It is your job to organize an event where attendees can have a good time - like a really good time. That usually means mingling, chatting, laughing, and engaging event guests. So, as the event planner, when you spot event guests glued to their devices or sitting alone, it’s a problem. But you can get creative with new icebreaker activities that encourage guests to start engaging the moment they walk through the venue door. Get inspired by these brilliant event activities, designed to help break the ice for guests and amplify attendee engagement in a big way.
1. Interactive Icebreaker Activities (It’s Human Bingo!)
Skip the tedious and yawn-worth events of yesteryear. Instead, introduce some event activities that encourage guest interaction without being contrived. Enter, Human Bingo. To play, attendees casually mingle with each other. However, while mingling, they must look for other attendees who match specific descriptions on their bingo cards. Other examples include activities that encourage attendees to move about and have the option of working together as they play trivia, work through a puzzle-solving challenge, or compete in a scavenger hunt.
2. Technology-Driven Icebreakers
Use technology to encourage interaction over isolation. Event apps can create a gamification effect that ignites the competitiveness of attendees. Include challenges that encourage attendees to communicate with each other to complete milestones. For more structured events, technology can assist with attendee connection. Use it for Q&A and polling, too. And having live responses from attendees will spark discussions. (These are great for those guests who can’t part with their devices, as well.)
3. Creative and Visual Activities
Encourage connections among attendees by giving them creative or visual activities to participate in. A popular example is a themed photo booth with props. Small groups of attendees group together to use the props and take fun photos. People can come together with fun ideas for different photo-ops. For more elevated events, consider adding a collaborative art wall. This idea works well for events that have a charitable cause. Set up a large canvas and encourage attendees to contribute to decorating it.
For branded events, encourage attendees to collaborate while getting creative with swag stations. A sponsoring brand can provide its promotional products. Then, attendees can customize the clothing, accessories, or other products. Attendees can make connections while customizing their items. They are also more likely to keep the promotional item after the event.
4. Food-Centric Icebreakers
People come together around a good meal. Capitalize on this by creating food-centric icebreakers. Event attendees will be more likely to interact with the food and each other as they explore the stunning menu selection. Set up tasting stations or interactive pairing stations. Attendees can talk to each other about the different pairings and which ones they enjoy.
Another option is to set up a build-your-own bar. Event attendees can have fun together as they collaborate to assemble the perfect taco, ramen bowl, cocktail, pizza, hot dog, sushi, or raw oyster bar. Work with a NYC caterer that specializes in these types of experiences.
5. Team-Oriented Challenges
Encourage interaction and connection by grouping event attendees and giving them challenges. Challenge the groups to free themselves from an escape room. Set up mini scenarios that teams must collaborate to achieve. Encouraging competition with team-building creates the perfect opportunity for greater communication among the small groups. Stronger connections are established, making networking events more effective and connections longer lasting.
Spark Connections at All Your Events
Fostering connections at your event starts with thoughtful, engaging activities. Whether it’s icebreakers like human bingo, food-focused experiences, or team challenges like escape rooms, these ideas make connecting easy for attendees. Technology also plays a role, with tools like gamified apps and interactive Q&A sessions enhancing engagement.
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