Why Galas Need a Networking Game
At most galas, guests arrive with the people at their table and spend the cocktail hour talking to them. Donors don't meet the program staff, first-time guests don't meet board members, and nobody hears the stories behind the mission until the speeches start. A networking game gives guests a reason to walk up to someone new before dinner.
Jam Bingo sends prompts to each guest's phone, like 'Find someone who has seen our programs in person and ask for their favorite story.' After each conversation, guests scan each other's QR codes to unlock the next prompt. It fits a formal evening — no cards, pens, or props — and guests only need their phone.
How Does Gala Networking Game Work?
Gala Networking Game runs on Jam Bingo—the simple, interactive networking activity. It is not a card, it has no squares, and attendees do not fill anything out. Here’s what each attendee does:
- 1
Scan to join
Attendees scan the event’s Jam Bingo QR code (or enter the game code). It runs in the phone’s browser—nothing to download.
- 2
Get a conversation prompt
Each person receives a conversation prompt on their phone, like a question to ask someone new.
- 3
Find someone and talk
They find someone who fits the prompt, have the conversation, then scan that person’s QR code (or enter their code) to unlock the next prompt.
- 4
Repeat and connect
Every connection is saved, and the leaderboard shows who met the most new people—perfect for prizes.
Try the Jam Bingo Demo
See exactly what your attendees will experience. Scan the QR code with your phone, or use game code QW40PM.
How to Use the Gala Networking Game at Your Event
Follow these steps to set up and run the gala networking game for your own event.
- 01Step 1
Write Prompts Around Your Mission
Mix light prompts ('Find someone who came with a first-time guest') with prompts that surface your impact ('Find someone who has volunteered with our programs and ask what they saw').
TipAsk staff and board members to be ready for prompts about the mission — they become the storytellers. - 02Step 2
Put the QR Code Where Guests Wait
Add it to the welcome sign, bar signage, and table cards. Guests join with just their name.
TipHave your emcee announce it once at the start of the cocktail hour. - 03Step 3
Recognize Top Connectors
Run it through the cocktail hour, then recognize the guests who met the most people before dinner starts.
TipA small prize or a mention from the stage is plenty.
Ready to Use the Gala Networking Game at Your Event?
Create a Jam Bingo, add your own prompts, and get a QR code for your event. You’ll be directed to the Create Account page first.
Have questions? Book a 15-minute demo.
Where to Use Gala Networking Game
Fundraising Galas
Get guests mingling across tables during the cocktail hour.
- Donors meet staff and board members
- First-time guests feel welcome
- Fits a formal evening
Donor Receptions
Help donors connect with each other and with the people behind your mission.
- Stories shared one-on-one
- Builds relationships between donors
- Easy to run in any venue
Charity Auctions & Benefit Dinners
Warm up the room before the auction so guests arrive at their seats already talking.
- More energy before the ask
- Mixes guests across tables
- No props or printing
Gala Networking Game vs. an Unstructured Cocktail Hour
| Feature | Unstructured Cocktail Hour | Gala Networking Game |
|---|---|---|
| Who guests talk to | Their own table | Donors, staff, board members, and new guests |
| Mission stories | Saved for the speeches | Shared in one-on-one conversations |
| First-time guests | Often stand alone | Have a reason to start conversations |
| Fits a formal event | Yes | Yes — just a phone, no props |
| Setup | None | Write prompts and show a QR code |
Example Prompts for Gala Networking Game
Taken from the Fundraising Gala template. Use them as a starting point, then adapt them to your group.
Make people move
Start prompts with "Find someone who…" so each one sends players across the room to a new person, not back to their own table.
Mix easy and deeper prompts
Open with quick, observable prompts (something they're wearing, where they're from), then add a few that lead to a real story.
Keep them inclusive
Avoid prompts about money, looks, or anything someone could feel left out of. Everyone should be able to answer at least half of them.
Match the length of your event
Around 12–16 prompts fits a 30-minute game. More prompts than time just leaves people unfinished.
- 1
Find someone attending this gala for the first time and ask them what brought them tonight
- 2
Find someone who has volunteered with our programs and ask them what they saw that stayed with them
- 3
Find someone who works or volunteers for a different cause and ask them what drew them to it
- 4
Find someone sitting at a different table and ask them how they first heard about our mission
- 5
Find someone who has been supporting the organization for more than five years and ask them what has changed
- 6
Find a staff or board member and ask them for their favorite story from this year
- 7
Find someone who came with a friend or partner and ask them how they convinced them to come
- 8
Find someone who has a personal connection to the cause and ask them what it means to them
- 9
Find someone who has been to a memorable gala or benefit before and ask them what made it special
- 10
Find someone who is excited about a specific program and ask them why
- 11
Find someone who has a talent they could donate to a charity auction and ask them what it would be
- 12
Find someone who grew up in a different city and ask them what community cause matters most there
See all 15 prompts in the Fundraising Gala template · Browse all templates
Other Platforms Like Jam Bingo
Jam Bingo is designed to help people actually get to know each other, not just exchange names. Unlike icebreaker games that focus on quick interactions or surface-level fun, Jam Bingo is built around meaningful conversations that make it easier for people to open up, find common ground, and build real relationships.
| Features | Jam Bingo | Hoogo | SocialPoint.io | Booth Bingo | Eventgamification.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paperless (QR Code Digital) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Branding | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Conversation Prompt | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Meaningful & Intentional Connections | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Contact Sharing (Email, Instagram, Linkedin, etc) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Each person gets a list of everyone they connected with, including contact information and conversations they had. | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Introduction Forum | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Auto Introductions ("Introduce Me") | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good networking activity for a fundraising gala?
One that fits a formal evening and gets guests talking beyond their own table. Jam Bingo sends conversation prompts to guests' phones during the cocktail hour, so donors, board members, staff, and new guests meet each other before dinner.
Will a game feel out of place at a formal gala?
Not if the prompts fit the evening. There are no cards or props — guests just use their phone between conversations. Prompts about your mission and guests' stories feel natural at a gala.
When should we run it?
During the cocktail hour or reception, before guests sit down for dinner and speeches.
Do guests need to download an app?
No. Guests scan a QR code with their phone camera and join with just their name.
Can prompts connect guests to our programs?
Yes. You write the prompts, so you can point guests toward staff, volunteers, and program participants who can share stories about your impact.
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