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
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Beer-Branded Music Sharing Devices
The Conceptual 'Hei-Five' Connects Strangers Over Music
Traveling Tech Enthusiast Chatbots
'Wanna Catchup?' Connects Tech Lovers When They Travel
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Remote Work-Locating Tools
The Remote Worker Helps Digital Nomads Find a Temporary Space to Work
Tech-Driven Sexual Wellness
Experience the Future of Intimacy
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
Novel Fitness Raves
Les Mills and adidas Offered a Ground-Breaking Fitness Rave Event
Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Mindful Athletic Brand Initiatives
Nike's 'Wellness Collective' Promotes 5 Key Wellness Pillars
Global Digital Marketplaces
Renaissance Hotels' R FINDS Shares Goods from Local Artisans
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Curated Live Fashion Resale
Poshmark Launches Posh Party LIVE as a New Virtual Shopping Experience
Innovative Blockchain Technology Seminars
The Finsai Group is Organizing a Major Seminar in Milan
Phygital Business Cards
Linq x Moo Paper Cards Merge Quality Prints with Digital Technology
Digital Nomad Lifestyle Insights
Work, Wealth & Travel Podcast Offers Tips for Digital Nomads
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Music Industry Creative Offices
22RE Transforms a Vaulted Factory into a Modern Workspace
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Luxury Travel Concierge Services
Weave a Thousand Journeys Boldly Focuses on Senior Women
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Collaborative Travel Planning Tools
Hollihopper Offers Live Collaboration to Organize Itineraries
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
3D-Powered Furniture Retailer Networks
The 3D Cloud Network Introduces a Streamlined Solution
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Professional-Focused Dating Apps
Boardroom is a Dating App For Busy Professionals
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Influencer-Based Gaming Activations
Niantic Taps Google to Recruit Creators for Pokémon GO Fest
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
Basketball Social Networks
Basktball is the Sports Social Network for Fans and Players Alike
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Student-Specific Real-World Freelance Projects
Upwork Partners with Podium Education
Digital Business Card Platforms
Digital Business Card Claims to Offer an Eco-Friendly Approach
Creator Economy Tool Directories
Creator Economy Tools Offer Over 1,000 Resources
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Collaborative Social Networks
Peatch Makes it Easier for People to Connect and Work Together
Spontaneous Chat Room Meetups
RandCall Offers 1V1 Calls with Other Young People
AI Meeting Tools
Smartmeetings.ai Boasts Features and Insights to Improve Communication Over Time
Content Creator News Sources
Creative Brew Offers Daily Insight and News for Content Creators
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Digital Brainstorming Tools
Card Buddy Serves as an Online Space to Visualize Ideas and Thoughts
Futuristic Video Conferencing Technology
Google and HP Continue to Build on Project Starline
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
AI Research Collaboration Platforms
Synthical is an Online Community for Scientists and Research
Date Night Card Decks
Date Night Deck Offers 50 Creative Ideas for Quality Time Together
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Property Co-Host Networks
Airbnb's Co-Host Network Connects Owners with Property Assistants
Digital Nomad Communities
Sorted Nomad is a Community for Insights While Traveling the World
Backpacker-Connecting Travel Apps
Cotravel Brings Backpackers from Around the Globe Together
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Meaningful Connection Platforms
Livebeam Wants to Connect Like-minded People in an Online Space
Nature-Centric Tech Summits
Huawei Joins with the International Union for Conservation of Nature
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Connective Men's Wellness Apps
'Find a Men's Group' Helps Men Seeking Community and Support
Advertising Demand-Side Platforms
Yahoo Launched Yahoo Creative to Help Advertisers
Endurance Athlete-Specific Social Networks
Front Pack's New Social Network is on Its Website & App
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Comprehensive Business System Tools
Dean Graziosi Upgrades the Mastermind Business System
Fitness Booking Platforms
