What “matchmaking” actually does (and how it does it)

Attendee matchmaking is a layered system that turns raw identity and behavior data into prioritized introductions. A practical architecture looks like this:

This stack is already being adopted at scale: about 45% are applying AI specifically to attendee/sponsor matchmaking, evidence that the industry is moving beyond proofs-of-concept to operationalized matchmaking. Multiple market indicators make the case urgent: although estimates vary by methodology, some research houses value the event-networking and matchmaking segment in the multi-billion-dollar range, one tracker, for example, put it at roughly USD 9.06 billion in 2024, which signals sustained commercial investment in platform capabilities; other analysts offer smaller but still rapidly growing valuations, so the spread should be interpreted as evidence of strong market demand rather than a single, exact forecast.

Evidence that networking is core and underdelivered

Event professionals consistently name networking as the prime attendee value. Multiple industry reports put networking at the top of the attendee value stack (event trend analyses report around 88% of professionals citing networking as the main reason attendees come). But conversion is a problem: one operational study found that a surprisingly low share of in-event contacts become long-term relationships (only ~38% of event connections convert to longer-term business relationships in some analyses). Those twin facts create the precise opportunity structure matchmaking solves: high demand + poor conversion = high marginal value from better matching and follow-through.

Younger cohorts (Millennials and Gen Z) are entering and reshaping the workforce and bring different norms: they expect personalization, care about authenticity, and prefer structured experiences that reduce social friction. Deloitte and other talent studies show these cohorts will make up a dominant portion of the labor force in the coming years, and their expectations are already changing demand dynamics for event formats and matchmaking design. For matchmaking to win with these groups it must deliver context-rich introductions (shared projects, micro-asks, learning outcomes) rather than generic “here’s someone in sales.” 

AI-powered matchmaking provides exactly that solution. By analyzing participant profiles, interests, and engagement signals, AI can turn what used to be random encounters into context-rich introductions, aligning attendees not only by industry or role, but by shared goals, challenges, and opportunities. This data-driven approach helps solve the conversion problem by ensuring that connections are relevant, actionable, and more likely to evolve into lasting professional relationships. For organizers, it means higher ROI and measurable outcomes; for attendees, it transforms events from crowded rooms into curated ecosystems of meaningful connections.

The post-pandemic event landscape has shifted the focus from sheer attendance to meaningful connections. While networking remains the top driver of attendee value, traditional approaches often fail to convert interactions into lasting relationships. AI-powered matchmaking addresses this gap by transforming raw data into context-rich introductions, enabling one-to-one and small-group interactions that truly matter.

This is where Enjoee’s Business-to-Connect functionality truly shines. It’s designed to help attendees identify and connect with the right people for their specific business goals, whether that’s finding collaborators, clients, or industry mentors. The platform goes beyond generic matchmaking by analyzing interests, roles, and objectives to suggest introductions that are both relevant and actionable. For organizers, it means higher engagement and measurable outcomes; for participants, it means every event becomes an opportunity to build real, valuable relationships efficiently.

Discover how enjoee.it can elevate your next event with AI-driven, business-focused connections.