Funky Bingo fits better.
- Consider running both formats if the audience supports it. Some restaurants do.
Brunner's answers point to a broader theme: live game show hosting is less about reading questions and more about building a repeatable, fair, and engaging experience that serves both the players and the venue. For venues in the Mid-Atlantic considering a live game show night, his advice is to look at the customers first, then choose the format and the host that fit them.
To learn more about Ben Brunner's work as a voice actor, narrator, and live game show host, visit hostbenbrunner.com.