In Conversation with Baptiste Boulard, CEO and Co-Founder, Swapcard
Podcast (the-trade-show-podcast): Play in new window
Baptiste Boulard is the CEO and cofounder at Swapcard, which he built after leaving a career as a business lawyer to transform the events industry. He manages the leadership group and leads the go-to-market strategy for the company’s AI-first platform, including Sherlock (AI chat assistant), Launchpad (registration platform), and industry-leading matchmaking technology (Attendees Connect). Baptiste loves working with flagship tradeshows and associations like NAVC, AIAPA, Informa, and Clarion to solve organisers’ biggest challenges—from exhibitor ROI and attendee engagement to digital transformation—through integrated technology solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes.

- Baptiste believes that human connection is the core value of events, which is what led him to build Swapcard- a system that enables trade show participants to exchange contact information. Successful trade shows are built on facilitating meaningful networking between attendees and exhibitors, because exhibitors’ ROI—measured through qualified leads and connections—ultimately determines event growth, retention, and long-term industry value.
- Modern event success is driven by data and pre-event planning that can boost engagement. Around 60% of networking and 40% of lead generation occur before events begin. Opening digital engagement platforms in advance enables attendees to plan and schedule interactions.
- In the very near future, AI and data will reshape event technology by automating matchmaking, planning, and operations, moving beyond simple engagement tools. AI assistants will recommend contacts and schedule meetings based on the floor plans of exhibition booths.
Run time – 00:55:45
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