Event Networking Blog
Knowledge on networking & matchmaking.
Practical tips, guides and trends for successful B2B events — from the team behind the Converve platform.
Tips for Event Organizers
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How Big Is the MICE Market in 2026? The Honest Numbers for Event Organisers
How to Run a Virtual Networking Event That Produces Real Meetings
How to Attract International Buyers to a Tourism Trade Show: A Five-Lever Playbook
Event Matchmaking
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Why Is Matchmaking Important for Tourism Trade Shows? The Business Case in Numbers
Buyers choose events by the diary they arrive with, structured meetings convert into contracts, and counted meetings are the number funders accept. The business case for matchmaking at tourism trade shows, with benchmarks from ITB Berlin, WTM London, IMEX and peer-reviewed research.
How Big Is the MICE Market in 2026? The Honest Numbers for Event Organisers
MICE market estimates for 2026 range from 1.03 to 1.34 trillion dollars. Why the figures differ, where growth happens and how organisers should quote them.
How to Run a Virtual Networking Event That Produces Real Meetings
Virtual networking events are back on B2B agendas in 2026, but attendees no longer accept breakout-room roulette. This guide covers four formats, a seven-step plan, a 60-minute agenda and the KPIs that separate a tired video call from an event that produces business meetings.
Multilingual Buyer-Seller Meetings: Best Practices for Trade Show Organisers
At international trade shows, English-only planning quietly kills meetings that looked perfect on paper. This guide shows organisers how to treat language as a matching criterion: capture language data at registration, match for compatibility, tier meetings to decide between human interpreters and AI translation, and measure results by language pair.
How to Attract International Buyers to a Tourism Trade Show: A Five-Lever Playbook
International buyers choose fewer events and expect more from each one. This playbook covers the five levers organisers use to win them: incentive packages, hard qualification, regional sourcing, guaranteed meeting diaries and published proof, with benchmarks from IMEX, IBTM, WTM and ITB for 2025 and 2026.
25 Networking Event Ideas That Actually Lead to Meetings: A B2B Organiser's Guide
Half your attendees come to meet new people, yet most receptions produce small talk. 25 networking event ideas in six families, from speed networking and games to quiet formats and structured matchmaking, with a framework to choose and the numbers to measure success.
What Is Investor Matchmaking? A Guide for Startup Conference Organisers
Investor matchmaking pairs founders with relevant investors through pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings. This guide explains the three layers behind it, why research on VC deal flow makes it necessary, how it differs from demo days and pitch competitions, and the four KPIs that show whether it worked.
How to Plan a Demo Day Step by Step: The 12-Week Playbook
A twelve-week operational playbook for accelerator organisers: investor curation, venue and AV, pre-scheduled meetings, the day-of run-sheet, budget benchmarks, and the four KPIs that decide whether the cohort raises.
How to Prevent Investor Overload at Demo Days
Four operational levers organisers can pull to distribute pitch requests across the room: tiered invites, hard caps, three-axis fit scoring, long-tail deflection.
How to Choose a Virtual or Hybrid Event Platform in 2026
A buyer's guide for B2B trade shows, hosted-buyer programmes and hybrid associations. Five decision criteria, a comparison by event type, a realistic 500-attendee pricing model and a migration checklist.
How to Maximise Investor Meetings at a 2-Day Startup Conference: An Organiser's Playbook
A six-layer organiser's playbook for 2-day startup conferences: pre-event curation, platform configuration, the 1:1 meeting engine, the multi-format layer, real-time operations, and follow-up architecture. With 2026 benchmarks from Slush, Bits & Pretzels and IMEX, the six-number KPI framework, and an honest critique of when the playbook is the wrong tool.
Event Matchmaking FAQ: 15 Questions Organisers Ask Us Most in 2026
Only 15 per cent of organisers rate their networking as very effective. This FAQ hub answers the 15 operational questions we hear most about matchmaking, from cost and KPIs to GDPR and Hosted Buyer fit, with 2026 data and links to the deeper Converve pillars.
