# Contact-Making Coffee Machines The Coffee Connector is Designed for Networking Over Coffee By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-04-10 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/networking-over-coffee References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2014/04/networking-coffee-machine.html) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlDu4iYLSPQ) Networking over coffee is about as easy as it gets with the [Coffee Connector](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-coffee-party), since the machine will only brew if the two people waiting make an introduction first. The [coffee machine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-terra-kaffe-tk02) is made to brew [two coffees simultaneously](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grind-x-sage-barista-touch-impress-coffee-machine) after people introduce themselves to one another. The machine has exposed parts that show off the coffee being brewed, which makes for an easy conversation starter after people have exchanged names. The Coffee Connector was developed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore and the machine made its first appearance at the Economist Big Rethink Conference in New York City in March this year, which was the perfect way to get people chatting and networking. The Coffee Connector proved to be quite successful too, with over 200 new connections made at the conference. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Interactive](https://www.trendhunter.com/interactive) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Connected Coffee Machines:** Opportunities for further networking and device connectivity with innovations like The Coffee Connector. - **Interactive Brewing:** Creating unique, interactive experiences that result in a product, like the two simultaneous coffees in The Coffee Connector. - **Networking Technology:** Combining technology and social interaction, like The Coffee Connector, to drive connections and collaboration. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Coffee and Beverage:** Innovations such as connected coffee machines like The Coffee Connector can drive engagement and create new experiences for customer and business alike. - **Events and Conferences:** Networking opportunities like The Coffee Connector can help increase engagement and collaboration for events and conferences. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Innovative marketing strategies like The Coffee Connector can drive engagement with potential customers and create memorable experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart Coffee Brewing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-connected-coffee-machine.md) - [Bean-Shaped Coffee Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bean-coffee-machine.md) - [Smart Networking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-networking1.md) - [Single-Cup Workstation Coffee Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brewster-dcm5000.md) - [App-Connected Pod Coffee Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kcaf-smart-coffee-machine.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Coffee Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-coffee-machine.md) - [Centrifugal Connected Coffee Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spinn-coffee-maker.md) - [Contactless Control Espresso Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meraki-espresso-machine.md) - [Open-Concept Espresso Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaggiuino-espresso-machine.md)