Dynamic Networking Pools for Virtual and In-Person Event Matchmaking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual conferencing platforms fail to facilitate effective networking opportunities for attendees, and in-person events lack efficient matchmaking mechanisms for connecting attendees, leading to missed networking opportunities.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for matchmaking event attendees based on shared interests and behavioral data, allowing attendees to be matched in one-to-one or group networking events, with options for in-person or virtual attendance, and re-adding attendees to the networking pool after events end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional virtual conferencing platforms are used for events, then events can be hosted virtually, but networking opportunities are poor and attendees cannot break off into smaller networking sessions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking capabilityVSAvoidnetworking experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the large virtual event into multiple smaller networking sessions or breakout rooms. Attendees are divided into smaller groups for more intimate and effective networking interactions, rather than remaining in one large conference room where networking is difficult.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically assigns attendees to different networking sessions based on their profiles, interests, and networking preferences. Attendees can dynamically join and leave networking sessions, and the system continuously matches them with new participants, making the networking experience flexible and adaptive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If in-person events use traditional matchmaking methods (nametags, location), then attendees can physically locate each other, but attendees miss networking opportunities by not seeing specific booths or attendees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetworking efficiencyVSAvoidmissed networking opportunities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary matchmaking by analyzing attendee profiles, interests, and preferences before the event begins. It pre-identifies potential networking matches and schedules appropriate sessions, so attendees don't need to manually search for each other during the event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously gathers feedback from attendees about their networking preferences and adjusts matchmaking in real-time. Based on attendee behavior, session attendance, and expressed interests, the system refines its matching algorithm to improve future networking recommendations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If in-person events rely on attendees seeking out each other manually, then simple location-based interaction is possible, but effective matchmaking between attendees with shared interests is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematchmaking capabilityVSAvoidmatchmaking system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a digital intermediary platform that facilitates matchmaking between attendees. This platform uses algorithms to analyze attendee profiles and connect compatible individuals, serving as a mediator that simplifies the complex task of finding suitable networking partners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual, mechanical matchmaking methods (such as physical nametags and location-based searching) with automated digital algorithms. The computational system processes attendee data and makes intelligent matching decisions, substituting human effort with automated intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If networking pools reach capacity quickly, then more attendees can be matched, but the system needs mechanisms to re-add attendees after events end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematchmaking throughputVSAvoidattendee availability management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous networking opportunities by automatically re-adding attendees to the networking pool after their sessions end. This ensures uninterrupted matchmaking capability and allows attendees to participate in multiple networking sessions throughout the event without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250238876A1Matchmaking attendees for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 RINGCENTRAL INC

AI summary

Media, methods, and systems are provided for matchmaking for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events are disclosed. Event attendees may be added to a networking pool When the networking pool reaches a capacity, the event attendees may be added to other event attendees. Networking events may be one-to-one meetings or group meetings. Group meetings may be dedicated to a topic. Event attendees may be matched to other attendees or to a group meeting based on interest and behavioral data associated with the event attendee. When the networking event ends, the event attendees may be added back into the networking pool for further networking events.