Networking

Networking at the Festival

Nearly 30,000 people attend the Festival of Gaming for one reason above all: connections.

This is where your global game-making community meets face-to-face, builds partnerships, secures deals, finds collaborators, and sparks the conversations that drive our industry forward.

Whether you’re here to close deals, find collaborators, or build lifelong friendships, the Festival is designed to make it happen. Every meeting, every conversation, every introduction has the potential to Change the Game.

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GamePlan

The most intentional way to connect at the Festival.

GamePlan brings together qualified executives, decision makers, and innovators for pre-scheduled 1:1 business meetings that drive results. Build new customer and partner relationships, reconnect with familiar faces, generate leads, pitch ideas, explore funding opportunities, discover emerging technologies, and engage with media.

Exclusive to Game Changer Pass holders
Invitation-only for qualified participants
Purpose-driven meetings that create ROI

Meet, Discover, Play, Grow

Festival Hall Lounges

Each neighborhood has its own lounge, with pop-up bites, drinks, and plenty of space to relax, recharge, and connect with your peers.

GDC Nights

Music, mixers, awards, and shared celebrations. Every night offers a new way to connect with peers in a festival atmosphere.

Summits Communities

16 Summits built for every craft. From Audio and Animation to ML and UX. Your discipline has a home, with space to meet all week.

GDC Encounters

GDC’s version of Speed Networking. A fast-track to new contacts, partnerships, and future collaborators. Join us on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

GDC Affiliate Program

GDC-vetted gatherings across the city create more chances to connect. When you see them listed, you’ll know it’s part of the network that matters.

The Event App

Networking starts before you arrive. Discover attendees, schedule meetups, and map your week, then turn those connections into conversations onsite.

Speaker Wrap-Up Rooms

One of GDC’s best kept networking secrets - the conversation doesn’t end when the session does! Meet speakers and peers who share your interests.

GDC 101

Are you new to the show or traveling solo? Kick off your Festival experience with guidance and orientation, designed to help you find your community right away.

Unexpected Moments

Some of the best conversations aren’t scheduled. From hallway chats to chance meetups to park conversations, the unexpected often becomes the most valuable.