Alternatives to Brella for In-Person Networking

Brella is a well-known event networking app. Attendees build a profile, get matched by interests, and book one-on-one meetings.

For the right event, it's a strong tool.

For a 45-minute mixer or reception, it may not be the best fit.

Here's what Brella does well, who it's for, where it falls short, and what fills the gaps.

Attendees say what they're looking for and what they offer, like 'looking for investors' or 'offering logistics services.'

The app suggests people who fit, so guests don't have to guess who to meet.

Busy attendees can lock in time with the right people before they even arrive.

For a buyer who flew in for two days, that's a big deal.

Meeting slots fit around the agenda, so networking happens all event long, not just at the reception.

Sponsors can get meetings with the right attendees, and organizers can see how much networking actually happened.

• Conferences and trade shows built around one-on-one business meetings.
• Buyer-seller, investor-founder and partner matchmaking events.
• Multi-day events where attendees plan their schedule ahead.
• Events where sponsors expect a set number of qualified meetings.
• Audiences that are used to event apps and will fill out a profile.

Matchmaking is only as good as the profiles. When guests skip setup, the matches get thin.

For a short session, many guests won't bother.

In a 45-minute mixer, people want to walk up to someone now, not in 30 minutes at table 12.

People who register late or show up at the door miss the matching and booking window.

Plans change at events. A missed meeting leaves someone waiting at an empty spot.

If your event is a one-night mixer, a full matchmaking setup can be more than you need.

Put profile setup in the registration flow and send a reminder a few days out.

The more profiles are filled, the better every match gets.

Set a clear meeting area near the main hall and send reminders before each slot.

Each one covers a gap Brella leaves. Some work alongside it.

This is where scheduled meetings don't fit. Everyone is in the same room, right now.

Jam Bingo gets the whole room meeting each other on the spot, with no profiles or booking.

It gives each guest a conversation starter that fits your audience, so chats go past 'what do you do?'

And it gamifies the reception, so walk-ins and late arrivals jump straight in.

Every connection is saved, so the best ones can turn into booked meetings later. See how Jam Bingo works!

Want matching without profiles? See this matchmaking icebreaker for networking sessions.

For a small group with a clear goal, like mentors and mentees, hosted speed networking may be all you need.

It has its own pros and cons. Here are some alternatives to speed networking.

Grip is another AI matchmaking platform with meeting booking, popular with large trade shows.

Whova is an all-in-one event app with an agenda, attendee list and community boards.

Comparing platforms? See this interactive networking event platform.

• Multi-day conference built on business meetings: Brella or a similar matchmaking app.
• Welcome reception, mixer or networking break: a mingling game like Jam Bingo.
• Both in one event: matchmaking app for meetings, mingling game for the reception.
• Small, one-night event: speed networking or a mingling game, no profiles needed.

• 0 to 5 minutes: put the QR code on the big screen and explain the game in one line.
• 5 to 35 minutes: everyone plays while the leaderboard runs on screen.
• 35 to 45 minutes: shout out the top 3. Guests can book follow-up meetings with their best new contacts.

Want guests visiting booths too? Here's how to drive sponsor engagement and traffic.