The Secret Weapon We've Been Using at Our Singles Events

Walking up to someone you don't know can feel a little intimidating. We get it! In fact, it's probably the number one thing people tell us before coming to their first Singles Mingles event.

Even when you're at a singles event and know everyone is there for the same reason, there's still that tiny voice in your head asking..."What do I even say?"

Sure, you could lead with the classic..."So... what do you do?" Or..."What dating apps are you on?" (Let's be honest... we're all over the apps. That's why we're here.)

But lately, we've been using something at our events that's made starting conversations feel so much easier, and it's quickly become one of our favourite little additions to the night.

That's where Pakks comes in.

We Weren't Looking for a Conversation Starter. We Were Looking for Better Conversations.

At Singles Mingles, we've never been fans of awkward introductions or forced dating games.

Our goal has always been simple: create an environment where conversations happen naturally.

We first came across Pakks while looking for fun, low-pressure ways to help guests start chatting without it feeling awkward or forced. We immediately loved what we saw and knew it would be the perfect fit for our events. Safe to say, they've now become a bit of a crowd favourite.

At our events, you'll often spot our hosts wandering around with a deck in hand, passing a few cards to a group that's just formed, a couple of guests who've only just met, or someone who's come along solo and just needs that little nudge to start chatting.

It gives them a reason to approach, a question to ask, and before they know it, they're part of the conversation.

Almost instantly, the energy shifts.

Someone reads out a question.

Everyone wants to answer.

People laugh, tell stories, debate their opinions and before you know it, they're chatting like they've known each other for ages.

The best part?

The cards rarely stay with the first group. Someone puts them down to grab a drink, another group picks them up, and suddenly the conversations start all over again.

It's like watching little pockets of connection pop up all around the room.

They Make Meeting People... Easy

The best conversations usually don't start with small talk.

They start with something unexpected.

Questions like...

"What's something you've always wanted to try?"

"What's something you've always wanted to do on a date that you haven't had the chance to do?"

"Have you ever had a 'pinch me, I can't believe this is real' moment? Tell me about it."

Before you know it, people are swapping stories, discovering things they have in common and completely forgetting they were ever nervous.

It's like having a really funny wingman... in card form.

No More Interview Vibes

We've all been on those dates that felt more like job interviews.

Where do you live?

What do you do?

What dating apps are you on?

Cool...

Pakks completely flips that.

Instead of ticking off facts about someone, you start asking the kinds of questions you probably never would have thought to ask yourself.

The answers are often funny, sometimes surprising and occasionally a little deeper than you expected. And before you know it, you're getting a glimpse into who someone really is, not just what they do for work or where they live.

That's where the magic happens.

Pakks Might Just Be Our Favourite Conversation Cheat Code

One of the biggest things we hear before every event is: "I'm scared to come by myself."

We get it! Walking into a room where you don't know anyone can feel a really daunting.

But here's a little secret... The majority of our guests come solo.

Within minutes of picking up a Pakks card, they're chatting, laughing and asking questions they probably never would have thought to ask otherwise, all while wondering why they were so nervous in the first place.

We've watched complete strangers become friends (and sometimes dates) over one simple question from a deck of cards.

No awkward silences.

No pressure.

No trying to think of something clever to say.

Just genuine conversations that happen naturally.

We Didn't Expect to Love Them This Much

We originally thought they'd just be a fun little addition to the night. Turns out... people absolutely love them. Guests ask where they can buy them. People keep the conversations going long after the cards have moved on to another group. And we've lost count of how many people have told us the cards made it so much easier to walk up and talk to someone new.

Honestly, we can't imagine our events without them now.

So... What Is Pakks?

Founded by Kayci Scaggs, Pakks was born from her own dating experiences and a simple belief that the best connections happen when we move beyond small talk and ask better questions.

Pakks is an Australian brand creating beautifully designed conversation card decks that help people move beyond small talk and into real conversations.

We've been using both the Dating Deck and Laughter Deck at our Singles Mingles events because the questions are fun, thoughtful and just the right amount of unexpected.

Whether they're sparking a heartfelt conversation or getting everyone laughing, they've become the perfect way to help people relax, open up and connect without it ever feeling forced.

We love them for first, second or third dates, dinner with friends, road trips, couples... or really any time you want to have better conversations.

Safe to say, we're big fans!

Next Time You're at Singles Mingles...

If you see one of our hosts walking around with a deck of Pakks cards, don't be shy, grab one or two. Ask the question. See where it takes you.

You never know... your next great conversation, or even your next date, might just start with a single card.

Or better yet, come along to your first Singles Mingles event and experience it for yourself.

No awkward games.

No cheesy name tags.

Just dating done differently.

Great people, genuine conversations and a little help from a deck of cards when you need it.

We'll save you a Pakks card. See you at the next Singles Mingles event. 💛