Intentional Serendipity: Event Tech and the Future of In-Person Networking

Intentional Serendipity: Event Tech and the Future of In-Person Networking

This content was created collaboratively by Stova and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

Networking could be considered the lifeblood of the meetings industry, and that's no surprise given that events revolve around bringing people together. While business contacts are never more than a Wi-Fi connection away, the demand for face-to-face engagement is the driving force behind the rapid resurgence of in-person meetings.

Nothing beats in-person encounters for establishing trust and a sense of connection; few channels have more persuasive potential than the ability to connect on a human level.

The same principle holds true beyond business dealings to agreements of all kinds, whether collaborating on a research project or joining forces under a new committee. In-person networking is the lynchpin: many of these partnerships would never get off the ground without those first face-to-face handshakes.

In this context, technology works best when it brings the human touch to the forefront instead of serving as a replacement. When time on the show floor is precious, leaving in-person connections to happenstance is no longer enough. The most productive networking opportunities combine the efficiency of structure with the magic of serendipity. 

This report, brought to you by Skift Meetings and event management software platform Stova, explores the pivotal role technology can play in cultivating connection, with point-by-point guidance on:

• Gathering data to facilitate more intentional networking
• Leveraging AI for personalized networking recommendations and curated attendee lists
• Maximizing convenience and engagement with digital connectivity
• Providing tools that empower attendees to customize their networking experience
• Building a multi-event strategy informed by data-backed insights

This content was created collaboratively by Stova and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.