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.
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
From concerts and awards to a stadium-sized Monday kickoff at Oracle Park, every night delivers 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.
Every Conversation Can Change the Game
