Working from home and virtual events have brought a litany of flexibility perks, but one thing has been missing: easy networking.
Synapse Florida, the Tampa-based organization that aims to connect innovation-focused entities across the state, is looking to add networking back into events — even virtual ones.
The organization has teamed up with Finland-based Brella, a virtual events platform. While Synapse will be using its own platform for the annual Synapse Summit, it will be using Brella's artificial intelligence software to help a number of attendees connect.
"One thing we've seen lacking from everybody is the ability to network, to still find new active resources," said Brian Kornfeld, Synapse CEO. "There are a lot of creative people who have been able to navigate and network effectively, but for the masses it's really hard. We want to be able to open the doors and open access and utilize technology and innovation to help make connections effective and efficient."
The access will be available for GA+ and VIP Synapse Florida ticket holders, which cost $49 and $149, respectively. When registering, attendees can select what they are looking for — such as investors or even a more specific request, such as cybersecurity investors. They will then receive a list of people who could fit that request, along with those potential connections' virtual calendars to set up a time to chat. As more people register, the list of potential network connections will continue to change and grow.
Synapse Summit 2021 will be held March 8 to 11. While typically playing host to thousands of attendees in Amalie Arena, the mainly virtual format will now allow more out-of-state attendees, further bolstering the need for an organized networking service.
"We're anticipating a lot more statewide presence; a lot of our partners across the state are all getting excited about being a part of this and being able to engage in a new way," Kornfeld said. "And we anticipate a much higher national attention and registrants as well, especially with the free general admission tickets. It makes it easier for someone to pop in on one speaker or one networking session."
In addition to helping attendees, the AI software can be used to specifically track the connections made at the summit, which have served as jumping off points for larger projects and relocations in the Bay region.
"We can really track and measure connecting on the back end as well, and really start to see the level on how these connections can interweave with each other in a way we've honestly never been able to see before," he said.
