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75 Conversation Starters That Work at Every Business Event

To succeed at business events you need to acquire the skill of starting interesting, meaningful conversations and also keep those conversations flowing. We know, it’s not an easy task because we’ve all felt that uncomfortable feeling at these events.

It’s not easy to walk into a room full of strangers and strike up genuine conversations with them. But knowing the best conversation starters for several different situations can help you make real, authentic connections.

That’s where this article comes in, we’ll show you why it’s important to start conversations and more importantly give you a list of ways that you can instigate a conversation at any networking event.

Why Is It Important To Start Conversations At Business Events?

When you walk into a conference hall or business event it can be quite daunting. The room is full of people that you have never seen before and definitely don’t know.

Plus, you know that the only way you’re going to achieve your goals from the event is to strike up conversations with other attendees. The best way to do that is to have a few conversation starters in your repertoire to help you to break the ice and get talking.

This will help you to not only start a conversation, but also deepen any discussions with the use of the right follow up questions.

Ice Breakers For Use At General Business Events

Let’s start with a few simple starters that can be used at any business networking event;

1. This place looks great, have you been here before?
2. Do you know the speaker?
3. Why did you choose to attend this event?
4. Why did you choose that particular area of business?
5. What interesting projects are you working on?
6. Did you have to travel far to get here?
7. Do you enjoy these events?
8. I like your tie/top/jacket. Where did you get it?
9. How long have you been at your company?
10. The food looks great, can you recommend anything?
11. What’s your role in the company?
12. What’s the best thing about your job?

Ice Breakers For Corporate Events

Going to corporate business events can be challenging especially if you go alone and don’t know anyone. Here are a few icebreakers to get your conversations started.

1. Have you been here before?
2. This event has a great theme, don’t you think?
3. How did you hear about this event?
4. How was your journey?
5. Can you tell me when the next session is going to start?
6. What do you enjoy about these types of events?
7. Have you tried the food yet, what would you recommend?
8. Hello, my name is [your name] and I work for [company]
9. Have you learned anything interesting so far?
10. Have you met anyone of interest yet?

Ice Breakers For Conferences

Conferences are great for asking questions that can lead to some interesting discussions. Here are a few questions to break the ice;

1. What did you think of that last speaker?
2. If that was you up there, what would you talk about?
3. What made you come to this conference?
4. Will you come back next year?
5. If you’d organised this conference is there anything you would have done differently?
6. What have you learned so far today?
7. Which of the speakers has inspired you the most so far?
8. I’m not sure whether to go to the [whatever] session, are you going to that one?
9. Do you go to many conferences?
10. What other conferences have you been to?
11. How does this one compare to the others that you’ve been to?
12. Are there any of the speakers that you’d like to meet?
13. Do you know how many people are attending this conference?
14. Do you think we need more or less conferences as an industry?
15. This conference seems to be dragging on, or is it just me?
16. Does your company host any conferences?
17. Have you been to this city before?
18. Are you with a group, or did you come on your own?
19. Are you going to any other conferences later in the year?
20. Have you been to any other conferences recently?
21. Have you travelled far to get here?
22. Are you stopping over or travelling back tonight?
23. Do you get many customers from recommendations or mainly online?
24. What’s the most difficult thing about your business?
25. Have you any big plans for your business in the near future?
26. What type of customers are you looking for?

Ice Breakers For Networking Events

To get the best from networking events, you need to know how to start a conversation and how to keep it going. Here are a few icebreakers for networking events;

1. Hello, I’m [name] from [company] and I am a [job description], what do you do?
2. I really like your [tie/suit/shoes] where did you get it/them?
3. Where do you work?
4. What made you attend this event?
5. Have you been to this event before?
6. Did you struggle to park or did you come by train?
7. Will you come back next year?
8. I’ve been looking forward to this event for some time, how about you?
9. Do you mind if I talk to you?
10. How long have you worked at your current job?
11. Have you looked round the exhibits yet?
12. What do you think of the decor of this place?
13. What would you normally be doing at this time of day?
14. What’s the best thing about your job?
15. What interesting projects are you currently working on?
16. Where did you work before?
17. Is there anything about your old job that you miss?
18. What do you think of the food?
19. Have you learned anything interesting since you’ve been here?
20. Are you with a group, or did you come alone?

Ice Breakers For Social Business Events

Attending social business events or conference after parties can be a great way to connect with new contacts. But as always, you need to instigate conversations. Here are a few starters to break the ice;

1. What’s the food like?
2. If this was your party, what would the playlist contain?
3. Do you know many people here?
4. Who is your inspiration?
5. Have you got any more events lined up in the near future?
6. Do you follow anyone in particular in this industry?
7. What did you want to do when you were younger?
8. Which book has had the largest impact on your career?
9. Where’s your favourite holiday destination?
10. Who spoke to you the most out of all of the speakers today?
11. Do you listen to any business related podcasts, who’s your favourite?
12. Which industry related blogs do you follow?
13. What would you say was the most important skill in your industry?
14. What would you say is the most interesting fact about your company?
15. What do you do outside of work?
16. Have you been on any work related courses lately?
17. What’s the latest trend in your industry?
18. What would you be doing if you never worked in this industry?
19. What’s your opinion of these types of parties?
20. Does your company have any traditions?

Follow Up Questions

These are perfect for deepening a conversation once you’ve broken the ice, especially if you want to move from casual chit-chat into something a little more meaningful without feeling forced.