Matchmaking Software for Startup Pitch Events: A Cost-vs-Outcomes Buyer's Guide
Six matchmaking platforms compared on cost per qualified founder-investor meeting, with a hidden-cost checklist and a decision tree for pitch events under 500 attendees.
What Is a Hosted Buyer Programme? Definition, Mechanics and a 2026 Decision Framework
A hosted buyer programme invites pre-qualified senior buyers to a trade show on the organiser's tab, in exchange for a committed schedule of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings. This pillar gives you the IMEX-era definition, the 2026 format spectrum from fully hosted to visitor buyer, the real cost structure and the honest answer to when the format is wrong for your show.
Event Networking vs Matchmaking: The Real Difference in 2026
Networking is the chance you'll meet the right person. Matchmaking is the system that ensures you do. A 2026 guide for event organisers, with the data, KPIs and format decisions that follow from the distinction.
AI Matchmaking at Events: How It Works and When It Doesn't
A practical guide to AI matchmaking at events: how the three generations of technology work, what the data shows, when organiser control must come first, and why uploading attendee lists to ChatGPT is a GDPR risk.
Tourism Trade Show ROI: A KPI Framework for DMOs and Event Organisers
The 4:1 industry-standard ROI ratio is written for exhibitors, not for tourism trade show organisers. This three-phase KPI framework, with a multi-stakeholder model and a worked DMO example, gives you a measurement system that satisfies sellers, buyers and a tourism ministry alike.
Best Matchmaking Apps for Startup Conferences 2026: 8 Platforms Compared
Startup conferences have matchmaking needs that generic listicles ignore. Here are the eight platforms that actually fit demo days, accelerator events, and founder-investor conferences, scored against an eight-criteria framework.
Best Matchmaking Software for Tourism Trade Shows in 2026: 8 Platforms Compared
Tourism trade shows have unique matchmaking needs that generic listicles ignore. Here are the eight platforms that actually fit DMOs, convention bureaus and tourism trade-show organisers, scored against an eight-criteria framework.
How to Match Founders with the Right VCs: A Conference Organiser's Playbook
A practical playbook for conference organisers: the seven match layers, the three matching mechanisms, how Slush, Web Summit and Bits & Pretzels run it, and the KPIs that tell you if it worked.
Hosted Buyer Programme vs. Open Registration: Which Format Delivers More Qualified Meetings?
Hosted, open or hybrid? Compare the three trade-show formats on cost, meeting guarantee and ROI predictability, with a 6-row decision matrix for tourism trade shows in 2026.
Demo Day Structure: A Six-Phase Playbook for Maximum Investor Follow-ups
A six-phase operational playbook for organisers: investor curation, pre-scheduled meetings, pitch-day discipline, the 48-hour warm-intro window, the 14-day follow-up hub, and the Day-90 cohort review. Includes the four KPIs that predict whether a cohort raises.
How to Run a Hosted Buyer Programme: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tourism Trade Shows
Hosted buyer meetings close 6.8 times more often than booth chats. Here is the seven-step playbook and 90-day timeline for tourism trade shows that actually deliver measurable revenue.
What is a Demo Day? A Complete Guide for Startup Conference Organisers
A demo day is more than a pitch marathon. Here is what the format is, the four variants organisers should know, and the five operational levers that turn pitches into investor follow-ups.
AI in Event Management: Where the Value Actually Lies in 2026
91% of event professionals use AI, but only 16% say it has made a significant difference. This guide identifies where AI delivers proven ROI in event management and where it is still finding its footing.
10 Types of Virtual Events That Drive Real Networking Results (2026)
Not all virtual events are created equal. This guide breaks down 10 types of virtual events, from webinars to AI-powered B2B matchmaking, and rates the networking potential of each so you can choose the right format for your goals.
The 9 Best Event Website Builders in 2026: A Comparison for B2B Event Organisers
Compare the 9 best event website builders for B2B conferences, trade shows, and matchmaking events. Covers registration depth, matchmaking integration, pricing, and GDPR compliance.
