Table of Contents

1. The Classics
2. Event Focused
3. Hospitality Focused

When you walk into a room full of strangers, it’s easy to get tongue-tied. Initiating a conversation under these circumstances takes courage—but when you’re prepared with some good questions, it’s very doable. Next time you’re at a networking event, or whenever you meet a new person that you think could be a great career connection, try out these conversation starters!

The Classics

These are the tried and true conversation starters that we’ve all heard, and probably used before. They’re a good way to get the conversation going in a comfortable and easy way.

1. So, what do you do?
2. What’s your story?
3. Tell me something about yourself.
4. Where are you from?
5. What brought you here today?

Event Focused

If you’re at a conference or networking event, you can use the event as the subject to kick off the conversation.

1. How did you hear about this event?
2. Have you been to this event before?
3. That presentation was so interesting! What was your favorite part?
4. Are you from [city], or did you travel for this event?

Hospitality Focused

If you’re at an event with other hospitality professionals, these conversation starters are a great way to get industry insights or learn more about career paths.

1. When did you start in the hospitality industry
2. Have you worked at [their company] long?
3. What made you join the hospitality industry?
4. What’s one of your favorite memories from working in hospitality?