Whether you’re an attendee or event planner, if you’re a frequent event-goer, you’ve likely experienced your share of substandard events. Keynote after keynote, back-to-back breakout sessions, and an information firehose that leaves attendees more drained than inspired.

Attendees are exhausted by the traditional model of non-stop content delivery and are craving something deeper. According to a Freeman Trends Report, 52% of attendees want events where they can discuss challenges with peers in their industry. This highlights the growing demand for networking over passive learning. The best events are responding by turning content into connection. So, what are these top events doing differently? Let’s take a look.

1. Autodesk University – Mastering Session Navigation 

Autodesk University delivers hundreds of sessions across formats and levels, both online and in person. For the average connection-seeking attendee, this could feel like a maze. But Autodesk nails it by giving their content mix a clear, intuitive structure, making it easy for attendees to self-curate a path that’s relevant to them.

Instead of throwing everything at the wall, they create clear pathways through their content landscape. Attendees can easily navigate to sessions that match their expertise level and interests, avoiding the decision paralysis that comes with too many options.

The takeaway: Having variety can become a weakness if there is no structure to support it. Overwhelm your attendees with too many options and they’ll shut down; guide them, and they’ll lean in.

2. Shoptalk – TableTalks and Pre-Scheduled Connections

Shoptalk’s “TableTalks” are small-group discussions tailored to attendee interests and scheduled before the event begins. This feature resulted in a staggering 429% oversubscription rate in 2025, proving how effective peer-to-peer interactions can be for events. 

What sets Shoptalk apart is their integration approach. These networking moments aren't sidebar activities but a core aspect of the event programming, creating anticipation and connection before attendees even arrive.

The takeaway: Build networking into your content strategy from the start rather than a post event activity. Give attendees multiple chances to meet the right people before, during, and after your event.

3. AWS re:Invent – Certification Meets Community

AWS re:Invent understands that professional growth and community building go hand in hand. They've mastered the blend of serious skill development with certification opportunities and expert-led deep dives, to fun community-building activities in the form of 5K runs and wing-eating contests.

The takeaway: Professional development is powerful, but to truly elevate the experience, consider weaving in fun, casual activities that help attendees connect beyond the classroom.

4. Oracle CloudWorld – The Power of Going Small

While many events chase bigger audiences, Oracle CloudWorld embraces the intimate approach with full-day training sessions for smaller, focused groups. These microevents allow for deeper exploration of specialized topics and create a shared sense of accomplishment among participants.

The smaller format naturally encourages questions, discussion, peer learning, and more intimate networking that's nearly impossible to achieve in auditorium-style sessions.

The takeaway: Bigger isn’t always better. Smaller, focused formats create more conversation, stronger bonds, and deeper engagement.

5. Web Summit – AI Matchmaking and Cultural Networking

Web Summit uses AI-powered matchmaking to connect the right people before anyone even steps on-site. Then they take it further with their Night Summit, a series of curated meetups in Lisbon’s pubs and bars that turn networking into an unforgettable cultural experience.

The takeaway: Let technology break the ice, then create spaces where authentic conversations can flow naturally.

Bringing the Connection Shift to Your Event

You don’t need the budget of AWS or Web Summit to make this happen. With tools like PheedLoop, you can build connection-driven experiences without adding complexity to your planning process.

Here’s how:

• Design for interaction — Incorporate roundtables, meetings, or attendee matchmaking.
• Blend formats — Balance formal sessions with fun or cultural activities.
• Offer personalization — Let attendees customize schedules and engagement paths.
  
• Mix scale — Pair large sessions with smaller, targeted microevents.
  
• Extend beyond the event — Keep conversations alive before and after with accessible on-demand content.

Events are no longer judged solely on how much content they deliver, but on the connections they spark. The future belongs to organizers who design for both.