How to Promote Events on LinkedIn: The 2026 B2B Guide
LinkedIn rebuilt its event-marketing toolkit in late 2025 and early 2026. Here is the step-by-step playbook for promoting B2B events: setup, organic reach, the new Event Ads, CRM and matchmaking, and post-event engagement.
Hybrid Event Planning in 2026: A Practical Guide for B2B Organisers
Hybrid event planning in 2026 means designing two experiences, not one. A practical 9-step guide for B2B organisers: tech stack by event size, AV budget benchmarks, ROI framework, and a checklist you can hand to your team this week.
Best Event Networking Apps 2026: AI Matchmaking, Pricing, and How to Pick the Right One
Side-by-side review of the 12 leading event networking apps for 2026. AI matchmaking, pricing, and how to choose the right tool for your event type: B2B-Matchmaking-First or Event-App-First.
Virtual Event Sponsorship Packages: A 2026 Guide to Tier Design and Pricing
Build virtual event sponsorship packages that sell in 2026. A clear framework for tier design, value-based pricing, and what sponsors actually want, beyond logo placement.
MICE Tourism in 2026: A Strategic Guide for Event Managers
MICE tourism is on track to nearly double by 2035. Six trends are reshaping 2026: ESG, second cities, AI personalisation, hybrid formats, purpose-driven incentives, and wellness-first design, and this guide breaks each one down with hard market data and practical advice for event managers.
Why ISO 27001:2022 Should Matter to Event Organizers (It Does!)
B2B events involve sensitive attendee, corporate and payment data. Here is why ISO 27001:2022 certification should not be optional when choosing event software, and how to verify it is genuine.
Business Matchmaking: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth
Business matchmaking is a structured process that connects companies with complementary needs and offerings. Learn how it works and how it can drive growth for your organization.
B2B Event Registration: 9 Best Software Solutions
Efficient registration is the cornerstone of a successful B2B event. We compare nine of the best event registration software solutions and show which one connects ticketing, registration and the event platform best.
Find Sponsors for Events: The Ultimate Guide
Finding sponsors is hard. If you don't know where and how. Learn today's 101 tactics to find sponsors for your event.
Crafting the Perfect Event Sponsorship Package
A practical guide to building event sponsorship packages that attract the right sponsors, from researching prospects to structuring tiered benefits and writing a proposal that wins.
Best Practices for Healthcare B2B Matchmaking
Discover how to prepare for, communicate at, and leverage technology for healthcare B2B matchmaking events so you can build meaningful partnerships and grow your network.
How to Diversity: Best practices for inclusive events in 2023
Inclusive events let everyone take part. Learn what inclusive events are, which seven diversity dimensions matter and 8 practical tips to make your event more diverse.
Ticket Pricing Strategies for B2B Events in 2023
Not too expensive, not too cheap: how to set the right ticket price for your B2B event. Pricing models, key factors and sales strategies at a glance.
Do virtual events need randomness? A deeper look at chance encounters
Encounters by chance are an important part of events and we can use the pricipals of serendipity to re-create them in a virtual setting. Here's how
The Event Community Trend you don't want to miss in 2023
With 365-day events you create a platform that keeps customers active all year round. Here is what an event community is, why it pays off, and how to build one.
The 2 Different Types of Event Platforms: How To Pick The Right Fit
The year is 2022 and you can choose from more than 200 different event platforms for your B2B event. Here's how to find one that truly suits you.
Why host a digital event ? A decision-making guide for event planners
Over the past two years, attendees have gotten used to the drill: log into the event from wherever they are, network with participants from any country, and attend seminars from the very best speakers.
Returning To In-Person Events? Here’s How You Can Transition Safely
Offline events are back, but the on-site landscape has changed. From proof of vaccination to flexible contracts and exposure plans, here is how to pivot to in-person events safely.
An Event Speaker Guide: 8 Tips To Finding The Right Match
Good speakers sell events. Here's how you can find an all-star line-up of speakers and give your audience an unforgettable event experience.
