Cocktail parties are the place where attendees can finally unwind and network after the meeting is over. But sometimes, they don’t feel like talking, especially when that’s what they’ve been doing all day.
They just want to have fun.
These 15 interactive activities will inject a dose of fun into that space between the meeting and dinner, and are perfect for attendees of all ages.
1. Wine Blending
Instead of wine tasting, why not get the attendees into the action? All you need is three different wines blended at different levels to create unique flavors. Invite guests to sit at a wine bar, where a sommelier will explain the subtleties of the blends, and then help them create their own vintages.
2. Indoor Climbing Wall
Though not everyone will be brave enough to give it a go, a portable climbing wall will set the stage for an active evening. Just be sure to tell attendees to dress appropriately.
3. Interactive Photo Opp
Take the standard static photo opp to the next level by providing a variety of costumes and props, which can reflect the destination or the meeting theme. Then let attendees get creative and take selfies. Or you can provide instamatic cameras, or bring in a photographer for the occasion. Hair and makeup stylists can take the experience up another notch.
4. Bowling Alley
There are rental companies that specialize in bringing the lanes to you for a portable bowling experience. Theme the food to fit the occasion, with sliders, hot dogs, fries, and, of course, beer on tap.
5. Team Mural
Have attendees add their artistic touch to a set of big canvases using paint or large markers. This project needs to be well thought-out to ensure that everyone who wants to can participate and still create a finished product in a realistic amount of time. Decide if it’s a piece you plan to transport back to the office to be put on display, or if it will serve as a temporary art installation for the remainder of the conference.
6. Virtual Reality Games
Virtual reality is exciting at any age, and it takes very little space or equipment to add it to an event. Set up a VR space using headsets and controllers and transport attendees into another world. You can also tailor the VR to be company-specific, or use it for team building.
7. Perfume Blending
Create a make-your-own perfume experience, where attendees start by identifying their favorite scent profiles (warm, woody, oriental, and fresh) and a scent expert creates a custom blend that they can take home with them.
8. Make Your Own Bracelets
Even men seem to enjoy sitting at the bracelet bar, where they can choose from a variety of Pandora-style charms to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Choose charms that reflect the destination, such as a beach theme.
9. Green Screen
Create a small green screen area where attendees can change their backgrounds to create a setting that suits them, then record video snippets to post online.
10. Vintage Arcade and Video Games
An arcade corner with games such as Pac Man, Space Invaders, and old-fashioned pinball will be a guaranteed hit with attendees from that era, (as well as the younger ones, who might never have encountered them).
11. Ball Pit
Ball pits aren’t just kids — and attendees will never forget the meeting where they got to play in one. You can create a big pit, or an entire room. Incorporate a team-building game or activity by hiding things in the ball pit and challenging teams or attendees to find them quickly.
12. Mini-Golf
Ideal for a resort setting, create a course with various obstacles and challenges that weaves through the cocktail party. Players can keep score, with those with the lowest scores winning prizes at the end.
13. Psychics
Psychics, palm readers, and tarot card readers might not be something attendees would try at home, but they might be more willing to try in a setting like a party. Set up appointment schedules for the practitioners, and create seating where others can watch.
14. Henna Tattoos
Tattoos are popular with all ages, and add an elegant touch to an evening reception. Be aware that henna is not meant to wash off quickly and can take one to three weeks to fade.
15. Oversized Games
A variety of party supply companies rent out the classic board games that everyone knows and loves — from tic tac toe to dominoes to Jenga — in jumbo sizes. Another fun activity is making giant bubbles, with huge wands.
