Smarter AI personalisation tools
In today’s event world, it’s no longer enough to simply bring people into a room, hand out name badges and hope for the best. The smartest events are using technology to deliver personalised, relevant and value-driven experiences. As event professionals, when we talk to clients about how to raise the bar on engagement, one of the recurring themes is: “How do we make each attendee feel like they’re getting their journey, not a general attendee experience?”
Here are three of the best AI-driven tools we’ve seen recently - especially useful on-site (or hybrid) to lift networking, check-in, matchmaking and data insights:
1. Brella
Brella is an event-platform and app built around AI-powered matchmaking. The platform states that its “intent-based matchmaking” boosts retention and ensures attendees meet the right people.
Why it works:
Attendees complete a profile of interests and goals, and the AI recommends people and sessions accordingly.
One-stop: networking, scheduling meetings, sponsor-leads, mobile app usage.
For event-planners: you can show measurable value to sponsors and clients: e.g., higher meeting acceptance rates, better lead capture.
Use case on-site: As delegates arrive, they’re already matched with 3-4 relevant people, their agenda is tuned via the app, and you can monitor in real time which sessions or networking slots are under-performing.
Take-away: If networking and lead-generation are key objectives (rather than just “let’s all mix”), Brella gives you the tech to deliver.
2. Grip
Grip is an AI matchmaking engine for events that uses behaviour data, clicks, profile information and machine-learning algorithms to suggest both people and sessions.
Why it works:
It doesn’t just match people, it analyses actions (what people click/view), and improves recommendations dynamically.
Organisers have reported large lifts in meetings booked when they use the platform’s algorithms.
Use case on-site: For a large-scale conference where “meaningful connections” are a KPI (e.g., exhibitor-buyer, strategic partnership, content networking), Grip helps curate the meeting journey such that attendees don’t wander aimlessly — they arrive with purpose.
Take-away: For events where “connectivity” is a deliverable, Grip gives the infrastructure to operationalise it.
3. zkipster
While primarily known for guest-list, check-in, seating and event-management, zkipster is increasingly providing AI-enabled features and integrations that make on-site logistics slicker.
Why it works:
Especially useful for VIP dinners, gala events or premium launches where data-driven guest management and seamless check-in matter.
You can integrate guest history, automate seating charts, and use APIs to link to CRM systems — meaning your event data becomes more powerful.
Use case on-site: A luxury brand launch where the guest list is curated, arrival needs to feel effortless, seating highly personalised, and the check-in process slick and discrete.
Take-away: When experience and precision matter, zkipster backs you with the backstage tech that protects the front-stage feel.
Bringing it together
All three tools show how tech is shifting from “gadget” to experience enabler. When you choose an AI-tool correctly:
You dramatically reduce the “random-wander” time delegates spend trying to figure out who to meet next.
You make your event feel intelligent, purposeful and high-value
You enhance ROI for your client/sponsor because you can measure engagement, attendee → meetings, lead gen, data.
Our advice:
Pick one tool to integrate early (ideally during registration/onboarding), map it against your event objectives (networking? lead-gen? VIP experience?) and plan your onsite logistics around its output (i.e., use its data to shape agenda, breakout rooms, flow).
The best events of 2026 will be built not just around “what we show” but “who meets whom and what happens next”.
Each of these tools helps you not just run an event, but shape an experience. If you’re thinking about personalisation, data-driven flow or seamless on-site journey for delegates, let’s talk about how we can integrate something new and effective into your next programme. Email us at hello@powwowevents.co.uk.