Why a Facilitated Game Night Is Worth It: The Value of Professional Hosting

Holly Hartman
May 4
2 min read

The “We Can Do It Ourselves” Assumption

“Can’t we just bring a few board games from home?”It’s a fair question—and one we hear often. After all, how hard can it be to open a game box, read the rules, and get started?

But what seems like a casual idea quickly turns into confusion, frustration, or awkward silence. That’s where professional facilitation changes everything.

Here’s Why Facilitated Game Nights Are Different (and Better):

✅ 1. We Curate the Right Games for Your Team

Not every game is suited for every group. We match your team’s size, personality, and goals with the right blend of strategy, creativity, and fun.

No guesswork. No mismatched games. Just the right experience for your group.

✅ 2. We Handle the Setup and Flow

The most common DIY mistake? Dead air. That awkward time spent figuring out rules, explaining mechanics, or waiting on someone to read the instructions.

We guide your team through smooth transitions, quick intros, and a paced experience that feels effortless (because we’ve done it hundreds of times).

✅ 3. Everyone Gets to Participate—Even the Planner

When someone on your staff runs the event, they don’t actually get to enjoy the event.

A hosted session means your entire team gets to relax, play, and connect—including the HR pro, admin, or team lead who usually bears the weight.

✅ 4. We Watch the Energy in the Room

A good host can sense when a game’s dragging or when the room needs to switch gears.

We adjust on the fly to keep everyone engaged—so nobody checks out or feels left out.

It's not just about games—it's about managing group dynamics.

✅ 5. We Bring the Confidence (and the Fun)

Some people are intimidated by games. Others are worried about looking “bad” in front of coworkers.

A skilled host makes it safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone—no matter their role, comfort level, or experience with gaming.

🧠 Think of It Like This…

You could host a dinner party with frozen pizza and paper plates.Or you could hire a chef who brings fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a vibe your guests remember for months.

Both are technically “dinner.” But one leaves a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

If you’re investing in a team event, make it count. Don’t just bring games—bring an experience.

Let us host your next team event, retreat, or onboarding experience.

We’ll handle the games, the energy, and the engagement. You just show up and enjoy. 👉 Book Your Team Event with GTG »

👥 About the Facilitators

Good Tabletop Gaming (GTG) is led by Matthew Bielanski and Holly Hartman, two experienced facilitators who bring professionalism, play, and people-first values to every event.

🎲 Matthew Bielanski is a lifelong gamer and seasoned Game Master with over 20 years of experience running RPG campaigns, organizing game conventions, and hosting strategic corporate play sessions.
🌟 Holly Hartman is a multi–award-winning community builder, certified group facilitator, and leadership expert with over 250+ hosted events. She’s known for blending fun with strategy, inclusion, and intentional design.

Together, they turn simple game nights into culture-shifting experiences that help teams reconnect—no screens, no stress.