When attending a dinner with a seating plan (like a wedding or a charity event), ask your host who'll be seated nearby.  Then Google those persons for background information.  (If you can't find them with Google, you can ask the host, as appropriate, and learn some background information such as "George is originally from Australia and came to the U.S.to study engineering.")   

These strangers are usually pleasantly surprised when you demonstrate you cared enough to learn a bit about them and can ask interesting questions about their work and life.  (I am doing this right now in preparation for my son's wedding next month.  I am learning a lot more about the bride's parents whom I have never met.)

Until next Monday,

Loren