We're throwing it back to the surge of virtual connectivity due to the pandemic; The demand for effective networking tools has decreased over the last couple of years as the events industry has slowly returned to "normal". However, businesses and professionals are still turning to innovative solutions to bring people across the globe together for convenience and easy networking. Read on for our take on a few of the best virtual networking tools out there, each promising to redefine how we connect, engage, and forge meaningful relationships in the virtual realm.
Whether you're a seasoned event planner, a business professional, or someone seeking to enhance your online networking, these tools are designed to revolutionise the way we navigate the virtual landscape and connect.
To get some additional guidance from one of our virtual event experts, book a free consultation today and we'll be happy to help.
1. Brella
Brella has everything you need for a successful virtual event. The Aesthetically pleasing event platform is without a doubt one of the leading virtual event platforms out there, and networking is their speciality!
How does it work?
Using AI-powered networking to link attendees, individuals are strategically connected with relevant contacts, enabling them to engage in real-time conversations with sponsors through live chat, and can also easily book 1:1 video meetings to further foster meaningful professional conversations and relationships. Brella claims that you can 'book the meeting of your life in just 5 seconds!
2. Wonder
Wonder stands out as a platform that deviates from the conventional virtual event functionalities. It distinguishes itself by prioritising networking as its core premise. While you can certainly host various virtual events on Wonder, what sets this platform apart is the organic interaction among attendees. As the event planner, you have the flexibility to select and tailor the content you wish to showcase to specific participants. Wonder offers a genuinely distinctive networking experience, promising to bring an intriguing dimension to your virtual event.
How does it work?
Wonder is essentially a virtual space for people to interact. Guests each have an avatar, which they move around with their mouse. If they want to join a conversation, they move closer and if they want to leave, they move away. Simple!
As the planner, you have all the power. You set up areas, decide on the content shown in that area (you can play recorded or real-time panels and talks with the broadcast mode) and decide how your guests interact, eg. how many guests can enter each conversation or room. You can choose to share all your content with all your guests or make it completely targeted and show certain content in certain areas.
3. Swapcard
Swapcard is an all-in-one virtual event platform and a great example of how artificial intelligence can be used to engage your attendees through smart networking.
How does it work?
The clever technology uses information input by attendees at registration to make meeting and networking recommendations. Attendees can book in virtual private meetings using their own personal agenda tool and video call each other. Swapcard offers the organiser full control and the power to determine who meets who, when, and where they can meet during the day and also track preferences and the meeting stats for insightful reporting (such as number of meetings held, number of requests made, etc).
4. Remo
Remo is a virtual event platform that allows you to host interactive events with broadcast-quality streaming, audience engagement tools such as live polls and Q&A, and unique, engaging networking.
How does it work?
What we love about Remo is that the networking emulates real-life experiences, which is notoriously difficult to replicate in a virtual setting. Attendees can quickly and easily strike up conversations with fellow event-goers at virtual tables, and our favourite feature is the virtual business card function. Each attendee has their own in-built virtual business card with their details displayed, meaning they are quickly identifiable and can invite other attendees to chat there and then, book a private meeting, and also connect on Linkedin. There is also a speed networking clock feature which helps keep meetings short and snappy.
5. Eventify
If you're interested in mixing up the format of your virtual event networking, why not create your very own event app?! Eventify allows you to create completely personalised, cross-platform apps for your event, and their networking offering is next level.
How does it work?
The premise of Eventify's virtual networking concept uses 'tag technology' to match attendees. At registration, attendees can select up to 20 tags that match their interests, ranging anywhere from fintech to food technology! They are then connected to others according to mutual interests. Attendees can also send invites to connect to others, send and receive private messages, set up 1:1 meetings and build an entire community all in one place.
Networking is possible from both the app and the web version, so it's not essential for attendees to use their phones. The software can also be integrated across different platforms, so that's ideal if you're going for an event technology stack option, rather than an all-in-one platform.
If you're ready to start creating some unforgettable networking opportunities for your attendees, book a free consultation today with our virtual event experts to see how we can help.
For more guidance and advice on your whole event programmes, chat with our team below to see how we can save you time and money with Hire Space 360.
Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!
