Gamifying Networking: How Turning Contacts into a Game Can Upgrade Your Events

Networking is an essential part of any business event. It's the perfect opportunity to meet new people, expand your network, and create meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals. However, traditional networking events can sometimes feel dull and boring, leaving attendees disinterested and unengaged. That's where gamification comes in. By adding an element of competition and fun, gamifying networking can upgrade your events and make them more memorable. In this article, we'll explore five tips for gamifying networking and turning contacts into a game.

Use an event networking platform

Using an event networking platform or business matching software can be an excellent way to gamify networking. These platforms allow attendees to create a profile, search for other attendees based on common interests or goals, and schedule meetings. You can incentivize attendees to use the platform by offering rewards for the most meetings scheduled or the most connections made. This creates a sense of competition and encourages attendees to engage more actively.

b2match offers a comprehensive range of features and tools that enable you to manage the entire event lifecycle seamlessly, from built-in registration forms and invitations to post-event surveys and meeting evaluation forms. One of the key benefits of using the smart event networking tool b2match is its highly customizable nature. You can customize your registration form and invitations according to your needs, ensuring that your attendees have a smooth and seamless registration process. The platform also offers ticketing options via payment processing tools such as Stripe, Paypal, or Invoices, which will definitely help you generate revenue from your event.

b2match's matchmaking and networking tools are also top-notch. The platform includes an unique AI-powered matchmaking software, messaging, notifications, home page editor, and meeting feedback, which will help attendees make meaningful connections and expand their network. The open virtual networking feature allows attendees to hold online meetings over an extended period, ensuring that your event's impact lasts long after it's over. Additionally, the marketplace feature enables attendees to post goods, services, and ideas to find suitable partners, which surely leads to more productive meetings and collaborations.

Another benefit of using b2match is its mobile event networking app, which gives attendees access to all relevant information in the palm of their hands. This app makes it easy for attendees to stay connected and engaged throughout the event, enhancing their overall networking experience.

Overall, b2match is a highly efficient and customizable event networking tool that helps you gamify your networking experience and create a fun and competitive environment for your attendees. With its comprehensive range of features and tools, b2match is the perfect choice for event organizers looking to upgrade their networking game.

Create a scavenger hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to gamify networking. You can create a list of items or tasks for attendees to complete, such as finding someone who works in the same industry as you or taking a photo with a speaker. Attendees can work in teams or individually, and you can offer prizes for the first team to complete all the tasks or the team with the most points.

To make your scavenger hunt even more engaging, you should incorporate technology and use a mobile event app or QR codes. The app can provide clues and offer additional challenges. QR codes can be placed around the venue, leading attendees to different locations where they can complete tasks or find items on the scavenger hunt list. This not only adds an element of excitement and competition to the event but also encourages attendees to explore the venue and interact with others in a fun and creative way.

With the latest version of event matchmaking software, b2match next, you can now hide clues for your scavenger hunt in the meeting locations map. This feature allows you to create an engaging and interactive experience for your attendees, while also utilizing the comprehensive map of the event venue. Alternatively, you can also choose to hide the clues within the event agenda. Get ready to take your event to the next level with b2match next!

Host a speed networking session

Speed networking sessions are a popular way to connect attendees quickly. However, you can make it more exciting by adding a time limit and a scoring system. Each attendee can have a set amount of time to talk to another attendee and earn points for every successful connection made. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages attendees to be more focused and intentional with their networking.

To make your speed networking session even more effective, you can provide attendees with a list of suggested questions or topics to discuss. This could help break the ice and spark conversations that may lead to more meaningful connections. You should also group attendees based on their interests or industries, ensuring that they meet people who are relevant to their goals.

Finally, don't forget to follow up with attendees after the event and provide them with resources and tools to help them continue building their network. By incorporating these elements, you will make your speed networking session a valuable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Incorporate a social media challenge

Social media challenges are an excellent way to increase engagement and create buzz around your event. You should create a hashtag for your event and encourage attendees to post photos or updates about their networking experience. You can offer prizes for the most creative post or the post with the most likes. This creates a sense of community and encourages attendees to connect with each other online.

Walls.io is an all-in-one social wall solution that allows you to gather, curate, and display content in an easy-to-customize feed. You can collect content from multiple social media platforms or have your audience post content directly to your wall. You can add your own posts to the feed, creating a nice mix of content created by your audience and content your brand or organization wishes to share. With the integration of Walls.io, b2match provides its clients with advanced platform experience and increased engagement at any type of online event.

Offer a networking bingo game

Networking bingo is a fun and interactive way to gamify networking. Attendees can receive a bingo card with different networking goals or challenges, such as exchanging business cards or finding someone from a different industry. Attendees can mark off each goal as they achieve it, and the first person to get bingo can win a prize.

Gamifying networking is an excellent way to upgrade your events and make them more engaging and memorable. By using event networking technology, creating a scavenger hunt, hosting a speed networking session, incorporating a social media challenge, and offering a networking bingo game, you can create a fun and competitive environment that encourages attendees to connect and network actively.

So, the next time you're planning an event, consider gamifying networking through the b2match event networking software and watch your attendees have a blast!