What is a networking rule?
A networking rule defines:
Who can start a conversation
Who can schedule a meeting
These rules are configured per population (e.g.: Visitors, Exhibitors, VIPs, Speakers, Press, etc.).
⚠️ The rules for the chat and those for meetings are independent.
You can allow chatting without allowing meeting scheduling — and vice versa.
How do the rules work?
For each population, you define who they can interact with. You have 4 options:
1 - Speak to everyone: the population can contact all other populations.
2 - Speak to no one: they cannot initiate any conversation.
3 - Speak to a specific other population
Example:
Visitors can speak only to Exhibitors.
4 - Speak to a specific segment
A segment is a group of participants defined by criteria (e.g.: industry sector, badge type, topic, matchmaking score, etc.).
Example:
Visitors can speak only to premium Exhibitors.
VIPs can speak only to Sponsors.
Cross-rule logic
Rules are configured for each population, and they can be cumulative or restrictive.
Example:
Exhibitors can contact Visitors.
Visitors cannot contact anyone.
In this case:
The exhibitor can start the conversation.
The visitor will be able to reply (if the rule allows replying).
The visitor will not be able to initiate the discussion.
Why configure networking rules?
Rules allow you to:
Structure interactions
Avoid spam
Create targeted B2B formats
Adapt the experience according to the event type (trade show, conference, premium networking…)
Key takeaways
Rules are defined per population
Chat and meetings have their own rules
Rules can be:
Global
Per population
Per segment
Interactions can be bidirectional or unidirectional
Networking rules are a strategic tool: they enable you to build a relational experience aligned with your event objectives.