Event networking - b2match

b2b Matchmaking

We are the #1 Choice for EEN Matchmaking Events

Kurt Burtscher

Nov 5, 20215 min read

Event matchmaking software b2match and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) enjoy a longstanding partnership. Having worked together for around 10 years, b2match has adapted its event matchmaking software to fulfill EEN specific needs. In 2021 alone, EEN chose to manage over 450 events with around 89,000 participants with b2match.

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)

The EEN helps businesses innovate and grow on an international scale. It’s the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. The EEN supports businesses in many different ways, which includes organising different types of business-oriented events:

Business matchmaking events

Bringing together businesses and other organisations looking for partners to take their projects forward. They often take place alongside international trade shows and conferences. Participants share their partnership offers or requests and schedule meetings in advance.

Conferences and workshops

To help prepare businesses for international expansion. These events focus on topics covered by the EEN advisory and support services. Topics include innovation, access to international markets, funding opportunities, regulations and standards.

Why b2match is the EEN Event Matchmaking Software of Choice

b2match understands that EEN events are about more than just small talk among participants. Business events are made for people with expectations. Meeting these expectations and maximizing return is crucial for making any b2b matchmaking event a success.

b2match helps EEN event organizers create more meaningful connections with features that are tailored to their needs. Read on to learn more.

Marketplace: Unique and outstanding b2match feature

The most crucial element of b2match for EEN matchmaking events is the marketplace. The marketplace offers detailed descriptions created by event participants of products and services that are being looked for or are on offer. Participants upload photos, videos and files to their marketplace entries.

Screenshot of b2match marketplace entry with search criteria under services such as consulting, research & development etcScreenshot of b2match marketplace entry with search criteria under services such as consulting, research & development etc
Image: Marketplace opportunities with keywords and smart search function.

One to three weeks before an event begins, participants search the marketplace on the b2match platform to find ideal meeting partners. They use keywords and a powerful smart search function to find interesting requests or offers. The depth of detail within the marketplace allows attendees to make informed decisions to find a good match. After making the assessment, attendees click a button to request one-to-one meetings. The meetings are then conducted in-person or online.

A personalized event agenda is populated for participants to easily keep track of their meetings during the event. It indicates if a meeting is on location or virtual.

Screenshot of b2match personalized event agenda displaying welcome, one-to-one meeting arranged. lunchScreenshot of b2match personalized event agenda displaying welcome, one-to-one meeting arranged. lunch
Image: Personalized event agenda.

Having analyzed thousands of events facilitated on b2match, data clearly shows that around 70% of one-to-one meeting requests are initiated through marketplace opportunities.

Easy Management of Event Co-Organizers

A typical EEN event can have anywhere from 5-20 international partners working on an event. To work cohesively together, access rights are assigned accordingly. To do this, the b2match platform differentiates main event organizers from supporting organizers.

Each role has different rights according to what they need to do to have a successful event. For example, a supporting organizer can make the event visible in their regions and help to acquire local organizations to attend the event. In addition, they modify participant profiles they are connected to. So an Austrian supporting organizer can view all participants' profiles but only edit profiles from Austrian organizations.

Screenshot of b2match organizer tool displaying seven different event organizers of the eventScreenshot of b2match organizer tool displaying seven different event organizers of the event
Image: Each event organizer has access rights according to event goals to be achieved.

EEN specific reporting requirements

The EEN has specific event reporting standards. Event organizers need to deliver information on participant numbers, quantity of bilateral meetings, meetings after the event and agreements reached.

Dashboard

b2match has created an event dashboard to make viewing event data easy. At a glance, event organizers see the number of registrations and one-to-one meetings scheduled. If these numbers are lower than desired, event organizers can take action and prompt participants to get active. The data can be exported for further analysis.

Screenshot of b2match organizer tool dashboard displaying registration and meeting numbers of the eventScreenshot of b2match organizer tool dashboard displaying registration and meeting numbers of the event
Image: Dashboard gives quick overview of EEN event KPIs.

One-to-One Meeting Rating System

A valuable feature that allows event organizers to report on the success of the event in a clear manner.

