What Makes a Digital Business Card Platform Great for Events?

Not all digital business card platforms are created equal when it comes to event networking. The best platforms for conferences and trade shows need specific features that go beyond basic contact sharing:

Lightning-fast sharing: At events with hundreds or thousands of attendees, speed matters. You need instant QR code or NFC sharing.
Unlimited exchanges: Running out of "shares" at a major conference is unacceptable. The platform should support hundreds of connections per event.
Offline reliability: Event venues can have spotty WiFi. Your card needs to work regardless of connectivity.
Analytics and tracking: Post-event follow-up depends on knowing who viewed your card and when.
Lead capture: For trade show exhibitors, capturing attendee information is crucial for ROI.
Team features: Companies sending multiple employees need unified branding and centralized lead management.
Value pricing: Attending multiple events per year gets expensive. The platform should offer good ROI.

We've evaluated the leading digital business card platforms based on these event-specific criteria. Here are the top 5 that excel at conference and trade show networking.

Major Events in 2026: Where You'll Need These Tools

Before diving into the platform comparisons, here's a snapshot of the major networking opportunities throughout 2026 where these digital business card tools will prove invaluable:

Q1January - March 2026

✅ January 6-9: CES - Las Vegas (Consumer Electronics & Technology)

✅ March 12-18: SXSW - Austin, TX (Tech, Film & Music Convergence)

Tentative dates (2026 dates not yet officially confirmed):

~Early March: Mobile World Congress - Barcelona, Spain (Mobile Communications)*

~Early March: Natural Products Expo West - Anaheim, CA (Organic Products)*

~March: HIMSS Global Health Conference - Las Vegas (Healthcare Technology)*

Q2April - June 2026

✅ June 15-17: EXPO REAL Asia Pacific - Singapore (Real Estate & Infrastructure)

Tentative dates (2026 dates not yet officially confirmed):

~May: Google I/O - Mountain View, CA (Developer Conference)*

~May: National Restaurant Association Show - Chicago, IL (Hospitality)*

~June: Apple WWDC - Cupertino, CA (Developer Conference)*

Q3-Q4September - October 2026

Tentative dates (2026 dates not yet officially confirmed):

~Early September: IFA Berlin - Berlin, Germany (Consumer Electronics)*

~Late September: Pack Expo Las Vegas - Las Vegas (Packaging & Manufacturing)*

~October: IMEX America - Las Vegas (Business Events Industry)*

✅ = Confirmed 2026 dates | * = Tentative dates based on historical patterns - These events typically occur annually but official 2026 dates have not been announced yet. We recommend verifying directly with event organizers before making travel arrangements.

With events spanning from technology showcases to industry-specific trade shows across multiple continents, having the right digital business card platform can dramatically impact your networking ROI throughout 2026.

1. KadiConnect

Best Overall

Best for: Value-conscious professionals, small teams, and anyone attending multiple events

Why It Excels at Events

KadiConnect hits the sweet spot of features, affordability, and ease of use for event networking. At just $4/month for unlimited sharing, it's the most cost-effective solution for professionals attending multiple 2026 events. The platform's two-minute setup means you can create or update your card right before an event starts.

What sets KadiConnect apart for events is its generous free tier (25 views with custom branding) that actually works for smaller conferences, combined with an affordable Pro plan for heavy event attendees. No other platform offers this much value at this price point.

Event-Specific Features

Unlimited views on Pro plan - Share with 100 or 1,000 people at major events without restrictions
QR code with custom logo - Include your company or event logo for brand consistency
Real-time analytics - See who viewed your card during and after the event
Instant updates - Modify your card during the event if plans change
No app required for recipients - Works on any device, any browser - crucial for international events
Contact saving and organization - Recipients can save to contacts with one tap
Team plans starting at $2.99/user - Perfect for companies sending teams to trade shows

Event Networking Pricing

Free Tier

✓ 25 views/month
✓ Custom branding
✓ QR code logo
✓ Perfect for 1-2 small events

BEST VALUE

Pro Plan

$4/month

✓ Unlimited views
✓ All features
✓ Priority support
✓ Unlimited events

Team Plan

$2.99/user

✓ Min 5 users
✓ Unified branding
✓ Lead capture
✓ Team analytics

Perfect For

Individual professionals attending 3+ events per year, startups and small businesses sending teams to conferences, anyone wanting maximum value without sacrificing features. Ideal for January's Las Vegas events, March conferences in Barcelona and Austin, and year-round trade shows.

