Networking is one of the biggest reasons people attend SBC events.
But let’s be honest…
When outreach becomes unlimited, it can quickly turn into noise.
Too many generic messages, too many meeting requests sent at random, and not enough meaningful conversations.
That’s why we’re introducing Outreach Credits on SBC Connect – a new feature designed to keep networking focused, relevant, and genuinely valuable for everyone using the platform.
What are Outreach Credits?
Outreach Credits are a simple way to manage how attendees connect with each other inside SBC Connect. Instead of allowing unlimited outreach, each attendee receives a set number of credits they can use to:
- Start a chat
- Send a meeting request
The goal isn’t to restrict networking, but to make it better. By putting a limit on outreach initiation, the platform naturally encourages more thoughtful, targeted connections instead of mass messaging.
How many credits do I get?
Your starting credit balance depends on your ticket type.
Most ticket types will receive 200 credits, while some passes include 100 credits (such as Expo+). Expo Only ticket holders receive 0 credits, meaning they won’t be able to initiate chats or meeting requests.
Your balance is always visible inside SBC Connect, so you can easily see how many credits you have available at any time.
When do credits get used?
Credits are deducted when you initiate outreach – meaning when you start a chat or send a meeting request. But here’s the important part: credits aren’t gone forever.
Credits are returned when the person you contacted takes action, such as:
- Replying to your message
- Confirming your meeting request
This means real conversations and confirmed meetings keep your networking moving forward, while spammy outreach naturally slows down.
What happens if I run out of credits?
If your credit balance reaches zero, SBC Connect will disable your ability to start new chats or send new meeting requests.
You’ll still be able to respond to messages and manage your existing conversations – but you won’t be able to initiate new outreach until credits are returned through replies or confirmed meetings.
One important note: credits are not refunded if you cancel a meeting request or if the other person declines it. This helps ensure credits are used intentionally and keeps outreach focused.
Making it easy to track your balance
We’ve built multiple ways to help you stay on top of your Outreach Credits throughout the event.
Your balance is displayed in key areas across SBC Connect (desktop, tablet, and mobile), and it updates in real time as credits are spent or returned. You’ll also see visual indicators that make your remaining balance easy to understand at a glance, including a circular progress display that changes colour as you run low:
- Green when you’re in a healthy range
- Yellow when you have 20 credits left
- Red when you have 10 credits left
- Grey when you hit 0
To make sure you’re never caught off guard, SBC Connect will also send in-app alerts when you’re running low, including notifications at 10 credits and 3 credits remaining.
Built-in guidance while you network
We know this is a new feature for many attendees, so we’ve added clear explanations throughout the platform.
You’ll see a “?” icon next to your credit balance that provides a quick overview of how the system works. In chat windows, a short info card will appear when you open a new conversation, showing your current balance and explaining how credits are used and returned. This card disappears automatically once you send your first message, so it won’t get in the way.
We’ve also included credit information directly in the meeting request and meeting confirmation screens, so you always know your balance before you hit send.
Choose your ticket carefully if networking matters to you
Because Outreach Credits are such an important tool for reaching the people you want to meet, it’s worth choosing your ticket with networking in mind.
While the Expo Only Pass is free, it comes with limited networking functionality on SBC Connect, as it includes 0 Outreach Credits – meaning you won’t be able to initiate chats or meeting requests.
If proactive networking is a priority, consider getting (or upgrading to) a pass that includes Outreach Credits:
- Expo+ Pass: includes 100 credits
- VIP Event Pass: includes 200 credits
Affiliates and operators, as well as exhibitors and sponsors holding a VIP pass, naturally receive 200 credits, ensuring full access to outreach tools and a smoother networking experience throughout the event.
Why this matters
Outreach Credits are designed to make SBC Connect a better experience for everyone. Instead of competing with mass messaging, attendees can focus on what really matters: reaching the right people, starting real conversations, and turning introductions into meaningful connections.
In short, it’s networking with less noise and more value.
Ready to connect smarter? Download SBC Connect on your desktop, Apple device or smartphone, check your Outreach Credits, and start planning your outreach.
Want to know more about other SBC Connect features? Check out this page.
