Find Someone Who

15-30 Minutes

This is a more sophisticated version of Human Bingo. Create a grid with specific descriptions in each square: "Find someone who has visited more than 10 countries," "Find someone who speaks 3+ languages," "Find someone who plays a musical instrument," "Find someone who has run a marathon." Participants mingle to find colleagues who match each description and get their signature. The first person to complete their entire card (or the most squares in a set time) wins. The descriptions should be specific enough to be interesting but common enough that multiple people might match. This works brilliantly for large groups of 30-100+ people, like company-wide meetings or conferences. It forces people to talk to colleagues they might not normally approach, breaking down silos between departments or hierarchy levels.

How to Play

Setup

Define your goal and timing: choose full-card blackout (harder) or most squares in a set time (e.g., 12–20 minutes). Announce tie-breakers (e.g., first to complete a row, or most squares plus a bonus question).
Choose grid size: 4x4 (16 prompts) for 10–15 minutes, or 5x5 (25 prompts) for 15–25 minutes. Larger groups can handle more prompts.
Write balanced prompts: mix travel, hobbies, skills, experiences, and light preferences. Ensure multiple people can match each square; avoid intrusive or exclusionary prompts. Examples: “Has volunteered in the last year,” “Can code in Python,” “Prefers tea over coffee,” “Can juggle,” “Has led a cross-functional project,” “Speaks 3+ languages.”
Prepare materials: print one card per person (shuffle prompt order across versions if possible), plus extras. Provide pens/markers and a visible countdown timer (projector or phone). Consider a small prize for motivation.
Space and flow: use an open area with room to move. Briefly mark zones to disperse clusters if needed.

How to Play

Distribute a card and pen to each participant. Explain the objective and time limit.
On “Go!”, participants mingle. They ask others targeted questions to find someone who matches a square. When they find a match, that person signs or initials that square. Optional: add a quick confirming detail (e.g., instrument played) for fun and light verification.
Only one signature per person per card to encourage broader mixing. Participants keep moving and start new conversations every 20–30 seconds.
When someone completes the win condition (full card) or time ends, they call out “Bingo!” (or raise a hand). Pause the room, verify quickly, and announce the winner.
Optional debrief (2–3 minutes): invite a few participants to share a surprising discovery they made.

Rules

One signature per person per card; sign only squares that genuinely apply to you.
Keep chats brief and inclusive; be respectful—participants may pass on any question without explanation.
No camping: keep circulating rather than forming large stationary clusters.
Honesty matters: facilitators may verify any square with a quick follow-up.
Safety and accessibility first: avoid sensitive topics (health, age, finances). Choose prompts that invite stories without pressure.

Tips

Calibrate prompts so most attendees can sign 2–4 squares; include a few easier “warm-up” squares.
Seed the crowd: ask a few outgoing volunteers to circulate early and model quick intros.
Print 2–4 card versions with shuffled squares to reduce copycat paths.
Use a visible countdown and music to keep energy high.
Add a “wildcard” square (e.g., “Free space if you learned two new names”).
Offer small prizes (snacks, swag) to boost motivation.

Variations

Cooperative Blackout: one giant poster grid for the whole group; aim to fill all squares in X minutes. Celebrate when complete.
Color-Path Challenge: color-code squares by theme (skills, hobbies, travel). To win, complete at least one of each color.
Row/Column Sprints: run two 5-minute rounds; Round 1 = any row, Round 2 = any column. New card each round.
Newcomer Boost: new hires or first-timers may sign twice on different cards in the first 5 minutes to catalyze mixing.
Virtual/Hybrid: use a shared document or bingo app; rotate breakout rooms every 3–4 minutes; use chat or emoji to “sign.”