Grip for Nonprofits: AI Event Networking Platform
Grip transforms your nonprofit events into powerful networking experiences using AI-powered matchmaking that connects the right people at the right time. With 16 machine learning algorithms analyzing attendee data, Grip delivers 70 million+ networking recommendations per year across 5,000+ events, helping organizations like SXSW achieve 44% more in-person meetings through intelligent attendee connections.
What It Does
Running a nonprofit conference where attendees leave saying "I didn't meet anyone relevant"? Grip solves the networking disconnect that plagues most events. Instead of hoping attendees randomly bump into the right connections, Grip's AI actively analyzes each participant's profile, interests, and goals, then recommends the specific people they should meet and automatically schedules those conversations.
Whether you're running a fundraising gala, annual conference, professional development workshop, or association meeting, Grip transforms your event from a logistics exercise into a relationship-building machine. The platform handles everything from registration and badging to intelligent meeting scheduling and post-event community engagement, all while using AI to ensure every attendee walks away with meaningful new connections that advance your mission.
Best For
Organization Size
- Mid-sized to large nonprofits with professional event programs
- Organizations running events with 100+ attendees
- Associations and membership organizations hosting annual conferences
Best Use Cases
- Conferences and networking events where connections drive value
- Fundraising galas with major donor networking opportunities
- Professional development events with peer learning focus
- In-person, virtual, or hybrid event formats
Ideal For
Event managers, conference organizers, membership directors, and development teams who prioritize attendee experience and relationship-building over basic event logistics.
Key Features for Nonprofits
AI-Powered Matchmaking
16+ machine learning algorithms analyze attendee profiles, interests, and behaviors to recommend the best connections, saving attendees hours of manual networking research
Delivers over 70 million recommendations per year based on billions of interactions across the platform, ensuring attendees meet people who actually align with their goals and interests.
Intelligent Meeting Scheduling
Supports 12+ meeting formats and automatically finds optimal times for both parties, eliminating scheduling back-and-forth
Detects cancellations in real-time and immediately offers alternative recommendations to minimize downtime, keeping attendee schedules productive even when plans change.
Hybrid AI and Manual Search
Combines AI recommendations with manual search capabilities, giving attendees control alongside intelligent suggestions
Attendees can explore the full participant list, use filters to refine their search, and send direct meeting requests alongside AI recommendations, ensuring they don't miss valuable connections.
Smart Badges & Lead Retrieval
NFC-enabled smart badges enable instant information exchange and lead capture without manual business card collection
Attendees tap badges to exchange contact information instantly, while exhibitors and sponsors can retrieve qualified leads in real-time with automated follow-up capabilities.
Instant Chat & Video Messaging
Built-in messaging and video call capabilities enable attendees to connect immediately without leaving the platform
Perfect for virtual and hybrid events, allowing remote attendees to have meaningful conversations and building connections before, during, and after the event.
365 Community Engagement
Extends engagement beyond the event with a year-round community platform that keeps attendees connected
Transform one-time event attendees into an engaged ongoing community, driving deeper relationships and increasing year-over-year attendance and participation.
How This Tool Uses AI
Grip isn't just another event platform with "AI" in the marketing copy. The platform uses genuine machine learning to actively facilitate connections between attendees. Here's what's actually AI-powered versus standard event management features:
What's Actually AI-Powered
AI Matchmaking Engine
Type of AI:
16+ machine learning algorithms trained on billions of event interactions across the platform
What it does:
Analyzes attendee profiles (job title, industry, company, interests), stated networking goals, event activity patterns, and behavioral signals to identify the best possible meeting matches. The AI considers factors like shared interests, complementary goals, industry alignment, and networking preferences.
How it learns:
The algorithms improve based on billions of interactions happening across Grip's entire platform (not just your event). When attendees accept or decline meeting recommendations, rate their connections, and engage with suggested contacts, the AI refines future recommendations across all events.
Practical impact:
Instead of manually scrolling through hundreds of attendees hoping to find relevant connections, attendees receive a curated list of "you should meet this person because [specific shared interest]" recommendations. At Clarion Events, this resulted in a 44% increase in in-person meetings year-over-year.
Intelligent Scheduling System
Type of AI:
Constraint-based optimization algorithm with real-time learning
What it does:
Automatically finds optimal meeting times that work for both parties based on their event schedules, session attendance, stated availability, and preferences. When meetings get cancelled, the system instantly recalculates and offers alternative recommendations.
How it learns:
Analyzes patterns in meeting acceptance, cancellation behavior, and scheduling preferences to improve future recommendations. If attendees consistently decline 8am meetings, the AI learns to suggest later time slots.
