Are Business Cards Still Relevant?

Are Business Cards Still Relevant at Networking Events?

Every year, late summer marks the beginning of networking season. From September, trade fairs, panels, and demo day events offer great opportunities to expand professional connections. Business cards are still the first tool that comes to mind in such events. However, the question “what is a business card” has evolved with digital transformation. Today, it’s not just contact information; it’s an extension of your brand identity.

While traditional paper cards are still preferred by many, their limitations are now more apparent. They get lost easily, become outdated, and are not eco-friendly. According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Business Communication, 88% of connections made at events continue digitally afterwards. So even if you hand out a paper card, the relationship continues online.

This is where digital business cards come in. Thanks to NFC business card or QR code business card technology, attendees can save your full contact details, social media accounts, and even presentations to their phones with a single tap. This keeps you visible not only during the event but also long after.

Creating a digital business card is simple. Platforms like Trowas allow users to design custom cards for their brand, gather all their details in one profile, and update them instantly when needed. This means no more throwing away piles of outdated paper cards.

Digital cards can also integrate with your presentations. For example, if you’re on stage at a demo day, your card can link directly to your website, pitch deck, or product demo video. This goes beyond just sharing contact details — it creates an interactive experience.

Being memorable after the event is the most critical part of networking. An article in the Harvard Business Review highlights that using post-event digital follow-up systems is the best way to increase the lasting impact of connections. Digital cards can be considered the first step of this follow-up.

Lastly, consider the environmental impact. Traditional card production contributes to millions of trees being cut down every year. Electronic business cards are much more efficient in terms of sustainability and cost.

In short, handing out business cards at networking events is still valid — but now in digital form. People must first recognize the problem: paper cards are easily lost, outdated, and unsustainable. Then they should see the solution: Trowas digital business cards eliminate all these issues, making you the most memorable person at the event.