Ice Breaker Activities to Get People Networking

This isn't two truths and a lie. And it isn't team building.

It's an ice breaker activity that gets people mingling.

The goal is simple: get people talking to someone new.

And do it in a way that doesn't feel cringe.

How you run it depends on how much time you have.

• 15 to 20 minutes: a quick warm-up before your program.
• 45+ minutes: networking is the main event, and you want people to meet as many new faces as possible.

• It gives people a reason to go talk to someone.
• It gives them something to say when they get there.
• Nobody performs in front of the room.
• People move at their own pace.
• It mixes the whole room, not just the same tables.

If you only have 15 to 20 minutes, use Jam Bingo.

It gives people a reason to interact.

No one has to walk up to a stranger and wonder what to say.

• It gives you a conversation starter.
• You find someone to ask.
• You connect with them.
• It gives you your next prompt.

One prompt at a time, so guests always know their next move.

You can add your own conversation prompts to the game.

Each person receives a random mix of them.

So two guests rarely chase the same prompt at the same time.

Need ideas? Start from a Jam Bingo template.

• 0 to 2 minutes: put the QR code on screen and have everyone join on their phone.
• 2 to 3 minutes: explain it in one line: 'Find someone who matches your prompt, then scan to connect.'
• 3 to 15 minutes: let people play.
• 15 minutes: call time and move into your program.

• As guests arrive, so early birds aren't standing alone.
• Right before a keynote or panel, to warm up the room.
• At the start of a happy hour, so people don't stick to their coworkers.
• During a break between sessions.

With 45 minutes or more, networking is the main event.

You want people to meet as many new people as possible.

The activity is still Jam Bingo.

It gives people an incentive to talk with someone new.

It's an informal networking game that gets people talking.

And with more time, guests keep going prompt after prompt.

• It gives you a conversation starter.
• You find someone to ask.
• You connect with them.
• It gives you your next prompt.

You can add your own conversation prompts to the game.

Each person receives a random mix of them.

Over 45 minutes, that means fresh conversations, not the same question on repeat.

• 0 to 5 minutes: welcome everyone and put the QR code on screen.
• 5 to 40 minutes: free play. Guests find people, connect and get new prompts.
• Halfway: shout out the leaderboard to bring the energy back up.
• 40 to 45 minutes: call time and celebrate the top players.

• As the main networking block of a mixer or meetup.
• At a conference reception, so attendees meet beyond their own company.
• At a members social, so new members meet regulars.
• With a small prize for the top players.
• With prompts tied to your industry or event theme.

Want a full plan for a longer slot? See this gamification activity for a 1-hour networking session.

One sentence is enough. The game explains itself once people start.

Standing tables keep people moving. Seats keep them parked.

Call time while the room is still loud. That's how guests remember it as fun.

Ready to try it? See how Jam Bingo works!