SQ Host Interview: Rob Charette

Another profile from one of our many talented SpeedQuizzing hosts.  This week we head over to the USA to interview host, Rob Charette.

Name? (and company you operate for if you do)

Rob “Bobby Roast Beef” Charette – XZI Productions (owner/operator)

Where do you live?

I live in Holyoke, Massachusetts in the US.

Which venues do you host quizzes at?

I am currently hosting Mondays at Platform Sports Bar in Northampton MA. Wednesdays I’m at Brennan’s Place in Holyoke MA. Thursdays I can be found at The Collegian Court in Chicopee MA.

How long have you been hosting quizzes?

I’ve only been hosting quizzes since June of 2014. Finally found my niche.

How long have you been using the SpeedQuizzing software?

Been using the SpeedQuizzing software for over a year. It’s the only method I’ve found that really impressed me when it came to hosting.

Favourite Quiz team name?

It’s a tie. Either “Helen Keller’s Tight Pants”, or “Adrian Peterson Daycare LLC”. Both tremendously offensive, which is just my style!

Which of your venues is the most popular? 

Biggest attendance is Platform Sports Bar. I’ve pulled in the biggest numbers there as of late, and the crew is FUN! I think the fan favorite would be the Collegian Court. Folks REALLY enjoy that venue. Smaller lounge atmosphere, great food too. A bit pricey, but you certainly get your money’s worth. My personal favorite is Brennan’s Place, it’s home court. A lot like “Cheers”, in that “everybody knows your name” kind of way.

Which of your venues is the rowdiest / best atmosphere?

Most rowdy atmosphere is hands down Brennan’s Place! Pretty much every team that plays there is a member of the local Smartphone Trivia League. It’s a place where a loud, boisterous event fits like a glove.

If you could host a quiz anywhere where would it be?

Fenway Park, Boston

What’s your favourite thing about SpeedQuizzing?

I love the fact that it’s so flexible. It allows for as much creativity as you can possibly throw at it, makes for a very fun game! Fast tracking and on the fly options make for endless play possibilities.

Do you use any unique rounds / ideas / features of your own or do you just stick to the SpeedQuizzing format?

I use a few. I usually take the team with the lowest score at the end of round one, and do a “would you rather” question. I’ll ask something a little embarrassing or raunchy and have the remaining teams vote on what the selected person would choose. That person reveals the answer and gets a point bonus for going up on the chopping block. Keeps low scoring teams interested and gets a laugh from everyone! I also do various challenge rounds where I utilize the nearest wins question to select a team who is then offered a challenge to complete. If they do they are awarded bonus points. It’s great fun!

Any tips for people wanting to host quizzes?

Be as creative as you possibly can. Of course you’re there to announce the questions, but above all be organic and do YOU. Your attendees know authenticity when they see it, so put your own flavor into the game. Personality is the spice to the event, own it, and season liberally.

Drops Mic.