Practical impact:
Eliminates the "let me check my calendar" email chains. Attendees can book 10+ meetings in minutes instead of days of back-and-forth coordination.
Real-Time Recommendation Refinement
Type of AI:
Adaptive learning algorithm that responds to real-time event behavior
What it does:
As the event unfolds, the AI observes which sessions attendees attend, who they message, which booths they visit, and adjusts networking recommendations accordingly. If an attendee shows interest in sustainability initiatives based on session attendance, the AI will surface other sustainability-focused attendees.
Practical impact:
Day 2 recommendations are more accurate than Day 1 because the AI has observed actual behavior, not just stated interests in profiles.
What's NOT AI (But Still Useful)
- Event Registration: Standard form-based registration system, not AI-generated
- Badge Printing: Automated but not AI-driven, follows templates and design rules
- Manual Search: Attendees can browse the full list and filter manually without AI assistance
- Analytics Dashboards: Real-time reporting is standard data visualization, not AI insights
- Mobile App: App functionality is standard mobile development, not AI-enhanced
AI Transparency & Limitations
Data Requirements
- AI matchmaking works best when attendees complete detailed profiles with interests, goals, and preferences
- Minimal profile data (just name and company) results in generic recommendations
- First-time events have less accurate matching than repeat annual events where the AI has historical data
- Small events (under 50 attendees) may not benefit as much from AI recommendations
Human Oversight Still Required
- Attendees should review AI recommendations, not blindly accept all suggestions
- Event organizers should monitor for bias in matchmaking (e.g., are certain groups being under-recommended?)
- The AI doesn't understand organizational politics or sensitive relationship dynamics
- Manual curation of VIP or sponsor introductions may still be necessary
Bottom Line
Grip uses AI where it genuinely saves time and improves outcomes: intelligent matchmaking, automated scheduling optimization, and real-time recommendation refinement based on actual behavior. The AI is trained on billions of event interactions, which gives it an advantage over platforms using simple rule-based matching. However, the quality of AI recommendations depends heavily on attendee profile completeness and event size. For networking-focused events with 100+ attendees, the AI delivers measurable value (like Clarion's 44% meeting increase). For small workshops or logistically-focused events, the AI features may be overkill.
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
Professional Association Annual Conference
How a membership organization transformed their networking experience
A national professional association hosting 500+ members at their annual conference struggled with a common problem: attendees complained they "didn't meet anyone useful" despite the event being designed for networking. Members would arrive, attend sessions, and leave without making meaningful connections.
After implementing Grip, the association encouraged members to complete detailed profiles during registration, including their professional goals, areas of expertise, and what type of connections they sought (mentorship, peer learning, vendor partnerships, etc.). Grip's AI analyzed these profiles and generated personalized networking recommendations for each attendee before the event even started.
During the conference, attendees used Grip's mobile app to schedule 1-on-1 meetings with recommended contacts. The intelligent scheduling system found open time slots between sessions, eliminating the awkward "let's try to find a time" conversations. When an executive director had a last-minute schedule change and cancelled three meetings, Grip's system instantly notified the other parties and offered alternative recommendations to fill their newly open time slots.
Results:
- 78% of attendees reported having "meaningful conversations" vs. 42% the previous year
- Average of 6.2 scheduled meetings per attendee, up from 1.3 informal conversations
- 85% renewal rate for conference attendance (up from 68% when networking was disappointing)
- Sponsorship value increased as exhibitors could track qualified leads from smart badge scans
- Post-event engagement continued through Grip's 365 Community feature, maintaining connections year-round
Pricing
Custom Pricing Model
Grip uses custom quote-based pricing that varies based on:
- Event size (number of attendees)
- Event scope and complexity
- Features selected (modular solution allows you to choose only needed products)
- Number of events per year
- Event format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
No public pricing is available. Nonprofits must contact Grip's sales team for a custom quote specific to their event requirements.
What to Expect from Pricing Discussions
Based on industry comparisons and Grip's positioning as an enterprise event platform:
- Similar platforms like Bizzabo typically start around $15,000+ per year
- Grip is positioned as a premium solution used by major events like SXSW
- Best suited for organizations with event budgets that can support custom enterprise solutions
Note: Pricing information is subject to change. Please contact Grip directly for current pricing tailored to your nonprofit's specific event requirements.
Nonprofit Discount & Special Offers
Nonprofit Pricing
Grip's website confirms the platform supports nonprofit organizations. However, specific nonprofit discount details are not publicly advertised.