If You’re Talking About Their Role Or Company

1. What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?
2. How did you find your way into that industry?
3. What’s a typical day like for you, or is there no such thing?
4. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in your field recently?

If You’re Chatting About The Event Itself

1. Was there a talk or topic that really stood out for you?
2. Have you met anyone interesting so far?
3. Are there any exhibitors or sessions you’re especially excited about?

For Building Rapport

1. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
2. If you weren’t in this industry, what do you think you’d be doing?
3. Any hidden talents or surprising hobbies?

These kinds of questions show genuine interest, keep the conversation flowing, and give people space to talk about what matters to them which is always a good thing.

Tips For Breaking The Ice At Business Events

Let’s look at some general tips and tricks for getting conversations started at those business networking events that can feel so awkward;

Smile & Make Eye Contact

The main reason why we feel so awkward at these events is that we don’t know anyone. By making eye contact and smiling at someone, you are showing them that you no longer want to consider them to be a stranger. You want to move them into the friend zone.

Go Alone

You’ll find it easier to connect with new people if you attend these types of events alone. If you go in a group, you’re less likely to approach anyone outside of the group. But on your own, you’ll have to force yourself to strike up conversations with strangers.

Ask Real Questions

Try to stay away from the trite and obvious questions like “do you live around here?” or “how’s the food?” Instead ask questions like “Have you travelled far to get here today?”

Ask Genuine Questions

One of the best ways to get people to open up in a conversation is to ask them a genuine question about their industry. For instance you might be talking to an online marketer.

Coincidentally, you don’t understand anything about GDPR and can ask them to explain it to you in simple terms. Or maybe you’re considering getting a brief manual printed up for prospective clients but you’re concerned about the expense.

And you just happen to come across a publisher or printer at the event. Ask them about whether it’s a good idea or not, they’ll be able to give you at least some idea of the costs involved.

Don’t Forget About Your Body Language

Starting a conversation is only half the battle, but the way you physically present yourself can either invite or repel people, without you ever opening your mouth. You should stand looking open and relaxed. If you stand with your arms folded or keep looking at your phone, you will come across as unapproachable.

You should also move and angle yourself slightly when someone new joins your group. This shows them that they’re welcome to join in. Don’t forget to use gentle nods and facial reactions to show you’re listening, they’re small but powerful cues that encourage people to keep sharing.

Don’t Be Offended If They Don’t Ask About You

The most important thing here is that you have someone that’s talking to you. Sure you would like them to know more about you, but let them speak for a while first. And most importantly, listen intently to what they’re saying and ask as many relevant questions as you can.

After they’ve been speaking for some time, they’ll realise that they’re the only one talking and then they’ll ask you about yourself. By that point they’ll have warmed to you because you actually listened to them and never just asked inane questions to break the ice.

You will have made a genuine connection that might or might not help you in the future. But at these types of events you want to encourage others to speak about themselves. Because that’s how you will learn useful tips and tricks on how to further your own business.

Added to which, long after the event has finished, it will be you that they remember the most because you really listened to them and asked genuine questions that showed you really were interested in what they were saying.

Common Pitfalls To Avoid

Now let’s take a brief look at what not to do when trying to instigate icebreaking conversations at business events;

• Don’t jump straight into a pitch
  No one wants to feel like they’re being sold something in the first five minutes of a conversation.
• Avoid hogging the conversation
  Try not to go off on a 10 minute monologue about your product launch.
• Don’t excessively name drop
  It’s fine to mention connections naturally, but it shouldn’t feel like a CV reading session.
• Don’t talk too much about yourself
  It’s natural to want to share what you do, especially if you’re passionate about it. But conversations should feel like a game of catch, not a monologue. If you notice you’re doing all the talking, pull back a bit and ask a question.
• Don’t be constantly looking at your phone
  Even if you’re checking the schedule or taking notes, it can make you look disinterested or unapproachable. Try to stay present and in the moment, save the scrolling for the train home.
• Don’t interrupt or jump in too quickly
  In your eagerness to connect, be careful not to talk over someone or finish their sentences. People really appreciate being listened to, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a lasting impression.
• Try to remember names
  We’ve all been there, but try repeating the person’s name when you first meet them to help it stick. Or jot down a quick note after the conversation ends if you’re collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections.
• Don’t hover awkwardly around groups
  It’s fine to join existing conversations, but do it naturally. Wait for a pause, smile, and ask “Mind if I join you?” instead of just hanging around hoping someone will notice you.

Why These Starters Matter

Here’s a brief true story that demonstrates just how important these brief icebreakers can be;

The Conversation That Changed Everything

A few years ago, I was at a large industry conference alone. I didn’t know a single person there and honestly, I felt completely out of place. At one point, I was standing awkwardly by the coffee station when I noticed someone fumbling with the lid on their cup. I simply said, “These lids always win, don’t they?”

They laughed, and that one line turned into a 20 minute conversation about the challenges of working in our industry. Turns out, they were a senior manager at a company I’d been hoping to connect with for months. A few emails later, I was invited to pitch for a contract. and eventually landed the project.

That moment taught me something, you never know who you’re talking to, or where a simple, friendly comment might lead. All it takes is the courage to say something small to open a much bigger door.

We All Need To Network Successfully

To become successful in business, we all need to learn the very real art of networking. Having a few icebreakers up your sleeve is a great way to get the conversations flowing.

It takes practice and dedication but you will soon be making contacts at every event you attend.

SEE ALSO: How to Find Business Conferences Near You

Frequently Asked Questions