A 12 Step Guide To Build Your Event Landing Page On Converve
Create an event landing page that turns visitors into attendees in 12 simple steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to nailing your event website goals with Converve's page builder.
Virtual Event Sponsorship: 7 Tips To Get Your Sponsors Onboard
A well-built sponsorship package can attract the right sponsors and fund your virtual event. Here are 7 tips to craft a winning package sponsors cannot resist.
Hybrid Events: The Pros and Cons
A hybrid event offers advantages such as greater reach and more planning security, at the cost of organisational effort and technical investment. Weigh up the pros and cons.
Virtual Matchmaking Events: What makes the format so popular?
Plannable appointments, easier networking and happy sponsors. Learn why virtual matchmaking events have become a recipe for success.
5 Hybrid Event Examples that Revolutionized Events as we know it
Merging the best of virtual and in-person events, hybrid events are disrupting the business world. Here are 5 hybrid event examples from brands like Apple and HubSpot, plus what makes the format work.
Marketing for digital events: Which social media platforms should you be on?
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube each reach a different audience. Here is which social media platforms event organizers should be on, and what makes each one worthwhile.
What should my (live) stream setup for virtual events look like? - Everything you need for a professional event stream
What a professional live stream setup for virtual events really takes: how audio, recording quality, lighting and audience interaction shape your stream, and which service providers you need.
Guest Post by Katrin Taepke: Your guide to virtual events with Converve
As soon as we can hold live events again, they will most likely have their comeback, because not every event can offer the same things digitally as they can on-site. However, there is a lot of potential for new “hybrid” events which have both on-site and virtual components. For this purpose, the new feature "virtual B2B matchmaking" from Converve can provide you with a solution.
Who Should Meet Whom? The 3 Mistakes Business Matchmaking Organisers Should Avoid at All Costs
Structured matchmaking has arrived at B2B events, but many organisers roll it out too hastily. Avoid these three mistakes around free-riders, participant types, and communication timing to make your platform a success.
37 Creative Sponsorship Ideas for Events (with Examples)
Many events live from offering an attractive environment for sponsors. Here are 37 exciting sponsorship ideas you can implement for your next events.
Why Event Apps can Harm the Success of Your Event
Native event apps seem like the obvious answer to mobile attendees. Here is why they are often more of a barrier than a help, and which alternative actually works.
Event Planning: 5 Reasons Why the Event Programme and Matchmaking Go Hand in Hand
People who visit B2B events want to network and learn new things. The best way to do this is by linking the matchmaking platform and the event programme. Here are 5 reasons why.
10 Reasons Why Business Events need a B2B Matchmaking Platform
Today, exhibitors, sponsors and visitors alike use B2B events mainly for networking. Here are 10 good reasons why a matchmaking platform makes sense for your business event.
Gamification: How Much Sense Does It Make for Business Events?
What is behind the mega trend of gamification and is it even worthwhile for B2B events? We look at leader boards, real examples and the limits of playful elements.
Matchmaking-Workshop Review: 4 Learnings for Your Success!
At Converve's workshop during TechXperience 2018, event professionals developed exciting ideas for successful matchmaking. Four key findings: dramaturgy, casting, monetisation and gamification.
Business Matchmaking at Events - 18 Success Factors
52% of trade fair, conference, and B2B event organisers consider matchmaking a crucial success factor. Here are the key components of a successful event matchmaking strategy plus 18 best practices.
"Personalisation offers added value for event participants" - Interview with Dominik Deubner, MICE Club
MICE Club founder Dominik Deubner talks about current EventTech trends such as personalisation and matchmaking, and looks ahead to the first hands-on TechXperience conference.
5 Reasons Why Experience Design Is So Important For Trade Fairs And Events
The trade fair, event, and conference industry is being reinvented: the customer experience now decides between success and failure. Five reasons why experience design matters for organizers, and how to get started.
Facial Recognition at Events: A Blessing or a Curse?
Facial recognition is becoming part of everyday life, from unlocking smartphones to passport control. What can face detection offer the event industry, and where are the risks?
