These creative networking innovations range from digital media conferences and tech summits to entrepreneurial online communities that foster relationships between startup employees and potential clients. In addition to more traditional innovation conferences and meetups, other niche examples include matchmaking platforms that connect employers with potential stuff by scheduling lunch or dinner meetings.
Moreover, travel-centric examples of networking are resonating with jet-setting professionals who spend the majority of their time in transit. For example, Virgin America's in-flight 'Here for Biz' platform lets professionals network before they reach their destination while music festival networking apps like Festigo foster meetups between likeminded individuals at different concert events around the globe.
Other creative networking innovations include female-friendly professional platforms along with branded yoga events that aim to connect successful women with a love of both business and fitness.
20 Creative Networking Innovations
20
Expansive Digital Summits
The Detroit Digital Summit (SPONSORED)
19
Start-Up Networking Apps
This Tinder for Entrepreneurs Lets Users Pay It Forward with Right Swipes
18
Startup Networking Apps
Lunchcruit Builds Professional Connections Through Sit-Down Meals
17
In-Flight Networking Apps
Virgin America's Here on Biz App Connects Travellers in the Sky
16
Travel Networking Apps
The 'Mesmo' App Helps Travelers Build Connections Based on Common Interests
15
Branded Yoga Breaks
SXSW 2015 Goers Embrace Healthy Networking in Between Events
14
Millennial Networking Events
Toronto's Breakfast of Champions Connects Youth with Industry Leaders
13
Political Networking Apps
This App Helps Users Organize and Coordinate Political Communities
12
Bluetooth Networking Apps
Surf Labs' LiNK App Uses Beacon Technology for Networking
11
Exclusive Networking Apps
A Non-Dating Tinder Feature Can Only Be Accessed by Forbes' 30 Under 30
10
Digitized Business Cards
LinkedIn & Evernote are Bringing Business Cards into the 21st Century
9
Digital Media Conferences
The Digital Media Summit Addressed Virality, Millennials and More
8
Resourceful Vendor Meetups
Ebay in Person is a Series of Educational Networking Events for Sellers
7
Multi-Office Networking Apps
The Biru-Tomo App Helps Connect Friends Within Office Buildings
6
Women-Friendly Networking Apps
Women In Mind Helps Women Stay Informed and Connected At All Times
5
Professional Messaging Apps
Caliber is a Business App to Connect Colleagues and New Contacts
4
Entrepreneurial Online Communities
Coca-Cola's 'The Bridge' Connects Entrepreneurs to the Brand
3
Expert Networking Guides
Business Insider's Infographic Offers Career-Helping Networking Advice
2
Music Festival Networking Apps
This App Helps Users Connect with Those Attending the Same Festival
1
Nanny Networking Apps
The Familink App Helps Parents and Nannies Connect With Each Other
Related Ideas
Phone-Free Festivals
This Never Happened is a Music Event Series and Festival Concept
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Innovation-Focused Furniture Design Collectives
Haworth Launches DesignLab to Push Innovation
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Hybrid Professional Laptop Accessories
The Conceptual 'SnapFIT' by Riccardo Bosisio is Four-in-One
Interactive Virtual Meeting Platforms
Microsoft Mesh is a Hybrid Working Platform in Virtual Space
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Interactive Travel Map Apps
The 'Proxi' Travel App Offers Curated Travel Plans and More
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
Experiential Mental Well-Being Events
Batiste's Refresh & Reflect Events Connect & Uplift Students
Commuter-Oriented Tech Accessories
MOFT Taps TOMBOGO for the New 'Creative Commuter' Capsule
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Cross-Functional Device Tools
Motorola and Lenovo Present the Smart Connect Tool at MWC
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Vibrant Multi-Level Office Designs
Gensler Reimagines the Accenture Office Space in Chicago
Exclusive Date Night Recipes
HelloFresh & Tinder Launched Date Night Delights Recipes for Couples
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Multi-Passionate Party Consulting Companies
Pearls and Honey Offers Catering & Event Planning
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Connection-Emphasizing Online Dating Coaches
The Rizz App Offers a Meaningful Approach to Dating
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Remote Team Collaboration Platforms
The 'Vani' Visual Collaboration Platform is Intuitive
Collaborative Travel Planning Tools
Hollihopper Offers Live Collaboration to Organize Itineraries
Intricate Fiber Art Exhibitions
Threadwork: Women Redefining Fiber Arts Opens at Saatchi
Scannable NFC Business Cards
The OVOU Smart Business Card Sends Users to a Custom Link
London-Inspired Sporty Campaigns
Nike Presents the Pulse of London Campaign Honoring the City
AI-Powered Content Creation Tools
Notega is a Solution for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
Waste Tarp-Made Public Seating
The Membran Collective Joins the Urban Networks Project
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Organized Travel Planning Templates
Notion Travel Itinerary Planner Has Navigation and Expenses
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Interpersonal Colleague Review Platforms
