_{Network profiles}

Updated on: June 3, 2020

_{Six network profiles that every organizer should know}

Every event specialist who wants to be at the top of their game must constantly find ways to revolutionize participants' experiences. Artificial intelligence is transforming the entire event industry, but an important part of the visit experience is still the most “human” - networks.

So far, networking has been a bit overlooked at events. Establishing the “people-to-people connection” consistently and meaningfully is something that can transform an “ordinary” event into something revolutionary. With Grip we're focusing on getting that connection right. By personalizing the network experience with artificial intelligence, approximately one million matches have been facilitated (and counted) so far (September, 2017).

Here's an insight into some of the most important network personality traits we've encountered, and how you can use them to revolutionize your own participants' experiences

1. Time saversTime-saving users signed up for the event because they want a tangible ROI for the costs of attending the event. For them, the saying “time is money” is not a cliché. They can be start-ups looking for a partnership, salespeople who want to find leads, exhibitors looking for a customer — but they want to make the most of their time.

Help them plan a meeting before the event starts to increase network productivity.

“The meetings should be scheduled no later than the first day of the conference, but (with Grip) I was able to arrange them a week in advance.” - Max Davies-Gilbert, director, Enemigo

2. CuratorsClosely related to time-savers are the Curators. These are the people who believe in planning high-quality meetings, and as little as possible. It's easy to collect as many business cards as possible, but curators know that as many as 87% of leads at trade shows are not followed up and that they are better able to use their time and resources.

“The app helps clarify what potential meetings you want to have... 5 out of 6 meetings I've had are high quality meetings; I had 8 today and 8 yesterday, so it was pretty good.” - Matthew Servini, CEO, The Craft Distilling

3. The RestlessWith a completely different work style - open offices and flexible spaces - and a job that involves constantly being on the go, the restless user wouldn't prefer a lot of paperwork, or logging into an app multiple times and updating via the desktop. They live on their smartphones and tablets, so convenient, easy-to-manage mobile technology is the way to go

“ Grip was the ideal solution to introduce both an app and a matchmaking solution for the young and mobile Imbibe Live audience. We needed a solution that was easy to work via their phones, especially because, due to the nature of the work, they don't spend much time at the desk.” - Sonja van Praag, Director of Publishing & Events, Imbibe

4. OpportunistsMuch of the effort in networking involves that element of uncertainty — that the right people meet at the right time and place. With the right solution, participants no longer have to leave the success of networks to chance. Bee Grip we use artificial intelligence to make a science of chance, so that participants not only meet the most relevant people for their company, but also - possibly - unexpected contacts that are useful.

5. RestrainedAs an event professional, you're probably an extrovert — you enjoy going out, meeting people and getting things done. But not all participants are the same. For some, “networking opportunities” during an event may sound like a threat rather than a promise - even if networking is part of their job. And who doesn't have days when they can't do the demanding task of meeting and mingling?

Use a solution that ensures that mutual interest and connection can be made without an awkward introduction or spammy message. For example, a 'Handshake' in the Grip app to both parties that it is important to meet. Tip - This also works very well with VIP participants - they can decide how much they want to network and with whom.

“It's pretty easy to meet up because someone else is also interested in you and you're interested in the other person. There is a “handshake”, so you assume there is an interest on both sides.” - Caitlin Frost, Sales Manager, GlassCo

6. Design-sensitiveOf the million and one things you can do for an event, the “UX” (user experience) - of an event app - is rarely on the organizers' priority lists. But participants expect more and more and appreciate a well-designed app. Good UX makes the difference between an app that participants download - and then forget immediately - versus an app whose interface is easy to understand and fun to use.

“ Grip is very easy to operate and there are few barriers to making connections; very few barriers... This is one of the best experiences digitally, both in terms of the number of actions, but also in terms of UX.” - James Sandrini, Director, Eight Point One

Grip enables attendees, exhibitors and hosted buyers to make valuable connections at events. Contact us to see if we can implement this software in such a way that it also fits your event.

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