Start with KadiConnect Free →

2. Wave Connect

Best for International

Best for: International events, enterprises with strong CRM needs, teams requiring advanced features

Why It Excels at Events

Wave Connect stands out with its truly unlimited free tier and comprehensive sharing options including Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and NFC alongside traditional QR codes. For international events like Mobile World Congress in Barcelona or EXPO REAL in Singapore, Wave Connect's multi-wallet support ensures maximum compatibility across different regions and device preferences.

The platform is particularly strong for enterprises sending large teams to events, with robust CRM integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) and automated follow-up capabilities. Rated as the easiest-to-use digital business card globally by G2.

Event-Specific Features

Unlimited sharing on free tier - No limits on event connections, even for free users
Apple Wallet & Google Wallet integration - Recipients can save to their preferred wallet
NFC tap-to-share - Ultra-fast sharing for high-traffic event situations
Deep CRM integrations - Automatically sync event leads to Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics
Lead capture forms - Collect attendee information at trade show booths
Automated follow-ups - Schedule post-event messages automatically
Team analytics dashboard - See all team member connections and engagement from events

Event Networking Pricing

Free Forever

✓ Unlimited sharing
✓ Unlimited contacts
✓ Basic features
✓ Good for any event

Pro Plan

$7/month

✓ Advanced analytics
✓ CRM sync
✓ Priority support
✓ Custom branding

Teams

$5/user/year

✓ Min 3 users
✓ Team management
✓ Bulk features
✓ Custom branding

Perfect For

Enterprises with existing CRM systems, teams attending international events (MWC Barcelona, Singapore conferences), professionals who want unlimited free sharing, and organizations needing sophisticated lead management and automated follow-up capabilities. Ideal for trade show exhibitors requiring lead capture.

Try Wave Connect Free →

3. Blinq

Best for CRM Integration

Best for: Sales teams at events, companies with Salesforce/HubSpot, lead-focused exhibitors

Why It Excels at Events

Blinq is purpose-built for sales professionals and marketing teams who live and breathe CRM data. At trade shows and conferences where lead capture and qualification matter most, Blinq's deep integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft 365 automatically sync every connection directly into your sales pipeline.

The platform's business-tier features include lead capture add-ons with AI scanners and contact enrichment—perfect for trade show booths where you're meeting hundreds of potential customers. If you're attending events with a sales or lead generation focus, Blinq ensures no opportunity falls through the cracks.

Event-Specific Features

Salesforce & HubSpot auto-sync - Event connections flow directly into your CRM
Lead capture add-on - AI-powered scanners for high-volume trade show lead collection
Contact enrichment - Automatically enhance lead data with additional business information
Team analytics - Track which team members are networking most effectively at events
SSO for enterprises - Secure single sign-on for large corporate teams
Branded templates - Maintain consistent corporate branding across entire event team
Bulk API card creation - Create cards for entire event teams programmatically

Event Networking Pricing

Free Tier

✓ Basic features
✓ Limited cards
✓ Try before events

Business (Min 5 cards)

$4.99-$6.99/card/mo

✓ CRM sync
✓ SSO
✓ Team analytics
✓ Branded templates

Lead Capture Add-on

Starting at $199/month

AI scanners, contact enrichment, 20+ CRM integrations - ideal for trade show exhibitors

Perfect For

Sales-driven organizations where every event connection needs to flow into CRM pipelines, trade show exhibitors requiring sophisticated lead capture (restaurant industry show in Chicago, Pack Expo Las Vegas), and Microsoft 365 enterprise users. Best for teams where event ROI is measured by qualified leads generated.

Try Blinq →

4. Popl

Best for Speed

Best for: Tech enthusiasts, fast-paced networking situations, professionals wanting the "wow" factor

Why It Excels at Events

Popl revolutionized digital business cards with NFC tap-to-share technology, and at crowded events where you're meeting dozens of people rapidly, this speed advantage matters. Simply tap your Popl device against someone's phone, and your contact information transfers instantly—no QR code scanning required.

