100 Easy Conversation Starters for Networking Events

40 Great conversation starters in social settings

Once you’ve successfully used these conversation starters to engage in small talk at networking events, you can then continue the conversation by asking more casual questions to build further rapport, such as the following, grouped by topic:

Conversation starters about goals:

Most people have hopes to achieve, both inside and outside work. Talking about goals can be a great way to bond with others and announcing these ambitions can keep people motivated to improve or make progress towards achieving their goals. Here are some questions you can ask, as well as share a little about your personal development plans so you can plan or celebrate together:

• What are the top three things on your bucket list?

This may seem like an odd question, but deep conversation starters like this may produce common ground between you and the other person.

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

This is a great way to listen carefully to the advice mentioned, thank the person for sharing it, and respond in a way that you will remember that advice in the future.

• What do you think is your hidden talent?
• Who do you respect the most?
• What is one thing you would like to improve at work?

This is a great opportunity to mention your best work qualities if someone else mentions something that your business excels at.

Light personal questions as conversation starters:

Sometimes conversations that are too political, too personal, or revolve around gossip can get heated, and it’s often best to avoid topics that are too controversial until you’ve built a relationship with someone and know how they’ll react. Instead, discuss subjects that can raise follow-up questions without making the other person uncomfortable, such as:

• What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?
• Do you have pets?
• Are you feeling irritated because of work?

A great way to avoid saying something in response that doesn’t benefit the other person.

• Do you know many people at this event?

The answer to this question lets you mention whether you are a newcomer and would like to be introduced to others for networking purposes.

• Have you tried the food? Any recommendations?
• Who do you respect the most?
• How’s your day so far?

This is a polite and simple way to get answers from others. This gives you the opportunity to respond with words of encouragement if your day isn’t going well.

• Do you have a childhood dream job?
• What are your plans for retirement?
• Can you survive without checking your phone for at least an hour?

This may elicit a simple “yes” or “no” answer but will probably trigger further explanation for anyone who is unable to disconnect the phone.

• What three words best describe your work attitude?

The answers to these questions provide a glimpse into the work environment. If the person responds with the words stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed, it’s probably not a good place to work.

• If you had enough money to not work, what would you do for fun?
• Do you commute to work or work remotely?

It’s a good idea to see whether the company requires its employees to work in-house, hybrid, or allows fully remote work opportunities.

• What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Conversation starters about holidays and holidays:

People like to travel or take time off to unwind. Travel is an exciting and engaging topic of conversation because it brings a sense of bonding and excitement to the conversation. You can ask about previous trips or upcoming travel plans as this offers an opportunity to bond over a common destination, or simply focus on thoughts of rest and relaxation.

• Where did you go on your last holiday?

This is just a fun question that can lead to similarities such as vacationing at the beach or in the mountains, camping at home or traveling abroad.

• What is one thing you can’t live without?
• Living in the mountains or living by the sea – which would you choose?
• What’s your favorite holiday?
• Does the company celebrate holidays or seasonal events?

If you’re interested in a company that holds fun events like summer employee meetings or vacations, you’ll get the answer from someone in the know.

• Are you traveling on business?

If you’re looking for insight into business travel requirements, the answers to these questions may yield an honest perspective on travel potential.

• What’s the best place you’ve ever visited for business?
• What’s the longest business trip you’ve ever taken?

The answers can help you determine whether a business trip with a particular company might be more than you are looking for or anticipating.

• Are you moving for a big business opportunity?

This gives you insight into whether the person you’re talking to is moving on to work at your current company, making the company more worth following.

Conversation starters about hobbies:

Hobbies are one of the most popular talking points. Learning what people like to do in their free time can help you understand and appreciate them as individuals and can provide opportunities for future conversations. Here are some suggestions:

• What’s your favorite movie of all time?
• What about your favorite book?
• What’s your favorite song?
• What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
• Are you a morning person or an evening person?
• Who is your favorite author?
• What TV shows are you loving right now?
• Do you have a favorite sport?
• Do you have a favorite podcast?
• What’s your favorite type of music?
• Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
• Do you like playing party games?