Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t know anyone or don’t have a team for the team events?

No worries at all — Trivia Nationals is designed to be friendly and inclusive, especially for solo attendees and first-timers. Friday night kicks off with a series of fun, team-based events like the Kickoff Quiz, the QUiP large-format game, and Solve That Puzzle — all created to help people mix, mingle, and make new connections. These games allow team rotations, so you’ll meet a dozen or more new people right from the start, making the rest of the weekend more familiar and fun.

Throughout the weekend, team events like Quiz Bowl and Trash of the Titans are great opportunities to bond with others. You can sign up for team events as an individual — we’ll match you with a team. If you already have a partial team (e.g., two out of three members), we’re happy to fill in the rest.

Looking to split a hotel room? Feel free to post in the TN Facebook group to find a roommate. Please note, we don’t match roommates or vet posts, so this will be up to you to coordinate.

If you’re attending your first trivia convention, volunteering can also be a great way to get involved. You can help as a reader or scorekeeper for Quiz Bowl or 5 x 5, and still play in other events. Interested? Email info@trivianationals.org with VOLUNTEER in the subject line.

You’re in good company! Many attendees are here for the fun, not the trophies. If you’re a casual player or just exploring the trivia world, there are plenty of events that are lighthearted and social.

Check out fun-focused games like Solve That Puzzle (a mashup of Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck), the Trivia Run-Around by John Chaneski, Trivia Bingo by Broadly Entertaining, and the Trivia Spelling Bee. For those curious about competitive formats, there are friendly intros through games like QUiP, Connections OQL, OQL USA, and the Crossword Challenge.

Even some of the more structured events, like Quiz Bowl and 5 x 5, have recreational divisions, so everyone can play at their comfort level. Want to see how you stack up? Try the IQA Individual Championship, a written quiz with published scores for comparison.

Definitely! While Trivia Nationals is a celebration of all things trivia, there’s so much more to enjoy throughout the weekend—especially for folks who love puzzles, word games, or just having a great time.

We’re offering a wide range of events designed to appeal to trivia buffs and casual gamers alike. Highlights include:

  • 🎲 Solve That Puzzle – A team-based game show mash-up inspired by Wheel of Fortune and Press Your Luck, created by Bill Schantz (the mastermind behind our 5×5 event).

  • 🔤 Two Spelling Bees – One trivia-themed, and one live-action version of the New York Times Spelling Bee.
  • 🧠 Fireball Crossword Challenge – Try your hand at competitive crossword-solving.
  • 🧩 Trivia Bingo – A high-energy event from Broadly Entertaining (NYC).
  • 🔍 Trivia Run-Around Puzzle experience – Crafted just for us by NPR’s own puzzle guru, John Chaneski.
  • 🧩 Jigsaw Puzzle Race – Compete in pairs to complete the same puzzle as fast as you can!
  • 🧩 Connections Online Quiz League (COQL) – A big-group version of the UK’s Only Connect-style quiz, filled with clever puzzles and wordplay.
  • 🔡 QUIP (Quizzing in Progress) – A lively group quiz that blends trivia with rebus-style puzzles.

Even if your guest doesn’t want to compete, there’s still plenty to watch, play, or just enjoy from the sidelines. Plus, everyone is welcome at our Sunday night Awards Banquet—a fun, celebratory dinner where we wrap up the weekend. If your guest isn’t registered for the full event, they can still attend the banquet with a $75 add-on ticket.

So yes—bring your +1! They might not be into trivia yet, but they’re going to have a great time.

Yes — all official events are held in the convention space at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, which is fully wheelchair accessible. The only off-site event is the Jeopardy Bar League, happening Saturday night across the street at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

If you have any accessibility concerns or accommodation requests, please reach out to info@trivianationals.org with ACCESSIBILITY in the subject line. We’re happy to help.

Absolutely. We are committed to creating a respectful and safe environment for everyone. You can read the full policy here.

Your registration includes:

  • Entry and materials for all official events

  • A seat at the Sunday Awards Banquet dinner

  • A spot in the Jeopardy Bar League on Saturday night — where your team can compete for a share of the $5,000 prize pool!
  • Admission to the Game Show Boot camp events and panel discussions

Please note: Trivia Nationals is a volunteer-run event. Some volunteers receive discounted registration in appreciation of their time and effort.

  • Friday: Events begin at 6 PM

  • Saturday & Sunday: Events start at 9 AM

  • Each night: Official programming wraps up around midnight

  • Sunday evening: All medal events conclude before the 7 PM Awards Banquet

You could quiz all day if you want — but we recommend building in time for meals, rest, and enjoying the city. Pace yourself and have fun!