AI-Powered Networking at CREtech New York 2024: 

Event Overview:

CREtech New York 2024 was a major New York City trade show and conference focused on innovation in the commercial real estate industry, organized by CREtech (Commercial Real Estate Technology). It took place on November 13–14, 2024, at the Javits Center in NYC. The event brought together real estate developers, tech startups, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of the built environment. As a premier expo on real estate tech, its agenda featured cutting-edge topics like sustainable “smart” buildings, property technology trends, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector. With thousands of attendees converging, CREtech NY 2024 aimed to provide not just insightful content, but also a highly engaging networking experience on-site. Organizers partnered with leading software development services New York to deliver the technical infrastructure that enabled this seamless experience.

AI Integration in the Expo:

One standout aspect of CREtech New York 2024 was its use of AI technology to enhance operations and attendee experience. The organizers implemented an AI-powered matchmaking platform as part of the event’s networking program. This system intelligently matched attendees with relevant peers and exhibitors based on their profiles and interests – for example, pairing proptech startups with venture capital investors, or matching professionals who indicated similar business interests. Through the event’s official app (powered by this AI matchmaking engine), participants could view recommended connections, send messages, and schedule meetings with a few taps. In essence, the expo leveraged AI to act as a smart “matchmaker,” automatically suggesting the most pertinent people for each attendee to meet, rather than leaving those connections to chance. This technology was prominently featured as a way to streamline networking and exhibitor engagement, making a large conference feel more personalized and efficient for all involved.

Purpose and Goals of AI Integration:

The decision to integrate AI into CREtech NY 2024’s operations was driven by clear objectives around improving the event experience and ROI for stakeholders:

Enhance Networking Efficiency: 

With a diverse crowd in attendance, CREtech’s team wanted to ensure that every participant could easily find and connect with the “right” people in the limited time frame of the expo. The AI matchmaking was expected to “identify the most important and relevant people [attendees] should connect with for the best possible event experience.” By analyzing data like attendees’ job roles, sectors, and stated interests, the system aimed to eliminate random networking and focus on high-value meetings.

Personalize the Attendee Experience: 

Another goal was to provide a more personalized journey for each attendee. Rather than a one-size-fits-all agenda, the AI recommendations would tailor each person’s networking opportunities to their goals (e.g., an investor might be shown founders in their target niche, while a service provider might be matched with companies seeking that service). This personalization, powered by AI, was seen as a way to “bring tremendous value” to attendees by making their interactions more relevant.

Boost Exhibitor & Sponsor ROI: 

For exhibitors and sponsors, the AI-driven approach promised higher-quality leads and meetings. By funneling interested buyers or partners to their booth or meeting table, exhibitors could engage with prospects who were actively a good match for their product – improving lead generation efficiency. The ultimate goal was that facilitating targeted connections would translate into more deals, partnerships, or follow-up discussions after the show, increasing the measurable success of the event for those stakeholders.

Improve Overall Engagement: 

CREtech also saw AI as a tool to keep attendees engaged before, during, and after the physical event. By activating the networking platform early (weeks ahead of the expo) and keeping it open post-event, they aimed to create a continuous engagement cycle. This would encourage attendees to show up with meetings already scheduled and continue conversations afterward, thereby extending the life of the event community.

Implementation and Partnerships

To achieve these goals, CREtech partnered with Brella, a leading event networking software firm, as the official provider of the AI matchmaking platform. Brella’s system uses machine learning algorithms to recommend connections and meeting matches based on user data. Their AI implementation is a strong example of effective Machine Learning Development Services. Here’s how the AI integration was implemented at the show:

Attendee Onboarding & Profiling: 

Upon registering for the conference, attendees received access to the Brella AI matchmaking app immediately – even “as soon as their ticket [was] purchased”, they could start networking. Users were prompted to create a profile highlighting their industry, role, interests, and what they were seeking (e.g. investments, partnerships, solutions). CREtech worked with Brella to set up a detailed list of interest categories catered to the real estate tech audience (developers, brokers, fintech, sustainability, etc.), which fed into the AI recommendations.

