CODE, CULTURE
& SCAVENGER
QUESTS
An immersive, hands-on bingo-style scavenger hunt system that blends code challenges, AI-assisted content creation, and collaborative networking into the ultimate RenderATL experience.
CONFERENCE NETWORKING
DESERVES AN UPGRADE
Traditional conference networking is passive and transactional. Attendees collect business cards, attend panels, and hope for serendipitous connections. But in a 250,000+ sq ft venue with 8,000+ technologists, the best moments often happen by accident — not by design.
The Scavenger Quest transforms passive attendance into active, collaborative participation. By wrapping technical learning inside a gamification framework, we create structured serendipity — where every code challenge solved is a new connection made, and every puzzle decoded is a portfolio piece created.
THE GAME BOARD
Click any active (blinking) square to see the challenge details. Completed squares glow green. Locked squares unlock as you progress.
PLAYABLE INTERACTIONS
GEOLOCATION UNLOCKS
Using open-source GIS tools and the browser Geolocation API, attendees physically navigate to specific zones within the 250,000+ sq ft venue to unlock challenges. Visit exhibitor booths, find hidden QR codes near activations, or check in at the RenderFEST concert venue.
// Geolocation check
navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition(
(pos) => {
const { latitude, longitude } = pos.coords;
if (isWithinZone(latitude, longitude,
BOOTH_ZONES.exhibitorHall)) {
unlockSquare("booth-crawl");
}
}
);
PYTHON MICRO-PUZZLES
Collaborative Python notebooks provide accessible, bite-sized coding challenges. Decode hidden messages with base64, visualize conference data with matplotlib, crack ciphers, and map your team's journey using open-source GIS libraries — all within a guided notebook environment.
# Decode the secret message
import base64
encoded = "UmVuZGVyQVRMIDIwMjY="
decoded = base64.b64decode(encoded)
print(decoded.decode('utf-8'))
# Output: "RenderATL 2026"API-DRIVEN SECRET SQUARES
Hidden challenges are revealed through REST API calls. Teams learn to authenticate with badge tokens, chain multiple endpoints, and parse JSON responses to unlock secret squares containing exclusive conference perks, hidden workshops, and bonus networking opportunities.
// Chain API calls to unlock secrets
const token = await authenticate(badgeId);
const clue = await fetch('/api/quest/clue', {
headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${token}` }
});
const secret = await fetch(
`/api/quest/reveal/${clue.squareId}`
);
// 🎉 Secret square unlocked!
MODULAR TECH STACK
A lightweight, modular game engine built on Node.js where each bingo square is backed by mini-code challenges. Low-code and no-code options ensure accessibility for all skill levels.
Node.js
Lightweight modular engine powering each bingo square challenge
Python
Collaborative notebooks for data decoding & GIS mapping
REST APIs
API-driven reveals, webhooks, and real-time score updates
GIS Tools
Open-source mapping for location-based challenge unlocks
AI Tools
AI-assisted reels, highlights, and portfolio generation
Low-Code
No-code options ensuring every attendee can participate
2-HOUR IMMERSIVE SESSION
From power-on to grand finale, every minute is designed to maximize learning, connection, and content creation.
SESSION FORMAT
POWER ON
Introduction to the Scavenger Quest framework. Teams form, badges scan, game engine boots up.
CIRCUIT DESIGN
Walkthrough of the Node.js game engine architecture. Each team gets their bingo board loaded.
FIRST TRACES
Hands-on: Geolocation unlocks & Python micro-puzzles. Teams race to complete their first row.
API HANDSHAKE
Deep dive into API-driven secret squares. Teams learn to chain REST calls for hidden reveals.
AI DOCUMENTATION
Teams use AI tools to create highlight reels, portfolio pages, and shareable content from their journey.
GRAND FINALE
Teams present their completed boards, AI-generated content, and new connections. Awards ceremony.
WHAT YOU WALK AWAY WITH
By the end of this session, participants will have participated deeply in the culture of RenderATL with expanded technical skillsets, new friendships, and AI-enhanced content ready to share.
Technical Skills
Node.js, Python, REST APIs, GIS mapping, and AI content tools — all applied hands-on.
New Connections
Cross-company team building through collaborative puzzle solving and shared victories.
Portfolio Content
Walk away with AI-generated highlights, reels, and a conference portfolio page.
Conference Reels
Publishable content documenting your RenderATL journey, built collaboratively.
LET'S BUILD THE
FUTURE OF
CONFERENCE
ENGAGEMENT
The Scavenger Quest is a scalable, open-source framework for any technical community. Let's make "Collards and Code" an interactive reality at RenderATL 2026.