17 Best Gamification Software for Conferences

Search for conference gamification software and you'll find dozens of options.

Some are full event apps. Some do one thing really well.

Here are 17 to know, grouped by what they're best for.

It adds game mechanics to your conference: prompts, points, challenges and leaderboards.

The goal is to get attendees doing something: meeting people, visiting booths or joining sessions.

• All-in-one event apps with gamification built in.
• Single-purpose tools for one goal, like networking, scavenger hunts or quizzes.

Brella focuses on matchmaking and booking meetings between attendees.

Swapcard is an event platform known for attendee matchmaking and exhibitor tools.

Jam Bingo is a networking game where each attendee is given conversation starters to talk to someone new.

Whova is a popular event app with agendas, attendee profiles and a built-in engagement game.

Cvent is an enterprise event platform, with gamification inside its attendee app.

EventMobi is an event app known for flexible, customizable gamification challenges.

Webex Events (formerly Socio) offers an event app with challenges and a leaderboard.

Bizzabo is an event management platform with attendee engagement features.

vFairs runs virtual, hybrid and in-person events, with gamification like points and leaderboards.

Eventee is an event app with networking and gamification features.

Goosechase runs scavenger hunts with missions like photos, videos and check-ins.

PlayTours is a scavenger hunt and team game platform.

Captello combines lead capture with booth games for exhibitors.

Want attendees talking to exhibitors, not just scanning badges? See the networking scavenger hunt app.

Slido is known for live Q&A, polls and quizzes during sessions.

Kahoot! runs fast, competitive quiz games on attendees' phones.

Mentimeter adds polls, word clouds and quizzes to presentations.

Crowdpurr runs live trivia, bingo and polls for audiences.

Quiz tools are great for sessions, but they keep attendees in their seats.

For networking, pair them with a game that gets people moving.

• Networking between attendees: Jam Bingo, Brella, Swapcard.
• One app for the whole conference: Whova, Cvent, EventMobi, Webex Events, Bizzabo, vFairs, Eventee.
• Booth traffic and scavenger hunts: Goosechase, PlayTours, Captello, Jam Bingo.
• Session engagement: Slido, Kahoot!, Mentimeter, Crowdpurr.

• Do attendees need to download an app?
• How long does setup take?
• Does it work for our group size?
• What data do we get after the event?

Features and pricing change often, so check each platform's site before you decide.

Networking, booth traffic or session engagement. Pick one to start.

Trying to gamify everything at once confuses attendees.

Match the game to the moment: a welcome reception, the expo floor or a keynote.

Networking games work best early, before attendees settle into groups.

Put the QR code on the main screen, at registration and on signs around the venue.

Every extra step, like an app download or login, loses players.

A 30-second explanation from the stage gets far more players than a line in the app.

Call out top players at breaks to bring energy back.

A small prize, announced at closing, keeps people playing all day.

Report connections made and booths visited to your team and sponsors.

It's the proof you need to grow the program next year.