Beyond the NFC hardware, Popl offers robust software features including automated follow-up texts and emails, paper business card scanning (great for collecting others' cards at events), and offline sharing capabilities. The combination of hardware and software makes Popl particularly effective at high-energy events like tech conferences in Las Vegas or creative gatherings in Austin where making a memorable impression matters.

Event-Specific Features

NFC tap-to-share - Sub-second contact exchange at crowded events
Offline sharing - Works without WiFi or cellular connection (crucial at some venues)
Auto follow-up texts & emails - Set up automated post-event messages before the conference
Paper business card scanner - Digitize cards you receive at events
Lead management & capture - Track and organize event connections
Custom QR codes & email signatures - Multiple sharing methods beyond NFC
CRM integrations & auto-sync - Connect to popular sales tools

Event Networking Pricing

Pro Plan (Annual)

$6.49/month

✓ Up to 3 digital cards
✓ CRM integration
✓ Analytics
✓ Auto follow-ups

Pro+ Plan (Annual)

$11.99/month

✓ Multiple profiles
✓ Priority support
✓ Advanced features
✓ All Pro features

NFC Hardware (Required for tap-to-share)

$14.99 - $29.99 one-time

Available as cards, tags, keychains, or wristbands

Cost Consideration

While Popl's NFC technology is impressive, the total cost is higher than competitors due to hardware requirements. For a team of 5 attending an event:

• 5 NFC devices: $75-$150 (one-time)
• 5 Pro subscriptions: $389/year ($6.49/month × 12 × 5)
• Total first year: $464-$539

Perfect For

Tech-forward professionals attending innovation-focused events (January's Las Vegas tech showcase, Google I/O, Apple WWDC), individuals who want the fastest possible sharing at high-traffic events, and those who value the "wow factor" of tap-to-share technology. Budget-conscious users may prefer software-only solutions.

Try Popl →

5. HiHello

Best for Team Coordination

Best for: Corporate teams, companies needing centralized card management, organizations with multiple card profiles

Why It Excels at Events

HiHello shines when coordinating teams at events. Its strength lies in centralized card management, making it easy for event coordinators or marketing managers to create, update, and oversee cards for entire teams attending conferences. The free tier supporting up to 4 cards makes it accessible for small teams to test at events before committing.

The platform's team and company card features ensure brand consistency across your entire event presence. When sending 10 employees to a trade show, HiHello lets you maintain unified branding while still allowing individuals to personalize their profiles. The built-in CRM features help consolidate all team connections into one manageable system after the event.

Event-Specific Features

Team and company card management - Create standardized cards for entire event teams
Contact CRM features - Centralized database of all team event connections
Multiple card designs - Different cards for different event types or roles
Calendar integration - Schedule post-event follow-up meetings directly
Email signature integration - Extend event networking to email communications
Analytics dashboard - See team networking performance across events
CRM integrations - Connect to popular business tools for lead management

Event Networking Pricing

Free Tier

✓ Up to 4 cards
✓ Basic features
✓ Good for small teams

Professional

$8/month

✓ Up to 16 cards
✓ Analytics
✓ Custom branding

Business

$6/user/mo

✓ Unlimited cards
✓ Team management
✓ CRM integrations

Perfect For

Established companies sending coordinated teams to events (healthcare tech conference in Las Vegas, restaurant industry show in Chicago, IFA Berlin), organizations needing centralized contact management across multiple event attendees, and businesses that value team oversight and unified branding. The free tier works well for testing at smaller events before scaling up.

Try HiHello →

Quick Comparison: Event Networking Features

Platform	Best For	Starting Price	Key Event Feature
KadiConnect	Value & Simplicity	$4/mo	Unlimited views, best value
Wave Connect	International Events	Free (unlimited)	Multi-wallet, CRM integration
Blinq	CRM & Lead Capture	$4.99/card	Salesforce/HubSpot sync
Popl	Fast NFC Sharing	$6.49/mo + hardware	Tap-to-share, offline mode
HiHello	Team Coordination	$6/user/mo	Centralized management

Which Platform Should You Choose for Your 2026 Events?

