Organizing a networking event is no small feat.
The pressure to deliver an engaging experience and the challenge of connecting the right people are just a few hurdles to overcome.
Fortunately, the appearance of cutting-edge event networking apps has addressed the above pain points head-on.
But how to choose the best event networking app in the sea of plenty?
Today, we are shining a spotlight on our top picks to help you turn the challenges of organizing networking events into triumphs.
Ready to dig in? Let’s start!
There are many things to take into account when organizing a networking event, which inevitably leads to organizational problems.
So let’s check the most common pain points you might face when organizing an event.
Don’t get us wrong - there is nothing wrong with traditional in-person events, but in this case, the attendees are limited to interacting with those physically present at the venue.
Therefore, this limited scope might hamper forging valuable relationships with like-minded professionals who might be miles away.
Thus, breaking down these geographical barriers is essential to unlocking the true power of networking events.
Finding individuals who share common interests and complementary skills or align with your business objectives can be daunting in a room full of people.
The absence of a structured system to match attendees based on their goals and preferences often results in missed opportunities to connect with the right people.
Many networking events struggle to provide meaningful ways for attendees to engage and interact.
Failure to provide ice-breaking activities, interactive sessions, or targeted discussions often leads to superficial conversations and a lack of genuine connections.
So, to minimize or avoid these common pitfalls, you should turn to event networking apps to make events more efficient, engaging, and impactful.
Let’s check the 10 best event networking apps in 2024.
Tapni is a digital solution provider for live and virtual events, but it also helps you create fully customizable digital business cards and accessories such as keychains, stickers, etc.
🔥 Lead Generation Automation - Collects attendees’ data and sends them directly to your CRM. Moreover, it can export data to CSV files instead.
🔥 Instant messaging - Automatically send a message to all the attendees that have contacted you or visited your profile.
🔥 Analytics tools - Provide actionable analytics to measure ROI at events, reward top performers, see the number of visits, etc.
🔥 Grouping features - Regroup attendees and move them to other groups back and forth. In addition, you can add the so-called markers or tags to filter your contacts further.
🔥 Follow-up feature - Set reminders on your phone to follow up with your new contacts, attendees, etc.
🔥 Pick a Direct Link - Choose the link that will get opened to your new contact instead of the full profile.
🔥 Digital Business Cards and Tapni App - Share and exchange contact info either in-person or via the link, message, email, etc.
When it comes to sharing, besides multiple sharing options, all Tapni products have both NFC chips and QR codes, making them compatible with all devices.
And speaking of QR codes, they are such a valuable asset when it comes to event networking:
✨ Post the QR code of the host or a speaker as the background in your virtual conference, so the attendees can simply scan it and find all the relevant info about the person.
✨ Incorporate the QR code in your event and post a feedback sheet, keynotes, useful links, etc., on your Tapni profile. The attendees just need to scan the code and access the info.
✨Use the QR code as a gamification tool: For example, the first person who scans it and provides some info from your profile gets a small reward.
✨ And many more.
And the best thing is you don’t need a Tapni app to view somebody’s profile or receive the information a person is sharing.
Digital business cards range from 49.90€ to 59.90€ for a fully custom design.
Hubilo is an event platform that supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Hubilo’s primary focus is webinars and how to make them more engaging and interactive.
🔥 Engagement tools - various engagement and gamification tools such as:
🔥 Integrations - CRM, Marketing Automation, Social media integrations with Captelo, Hubspot, Kahoot, Mailchimp, etc.
🔥 Event Marketing - Create custom event landing pages, manage event ticketing, run marketing campaigns, send nudge emails, etc.
🔥 Ticketing and Analytics - tiered ticketing, cancellation and refund management, ticketing analytics, SSO for attendee login, etc.
🔥 Analytics tools - Tracking tools for both event organizers and sponsors. These include pre, during, and post-event analytics and per-attendee and multi-event analytics.
