Networking drives the value of most professional events. But in virtual environments, it doesn’t just happen. There are no coffee stands, no casual body language cues. To make digital networking successful, we need to be deliberate. That means designing experiences that help people connect with purpose through clear pathways, shared value, and the right support.
In person, we rely on eye contact, body language, and tone to build rapport. Online, those signals are limited. This shift can make virtual networking feel less personal and more deliberate.
Without physical context, attendees need clear entry points. Our AI Assistant helps by recommending booths, sessions, and people based on individual interests. This guidance reduces friction and supports more focused, meaningful conversations.
Relevance also plays a bigger role. Attendees want their time to count. That’s where structured formats - like roundtables, workshops, and breakout sessions - come in. With the right setup, virtual networking becomes less about small talk and more about shared value.
Virtual events offer flexibility and reach, but networking doesn't come as naturally as it does in person. There’s no hallway chatter, no spontaneous coffee break discussions. That lack of unplanned interaction can make the experience feel less personal.
Another challenge is the absence of non-verbal cues. Without a smile or nod to guide us, starting a conversation can feel uncertain. This often leads to hesitation or silence, which stalls engagement.
There’s also the shift from shared space to screen. Moving between booths or mingling in a crowd naturally creates opportunities in physical venues. Virtual environments require more deliberate action, and if the interface isn’t intuitive, people lose momentum.
And when technology gets in the way - through glitches, lag, or confusion - it interrupts flow. Unlike a tap on the shoulder at a live event, starting a virtual conversation can feel more complicated if the platform doesn’t support it well.
Good virtual networking doesn’t just happen. It’s built into the event design. We need to create space for two-way communication, not just one-way content delivery. Simple tactics go a long way: Live chat, camera use, or Q&A prompts can nudge people into real dialogue. Personalized moments, like curated introductions or tailored session suggestions, help people connect with purpose.
Our platform supports this by incorporating breakout rooms, where small groups can dive deep into discussions, and live Q&A sessions and polls that provide real-time interaction and feedback. Interactive features like quizzes and raffles encourage playful engagement while simultaneously fostering networking. These tactics can make attendees feel more connected, as they actively participate rather than passively watch.
Another strategy is to incorporate interactive features into your virtual event platform. Virtual workshops and roundtables create a sense of community and offer an opportunity for more intimate discussions. Attendees are more likely to engage when they feel their voices are heard, and when the event is designed to foster engagement rather than simply disseminate information.
Spatial Chat is a unique feature that simulates the feeling of walking around a physical event. It allows attendees to move around virtually, joining conversations as they would in a physical event - whether it’s a virtual lounge or a scavenger hunt. This feature gives the flexibility of spontaneous interaction, enhancing the networking experience.
Trust is the foundation of any successful networking experience. In virtual settings, creating a trusting atmosphere is especially important because participants can’t rely on the non-verbal cues that are often used to gauge trustworthiness. This makes the way we communicate online even more significant.
To create trust virtually, it’s essential to prioritize transparency, clarity, and responsiveness. Making sure that event organizers are available to answer questions in real-time, as well as providing clear, easy-to-navigate platforms, helps to instill confidence.
Event organizers can also encourage trust-building by sharing valuable, relevant content and offering consistent, thoughtful interactions. When attendees see that their time and engagement are valued, they are more likely to reciprocate and engage meaningfully.
Another way to build trust and engagement is through gamification. By turning the event into a series of challenges or activities - such as event rallies, team challenges, or even a virtual scavenger hunt-attendees become active participants rather than passive observers. These activities not only make networking fun but also break down barriers, encouraging natural interactions among participants.
One of the biggest differences between virtual and in-person events is how people find each other. Without a room full of name tags or a casual queue to stand in, it’s harder to spark chance encounters.
That’s where our matchmaking and our AI Assistant come in. Our tech connects attendees based on shared goals and interests. Whether someone wants to meet potential partners, attend a relevant session, or visit a booth they’ll benefit from, the system guides them.
This makes networking feel purposeful. Rather than guessing where to go or who to talk to, attendees follow curated paths toward useful conversations. And for organizers, it increases the overall value of every interaction.
In physical events, people often talk to booth staff before picking up a brochure. There’s an exchange - a hello, a smile, a sense of presence. That’s often missing in virtual settings, where information is accessed passively and interaction is optional.
To bring some of that real-world dynamic back, we use virtual avatars. These can be still images, real human photos, or animated video avatars that wave and greet attendees. They create a visual cue that someone is “present” and available.
This small but effective feature helps build a sense of welcome. It bridges the gap between digital content and human connection. And when attendees feel acknowledged, they’re more likely to stay, ask questions, and engage.
Networking is changing. That doesn’t mean it’s losing impact-it just means we need to think differently.
In virtual spaces, success depends on design. The right tools, formats, and guidance make all the difference. When we help people connect with purpose, virtual networking becomes more than a digital substitute. It becomes a smart, intentional way to build real relationships.
We’ve built our platform to support that. With features that make it easy to meet the right people, have meaningful conversations, and stay engaged, we bring structure to connection without losing the human touch.
Because that’s what makes an event valuable.