In the fast-paced world of events and conferences, the ability to meaningfully connect with others is just as vital as the content on stage. Whether you’re organizing a corporate summit, attending a trade show, or networking at an industry mixer, building genuine relationships can drive future collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities. Based on our extensive experience in the events industry, we have curated a dependable and efficient toolkit of event networking tools that we repeatedly turn to when the stakes are high and results matter.

Why Event Networking Tools Matter

Gone are the days when pocketing business cards and exchanging handshakes were the only methods of engaging professionally at events. Today’s attendees expect seamless, tech-integrated ways to connect before, during, and after the event. When chosen correctly, networking tools enhance engagement, track interactions, support follow-ups, and create measurable value.

Our tested toolkit combines a blend of mobile apps, software platforms, and physical preparation methods to create an all-around strategy for success.

Our Tried-and-Tested Networking Toolkit

1. Brella – AI-Powered Matchmaking

Brella has won us over multiple times with its intelligent matchmaking capabilities. Particularly useful for large-scale conferences or expos, Brella uses artificial intelligence to connect attendees based on shared interests and goals. Once users create profiles, they get recommended matches and can schedule one-on-one meetings—all within the app interface.

  • Use case: B2B events and industry conferences
  • Key feature: Integrated calendar for managing meetups

2. LinkedIn Events – Professional Groundwork

Before attending an event, we always scan the attendee list and event page on LinkedIn. This tool is a vital part of our advanced preparation. It lets us engage with participants ahead of time, which makes introducing ourselves in real life considerably easier. Viewing someone’s profile before conversation leads to deeper, more tailored dialogue—and more sustainable connections.

We recommend reaching out to at least 5–10 individuals before an event with a personalized connection request, mentioning your shared upcoming attendance.

3. Whova – A Robust All-in-One Platform

Whova remains a reliable tool especially in hybrid and in-person formats. It offers a digital business card exchange and built-in attendee engagement features such as session Q&A and live polling. Its strong community board function allows users to join discussions, post meet-up invitations, or propose professional topics, making networking far more dynamic.

  • Use case: Workshops, academic or professional events
  • Key feature: Digital community boards for group discussions

4. Grip – For Sponsors and Exhibitors

Grip serves well as an intelligent networking tool for exhibitors who want to get the most out of their booth presence. By tracking visitor behavior and engagement patterns, Grip enables sponsors to connect with the right leads and prioritize follow-ups. Its powerful analytics features are helpful for quantifying post-event success.

5. Digital Business Cards – Immediate and Sustainable

We’ve transitioned almost entirely from traditional cards to digital solutions like HiHello and CamCard. These tools allow instant exchange of contact information with a QR code scan and enable updates without reprinting costs. They also sync seamlessly with CRM tools—ideal for quick follow-up after the event.

Best Practices for Using Networking Tools

Even the best tools have limited impact if not used proactively. Here are some strategies we rely on to elevate our networking game:

  • Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the event app days before arrival to avoid last-minute confusion.
  • Engage purposefully: Reach out personally, avoid generic messages, and offer a clear reason for wanting to connect.
  • Follow up: Within 48 hours post-event, send a follow-up message. Mention specific conversation details to leave a lasting impression.

The Human Element Still Matters

Though technology powers much of modern networking, the key to forging lasting relationships lies in authentic communication. Tools like those in our toolkit can help initiate and maintain connections, but real engagement—active listening, common interests, shared follow-up—will always be at the core of fruitful event networking.

Ultimately, our toolkit is not just a selection of apps; it’s a time-tested system that, when used wisely and consistently, leads to a thriving professional network built one meaningful connection at a time.