AI Matchmaking at Events Grew 44% Last Year. Here Is What the Data Shows.

Clarion Events has reported a 44% increase in in-person meetings at its events since implementing AI matchmaking. This is one of the clearest data points yet on how much AI-powered networking is changing what happens at conferences and trade shows.

What the broader research shows

According to Bizzabo's 2025 State of Events Report, 61% of event technology companies now offer at least one AI-powered feature, and matchmaking is the most common. Nearly 40% use AI to provide personalised connection suggestions. A third use AI to power content recommendations for attendees.

There is a generational element too. The report found that 73% of Gen Z attendees say career and networking opportunities are their top reason for attending professional events. Yet Freeman's research found that 40% of attendees aged 23 to 46 find networking awkward, and nearly half want pre-event curated connection recommendations before they arrive.

Why this matters for event planners

Networking is consistently the top reason people say they attend professional events. If attendees leave feeling they did not make the right connections, they are less likely to return. AI matchmaking directly addresses one of the most common failure points of in-person events.

The practical takeaway: if you run events where networking is a stated goal (and most professional events are), AI matchmaking is no longer an optional extra. It is quickly becoming something attendees expect. The platforms doing this well in 2026 include Brella, Grip, and Swapcard.