The 'Fordi' Web Platform Allows for Anonymous Feedback
Personal AI-Enabled CRM Platforms
'HiWork' Manages Daily Interactions to Improve Networking
Play-Inspiring Workshops
LEGO is Sharing a Free Workshop Series Featuring Renowned Creatives
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Startup Applicant Tracking Platforms
The 'Briteloop' Platform is Built for Small Businesses
Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces
Michaels Launches the MarkerPlace Alternative Marketplace
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Intimacy-Promoting Card Games
Coconu's Connect Card Game is Catered to Couples
Whimsical Bright Creative Workspaces
Publicis Groupe's New Workspace is in New York's SoHo
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Career-Supporting Neurodiversity Initiatives
Deloitte is Committed to Helping All People Thrive
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
AI-Assisted Job Hunting Features
LinkedIn Job Collections Use AI for Tailored Categories
Virtual AI Offices
MetaWork Lets Employees Collaborate Via Digital Avatars
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Mini Musical Productivity Ads
Slack's The Big Meeting Takes on a Musical Number
Creator Economy Tool Directories
Creator Economy Tools Offer Over 1,000 Resources
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Connective Travel Recommendations
LFG Curates 'Placelists' Acting as a "Spotify for Travel"
Neurodiversity-Focused DEI Initiatives
IBM's Neurodiversity Program Fosters Equal Opportunities
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Inspiring Creator-Focused Decks
TikTok Launches a New Creative Content Inspiration Deck
Digital Brainstorming Tools
Card Buddy Serves as an Online Space to Visualize Ideas and Thoughts
Tech-Focused Restaurant Councils
Lunchbox's Food Tech Council Consists of 15 Professionals
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
Digital Workspace Collaboration Platforms
The 'Moot' Meeting Platform Engages Remote Teams
Meeting-Canceling Apps
Cala Helps Employees Swipe Left on Unnecessary Team Meetings
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Curated Website Suggestions
Curation of Curations Finds the Best Sites Based on Your interests
Meeting Management Tools
Summit Ensures Meetings are Organized and Filled with Insights
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
Creator Content Hubs
TikTok Launches a New World Hub to Help Brands Connect with Audiences
Date Night Card Decks
Date Night Deck Offers 50 Creative Ideas for Quality Time Together
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Versatile Workforce Platforms
Neat Unveils a Large-Scale Expansion with its New App Platform
Incarcerated Employment Programs
Next Chapter Aims to Create a More Equitable Workplace
Flexible Coliving Platforms
The 'Coliving' Platform Helps Workers Find an All-Inclusive Place
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Comprehensive Festival Apps
Festivawl Consolidates Info for the Festivals You Attend in One Place
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Modern Business Card Scanners
Spreadly Scan Brings Networking to the Modern Age
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Event Speaker Networks
HeySummit is a Network for Event Speakers to Connect with Organizers
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Fitness Booking Platforms
People Can Book Anytime of Virtual or Online Class Through GymNet
Collaborative Insights Sharing
Collabwriting Empowers Teams to Collect and Share Across the Web
Corporate Team Building Parties
It's Game Night Revolutionizes Corporate Team Building in Toronto
Urban Communal Dining Events
Toronto's Weekly Communal Table Program is Hosted Under a Highway
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Professional Networking Platforms
Peerlist Helps Individuals and Businesses Create Profiles
Connective Daily Email Groups
Glory Morning Connects Like-Minded People Via Email
Streamlined Task Outsourcing Platforms
Taskapron Connects Users with Skilled Professionals
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Custom Meeting Landing Pages
MeetLink is a Customizable Landing Pages for All Virtual Meeting
Productivity-Enhancing Focus Sessions
SoulCycle Partners with Deep Work Platform FLOWN
Online Poker Engagement Features
Stretch Network Confirms the Launch of Three New Features
Community-Building Wine Platforms
Curious Vines Debuts a Support Platform for Uniting Wine-Makers
Career-Navigating Mentorship Platforms
Meander Helps Everyone Thrive Professionally
Productivity-Enhancing Apps
FlowFinitee Provides Valuable Insights to Increase Your Productivity
Diverse Job Connection Platform
FlexRem Caters to Hybrid, Remote, In-Office and More
Collaborative Developer Hubs
DevBuddies is an Online Hub for Developers to Work on Projects
AI-Driven Post-Meeting Tools
Retroideas.ai Suggests Retrospective Topics to Boost Meetings
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
Experiential Workplace Rewards
Bondly Has Over 300 Experiences for Employers to Reward the Team
Creativity-Focused Online Networks
NOCK is an Online Network for Creatives to Collaborate
All-in-One Event Planning Tools
Event Penguin Allows Users to Plan Seamless Events
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Efficient Job Outreach Solutions
Career Connect Helps Job Seekers Find Company Emails