People Can Book Anytime of Virtual or Online Class Through GymNet
Meeting Management Tools
Summit Ensures Meetings are Organized and Filled with Insights
Diversifying University Supplier Initiatives
The Supplier Diversity Fair Aims to Support Locals
Community-Oriented Meetup Apps
The 'Flying Pig' App Connects People for Hanging Out
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Brand-Aligned Graphics
Bento Highlights Lets Users Craft Polished, Professional-Looking Graphics
Curated Website Suggestions
Curation of Curations Finds the Best Sites Based on Your interests
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Career Platform AI Features
LinkedIn Introduces a Slew of AI-Powered Enhancements
Virtual Self-Expression Summits
göt2b's Virtual Metaverse Experience Uplifts Millennials & Gen Z
Engaging Remote Work Solutions
Crewting Transforms Isolated Remote Workers into Teams
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Niche Interest Social Networks
Spiral Social Was Inspired by Wikipedia Topics
Powerful Team Brainstorm Tools
Jellyboard Boosts Collaboration with Note-Taking and Brainstorming
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connection-Fostering Workplace Apps
TeamDay Helps Remote Workers Build Bonds
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Intentional Online Experiences
Slow Internet Takes Users Back to a More Enriching Online World
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Comprehensive Festival Apps
Festivawl Consolidates Info for the Festivals You Attend in One Place
Effective Work Environment Technology
HP Inc. Unveils Advancements Within Its Workforce Solutions
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Event Speaker Networks
HeySummit is a Network for Event Speakers to Connect with Organizers
Connective Travel Apps
Fairytrail is For Those Who Value Travel and Meaningful Connections
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Traveler Marketing Platforms
Koflluence Introduces the Rare Travel Platform for Travel Influencers
Live Music Booking Apps
Gig App is an All-in-One Platforms for Artists and Venues
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Musician-Connecting Platforms
BandMatch Helps People Discover Nearby Musicians to Create Bands
AI-Powered Local Recommendations
Epic Fusion Connects You to Your Ideal Local Spots Effortlessly
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Self-Service Event Promotions
Industry Dive Adds Self-Service Offerings to Include Event Promotion
Intellectually Stimulating Social Media
Maven Goes Back to Basics with Traditional Algorithms
Hacker News Insights
Hacker Search Bridges the Gap Between Anecdotal Evidence and Expert Knowledge
Streamlined Task Outsourcing Platforms
Taskapron Connects Users with Skilled Professionals
Connective Daily Email Groups
Glory Morning Connects Like-Minded People Via Email
Digital Diversified Beverage Programs
Diverse Powered Brands Provides Online Operations Solutions
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Elevated Social Media Visuals
SocialScreenshots Creates Stunning Visuals for Online Sharing
Connective Economic Travel
Swapper Helps Business Travelers Use Hotel Budgets to Stay with Friends
Community Challenge Platforms
Nas.io Let's Anyone Create and Manage Their Own Online Challenges
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Cohost Homestay Networks
The Airbnb Co-Host Network Connects Hosts to Other Hosts for Assistance
Career-Navigating Mentorship Platforms
Meander Helps Everyone Thrive Professionally
Diverse Job Connection Platform
FlexRem Caters to Hybrid, Remote, In-Office and More
AI-Driven Post-Meeting Tools
Retroideas.ai Suggests Retrospective Topics to Boost Meetings
Engaging Virtual Call Tools
Boom Transforms Virtual Meetings Into Fun and Interesting Sessions
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Collaborative Developer Hubs
DevBuddies is an Online Hub for Developers to Work on Projects
Connective Student Grad Apps
DevGrads Offers a How-To Guide for Graduates Looking for High Pay
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Unique Urban Event Hires
London is Renting Tube Stations, Cable Cars, and Piers for Private Hire
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
Team-Based Wellness Challenges
Bright Break Enhances the Well-Being of Remote and Hybrid Employees
Fitness Social Networks
Uni-Train Provides Tools for Fitness Instructors to Promote Their Services
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
Professional Resource Hubs
Noulej Offers Expert-Led Playbooks to Overcome Startup Growing Pains