In today’s professional landscape, conferences are more than just a place to attend sessions; they are crucial opportunities for networking, collaboration, and career advancement. While the traditional exchange of business cards still has its place, event networking apps have become an essential tool for maximizing these interactions. They simplify the process of connecting with peers, speakers, and exhibitors, ensuring that you don’t miss out on a valuable connection.
Here is a guide to the key features to look for and a look at some of the top event app in the space.
Key Features of Top Networking Apps
The best networking apps do more than just digitize a contact list. They are designed to facilitate meaningful connections and provide a seamless event experience. When evaluating an app, consider these must-have features:
- Intelligent Matchmaking: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), these apps analyze attendee profiles, interests, and professional backgrounds to suggest highly relevant connections. This helps you move beyond random encounters and focus on people who can genuinely benefit your career or business.
- Detailed Attendee and Speaker Profiles: Comprehensive profiles that include professional bios, social media links, company information, and areas of expertise are crucial. This allows you to research potential connections before and during the event, making your conversations more informed and targeted
- In-App Messaging and Scheduling: The ability to send direct messages and schedule one-on-one meetings within the app is a game-changer. It eliminates the need to rely on external platforms and allows you to book follow-up conversations on the spot.
- Interactive Maps and Session Agendas: Integrated maps help you navigate large venues, while personalized agendas allow you to plan your conference experience effectively. Many apps also offer real-time updates and push notifications for last-minute changes to the schedule or important announcements.
- Gamification and Engagement Tools: Features like live polls, Q&A sessions, and virtual leaderboards can make the event more interactive and fun. These tools encourage participation and can help break the ice, making it easier to start conversations with new people.
Leading Networking Apps for Professional Events
The market for event networking apps is robust, with many platforms offering a mix of features tailored to different event sizes and formats.
- Whova: Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Whova is a popular choice for conferences and trade shows. It excels at facilitating networking through detailed profiles and a community board. Its “smart” recommendations help attendees discover relevant sessions and connections.
- Cvent Attendee Hub: A powerful and versatile platform, Cvent’s app is a strong contender for large-scale events. It offers robust networking tools, including AI-powered recommendations and 1:1 messaging, while also providing a full suite of event management features for organizers.
- EventMobi: This app focuses on a highly customizabl experience for both attendees and organizers. It includes networking features like public and private chats, as well as a variety of tools for engagement, such as live polls and surveys.
- Bizzabo: As an all-in-one event platform, Bizzabo places a strong emphasis on community building and engagement. It offers features like a community feed, direct messaging, and integration with professional networks.
- Swapcard: This app is a standout for its AI-driven matchmaking capabilities, which help attendees and exhibitors connect based on their profiles and interests. Swapcard is particularly strong for B2B events where targeted networking is the primary goal.
Making the Most of Your Networking App
Simply downloading the app isn’t enough. To truly unlock its potential, take these steps:
- Complete Your Profile: Fill out your profile with as much detail as possible. Add a professional photo, a concise bio, and links to your social media profiles and website.
- Start Early: Many apps allow you to connect with other attendees before the event even begins. Use this time to browse profiles, identify key people you want to meet, and send out introductory messages.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for people to find you. Use the app’s search and matchmaking features to reach out to professionals who align with your goals.
- Follow Up: The networking doesn’t end when the conference is over. Use the app to follow up with new connections, continue conversations, and schedule meetings to build long-term relationships.
By strategically using these advanced networking apps, you can transform your conference experience from a passive learning opportunity into an active, productive, and highly connected professional event.
