One of the biggest challenges in planning a corporate event is figuring out how to dispel the awkwardness. It’s natural for everyone to feel nervous and hesitant initially, and it’s your job to figure out how to get them past it. How do you break the ice and help participants connect? Thankfully, there are many activities you can incorporate into your event that will facilitate networking, including:

Icebreaker Games

These are a staple of corporate events for a reason. Icebreakers are an easy way to kick off an event and dispel tension. It’s a quick and seamless activity that can give you a nice break from the meticulous prep and calculations involved in every other aspect of a corporate event.

Some popular icebreaker questions you can use include:

• “Never have I ever…”
• “What was your first job?”
• “How would you describe your position to a child?”
• “Would you rather start work later or leave earlier?”
• “What’s your favorite movie?”
• “What vacation spot is at the top of your bucket list?”
• “What was the best advice you’ve gotten about work?”
• “What song could you listen to all day without getting sick of it?”

Speed Networking

Speed networking is an efficient way to allow participants to start forming connections. Arrange participants in pairs or small groups and set a timer for just a few minutes before they move on to the next person and the timer resets. These quick interactions can enable relationships to form and insights to be shared in a light-hearted manner that participants are sure to remember.

Peer Workshops

For an activity that enhances the focus of the event, consider blocking time for workshops or skill-building sessions. Participants can show off their industry expertise by teaching others about the subjects they’ve become experts on. Workshops can help participants get to know each other and their positions better while encouraging networking among those in similar positions or with common interests.

Team-Building Exercises

Nothing brings people closer together than teamwork and a little competition. Pair participants up in groups and give them a challenge to solve, anything from riddles and trivia to a scavenger hunt. These can build connections and strengthen bonds, the effects of which can be felt in the workplace the next day.

Silent Disco

Maybe you want to lighten the mood and throw some fun into the mix with a music break – but that can be difficult to manage, especially since blasting music hampers a corporate event’s main purpose, which is to instigate conversations. However, it’s not impossible to achieve. A silent disco has all the fun of a party distilled into individual headphones, so those who want to jam and those who want to chat can do so in the same space without interference.

This activity can give you the energy-restoring fun you’re looking to instill into the event while enabling the flow of connection to continue. Our large and opulent ballroom venues can accommodate both activities seamlessly, giving everyone plenty of space so no one feels cramped.

Wine Tasting

Spice up your catering by offering a wine-tasting event in addition to ample food and drink selection. Hire a sommelier or display a selection of wines for participants to try. A wine-tasting break lets attendees form connections naturally while discussing their tastes. Our reputable caterers and vendors will give you dedicated service to ensure your participants are well-fed and replenished throughout the event.

Mix and Mingle

It’s also okay to let some of the networking happen naturally. Allowing time in the schedule for breaks with no activities where people can mingle and chat can facilitate connections with minimal planning, taking some of the weight off your shoulders.

Enjoy Our Gorgeous Ballrooms and Attentive Service for Your Corporate Event in Fairfax, VA

The luxurious ballrooms at CrystalView are both elegant and flexible, as they can be customized to fit your corporate event's theme while still providing top-quality linens, centerpieces and other decor to impress your participants. We’ll also ensure that your event is a stress-free experience, providing everything you’ll need to make the event a success, including catering, sound equipment, air conditioning and valet parking.

To book or schedule a tour of one of our ballrooms, call us today at (703) 218-4444 or complete our online contact form.