The World Question Center 2006
http://www.edge.org/q2006/q06_index.html
Arguably the best place to go when you need stimulating conversation at any cocktail or office party.

Hit the site, and grab a idea, any idea, (or several different ones) print out a few copies, (one idea per page) then leave them laying around on coffee tables, next to the buffet table, tabled up in the wash room, and give it about 10 minutes. (or 10 seconds if the party is full of scientific or political types.)
Before long you'll find, rather then tear-your-hair-out-discussions of the weather, how little Jonny is doing on his spelling bee, how much water the lawns might need this year, and if the decline of the economy, people are having in depth discussions on subjects that are actually stimulating, and require thought, and participation.
Everyone has opinions, and when presented with radical idea's most love giving such opinion and discussing it with others. (Especially the political types)