AI-Powered Matchmaking: 

The platform’s AI engine would then analyze all attendee profiles and preferences to generate personalized matchmaking suggestions. For example, a commercial real estate developer might be matched with proptech software exhibitors or investors focusing on real estate innovation. These suggestions surfaced in the app’s interface, where each attendee could see a list of “people you should meet” and why they were matched (common interests, complementary needs, etc.). This matchmaking extended to exhibitor personnel as well, ensuring that company representatives could find attendees who indicated interest in their type of product.

Meeting Scheduling & Smart Networking: 

The app allowed participants to send meeting requests and schedule one-on-one meetings in advance of and during the event. A dedicated “Tech Connect Lounge” was set up at the Javits Center as a comfortable meeting area for these pre-arranged networking sessions. Attendees could browse available 15-minute slots and confirm appointments, which the app would then organize into their personal event agenda. This smart scheduling ensured that even before stepping into the expo hall, many attendees had a full dance card of relevant meetings lined up.

On-Site Support and Integration: 

During the event days, the organizers integrated the AI tool into the live experience. There were help desks to assist with the networking app, and clear signage directing people to the networking lounge at their appointment times. The matchmaking algorithm continued running in real-time, so as new attendees joined or schedules opened up, it could suggest additional matches on the fly. This real-time aspect meant that if, for instance, an attendee indicated a new interest after a morning session (say, interest in AI for property valuation after hearing a panel), the system could update their recommendations accordingly. In effect, AI helped manage crowd flow and connections dynamically.

Official Networking Partner: 

The collaboration with Brella was crucial, as CREtech’s CMO noted that “Brella is the leader in this type of event software” for smart matchmaking. By relying on a proven AI platform, the organizers could focus on content and logistics while the tech firm ensured the networking experience ran smoothly. This partnership exemplifies how event organizers are teaming up with AI/software providers to bring innovative solutions to large trade shows. For fast-paced implementation, the tech stack also included offshore development capacity, as many teams often hire offshore developers to support rapid builds for such events.

Outcomes and Impact:

The integration of AI at CREtech New York 2024 was met with strong positive outcomes:

• Surge in Targeted Connections: 2,500+ participants scheduled over 4,600 meetings, with a 35% meeting request acceptance rate.

• Improved Attendee Experience: Seamless and satisfying experience, with attendees describing connections as highly relevant.

• Higher-Quality Leads & Meetings: Exhibitors noted that their meetings were with well-matched prospects.

• Extended and Hybrid Engagement: Networking started weeks in advance and continued post-event.

Conclusion:

CREtech New York 2024 stands as a powerful example of how intelligent software, guided by AI, can transform traditional expos into smart, streamlined, and personalized experiences. With strong implementation support from a capable Software Development Company New York, the event succeeded in achieving its engagement, ROI, and operational goals.

Event organizers looking to stay ahead must consider how AI-driven matchmaking, smart apps, and personalized experiences can redefine attendee journeys. With the right partners and technology stack, these capabilities are well within reach.

FAQs: 

What is AI matchmaking in trade shows?

AI matchmaking uses machine learning algorithms to analyze attendee profiles and behavior to suggest high-value connections, meetings, or networking opportunities at events.

How did CREtech New York 2024 benefit from AI?

CREtech NY 2024 used AI to schedule over 4,600 targeted meetings, enhancing attendee engagement, increasing exhibitor ROI, and personalizing the entire event experience.

Can AI personalize virtual and in-person expo experiences simultaneously?

Yes. AI platforms like Brella are designed to work across both physical and digital environments, offering real-time recommendations, session planning, and networking support.

Are AI-powered networking tools secure and compliant?

Reputable platforms follow strict data privacy protocols (GDPR, CCPA) and provide secure environments for managing attendee profiles and activity data.

Should event organizers consider offshore support for hybrid expos?

Yes. Teams often hire offshore developers to scale platform development while maintaining product leadership and compliance locally.