Networking
Every partnership starts with a conversation.
Meet the developers, publishers, investors, collaborators, and industry leaders who can help shape what comes next for your game, studio, or career.
~20000
Attendees
86000+
Connections
300+
Partners
85+
Countries
Your Dedicated Space for Business @ GDC
Make every meeting count
The Business Hall, located at the West Hall, is designed for meetings, networking, and discovering new partners. This is where the business side of the games industry comes together.
Find Your Networking Style
Networking isn’t one event. It’s built into the entire Festival of Gaming. Discover the opportunities that fit the why and how you want to meet people.
[Casual Conversations]
Casual Conversations
GDC Encounters
GDC’s version of Speed Networking. A fast-track to new contacts, partnerships, and future collaborators. Join us on Tuesday-Thursday.
Festival Hall Lounges
Kick back in the GDC Commons or in each neighborhood's lounge, with pop-up bites, drinks, and plenty of space to relax, recharge, and connect with your peers.
Summit Connect Lounge
Located between Summit classrooms and escalators in West Hall, Level 2, this high-traffic area is where attendees naturally gather for spontaneous meetings, easy intros, and strategic networking.
[Planned Meetings]
Planned Meetings
Business Hall Meeting Space
Join us in West Hall for all your meetings. Invite a guest, and share ideas in an ideal setting.
GDC Base Camp
Formerly known as GDC Connect, this dedicated lounge in the Festival Hall offers space for both casual mingling and pre-arranged meetings scheduled through the event app.
The Event App
Networking starts before you arrive. Discover attendees, schedule meetups, and map your week, then turn those connections into conversations onsite.
[Shared Experiences]
Shared Experiences
Developer’s Concert
Experience an unforgettable evening of live performances celebrating the music that brings games to life.
Game Developers Choice Awards (GDCA)
Join the industry as it honors the games, creators, and innovators that defined the year.
Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards
Celebrate the creativity of indie developers as the year’s indie games take center stage.
Day of the Devs
Featuring a curated lineup of standout indie games; jump in and meet new connections over some new demos! Who knows, you might stumble upon your next collaborator.
Tabletop Free Play & Playtesting Lounge
Grab a board game and let the games begin! Check out a game from our Free Play board game library, enjoy a little friendly competition, and share feedback directly with designers!
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.
[Learning Together]
Learning Together
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.
Summits Communities
From Audio and Animation to ML and UX. Your discipline has a home, with space to meet all week.
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.
Networking FAQ
How do I schedule meetings?
Meetings can be scheduled using our Event App when you’ve made a connection with an individual. For information about booking pods coming soon!
How do I reserve a meeting space at the Business Hall?
Reserve a Meeting Space: Reserve meeting tables through GDC's online meeting platform based on your pass type. Booking details and platform access will be announced closer to GDC.
Invite a Guest: Meeting with someone who isn't registered for GDC? Bring them in. Eligible passes include guest meeting access—your guest checks in for your scheduled meeting, then checks out when you're done.
Secure Dedicated Space: Rent a dedicated table or private room for a day or the entire week. Give your team a guaranteed home base for the meetings that matter most, no competing for availability.
What do I need to bring to prepare for GDC Encounters?
Just bring yourself! GDC Encounters is designed to be a fun, informal speed networking experience. Arrive a few minutes early, and be ready to meet new people.
What pass gives me access to the Business Hall?
The Game Changer, Festival, Indie, Start-Up, Academic and Business Hall ONLY pass gives you entry to the Business Hall.