The name of this site is Idea Drunk and yesterday, I proved it. Last night my agency had its summer party. As the kids say, it was the "shiznit." Most people would go to a party with free alcohol, beautiful ladies and kickin' tunes to let loose and have a good time. Not me. I was there learning. And being inspired. By flip cup.

When we arrived at the party, everyone was just milling around quietly in their little cliques. Then I was introduced to the Vanessa Costa School of Partying. The first lesson? How to start the party with flip cup. We coerced a group of semi-willing participants from various groups to come and play a couple of rounds. After the first round, everyone at the party was either watching or playing. It was awesome. It brought the energy of the party up to that next level and broke the ice so that people could really start to enjoy themselves.

After much reflection (and further drinking), I thought about how this could benefit a brainstorming session. The idea of a game at the beginning of a session is good for a couple of reasons:

- It gives everyone something to participate in
- It builds comradery between team members
- It creates friendly competition
- It gives you permission to be silly
- It raises the energy of the room

I'm not suggesting that every brainstorming session starts with a drinking game (a la Flip Cup). I have a feeling you might loose a little bit of productivity that way. But I definitely see the benefit of starting with a game. It puts people in the right mindset to think creatively and come up with great ideas.

- Christian www.ideadrunk.com