The true value of conferences and research events lies in effective networking. Engaging with peers and industry leaders can unlock invaluable opportunities and encourage collaborations that drive innovation and growth. Researchers might have come for the science, but they stay back for the conversations, live polls, and Q&A sessions. The right platform can transform these events into high-value ones for the attendees, which also benefits your organization in the long run.
Academic events can be stressful, but with the right platform, attendee networking becomes a seamless experience. A networking system is beneficial as it provides professional development, collaboration, and career advancement.
Networking for the long run has acted as the currency of academic progress. When you connect with people globally, it does not just grow connections; it helps you professionally for the future as well.
Below is a detailed blog consisting of 11 platforms that are especially useful for how they handle networking in academic events, who they are best for, and practical tips for organizers and attendees to get the most value.
1. Dryfta
It provides a single platform for managing an event’s registration, schedule, and communication, which reduces friction and allows participants to connect before, during, and after the event. Dryfta’s matchmaking and networking system is specially designed to help event attendees connect with the right audience. It uses profile data, interests, session preferences, and professional details for attendees to connect with.
This platform enables attendees to post comments, engage in discussions, and share ideas in a dedicated space both before and after the event. In addition, it offers real-time communication tools.
2. Whova
Whova has made networking easy at academic events for a long time now through its comprehensive, digital platform with specific tools designed to encourage meaningful connections among attendees.
The platform uses information through attendee matchmaking to suggest relevant connections they might not have found otherwise. Thus, attendees get a head start on building valuable relationships.
Additionally, a dedicated community board allows attendees to post updates, ask questions, share content, and participate in topic-specific discussions. Having such platforms helps build an ongoing community and connect people on a broader spectrum who share similar interests.
3. Brella
This event management tool has been making networking easier through its AI-powered matchmaking and intent-based networking, which replaces random meetings with curated, purpose-driven connections.
Instead of mindless browsing through profiles, participants create their personal profile with their academic interests, research areas, and event goals in mind. Brella’s AI algorithm evaluates this data to recommend relevant, like-minded individuals for connection, ensuring more meaningful interactions.
4. Grip
Grip is an AI-powered networking system designed to improve networking at academic and professional events. It goes beyond casual encounters by offering a structured, efficient, and personalized experience. Tailored lists of suggested connections and relevant sessions are given to each attendee, further enriching the productivity and value of the event.
In short, this platform transforms a generally cumbersome process of networking into an effective, data-driven, streamlined experience. It is a very valuable tool for academic events focused on growing connections.
5. Swapcard
Choosing this tool makes networking easy with AI-powered matchmaking and automated meeting scheduling features, which help build relevant connections among attendees.
The AI smart meeting generator simplifies the often manual process of arranging one-on-one meetings by automatically creating optimized schedules based on mutual availability. This saves significant time and effort and also reduces the logistical stress of scheduling meetings across different agendas and time zones.
6. Webex Events (Formerly Socio)
It helps leverage digital tools to enhance both online and offline interactions. It simplifies connecting with peers and experts through features like digital profile, event-specific communication channels, and matchmaking.
The features of this tool help in sharing knowledge and give access to opportunities that can lead to professional growth and collaboration.
It can help users focus on the most meaningful conversations by providing tools to identify and connect with specific individuals, such as those in the user’s field or with potential mentorship value.
7. RingCentral Events
RingCentral Events (formerly known as Hopin) makes networking easier by providing a dedicated virtual space for interactions, offering structured “speed networking” features, and centralizing all event components. The system consists of a specific networking area that mimics the spontaneous encounters of a physical event. Users can be randomly paired for one-on-one, timed video conversations, with the option to extend the chat if both parties want to connect.
Overall, the design philosophy of this tool focuses on recreating the key elements of an in-person event experience digitally, with a strong emphasis on meaningful interactions that directly benefit attendees.
8. Remo
Remo makes networking easier at academic events by providing a virtual environment that effectively replicates the natural, spontaneous interactions of an in-person gathering.
Unlike platforms that require the host to manually assign people to breakout rooms, attendees can take ownership of their experience when using Remo. The participants can explore the virtual space, see who sits at which table, and decide which conversations or topics they join or leave on their own terms. That is a more self-directed way to create better connections.
The platform is equipped with features like Q&A sessions, polls, and general chat, which boost overall participation and interaction in the academic community.
9. ConfTool
ConfTool enhances networking at academic events by providing integrated digital tools for communication and information sharing. These tools help participants connect, engage in discussions, and efficiently manage their personal schedules.
Participants can easily access presentation slides, abstracts, and author information through the agenda, allowing them to prepare for meaningful conversations based on shared academic interests.
10. Oxford Abstracts
It streamlines event management for academic conferences, with features such as optimized scheduling, interactive poster displays, and custom conference websites for enhanced attendee connectivity and information access.
Its clean interface and mobile-friendly features make finding relevant sessions and speakers easier, which in turn forms the basis for connecting attendees.
A major feature of the software allows organizers to plan out event schedules, which attendees can easily access for easier planning of their day and identification of interesting sessions.
11. Ex Ordo
If you’re looking for a tool that eases the administrative and logistical load from the organizers, this one would be suitable to pick. The tool works by creating a better experience for the attendees. This feature enables organizers to help attendees create connections, find the most relevant sessions. Having these tasks automated helps shift the focus from administrative details to networking and engagement.
It is designed to be intuitive: organizers will not have to spend much time on administration, while attendees will network and not struggle with the technology.
Parting Thoughts
When you select a platform, it ensures that matchmaking algorithms pair attendees with the most relevant professional contacts, enhancing the quality and potential success of interactions.
At Dryfta, we offer exclusive networking facilities through our features that cater to the cause. We strive to make your attendees’ journey meaningful through connections and real-time growth.
If you’re planning on growing your network and having real-life connections, then you have landed on the right platform. Experience the power of Dryfta with a free demo, designed to guide you effortlessly through the website and the multiple tools it offers. Take the first step towards a smoother experience today!