Event participants have the ability to rate their one-to-one meetings. This can be done in two stages. Right after the meeting has occurred and a few months later. The event organizer can send an email out to event participants and ask if a cooperation occurred or not.

b2match screenshot of organizer tool participant ratings of the one-to-one meetings they had during the eventb2match screenshot of organizer tool participant ratings of the one-to-one meetings they had during the event
Image: Participants rate the success of 1:1 meetings, making EEN reporting clear and concise.

Post Event Matchmaking

Post event matchmaking is a great opportunity for event organizers to increase their meeting KPIs for EEN event requirements. It was created on the b2match platform because event participants were asking for extended time to have more matchmaking opportunities.

Post event matchmaking allows event participants to book one-to-one meetings even after the event is over. This can go on for a week or a month. It is a period when attendees are able to meet anytime they agree on. This of course adds more meeting numbers to the event.

Screenshot of participant meetings set up for long-term matchmaking in an agenda like formatScreenshot of participant meetings set up for long-term matchmaking in an agenda like format
Image: Long-term matchmaking increases 1:1 meeting KPIs of an EEN event.

A Familiar Platform

Having facilitated hundreds of EEN events over the years, b2match is a familiar software platform to many. It can almost be thought of as the WhatsApp of EEN matchmaking events, whether they are virtual, hybrid or in-person networking events. Everyone is on it, it’s intuitive and it makes event planning and management easier.

Examples of EEN Events Facilitated by b2match

Seeing real EEN events facilitated using b2match is always helpful. It offers up real world views and what the possibilities are. Here is a list of some big EEN events in 2021.

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

To support this initiative, virtual networking events covering different cluster topics were created. Thousands of participants took part.

Bionnale

Bionnale is the biggest networking event for life sciences and healthcare industries in the German capital region.

Over 800 participants from 52 countries had over 400 meetings.

B2B Software Days 2021

B2B Software Days 2021 allowed participants to pitch their startup ideas in front of 50 international investors. They used the marketplace to promote their business offers and requests.

Over 2,000 participants from 77 different countries booked 1,600 meetings.

Fashion Match Supply 2021

Fashion Match Supply 2021 was organized by ZENIT, which supports medium-sized businesses to expand internationally.

The event had 600 participants from 37 countries who had 460 meetings.

Qatar Matchmaking Event 2021

Qatar Matchmaking Event was organized by EEN Qatar/Qatar Development Bank (QDB) under Tasdeer services. The aim was to gather top Qatari manufacturers and international distributors, potential partners and businesses to discuss and develop future partnerships.

The event had 1,500 participants from 59 different countries who arranged 1,180 meetings.

EEN Partners Get a Special Discount Off Standard Fees

b2match has been working with the Enterprise Europe Network for a long time. The platform has adapted itself to EEN specific needs. To show appreciation for this valuable partnership, a special discount has been created just for EEN partners. Contact us to learn more.

Inspired? Get in Touch and Let Us Help Make Your Next Event a Success.

Contact Sales

Related articles

  • b2b Matchmaking

    The Top Event Networking Platform to Know in 2024

    Event organizers have the daunting task of ensuring that their events are not only well-attended but also memorable and productive. In 2024, managing events has become significantly more efficient with the help of specialized event networking software. These software streamline planning, improve com

    b2match

    Jul 2, 20244 min read

  • b2b Matchmaking

    Hybrid Event Matchmaking: Bridging the Physical and Virtual Divide

    Traditional in-person events have merged with virtual experiences to create hybrid events, providing a unique blend of physical and digital engagement. These hybrid events are becoming increasingly popular, and the success of such events heavily relies on effective matchmaking. This is where the b2

    b2match

    Jul 2, 20244 min read

  • b2b Matchmaking

    Empowering Business Growth through a Hybrid Matchmaking Platform for Events

    Networking events have become essential for fostering connections, discovering opportunities, and driving growth. However, the traditional approach to event matchmaking often falls short, with attendees struggling to find relevant contacts, leading to missed opportunities and limited ROI. To addres

    b2match

    Jul 2, 20244 min read