work the room

verb2

1. •
   To interact enthusiastically with the attendees at an event, by moving among them, greeting them, and engaging them in conversation.

   • As a campaigning politician, he really knew how to shake hands, kiss babies, and work the room.
2. •
   To interact with one's audience, taking cues from its reactions and adapting one's performance or words to elicit the audience's attention and enthusiasm.

   • In show business parlance, Miss Hudson knows how to "work the room." Her comic turns are as rooted in vaudeville as her high-style wit is straight out of the smart supper club circuit. — 1989