GDPR for Event Managers: An Expert Opinion
On 25 May the European General Data Protection Regulation comes into force. We asked data protection expert Dr Ralf Schadowski what it really changes for event managers, and how to prepare without panic.
Self-Motivation for Event Managers Working from Home
More and more freelancers and mobile employees work in the event business. Ten practical tips to stay focused and productive while working from home.
YouTube for Event Managers: How to Draw Inspiration, Know-how and Reach from the Video Platform
YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. We show how event managers can use the video platform as a content channel, a training resource and a source of inspiration.
New Business Models for Traditional Trade Fair Organisers
Selling square metres alone has its limits. Five mostly digital business models that help trade fair organisers unlock new revenue streams.
Are Event Managers 'Multiple Personalities'? The 9 Roles of Event Managers
A day in the life of event manager Julia shows how many hats the job demands: from finance manager and experience designer to social media manager.
The 10 Steps to Deliver Successful Event Newsletters
Event newsletters are an important tool in online marketing to generate registrations for your event, if they are well planned.
Matchmaking Software: Avoid These 5 Typical Mistakes
Business matchmaking gives exhibitors and sponsors measurable results, but rolling it out comes with common pitfalls. Avoid these five typical mistakes when using matchmaking software at your event.
Offline Reading Tips for Event Managers
Sometimes a printed book just feels good. Four offline reading tips for event managers, from experience design to the Event Canvas.
What should it cost? Pricing models for trade fair and congress tickets
Not too expensive, not too cheap: perfect participant pricing for B2B events is hard to find. An overview of the key pricing models from an event organizer's perspective.
The Best Event Videos
Event videos communicate impressions of the event, transport emotions and whet the appetite for the following year. Here are 9 examples, from B2C music festivals to B2B corporate events, where this has been achieved particularly well.
What draws Coen regularly to Iceland?
In our Behind the Scenes series, Project Lead Manager Coen de Jong reveals what fascinates him so much about the country of glaciers and geysers and keeps drawing him back to Iceland.
Chatbots, AI, Voice Recognition: Just Hype or Very Relevant for Event Managers?
Artificial intelligence, bots and voice assistants are reshaping marketing and communication. What does this mean for the events industry, and where is the value already today?
Values, Ethics, Morals and the Events Industry
Interview with Bernd Fritzges, initiator of the annual WerteEvent, about ethics, morals, and his tips for event planners who want to offer matchmaking.
The Most Important #Hashtag Rules for Event Managers
#Hashtags brought a system to chaotic social worlds. Follow these easy rules to elevate your social media game and spread the word about your events.
Top Performance under Pressure: Stress Relief for Event Managers
Event managers juggle deadlines, clients and constant conflict. Here are practical strategies to relieve stress and stay centered, even in the biggest chaos.
Mid-year Statement: Exciting Blog Articles for Event Managers in 2017
A small reading and link list for the summer: the most interesting topics in the event blogosphere in the first half of 2017, from live streaming and VR/AR to security and the Oscar fail.
Go home with 30 new business cards from your next business event, guaranteed!
Despite digitalisation, business cards remain a key networking tool. These checklists show what to keep in mind before, during and after a business event so you collect as many new contacts as possible.
Survey: User Experience Decisive factor of Software-based Business Matchmaking
A Converve survey of more than 60 trade fair, congress and event planners reveals what matters most in business matchmaking: ease of use, responsive design and a strong user experience.
New Event Formats and What They Mean for Business Networking
Participative event formats and meeting design are hot topics, and even B2B events rely on interactive elements. We look at what this means for business networking and matchmaking.
The 11 Worst B2B Networking Mistakes at Events
Trade fairs, congresses and events are top occasions to expand your business network. Here are the 11 networking mistakes you definitely need to avoid.
The 5 'hottest' Icebreakers for Business Networking
Creating new contacts at trade fairs and congresses isn't easy for everyone. These five icebreaker questions help you get any conversation at a business event going.
