We are launching "Yami-Ichi" (Black Market) — An introduction to the IVS2026 networking area, designed so that everyone goes home glad they came.

Hello. I'm Sunagare, in charge of PR for IVS2026.
This is my fifth year involved in IVS PR, and every year I hear comments like this from participants.

"The venue was so large that I ended up passing right by the people I was actually meant to meet."
"The short time between sessions didn't allow for deep conversations." 
"We exchanged business cards, but it didn't go any further than that."
"In the end, I didn't really take much away with me."

Ever since IVS grew to a scale of over 13,000 people, these kinds of comments have become particularly noticeable.

At a conference, networking is surely the moment when you truly feel "I'm glad I came." Yet, at many conferences, stages and pitches take center stage, and networking often feels like nothing more than a side note left in the "blank spaces" between them.

IVS2026 decided to invest time, space, and systems directly into this networking, redesigning it as a "protagonist-level experience" alongside sessions and pitches. As the third year of its evolution, this year's networking area introduces new barter-style matching initiatives: "Yamiichi" (Black Market) and "IVS Meetup." Integrated with the referral ticket system "IVS Family Tree," we are creating a place where everyone can take home the feeling of "I'm glad I came."

Here, we present a summary of the key points of this evolution.

The concepts are "Delivering meaningful encounters to everyone" and "Maximizing serendipitous and inevitable encounters"

What we are keeping in mind for the networking area is bringing those four opening comments as close to zero as possible. The networking area is designed as a place where all participants can fulfill at least one "reason they came to IVS" and take home practical benefits.

A wide variety of people attend IVS, including first-time participants and seasoned veterans, those who excel at communication and those who don't, individual attendees, and those attending in groups. Our concept is to deliver "meaningful encounters" to absolutely everyone.

We are also keeping another key aspect in mind: "maximizing serendipitous (accidental) and inevitable encounters." Within the same area, we place both the "inevitable" path—where you can reliably meet the people you want to meet—and the "serendipitous" blank spaces, where you can bump into unexpected people.

These two pillars have been materialized into the four features of the networking area.

① IVS AMA (Ask Me Anything)

Have you ever experienced something like this after participating in a conference?

• You joined with a vague interest but have no idea who to talk to.

• You ended up talking to someone with completely different goals, and the time passed without either of you finding common ground.

• You have an image of the kind of person you want to talk to, but you have no idea where such a person might be.

I think these are experiences common to almost any conference.

To solve this, we have created "IVS AMA (Ask Me Anything)." The theme is "maximizing casual matching opportunities by clarifying needs." We have prepared two approaches based on how clearly resolved the participant's goals are.

New AMA Initiative: "Yamiichi" (Matching for awareness to interest / Newly established this year)

Symbolizing this redesign is our new initiative, "Yamiichi" (Black Market).

Participants write down their GIVE (what they can offer) and TAKE (what they want) on a dedicated sheet and display it on high tables. For example, in response to a post saying, "I can talk about the latest AI trends from an entrepreneur's perspective (GIVE)," someone interested might respond, "In exchange, I can talk about recruitment and fundraising." This fosters casual, barter-style encounters.

This is a space where those whose goals are still vague and are "just looking for interesting connections" are the main characters. The goal of Yamiichi is to nudge visitors who are in the stage before actively "seeking out people to meet" but can say "I can offer this" into serendipitous encounters.

AMA (Matching for explicit needs / Continued from last year)

This is a sharper system for those who already have a clear idea of what they "want" or "need provided." We are continuing this highly successful initiative from last year.

By writing down specific needs on a dedicated sheet, people with mutual interests can match directly at high tables. We have prepared four categories: "Investment," "Recruit," "Alliance," and "Others." Since this matches people with clear objectives, it speeds up the momentum toward next actions.

For both initiatives, participation simply requires showing up on the day. No advance preparation is needed.

② Session-Specific Networking Areas

Have you ever experienced this after a session ends?

• A crowd forms around the speakers, and the line is so long that time runs out before you can talk (meaning it's already time for the next session).

• You really wanted to bring up something that caught your attention during the session and discuss it, but with so many people lined up behind you, it ended with nothing more than a exchange of business cards.

To address this, IVS2026 has prepared "Session-Specific Networking Areas" where speakers and participants can engage in deeper discussions after sessions end.

Specifically, after each session (60 minutes), we have pre-allocated networking time (30 minutes). While the excitement of the session is still fresh, both speakers and participants can join in the networking right then and there. Designing the block as a single unit of Session (60 mins) + Networking (30 mins) makes it easy for speakers to participate without strain and prevents participants from feeling "I wanted to talk but couldn't."

