More and more organizers spell it out in their RFPs: a simple messaging feature or an alphabetical directory isn’t enough. They’re right. A directory of 1,500 names doesn’t tell an attendee who to meet, or why. Open messaging generates conversations, but rarely actual meetings.
What creates value is a structured process: useful profiles, relevant recommendations, scheduled meetings and measurable follow-up.
1. Profiles that say something
A good attendee profile goes beyond name and title. It covers organization, role and interests, but above all what the person is looking for and what they offer. That’s what makes meaningful matches possible.
This information can be collected at registration, so profiles are ready well before the event.
2. Search, filter, get suggestions
Attendees should be able to find the right people quickly, filtering by useful criteria: industry, type of organization, needs, offerings. Contact recommendations are based on those same criteria, which makes them easy to understand: attendees can see why a meeting is being suggested.
This is where B2B/2GO stands apart from simple messaging. Attendees can request a meeting, get it accepted, schedule it and track it. The meeting doesn’t stay an intention: it gets a time and a place.
4. A human touch
Technology does a lot, but some meetings need a nudge. A concierge or ambassador team can spot inactive profiles, suggest meetings and support attendees who need help. Expert guidance has been part of the B2B/2GO approach from the start.
5. Indicators that prove the value
For your partners, sponsors and board, the value of networking has to be demonstrated. Track each stage:
| Indicator |
What it reveals |
| Activated profiles |
Attendee engagement before the event |
| Meeting requests |
Real interest in networking |
| Confirmed meetings |
Quality of the matches |
| Meetings held |
Concrete value delivered on site |
This data feeds your post-event review and strengthens your case for the next edition. [client proof]
Questions to ask a vendor
- Are recommendations explainable to attendees?
- Can a meeting be scheduled and tracked end to end within the platform?
- Which networking indicators are available, in real time and after the event?
- What human support is offered to drive meetings?
This article is part of our series on the attendee journey. Read the main article: Choosing an event platform that supports the entire attendee journey.
