Icebreakers for the Big Event, Part 1: Museums and Galas

2. What is your favorite piece in the show?

Exhibitions do not feature only one work of art; there are likely dozens across several rooms. They might all be paintings. There might be sculptures and textiles as well. You need to have picked out a favorite piece before you ask the question. They tell you their favorite, and you reveal yours. You both chat about how you reached your decision.

Credit: Shutterstock

3. How long have you been a museum member?

You have established they are not an employee at the sponsoring firm or someone’s guest. Talking about length of membership gets people recalling the compelling shows the museum had in the past. You can draw out why they like the museum and why they have been involved for an extended time.

Credit: Adobe Stock

4. What is your role at the museum?

You might have learned earlier that they are a volunteer or on the professional staff. Dig into their role. Years ago, my wife and I attended an art exhibition at a gallery in The Hague, outside Amsterdam. We were introduced to someone, and when I asked what he does, he answered, “I work at the embassy.” If you are like me, you can think of only two embassy jobs: ambassador and spy! Being tactful, I asked: “Are you connected with your country’s trade mission?” He said: “Actually, no. I am the ambassador.” He produced his business card to prove it.

Credit: Adobe Stock

5. Did you see the last show on (topic)?

Museums occasionally stage blockbuster shows. They cost a lot to arrange, but they bring in crowds and get lots of publicity. People remember them because it puts the museum on the map. If you attended and they attended, you can talk about it.

Credit: Shutterstock

Charity Galas

You are attending a fundraiser for a local nonprofit. This might be a charity you support as a donor and volunteer. It might be one that your client supports, and you bought a ticket to show your support, as a sign of respect. You might be a guest of your client.

Credit: Adobe Stock

6. Is there anyone here you think I should meet?

This assumes you are with a client and not attending by yourself. If this is their favorite cause, they likely know the major players. Assuming that your client thinks you do a fine job for them, they will get the hint that you are looking for future business. Not only might they come up with a name or two, they will likely volunteer to walk you over and introduce you.

Credit: Adobe Stock

7. What other nonprofits do you support?

When chatting with another guest, it is obvious that you both believe in the mission of the organization enough to spend money to attend. Many people who are donors support several charities; they might even do the circuit of attending events during the spring and fall gala season. Although no one will admit it, this is part of playing see and be seen. They mention other nonprofits, and you mention a couple that you support. Maybe there is some overlap.

Credit: Adobe Stock

8. Are you bidding in the silent auction?

Charity events often follow a standard format that includes a live and silent auction. Years ago, the auction involved writing bids down on clipboards near each item. Today, most organizations do it via a smartphone app, meaning that people don’t need to crowd the display area. They get an alert when they have been outbid. You might be bidding too. Chat about the items that caught your attention.

Credit: Adobe Stock

9. How is the wine?

Most charity fundraisers feature an open bar. For some reason, they will stock top-shelf brands of liquor, yet buy cheap wine. Wine fans know what they are serving. Certain wines are ideal for large group settings because they are tasty without being so complex as to require concentration. If you are a wine fan and they are holding a glass of wine, ask their opinion.

Credit: Adobe Stock

10. Anything on the buffet you would recommend?

Most events feature a cocktail hour with either passed canapes or a table with cheeses, crudites and other appetizer-type food. If you see another guest with a small plate in their hand, they got to the buffet before you. Ask their opinion if anything is worth trying.

Credit: Adobe Stock

11. What do you think of the band?

Like weddings, some events include live music and dancing. Like weddings, everyone has an opinion about music. If the music is so obvious you cannot ignore it, ask their opinion. This icebreaker worked pretty well in the film “Love Actually.”

Credit: Adobe Stock