🔥 Broadcasting studio - Various virtual backgrounds, personalized overlays, banners & logos, custom branding, etc.
🔥 Sponsorship - Includes features such as Virtual booths, Lead retrieval & scoring, Sponsored sections & ads, Tiered sponsorships, etc.
Besides the key features, Hubilo offers Webinar+ features and Branding possibilities, making Hubilo a versatile platform.
Hubilo has 3 plans: Webinar+, Digital Events, and All-in Plans, but it doesn’t show pricing for any of the plans.
Bizzabo enables you to create any size and type of event: in-person, online, hybrid, and webinars.
In addition, it offers engagement, management, and marketing tools to boost your event.
🔥 Engagement tools - Instant audience interactions with Bizzabo’s SmartBadge™, live feedback, push notifications, Q&A sessions, polls, virtual reactions and applause, etc.
🔥 Integrations - Integrations with CRM and marketing automation platforms such as Marketo, Hubspot, Salesforce, etc.
🔥 Event Networking Tools - Collect info from the attendees’ profiles and get possible matches, browse the attendee list, send messages, and schedule 1:1 meetings.
🔥 Analytics tools - Measure event campaign, ROI, use pre-built reporting templates, etc.
🔥 Broadcasting and Media - broadcast live and simu-live sessions such as workshops, webinars, happy hours, keynotes, etc.
🔥 Event Registration Software - Customize registration for all event types, segment participants, etc.
🔥 Sponsors and Exhibitors - Boost networking between attendees and partners of the event, track lead retrieval, create a dedicated sponsor portal, etc.
No data is available on Bizzabo’s official page, but according to Capterra, the average price for businesses is $15000.00 per year.
Webex Events is a versatile platform providing event solutions categorized into 6 major groups:
Moreover, you can create in-person, virtual, and hybrid events using Webex.
🔥 Event Networking Tools - Create virtual business cards for the attendees, create topic-based discussion rooms, schedule 1:1 meetings, etc.
🔥 Video Breakout Rooms - Enable up to 13 participants and 3 moderators to network via live video, audio, and chat. In addition, you can use them for sponsor hangouts, live Q&A, etc.
🔥 Event Lobby - Provides an intro to the event where attendees can hang out virtually or in person, get more info about the schedule, etc.
🔥 Lead Retrieval - Exhibitors can scan attendee badges, capture leads and follow up.
🔥 Data and Reporting - Provide real-time event metrics & actionable insights for sales, orders, attendees, page views, average transaction value, etc.
🔥 Integrations - Integrations with CRM, marketing automation platforms, video hosting platforms, etc. Boomset, Cvent, Typeform, Slido, etc.
🔥 Engagement tools - Engage the audience with Q&A sessions, polls, social walls, gamification, etc.
Being such a versatile platform, Webex Events offer a wide range of event solutions that cover pre, during and post-event stages.
Webex Events comes with one Free and two Premium Plans with a price range between $84 to $ 1,667 per month, depending on the number of attendees.
Like many event apps, Stova also provides a variety of digital solutions for events: from registration to analytics and reporting.
Furthermore, it offers Event Management and Enterprise Platform.
🔥 Networking Tool - AI-powered matchmaking enables you to connect with like-minded individuals.
🔥 Attendee Engagement - Tools to engage the audience as Q&A sessions, polls, chats, and surveys.
🔥 Build Social Network - Connect with more attendees using features like the Social Wall and Photobooth.
🔥 Gamification Tools - Award points on virtual leaderboards and reward attendees once they complete a task.
🔥 Event Marketing - Showcase your event, integrate session agendas, build email marketing, etc.
🔥 Analytics and Reporting - Automate your lead conversion workflows, sync event data and leads to your existing CRM or marketing automation, collect feedback, etc.
🔥 Integrations - Integrate with PayPal, Zoom, DocuSign, Salesforce, Hubspot, Stripe, etc.