How to Inquire About Nonprofit Pricing:
- Contact Grip's sales team directly through their website
- Explicitly mention your 501(c)(3) status or nonprofit designation
- Provide details about your event size, format, and budget constraints
- Ask specifically about nonprofit programs, discounts, or special pricing
- Inquire about modular pricing to select only the features you need (may reduce costs)
Learning Curve
Moderate Learning Curve
Requires planning and setup time but delivers strong support for implementation
Time to First Value:
- Initial setup: 2-4 weeks for first event (platform configuration, branding, integration setup)
- Registration setup: 3-5 hours to configure registration forms and attendee profile fields
- Testing phase: 1-2 weeks to test matchmaking, scheduling, and mobile app before event launch
- Proficiency: Most event managers feel comfortable after running 1-2 events with the platform
Technical Requirements:
- Experience with event management or registration platforms helpful but not required
- Comfort with spreadsheets for attendee data import/export
- Basic understanding of event logistics (registration flow, badge printing, session scheduling)
- No coding required, but some technical comfort beneficial for integrations
Support Available:
- Dedicated support team with strong customer service reputation
- Integration setup assistance for major CRM and ticketing platforms
- AI Assistant (Copilot) for self-service participant support during events
- Responsive to customer feedback and feature requests
💡 Pro Tip:
Plan for adequate lead time before your first event. The AI matchmaking works best when attendees have time to complete detailed profiles and explore recommendations before the event starts. Launching registration 6-8 weeks prior gives attendees time to engage with the networking features meaningfully.
Integration & Compatibility
Connects With
CRM & Marketing Platforms:
Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Marketo, Pardot, Eloqua
Ticketing & Registration:
Eventbrite, direct registration import via CSV
Automation:
Zapier (for additional workflow automation), Leadsbridge (for data synchronization)
Session Management:
Add polling, Q&A, and interactive features to event sessions directly within the platform
Platform Availability
Data Portability
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Genuinely powerful AI matchmaking: 16+ algorithms trained on billions of interactions deliver highly relevant connection recommendations, proven to increase meetings by 44%
- All-in-one platform: Handles registration, badging, scheduling, networking, and post-event engagement in a single system, reducing vendor juggling
- Real-time intelligent rescheduling: Automatically suggests alternative meetings when cancellations happen, keeping attendee calendars productive
- Flexible format support: Works seamlessly across in-person, virtual, and hybrid events with consistent networking features
- Strong customer support: Dedicated support team with excellent responsiveness and willingness to incorporate feedback
- 365 Community feature: Extends engagement beyond the event, building year-round relationships that drive attendance and participation
Cons
- No public pricing: Custom quote-based pricing lacks transparency, making budgeting difficult without sales consultation
- Likely expensive for small nonprofits: Positioned as enterprise platform used by major events like SXSW, suggests pricing may be prohibitive for smaller organizations
- Requires attendee participation: AI matchmaking only works well when attendees complete detailed profiles and engage with recommendations
- Setup time investment: Initial configuration takes 2-4 weeks, which may be tight for organizations planning events on short timelines
- May be overkill for small events: AI networking features deliver most value for 100+ attendee events; smaller gatherings may not justify the investment
- Nonprofit discount unclear: While Grip supports nonprofits, specific discount programs are not publicly advertised
Alternatives to Consider
If Grip doesn't feel like the right fit for your nonprofit, consider these alternatives:
Bizzabo
Event Experience OS with AI-powered networking and comprehensive event management
Similar enterprise-level platform with AI networking, intelligent meeting scheduling, and real-time analytics. Also uses custom pricing based on event scope.
Choose Bizzabo if: You want an all-in-one Event Experience OS with comprehensive features beyond networking, including predictive conversion analytics for sponsors and AI agenda optimization.
InEvent
AI event platform with facial recognition check-in and 10% nonprofit discount
AI-powered event platform with facial recognition check-in, AI website builder, virtual event capabilities, and explicit 10% nonprofit discount.
Choose InEvent if: You want transparent nonprofit pricing (10% discount publicly advertised) and advanced features like facial recognition check-in and AI-generated event websites.
Eventbrite
Accessible event ticketing and registration without AI networking
Widely-used event registration and ticketing platform with straightforward pricing and ease of use. Does not include AI-powered networking features.
Choose Eventbrite if: You primarily need simple registration and ticketing without advanced networking features, or your event budget is limited and AI matchmaking isn't a priority.
Why choose Grip instead?
Grip's AI matchmaking is trained on billions of event interactions across 5,000+ events, giving it a data advantage over newer platforms. The combination of intelligent recommendations, real-time rescheduling, and year-round community engagement makes Grip ideal for networking-focused events where relationship building is the primary goal. If your event's success is measured by the quality of connections attendees make, Grip's proven AI (like Clarion's 44% meeting increase) delivers measurable value.
