It’s not every day that a producer from The Today Show reaches out about a top-secret team-building event. But for me, the founder of cityHUNT, that’s exactly what happened.
I was tapped to create a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt for Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager to celebrate their reunion after maternity leave.
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The Big Call
When the initial email came through, there was a moment of disbelief. We get reached out to all the time with crazy stuff, so we didn’t think it was real at first. But it was very real.
The Today Show was looking for a fun, engaging way to help Hoda and Jenna bond after being apart for a significant time. It was so cool that they came to us as a way to bond and come back together.
Watch Now
Watch the 5 min segment below, or click here to watch it on Today’s website.
Behind The Scenes
Planning an event with a major network involves some serious logistics. The cityHUNT team worked closely with The Today Show’s producer to map out the perfect scavenger hunt around Rockefeller Center.
The day of the event was a flurry of activity, complete with a full camera crew, dedicated security, and even a secret video clue filmed by a famous personality from Dateline NBC to add a special surprise for Hoda and Jenna. There was a lot of pre-work that went in. We worked with their producers, and the whole thing was just a really fun prep process.
Contagious Energy
On the day of the shoot, the energy was electric. Hoda and Jenna arrived in matching team uniforms, pumped and ready to compete. I just remember how excited I was when I came out to meet them. The three of us just clicked right away. They were so excited, and I was so excited.
That genuine enthusiasm made the event a massive success. The positive energy was palpable, creating a fun-filled atmosphere that translated perfectly on screen.
A Lasting Impact
The five-minute segment was a phenomenal moment for the company. Being featured on a show as iconic as The Today Show provided incredible credibility and exposure.
To be on The Today Show and have a five-minute segment about the game was just phenomenal. The timing was poignant; this career high occurred in December 2019, just a few months before the world shut down due to the pandemic. While the immediate momentum was cut short, the experience remains a powerful and cherished milestone for the cityHUNT.
Conclusion
The scavenger hunt for Hoda and Jenna is a perfect example of how a shared, fun experience can bring people together in a meaningful way. It’s a testament to the power of play and connection.
Watch Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager compete against their assistants, Cate and Kathy Ryan, in a team-building scavenger hunt ahead of their post-maternity leave reunion.
PS: I was featured too!
