Meeting programs are here to stay

The New Currency of Events: Why Meeting programs Matter More Than Ever

According to Freeman’s 2025 Networking Trends Report, 51% of participants say that meaningful networking is the reason they return to an event. That means the real value isn’t in the keynote stage or the free coffee; it’s in the connections that spark across tables, hallways, and curated meetups.

But here’s the catch: attendees are increasingly unwilling to settle for surface-level exchanges or generic “networking receptions.” They want purposeful, facilitated interactions—matchmaking that pairs them with the right experts, peers, or partners. When done well, these connections transform into lasting relationships and real business outcomes. When done poorly, attendees walk away feeling that their time wasn’t well spent.

At Brella, we believe that not one size fits all when it comes to meeting programs. That's why we've divided our meeting programs into four types.

Timelapse

Four distinct meeting program models:

1. Open Networking & Matchmaking

Empower attendees to freely connect with anyone at the event. Matchmaking is opt-in, and every meeting requires consent from both participants, ensuring every connection is meaningful and intentional.

Ideal for:

Business conferences & matchmaking events
Startup-Investor events
Recruitment events

2. Rule-Based Matchmaking

Enable organizers to define the rules for who meets whom. Tailored matchmaking criteria ensure that every meeting aligns with your event’s business goals and attendee interests.

Ideal for:

Events that have different tiers of tickets
Events with multiple stakeholders
Events inside other events

3. Managed Meetings Programs

Allows organizers to proactively schedule meetings between attendees and sponsors. Both groups can rely on the organizer to facilitate optimal connections, streamlining logistics and maximizing value for all stakeholders.

Managed meetings

Ideal for:

Large-scale industry exhibitions where suppliers want guaranteed meetings with buyers
Vertical-specific business gatherings

4. Roundtable conversations

Enable focused, theme-based group discussions that go beyond traditional one-on-ones. Roundtables connect small groups around targeted topics, driving peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, dynamic idea exchange, and stronger attendee engagement. These sessions complement formal programming by fostering collaborative environments where diverse perspectives are valued and meaningful relationships are built.

Ideal for:

Association or industry bodies looking to facilitate thought leadership discussions
Events where community building is just as important as transactional meetings

Are you looking for a meeting program?

We’re currently enhancing our meeting programs to deliver even greater value. If you’re interested in participating as a pilot customer for our managed meetings solution, please reach out to us at info@brella.io.