Articles for event organizers
In-depth buyer's guides, honest vendor comparisons, networking playbooks, and free tools for conference and mixer hosts.
15 long-form guides written by the Pond Events team. Updated May 2026.
Buyer's guides
Product and category guides for event organizers evaluating matchmaking software.
Event matchmaking software: what to look for in 2026
How matchmaking works, features that matter under 250 attendees, and an evaluation checklist.
Event matching software for professional networking programs
Intent-based matching, timed rounds, and mutual follow-up for corporate mixers and programs.
Conference networking app: a practical guide for receptions and side events
Browser vs native apps, structured rounds, and when you do not need a full conference stack.
Event app pricing in 2026: full breakdown
How vendors charge, typical ranges by headcount, hidden fees, and Pond tier summary.
Comparisons
Honest side-by-side reviews for mid-evaluation buyers.
Pond vs Brella: which fit for organizers under 250 attendees?
Honest comparison: fit, pricing model, guest join, and when each tool wins.
Pond vs Whova: pricing, fit, and alternatives for smaller events
Whova pricing logic, three cheaper alternatives, and when to choose Pond.
Swapcard alternatives for small conferences (2026)
When Swapcard is overkill and what to use for receptions under 250 people.
Grip alternatives without the enterprise sales call
Self-serve matchmaking for programs that need speed, not a six-week procurement cycle.
Playbooks
Step-by-step guides for running better networking events.
How to run a networking event for 50 people (step-by-step)
Room setup, check-in, four timed rounds, and mutual follow-up in 90 to 120 minutes.
How to set up 1:1 matchmaking at a conference
Pre-event intent, live pairing, host console workflow, and post-event export.
Attendee matchmaking: 6 algorithms compared
Random, round-robin, intent scoring, bipartite matching, clustering, and hybrid live loops.
How to check in 200 attendees in under 10 minutes
QR at the door, staff roles, backup WiFi, and batch arrival patterns.
Free tools
Calculators, templates, and utilities for event hosts.
Free event ROI calculator for networking programs
Estimate pipeline value, cost per quality conversation, and break-even vs tool spend.
Networking event run-of-show template
Minute-by-minute template for a 90-minute mixer with timed rounds.
Networking session timer for timed rounds
Run 5 to 15 minute conversation rounds with countdown in the browser.
Ready to run your event?
First event free for up to 15 people. Structured matching, QR check-in, mutual follow-up.
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