Matchmaking at Career Fairs: TALENT DAY Case Study
How TALENT DAY Media + IT in Hamburg uses matchmaking technology to connect over 850 school pupils with 50 companies. A behind-the-scenes look at a successful career fair.
A Solid Argument: Why Should Your Exhibitors Use a B2B Matchmaking Tool?
B2B matchmaking professionalizes the exchange between exhibitors and trade fair visitors. Here are 8 arguments you can use to motivate your exhibitors to embrace a matchmaking tool.
Conflict management at events: How do I deal with difficult customers?
Events are fast-paced, high-pressure environments where emotions run high. Seven practical tips for event managers on handling conflicts with upset customers.
More Team Productivity With Podio
E-mails and Excel no longer suffice for managing event team collaboration. Here is why and how Converve uses the Podio online platform instead.
20 Sources for Free Photos, Videos, Graphics and Music
Online marketing for events needs a lot of audio-visual content, and producing it is expensive. Here are 20 sources for free music, video, photos and graphics you can use right away.
What is the Ideal Timing for Pre-Event Matchmaking? Tips from Linda Hull, Silicon Valley Telecom Council
Linda Hull of the Telecom Council of Silicon Valley shares why timing is crucial for B2B matchmaking and how she condenses the matchmaking process for the TC3 Summit into just three weeks.
8 Tips for Sustainable Events
A lot of people talk about sustainable events these days, but few actually know what that really means. Sustainable events are more than just „green“. Here are 8 tips on how to organize your trade fair or congress sustainably.
The 5 Biggest Pitfalls of Hosted Buyer Programs
Matchmaking of event participants is becoming ever more important for trade fairs and congresses. Hosted buyer programs can help, but they are not easy to devise and implement. Here are the five pitfalls organizers should avoid.
Work-Life Balance Tips: Especially for Event Managers Plagued by Stress
Do the usual work-life balance approaches even fit the hectic events world? Tips for event managers and their executives to keep stress in check.
CO-BRANDS: Cooperation Speed-dating for Brands and Media
Since 2009, the CO-BRANDS event in Hamburg has brought marketing decision makers together for cooperation speed-dating. Organizer Nils Pickenpack explains the concept and the role of the Converve platform.
Five tips for successful event networking
Whether you are an organiser or a participant: the Converve platform helps you prepare for exhibitions and meetings. Five practical tips for making the most of an event.
Interactive Events: This is what Audience Response Tools Can (and Can't) Do
Slido, Glisser and VoxR promise more interactive events. We look at what audience response tools really deliver, where their limits are and what organizers need to know about data protection.
ABM Events in Canada Case Study: Aboriginals and Private Sector Get Together
How event organizer Raven Events uses the Converve matchmaking platform to power its ABM events (Aboriginal Business Match), connecting Canada's indigenous peoples with the private sector.
Web Apps vs. Native Event Apps: What are the pros and cons?
Is a downloadable native app worthwhile or is a web app enough? We compare both approaches and explain why Converve relies on web-based event apps.
Graphics Software Shootout: Where Does Canva Beat InDesign?
The brave new colourful marketing world of content and social media is very demanding for graphic designers and marketing managers. We compare free graphic tools like Canva against pro gear such as InDesign and Photoshop.
Case Study GDC 2016: How Do You Attract More Than 26,000 Game Developers to San Francisco?
For 30 years the Game Developers Conference has been the meeting point of the gaming industry. A look at how UBM gathers 26,000 experts in San Francisco and how Converve powers the B2B matchmaking behind it.
Beer and Networking? Not Such a Bad Match!
In our Behind the Scenes series we introduce the Converve team: CTO Sören Gregor talks about why he brews his own beer in his spare time.
Time Management: Don't Get Overwhelmed By Your E-mail Inbox
Drowning in e-mail? With clear routines, fixed inbox-checking slots and the right tools, event and marketing managers can take back control of their working day.
5 Tips to Market Your Event Apps
Building a great event app is only half the job. These 5 tips help you market it well and secure a strong adoption rate.