We analyze the potential of technologies of social and cultural activities used in the practice of student scientific societies, which are aimed at maximum activation of the audience, and ensuring the multilateral interaction of participants in discussion programs. The experience of implementing complex social and cultural events stimulating the all-round development of young researchers is considered, which include panel discussions and scientific battles (scientific stand-ups). The format of the scientific stand-up or scientific battle (Science Slam) is a special kind of scientific conference held in the format of a party, in which young people from different branches of science compete in a witty and fascinating presentation of information on the results achieved. The format of the panel discussion is supposed to be the statement of several experts who set forth different points of view on the subject under discussion, after which the moderator invites the others present to ask questions to the speakers. Panel discussion implies an exchange of views on a given topic, as well as receiving answers from experts for questions of interest to the audience. Panel activities can be accompanied by entertaining episodes and informal audience communication. The Science Slam format does not only have an entertaining mission, but within this intellectual show young scientists go to the microphone, try to make their performances not only informative and capacious, but also funny, provocative, memorable and emotional. Due to the peculiarities of different formats, there are wide opportunities for using theatrical forms of organization of scientific discussion, manifestations of individual initiative and creativity.