How to Throw a PowerPoint Party That Everyone Will Love

• Magazine
• SUCCESS+
• Business
• Money
• Lifestyle
• Future of Work
• Podcasts
• STORE

• Magazine
• SUCCESS+
• Business
• Money
• Lifestyle
• Future of Work
• Podcasts
• STORE

Quick Links

• Magazine
• SUCCESS+
• Business
• Money
• Lifestyle
• Future of Work
• Podcasts
• STORE

• Magazine
• SUCCESS+
• Business
• Money
• Lifestyle
• Future of Work
• Podcasts
• STORE

SECTIONS

• Business
• Entertainment
• Future of Work
• Health & Wellness
• Lifestyle
• Money
• Personal Development
• Professional Development
• Relationships
• SUCCESS Bestsellers

• Business
• Entertainment
• Future of Work
• Health & Wellness
• Lifestyle
• Money
• Personal Development
• Professional Development
• Relationships
• SUCCESS Bestsellers

JOIN US

• SUCCESS+
• SUCCESS Coaching
• Speakers Bureau
• SUCCESS Events
• SUCCESS Space
• Newsletter
• Daily SMS
• Subscribe
• Shop the SUCCESS Store

• SUCCESS+
• SUCCESS Coaching
• Speakers Bureau
• SUCCESS Events
• SUCCESS Space
• Newsletter
• Daily SMS
• Subscribe
• Shop the SUCCESS Store

GET IN TOUCH

• Advertise
• Media Kit
• Contact Us

• Advertise
• Media Kit
• Contact Us

CONNECT

MORE

• Meet the Team
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Privacy Rights Request
• Cookie Policy
• Site Map

• Meet the Team
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Privacy Rights Request
• Cookie Policy
• Site Map

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

When you hear about a party with a bunch of 20- and 30-somethings, you probably don’t picture it involving homework. But having been to two such parties, I can now confidently say that the very best gatherings do. 

I am, of course, talking about PowerPoint parties. The first time I went to one, I genuinely didn’t think most people would do the homework. 

I was wrong. At both parties, every single person showed up ready to go. It made for a full, fun but entirely manageable evening that you might want to try. 

What’s a PowerPoint Party?

PowerPoint parties have been around, at least as early as 2012, though a viral 2018 tweet and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (when people were looking for virtual entertainment) brought the topic into the public eye. Since then, these parties have continued to remain popular. 

The idea is simple enough: Ask each guest to arrive with a PowerPoint they’ve created. The point of the party is to have everyone present their PowerPoint while following whatever rules have been put into place. It’s a great way to share about a topic that you love and the perfect ice-breaker for people who don’t know each other all that well. No small talk is needed—you can jump straight to the really important things in life, like discussing which superhero would win Miss America. 

Here are a few tips to make your PowerPoint party a success.

Getting started is easy—just figure out how you’re going to show off your attendee’s presentations. A TV works great, as does a projector. Just make sure that you have all the cords you’ll need to get the presentations from your phone or computer to the bigger screen. (Usually this means an HDMI cord, an adapter, or the ability to do some type of screen casting). 

Here’s the thing about PowerPoint parties: People will talk more than you expect. Even the quietest person gets awfully loquacious when given a clicker and pictures of their favorite fandom. 

There aren’t any hard and fast rules, but generally you want a slide limit and/or a time limit. It may seem overly strict, but trust me when I say that you’ll be glad you enforced these elements. Personally, I prefer asking everyone to stick to five to 10 slides and three to five minutes max, as it gives room for sillier slides and also ensures that everyone will get a chance to go. 

Remember, these PowerPoints aren’t for looking “professional”— they’re for having a good time getting to know people better. I highly recommend encouraging the silliest presentations possible. This is your moment for bad ‘90s word art and dizzying animations. Let your inner middle schooler out, and really embrace the absurdity of it all. 

The title slide for my most recent presentation analyzing the movie Wicked’s best moments. 

Neither PowerPoint party that I attended used a theme, but for those who are new to the concept, think their attendees may be a bit shy or just like the idea of reigning in the chaos a smidge, a theme can help. Similarly, if you are attending an open-ended party (or hosting one) and want some ideas for what to talk about, below are some of my favorite suggestions. 

Photo from bbernard/Shutterstock.com

Anna Wenner is a writer who is just trying to live a life that will make her dog proud. 

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100
PMB 30053
Dallas, TX 75231

Copyright © 2025 SUCCESS Magazine. All rights reserved.

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

Copyright © 2024 SUCCESS Magazine. All rights reserved.

Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence

Print and Digital Options Available

Oops!

You’ve reached your limit of free
articles for this month!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

No, thanks, I’m not interested in personal growth.

Plus, get access to daily inspiration, weekly newsletters and podcasts, and occasional updates from us.

By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails. You can easily unsubscribe at anytime. By clicking above, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®
(+ a bunch of extras)! Learn more.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only.

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.