Parasitoid Games
The Parasitoid Games is a game of tag loosely based on the popular campus game Humans vs. Zombies. Everyone who is participating in the game is both a parasitoid and a potential host for all the other parasitoids. Each person will try to sneak a sticker onto the other players without raising their suspicions. These games are a great excuse to meet people at the Annual Meeting whose path you may not otherwise cross. We encourage you to take advantage of these interactions to network with as many people as possible and discover where these newfound connections can take you in your career!
Registration will open in fall 2025.
Equipment
- Participant sticker (should be placed on your upper right corner of your badge)
- Parasitism stickers
- A smartphone with access to the tracker form a link in your email address.
Stickers will be available for pick-up from a SAC member in the Exhibit Hall, Sunday, November 10. If you run out of stickers you can receive more from the table set up in the Exhibit Hall or from any Parasitoid Games committee member.
A full list of all the players can be found via an emailed link, and you will track all the parasitized people a form in your email.
Active Zones (War Zone)
Exhibit Hall (Monday, 8am-5pm & Tuesday, 8am-5pm)
Parasitoid Games Rules
- Stickers must be deposited on the host person, clothing, apparel, or personal items that are directly connected (i.e. backpack, bags, and umbrella).
- Recommended areas of parasitism are the shoulder, arms, the back, and personal items.
- Be mindful when placing the stickers (e.g. gentle placing).
- Once the host has been successfully parasitized, the parasitoid must introduce themselves and confirm the parasitism with the host.
- Get the parasitized person’s ID number (you can see on the participant’s badge) to avoid misspelling names.
- If you get caught in the act, you must introduce yourself and are not allowed to attempt to parasitize that person again for 15 minutes following the failed attempt; but you may try again following the conclusion of the 15-minute duration.
- You cannot successfully parasitize the same host more than once.
- You are responsible for keeping track of whom you parasitize via the tracking form while the parasitism is happening.
- Don’t be an aphid, aphids lose this game.
The one who parasitizes the most hosts wins a prize!
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas for improving this game next year, please do not hesitate and contact the Student Affairs Committee!