An icebreaker should get people talking before the real programme starts. Too often it becomes a round of introductions where everyone waits for their turn. This guide covers what makes a good icebreaker, five ideas from short to longer, and when it pays to let a whole activity open the kick-off.
What makes a good icebreaker?
- Everyone does something at the same time. Nobody stands and waits while one person at a time speaks.
- It mixes the groups. Attendees end up with people they do not already know.
- It has a clear goal. Solving something together is easier than "mingling".
- It is short enough. It should give energy to the rest of the day, not take it over.
- It works across languages. If you have international attendees, choose something that works in English.
Five icebreakers, from short to longer
1. A shared riddle (10 minutes) Give every table the same riddle and let the tables compete. A simple way to get people talking.
2. Mixed teams with a task (15–20 minutes) Split attendees into new teams and give them a task to solve before the first session.
3. Team introductions (15 minutes) Let each team find three things they have in common and present them. It brings laughs and short conversations.
4. A game at the venue (60–90 minutes) With Quest-to-Go, we bring an AR game to your conference venue. 19–500 people play at the same time in teams, with iPads and spy kits, and the game ends with an award ceremony. You only need one room for the briefing and the award ceremony.
5. An activity at our venue (about 1.5–2.5 hours) Groups of 8–44 can start the kick-off with us at Kocksgatan 21A on Södermalm, with escape rooms and VR in teams that play at the same time or in rounds with fika.
When should the icebreaker be a full activity?
A short icebreaker is enough when attendees already know each other. A longer activity works better when:
- Many have not met, for example after a merger or with new hires.
- Attendees come from different offices or countries.
- The kick-off lasts all day, and you want people talking to each other for the rest of it.
There, the format creates situations where participants need to communicate, prioritise and make decisions together. That describes how the game works, not a promise of results.
A plan for the kick-off
- Welcome (10 min).
- Icebreaker or activity in mixed teams.
- Short results and award ceremony.
- The first session of the programme, when everyone has already talked to each other.
Read also our guide to conference activities in Stockholm and our guide to team building.
Price and booking
Quest-to-Go is priced by participants and distance, and you get a proposal within 24 hours. Current packages for groups at our venue are on team building.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good icebreaker for a kick-off? An activity where everyone does something at the same time in mixed teams, with a clear goal. It can be a ten-minute shared riddle or an AR game like Quest-to-Go, where 19–500 people play for 60–90 minutes.
How long should an icebreaker be? It depends on the group. If attendees already know each other, 10–20 minutes is enough. If many have not met, a longer activity works better, for example 60–90 minutes in teams.
Can you come to our conference venue? Yes. With Quest-to-Go, we bring iPads and spy kits to your venue. You only need one room for the briefing and the award ceremony, and the game works in English and Swedish.
Does it work for international attendees? Yes. The briefing is given in English or Swedish, and the puzzles are not language-dependent.
Plan the start of your kick-off
Request a quote for Quest-to-Go, or see the packages for groups at our venue on team building.
Read also: Christmas team building in Stockholm
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