Overall, Stova covers events of all sizes and all types of events: online, in-person, and hybrid.
Pricing info isn’t available on the official website. Their pricing is custom and it depends on your business needs.
EventMobi is an end-to-end platform for all types of events. Moreover, it focuses on networking, engagement, and event navigation.
EventMobi’s features belong to the 3 main categories:
✨ Event Marketing
✨ Attendee Engagement
✨ Event CMS.
Naturally, each category is further subdivided into subcategories such as registration, networking, analytics, integrations, etc.
🔥 Networking and Community - Customizable Personal Profiles, Group Discussions,
Appointment Booking, Live Activity Feed, Tweet From Sessions, etc.
🔥 Gamification - Design your game concept and create all needed elements, including leaderboards, real-time syncing, award points, etc.
🔥 Live Polls and Surveys - Provide real-time feedback, interaction, sharing, and collaboration options.
🔥 Appointment Booking - Allows attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to book 1:1 meetings.
🔥 Social Media Reporting - Monitor social media posts and measure the impact of your event.
🔥 Integrations - Integrate CRM, AMS, Marketing Automation & Email Marketing Platforms with Salesforce, Cvent, Eventbrite, Eventleaf, etc.
🔥 Analytics and Reporting - Measure engagement, see which sessions are most popular, get insights in real-time, etc.
Other interesting features are interactive agendas to sort registrations by date and time or tracks, interactive maps to locate the event’s destination quickly, etc.
Event App and Virtual & Hybrid Event Platform Pricing starts from $3,500 per single event or $1,458 per event with a Multi-Event Annual Subscription.
In addition, the Registration, Website & Ticketing platform starts from $2,500/event or $7,500/year for unlimited usage.
6Connex is an event management platform with attendees’ engagement and tracking data features.
Like most of its competitors, 6Connex provides support for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events and webinars.
🔥 Engagement Tools - The Event AI tracks attendee behavior to recommend networking and relevant content matches.
🔥 Capture Relevant Attendee Information - Gather important information about your audience using built-in registration tools or integrations.
🔥 My Agenda Tool - Allows easy scheduling and time management.
🔥 Real-Time Reporting - Measures ROI, tracks quality leads, and provides valuable event data.
🔥 Eventory Scanner - Collect leads and track real-time data by scanning attendees' personalized QR codes.
🔥 Eventory Operator - Provides an events management dashboard to send push notifications, publish surveys, polls, and live questions, manage event basics, etc.
🔥 Webinar Platform - Provides live streaming, pre-recorded presentations, on-demand webinars, and multi-camera and audio recording tools.
It is worth mentioning that besides Eventory, 6Connex offers three more event technology solutions:
✨ Launch
✨ Rise
✨ Soar.
6Connex offers 4 pricing plans starting from $3,000.
Big Marker is a webinar, virtual, hybrid, and in-person events software with marketing and networking features.
Furthermore, it provides cross-device capabilities, integrated webcasting, and a wide range of features, from event badging over networking to marketing.
🔥 AI-Driven Networking - AI-powered networking algorithm recommends relevant connections
🔥 Network Builder - Attendees can choose connections based on their interests and networking goals.
🔥 Video Speed Networking - Provides brief networking sessions.
🔥 On-Demand Badge Printing - Pre-print customizable badges with event branding and add QR codes later.
🔥 Exhibitor Lead Retrieval - Exhibitors can scan attendee QR codes to capture lead data.
🔥 Marketing features - A variety of features ranging from built-in landing pages to customized email invites, reminders, and follow-ups.
🔥 Integrations - Integrations with various CRM, MAS, and monetization platforms such as Salesforce, Hubspot, ActiveCampaign, Marketo Mailchimp, Bizzabo, Cvent, etc.
Other notable Big Marker features cover registration, media hubs, etc.
Big Marker offers 3 packages: Webinar Plans, Event Packages, and Media Hubs, but the prices aren’t shown on the website.