Getting Started
Ready to transform your nonprofit event networking? Here's how to get started with Grip:
Step 1: Assess Your Event Needs (30 minutes)
Before contacting Grip, define your event requirements:
- Expected number of attendees and event format (in-person, virtual, hybrid)
- Event type and networking priorities (conference, gala, professional development)
- Budget constraints and must-have features
- Existing systems that need integration (CRM, ticketing, email)
💡 Pro tip: Grip's modular pricing means you can select only the features you need. Clearly identify which capabilities are essential vs. nice-to-have to get the most accurate quote.
Step 2: Request Custom Quote and Demo (1-2 weeks)
Contact Grip's sales team to discuss pricing and see a demo:
- Visit Grip's website and fill out the contact form with your event details
- Explicitly mention your nonprofit status and ask about nonprofit pricing or discounts
- Schedule a demo to see the AI matchmaking, scheduling, and mobile app in action
- Ask for case studies or references from similar nonprofit events
Step 3: Plan Implementation Timeline (2-4 weeks)
Once you commit to Grip, plan adequate lead time before your event:
- Configure platform settings, branding, and customization (1 week)
- Set up integrations with your CRM, ticketing, or email systems (3-5 days)
- Test the registration flow, mobile app, and AI matchmaking (1 week)
- Train your event team on the platform features and admin panel
💡 Pro tip: Launch registration 6-8 weeks before your event to give attendees time to complete profiles, explore recommendations, and schedule meetings in advance. This maximizes the AI networking value.
Step 4: Encourage Attendee Engagement (Ongoing)
Maximize the AI matchmaking value by actively promoting attendee participation:
- Send pre-event emails encouraging attendees to complete detailed profiles
- Highlight the networking features in event marketing and reminders
- Provide incentives (prize drawings, VIP perks) for attendees who schedule 3+ meetings
- Monitor real-time analytics during the event to identify engagement opportunities
- Use the 365 Community feature post-event to maintain connections year-round
Need Help with Implementation?
Setting up a comprehensive event platform like Grip can feel overwhelming, especially when you're managing limited staff and budget. From evaluating whether Grip is right for your event to configuring the platform and training your team, there are many moving pieces to coordinate.
One Hundred Nights offers implementation support for nonprofits adopting AI event platforms. We can help you assess your event needs, negotiate with vendors, configure the platform, design your networking strategy, and train your team to maximize value from Grip's AI matchmaking features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Grip cost for nonprofits?
Grip uses custom pricing based on event size, scope, number of attendees, and features needed. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and requires a sales consultation. While Grip supports nonprofit organizations, specific nonprofit discount details are not publicly advertised. Nonprofits should contact Grip directly to inquire about custom pricing and potential nonprofit discounts or special programs.
Note: Prices may be outdated or inaccurate.
How does Grip's AI matchmaking work?
Grip's AI matchmaking uses over 16 different machine learning algorithms trained on billions of interactions across the platform to find the best meeting match-ups based on attendee preferences and behaviors. The AI analyzes participant profiles, interests, event activity, stated goals, and engagement patterns to deliver over 70 million recommendations per year. Attendees receive both AI-powered recommendations and can manually search the participant list using filters.
What types of events is Grip best suited for?
Grip is best suited for mid to large-scale professional events where networking is a priority. This includes nonprofit conferences, annual association meetings, fundraising galas, trade shows, B2B networking events, and professional development gatherings. The platform works for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event formats. Organizations running events with 100+ attendees where meaningful connections drive value will benefit most from Grip's AI networking capabilities.
Does Grip work for virtual and hybrid events?
Yes. Grip supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid event formats. The AI matchmaking and networking features work across all formats, enabling attendees to connect whether they're attending physically or remotely. The platform includes instant chat and video messaging capabilities for virtual connections, and the 365 Community feature extends engagement beyond the event itself.
What integrations does Grip support?
Grip offers native integrations with major CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot, as well as ticketing platforms like Eventbrite. The platform includes an Integrations Directory for additional connections. Integration capabilities allow you to import registration lists instantly, sync attendee data with your CRM, and add interactive features like polling to event sessions.
What is Grip's intelligent scheduling system?
Grip's intelligent scheduling system supports 12+ meeting formats and automatically finds optimal meeting times for participants based on their event schedules, preferences, and availability. The system detects cancellations in real-time and immediately offers alternative recommendations to minimize downtime, ensuring attendees maintain a productive meeting schedule even when plans change.
Who uses Grip for their events?
Grip powers over 5,000 events with 15 million+ event participants and 2 million+ meetings booked. Notable clients include SXSW, Money 20/20, Informa, Clarion Events, RX, and Messe Frankfurt. Clarion Events reported a 44% increase in in-person meetings year-on-year at one show using Grip's AI matchmaking, with 100% engagement of buyers for all meetings booked.