I totally get the temptation to ask insightful and thought-provoking questions but remember sometimes you need to keep it simple. If it's a loud party with lots of people, not everyone is going to want to have a super deep conversation with someone they just met. Small talk is annoying and tedious but sometimes it's a much-needed entry point. Meet some cool people, get their contact info, and then message them later with some big questions.
With the focus on them, being genuinely interested in what they’re saying, with a little humor. Low pressure questions- hobbies, something you’re working on, things to do, favorite restaurants or something. Don’t try too hard to force things if they‘re not moving along or they’re not receptive. You don’t want this to feel like a forced work icebreaker thing.
