Ice-Breakers. I've got a cracker for you

Indirect Ice-Breakers

Because you are 'entertaining' strangers you are constantly 'breaking the ice'. Ideally it should start at the beginning of the event and never stop.

As people approach the venue they should be 'greeted' by signs or people that make them feel welcomed

Then as they enter the actual event space

Then engaged throughout the by hosts, display tables, 1 minute videos ...

The more options you have the greater the chance they will return next time to see what they missed

The more engaged the attendees are, the more successful the event

Direct Ice-Breakers

Deep down everyone wants to have fun at an event. People are scared to Mix n Mingle. It's your job to provide the conditions in which it's EASY to Mix n Mingle

Balloon Hats

I once hired a clown to make different crazy Balloon Hats for a small group of strangers. It's hard to feel intimidated when everyone has a colorful wobbly hat

Christmas Party for 20 Small Local Businesses

A large room in a resort, 20 large tables. The event starts with the Host (me) announcing, "I have 2 bottles of expensive champagne here for the table that makes the most noise when I read out your business name"

After all the names were read, the ICE was well and truly broken AND each table new which Business was next to them. The energy went from ZERO to HERO. The night was a brilliant success

Which Side of Town

Divide the room into groups (where people are from, north, south, east, west?) and play a game where interaction is necessary