The right digital business card platform depends on your specific event networking needs and budget. Here's our recommendation framework:

Choose KadiConnect if:

You want the best value without compromising features
You're attending multiple events throughout 2026
You need unlimited sharing at an affordable price ($4/month)
You're a small team (5-25 people) wanting unified branding at $2.99/user
You prioritize simplicity and fast setup

Choose Wave Connect if:

You're attending international events (MWC Barcelona, Singapore conferences)
You need sophisticated CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics)
You want unlimited free sharing to test before upgrading
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet support matters to you
You need automated follow-up capabilities

Choose Blinq if:

Your team already uses Salesforce or HubSpot extensively
You're exhibiting at trade shows and need advanced lead capture ($199/month add-on)
Event ROI is measured by qualified leads entering your CRM
You need enterprise features like SSO and API access
Budget allows for premium pricing ($4.99-$6.99/card minimum 5 cards)

Choose Popl if:

You want the fastest possible sharing at high-traffic events
You're attending tech-forward events where NFC impresses
You don't mind the additional hardware cost ($15-30 per device)
Offline sharing capability is crucial for your event venues
You value innovation and the "wow factor"

Choose HiHello if:

You're sending coordinated corporate teams to events
You need centralized management of multiple employees' cards
Unified branding across team members is priority
You want built-in contact CRM features for team use
You're willing to pay $6/user/month for business features

Platform Recommendations by Event Type

Large Tech Conferences (Las Vegas, Austin, Silicon Valley)

Top Pick: KadiConnect or Popl

These events attract tech-savvy audiences who appreciate either simplicity (KadiConnect) or innovation (Popl's NFC). With tens of thousands of attendees, unlimited sharing is essential.

International Conferences (Barcelona, Singapore, Berlin)

Top Pick: Wave Connect

Multi-wallet support and CRM capabilities make Wave Connect ideal for international events where you're building a global network across different regions and device ecosystems.

Trade Show Exhibitions (Chicago, Las Vegas Convention Center)

Top Pick: Blinq or Wave Connect

When exhibiting with a booth, lead capture and CRM integration are crucial. Blinq's $199/month lead capture add-on or Wave Connect's lead forms help maximize trade show ROI.

Corporate Team Events (Multiple Employees Attending)

Top Pick: KadiConnect or HiHello

KadiConnect offers the best value at $2.99/user for teams of 5+, while HiHello provides more sophisticated centralized management for larger corporate teams willing to pay $6/user.

Budget-Conscious Professionals (Attending 1-2 Events)

Top Pick: Wave Connect (free) or KadiConnect (free tier or $4/month)

Wave Connect's unlimited free tier works great for occasional event attendees. KadiConnect's free tier (25 views) covers small events, or upgrade to Pro for just $4/month.

Ready to Dominate Event Networking in 2026?

Don't wait until the week before your first event to set up your digital business card. The platforms above represent the best options for event networking in 2026, each excelling in different scenarios.

For most professionals attending multiple events throughout 2026, KadiConnect offers the best balance of features, simplicity, and value. Start with the free tier today to test it before your next conference.

Start with KadiConnect Free →Read More Event Tips →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which digital business card platform is best for major conferences?

For most professionals attending major conferences like those in Las Vegas, Barcelona, or Austin, KadiConnect offers the best value at $4/month with unlimited sharing. If you need sophisticated CRM integration, consider Wave Connect or Blinq. For the fastest sharing at crowded tech events, Popl's NFC technology is unmatched.

Do I need a paid plan for event networking?

It depends on event size. Wave Connect's free tier offers unlimited sharing, making it viable for any event size. KadiConnect's free tier (25 views) works for smaller conferences. For major trade shows where you'll meet hundreds of people, a paid plan ensures unlimited connections.

What's the most affordable option for team event networking?

KadiConnect offers the lowest team pricing at $2.99/user/month (minimum 5 users, annual billing). For a team of 10, that's just $29.90/month or $358.80/year. Compare this to HiHello at $6/user ($600/year for 10 users) or Blinq at $4.99-$6.99/card (minimum 5 cards).

Can I switch between platforms if one doesn't work for me?

Yes! All platforms allow you to export your contact data. Most professionals start with free tiers to test multiple platforms before an event. We recommend trying KadiConnect and Wave Connect (both have strong free options) before investing in paid plans.

Which platform works best offline at events with poor WiFi?

Popl's NFC technology works completely offline. QR code-based platforms (KadiConnect, Wave Connect, Blinq, HiHello) require brief internet connection for the recipient to load your card, but most event venues provide adequate WiFi or cellular coverage.