134 - Navigating the Networking Jungle: How to Make Connections Effortless
How Event Magic is Revolutionizing Event Networking: Insights from Jon Werner of Event Magic
In the latest episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins sits down with Jon Werner, Co-Founder of Event Magic. Jon shares his experience building one of Austin’s most dynamic tech meetup platforms, helping founders, investors, and entrepreneurs form meaningful connections while addressing the real-world challenges of event networking. This episode provides actionable insights for event organizers, startup leaders, and networking enthusiasts looking to elevate engagement and drive results through community-driven experiences.
Transforming Event Experiences for Founders and Professionals
Jon Werner and Event Magic were created to empower founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts to connect effectively in a rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. With over four years of experience, Event Magic has become a cornerstone of Austin’s tech scene, regularly attracting 230+ attendees per event. The platform addresses common pain points like tracking attendance, combating networking fatigue, and delivering measurable value to sponsors.
Event Magic provides a mobile-first event management solution that streamlines check-ins and facilitates context-rich networking. QR code check-ins, pre-printed or on-demand badges, and cohort-based networking tools ensure every connection is logged with meaningful context. Attendees can tag contacts, add notes, and access a searchable event-specific CRM—eliminating the frustration of lost business cards and impersonal connections.
For sponsors and hosts, Event Magic offers robust analytics to demonstrate ROI, track engagement, and identify “alpha connectors”—attendees who naturally amplify event reach. This combination of AI-powered training solutions for networking and real-time data visualization transforms traditional events into measurable, high-impact experiences, helping founders accelerate growth and build supportive communities.
About Jon Werner
Jon Werner is a connector, community builder, and co-founder of Event Magic. Based in Austin, he specializes in creating inclusive events that support founders, investors, and startup communities. Jon’s approach blends technology and human-centered networking to ensure attendees walk away with meaningful connections and actionable opportunities.
About Event Magic
Event Magic is a tech-enabled event platform designed to simplify networking and event management. From QR code check-ins to searchable attendee profiles and engagement analytics, the platform empowers hosts, sponsors, and attendees to maximize every interaction. Event Magic focuses on building context-driven communities, helping founders and professionals connect efficiently, foster trust, and drive startup ecosystem growth.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
How Event Magic uses mobile-first learning management tools to streamline check-ins and attendee tracking.
Strategies for building context-rich networking that turns connections into meaningful relationships.
Techniques for demonstrating sponsor ROI through analytics and engagement metrics.
The importance of frontline employee engagement and human-centered networking in startup ecosystems.
Jon Werner’s tips for founders on fostering community, mentorship, and authentic collaboration.
Conclusion
Jon Werner’s insights demonstrate that technology and human connection are not mutually exclusive—they work best together. Event Magic illustrates how thoughtful tools and intentional design can transform events from transactional meetups into thriving communities. For startup founders and event organizers, the key takeaway is clear: leverage data and context to drive engagement while keeping the human element at the center of networking.
Explore 3Leaf Consulting to learn more about strategies for product-led growth and community-driven networking.
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