Human Bingo kicked off Saturday for the nearly 20 delegates that applied for and were granted a scholarship to attend the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum (FLF) at this year’s World Education Congress (WEC).

To make the bingo scheme work, organizers collected an interesting fact from each participant in advance and presented the info to all, without naming names. The goal then became determining who said what without specifically asking. The game transformed a day of upcoming meetings with strangers immediately into a fun, personable form of speed networking. Responses included the following.

“I love to roller skate, but can’t go backwards.”

“I served as a high-school mascot for three years.”

“I am a master cupcake maker.”

“I am a renowned air guitarist.”

“I want to be a kid when I grow up.”

Thus, at the FLF, delegates had to leverage amateur CSI skills in the course of meeting peers. Investigative skills also had a place as Miguel Neves, knowledge and social media manager for the IMEX Group, discussed professional networking in-person and online—essential skills as 25 percent of those at the FLF are seeking their first position in the meeting industry.

The group was further educated (and entertained) as Patrick Delaney, vice president of industry relations for the MCI Group, gave an inspirational lecture on how to take your first steps professionally and investigated the mindset of job applicant and interviewer—a presentation playfully titled “World Peace / Gun Control / Awesome Career.”

Future leader Tiffany Graham then gave a brief presentation on her project for the FLF University Challenge, “Mastering a Mosaic Mentality: Demystifying Multicultural Issues in Meeting Management.” Graham takes her program to IMEX Frankfurt next to challenge four other future leaders from around the world.

Check out the FLF Facebook page to engage with future industry leaders.

And no, I’m not going to reveal which future leader is behind each of the Human Bingo admissions/statements. That’s your job—and my gift to you. As you’re chatting with future leader at WEC over the next few days, consider this: You may be speaking with a former mascot or a renowned air guitarist.