Brella is an event networking app for all virtual, in-person, and hybrid event formats.
Its range covers multiple areas, such as Ticketing & registration, Matchmaking & networking, Sponsors & partners, Event data & analytics, etc.
🔥 Matchmaking and Networking - AI-powered matchmaking algorithm connects attendees based on their interests and goals.
🔥 Meeting Booking and Locations - AI automatically offers a physical spot or a video call option and the option to (re)schedule the meeting.
🔥 Spotlight - Displays all upcoming meetings and bookmarked content sessions in real-time.
🔥 Breakout Rooms - can accommodate up to 20 people.
🔥 Event Data and Analytics - Measure attendee interests, engagement, and live stream analytics.
🔥 Ticketing and Registering - Provides a conversion-optimized ticketing page with different ticket pricing, etc.
🔥 Integrations - Multiple integrations are possible with tools like Hubspot, Eventbrite, Salesforce, WooCommerce, Tito, etc.
Brella also provides features for sponsors so they can get more visibility, leads, and meetings.
Unfortunately, the pricing isn’t provided.
We are only one event app away before we wrap things up, so which one is it?
Since we started our best networking event countdown with a non-typical event app, finishing in the same rhythm seems fair.
Braindate is a web-based platform that nurtures knowledge-sharing conversations among people at events, communities, etc.
Braindate works well with live, virtual, and hybrid events.
🔥 Peer Learning Conversations - Post, book and discuss a topic in person or virtually on the platform.
🔥 Networking features - Discover new contacts via the User directory, User profile and User recommendation.
🔥 Various types of “braindates” - One-on-one braindates, Group braindates,
Fishbowl braindates (more interactive discussions with up to 20 people), etc.
🔥 Meeting Booking System - Synchronizable with Google and Outlook calendars.
🔥 Braindate Organizer Space - All-in-one management dashboard providing better organization, engagement, and analytics.
🔥 Analytics - Monitor real-time user activity, access user surveys, download reports, etc.
🔥 Integrations - Add-ons for Slack, Google Calendar, LinkedIn, and 50+ integration partners.
Braindate has 3 Pricing Plans: Events, Everyday and Unlimited.
The best event networking app is the one that meets your event needs and requirement. Naturally, it will differ by type of event and audience.
Still, there are some key elements you should take into account when choosing the best event networking app for you:
✨ Must have interactive tools and gamification elements to keep the audience engaged.
✨ Must have event analytics and data for you to get practical insights.
✨ Must have integrations, especially with CRM systems.
✨ Must have quick and easy setup and social media-like layout and interface.
✨ Must have networking tools such as discussion rooms, group and individual chatting, matchmaking, etc.
However, the question still remains: which event networking app to choose?
Call us biased, but we’d go for Tapni. Yes, it might not be a typical event app, but it fosters and nurtures the most crucial aspect of event attending - networking.
On top of robust networking features, integrations, and analytics, Tapni goes beyond and provides fully customizable digital business cards and accessories.
Thus, you can:
🧨 Boost networking efforts with multiple sharing options.
🧨 Automate Lead generation and Follow-up.
🧨 Store your new contacts in a meaningful and more organized way.
🧨 Create custom links for every new event.
🧨 Get valuable insights thanks to Tapni’s tracking and analytics tools.
Want to give Tapni a try?
Download the Tapni app and host a networking event that steals the spotlight!
The best 3 ways to engage the audience are to:
In order to attract people to a networking event, you need strategic planning and effective promotion.
Thus, define the target audience, create compelling topics, utilize marketing channels, choose an event app to facilitate the process, etc.
The main benefit of using an event app is its ability to enhance the overall attendee experience and streamline event management.
Therefore, you can improve attendee engagement, create networking opportunities and get valuable event data and analytics.
Keep Learning:
How to Network as an Entrepreneur - 4 Tips to Implement Today
