In this business simulation experience, each team takes the role of a rafting company hoping to lead a successful ‘first descent’ expedition down one of the world’s great rivers.

Teams must quickly learn the ropes and develop a strategy. They then embark on an (in-game) 15 day expedition down the river, where they aim to earn ‘feel good factors’ and ‘food cards’ by completing various challenges along the way. Ultimately, the team which can adapt to this exciting challenge, completing their expedition successfully and with the highest net profit, will win.

While it might seem quite simple, concealed within the game is a clever mechanism that requires teams to assess their understanding of customer satisfaction. To be successful, they must acknowledge how to value it and how to achieve it.

During the planning and execution stages, teams are also deliberately supplied with more information than any lone person can manage, so effective information management is crucial in creating the best outcome for clients. Further still, participants must also balance their budget to ensure the best customer experience is delivered while remaining profitable. All in all, River Runner might seem like a bit of fun, but the experiential learning runs deep.