Matchmaking as a Secret Weapon: How Smarter Connections Deliver ROI Beyond SQM
Conference
2026-06-04 | 02:00 PM - 02:25 PM | Fuarizmir - Hall B Main Stage
Square metres sold has long been the headline metric for exhibition success — but it tells only part of the story. As organisers face growing pressure to demonstrate value to exhibitors and visitors alike, intelligent matchmaking is emerging as one of the most powerful — and underutilised — tools in the event director's toolkit.
In this session, Hannah Redfern (SVP, Shoptalk Europe & Shoptalk Lux, Hyve) and Gabriella Rimmer (Director, Plural Strategy Group) share how purposeful, data-driven connections are redefining what ROI looks like for trade events. Drawing on real-world experience scaling high-impact hosted formats, they explore how matchmaking can drive deeper engagement, stronger retention, and commercial outcomes that go well beyond the floor plan.
