Technology should make a meaningful interaction easier, not replace curiosity, listening or follow-up. Before adopting any tool, check that it supports your objective, works in a busy hall, protects personal data, avoids duplicate records and fits your follow-up process.
Technology should make a meaningful interaction easier. It should not replace curiosity, listening or follow-up.
Event technology for exhibitors: useful networking tools
At the event
- Event apps and event networking apps
- Meeting-booking tools
- Digital business cards and QR codes
- Messaging platforms
Around the event
- Contact databases and CRM systems
- Note-taking tools
- Calendar tools and shared event workspaces
Event apps versus your own tools
Many events provide an event networking app, with attendee profiles, messaging and meeting scheduling. These are chosen by the organiser. Your own tools, such as your calendar, CRM and note-taking, are chosen by you. Use the event app to find people and book meetings, and use your own tools to keep the relationship going.
Ten questions to ask before adopting a tool
Fit
- Does the tool support the objective?
- Is it easy to use in a busy environment?
- Does it work offline?
- Can notes be exported?
- Does it integrate with the follow-up process?
Data
- Does it protect personal data?
- Does it create duplicate records?
- Does it support consent and opt-out handling?
- Who owns the data?
- How long is data retained?
Exhibitors and attendees
Exhibitors and attendees
Choose fewer tools, used well
- Agree one tool for contacts and one for notes
- Test everything in the venue before the show
- Check privacy and consent settings first
Keep it simple
- Use the event app to find people and book meetings
- Carry a paper fallback
- Write notes the same day
Business cards are a tool too. See paper cards, digital cards and NFC.
Frequently asked questions
What is an event networking app?
A mobile or web tool, often provided by the organiser, that helps attendees find each other, message, schedule meetings and exchange contacts before and during an event.
How do you choose networking tools for an event?
Check that the tool supports your objective, works in a busy environment, protects personal data, avoids duplicate records, supports consent and fits your follow-up process.
Do exhibitors need their own tools as well as the event app?
Usually yes. The event app helps you find people and book meetings. Your own CRM and notes tools keep the relationship going after the event.
Booking meetings before the show?
Pre-booked meetings give you an easy first conversation. See how BoothMaven handles meeting booking for exhibitors.