This design is optimized for high-quality, stress-free communication between both sides—"optimizing" networking rather than merely "maximizing" it.

③ IVS Meetup (Theme-based gatherings / Newly established this year)

While there are many side events held around IVS, we often hear from first-time or busy participants that the side events themselves can be hard to find. It's a shame that places where people with shared interests gather—prime locations for new encounters—can't be found.

That's why we have introduced "IVS Meetup" this year. Located on the 3rd floor of Miyako Messe, these are 1-to-3-hour themed social gatherings, serving as an official "in-venue version" of side events.

We will host multiple meetups tailored to our participants' diverse interests, such as informal spaces to speak English with international attendees, introductory themes designed for first-timers to enter comfortably, or sessions focused on specific industries and sectors. Since these areas gather people with shared interests, the psychological barrier to networking is lowered, making it easier to transition to next steps like business meetings or recruitment.

Specific meetup themes will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

④ IVS Matching Wall & Side Event Board

Lastly, we have the "IVS Matching Wall," returning from IVS2025, alongside the newly introduced "Side Event Board" right next to it.

This is a physical bulletin board where you can freely post your participation goals, such as "Looking for investors" or "Here is our job listing." Postings can also be brought in on the day. We have intentionally created this space within the area to allow people to browse and see "Ah, these are the kinds of people visiting IVS right now."

During a 3-day conference, there are moments, especially in the latter half, when you want to step away from a minute-by-minute schedule and look for encounters at your own pace. Rather than filling your schedule with back-to-back meetings, you can drop by, spot an interesting post, and reach out on the spot.

Next to it, we have also set up a side event information desk and photo spots, providing a space where you can take a breather. Since postings remain up throughout the event without being bound by time slots, you can connect with someone looking for you even after sessions have ended or on the following day.

To make the most of the networking area, try using the "IVS Family Tree"

Now that we've introduced the four features, for those who want to leverage them even further, we highly recommend utilizing the referral ticket system's "IVS Family Tree."

The referral ticket system allows IVS participants to invite up to two people using a dedicated code. Who invited whom is visualized for participants in the form of a "IVS Family Tree (referral graph)."

For example, you can use it like this:

• Browse the IVS Family Tree to break the ice at Yamiichi. Conversations can spark from, "Oh, you know this person too?" or "I didn't realize these two were connected!"

• If you find a "person you want to meet" in the family tree, you can arrange to meet up at Yamiichi or an IVS Meetup. It serves as a direct path to physically meeting someone in the venue whom you had loosely connected with beforehand.

Please note that the number of referral ticket invitation slots is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to make the absolute most of the networking area, please consider joining via a referral.

Summary

To eliminate the feeling of "I participated, but I didn't take much home" observed over the past two years, this year's networking area integrates the four features—IVS AMA (Yamiichi + AMA), Session-Specific Networking Areas, IVS Meetups, and the IVS Matching Wall—and links them with the referral ticket "IVS Family Tree."

We are preparing to make this a place where everyone can say "I'm glad I came," not just for those who have clear targets in mind, but also for those who have yet to put their goals into words or showcase their strengths.

Themes for each meetup and detailed schedules will be announced sequentially on the official IVS2026 website as they are finalized. Feel free to keep an eye out for updates.

And that concludes my introduction to the IVS2026 networking area as the PR representative. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything!

Networking Area Operations Team

Finally, let us introduce the five operations team members supporting this year's networking area.

Networking Features General Manager (01Booster Inc. - Senior Associate)

Yuki Shimoji

Having experienced roles as both a startup member and from the support side, Yuki joined his current position due to his interest in the open innovation sector. He is involved in running large-scale internal corporate new business programs for clients and managing the company's own startup studio. In his private capacity, he continues to support startups in various ways, serving as the IVS 2025 Central Park Director and on the secretariat of TIB STUDIO, among other roles.

IVS Matching Wall Area Manager (Potentialight Inc. - Consultant)

Kohei Kiyohara

After experiencing the Aoyama Gakuin University Ekiden (relay road race) team, Kohei entered the business world. In the human resources sector, he advanced from a playing manager to a board director, managing over 30 people while providing career support to over 1,000 individuals in total. Currently at Potentialight Inc., he actively supports individuals in their 20s to early 30s who aspire to "further growth and challenges."

IVS Meetup Area Manager (Rakuten Capital - Community Manager)

Manami Suzuki

Joined Strike Co., Ltd. as a new graduate in 2024, engaging in M&A advisory services. Joined Rakuten Capital in 2026. As Community Manager, she is in charge of building and managing continuous relationships with various players within the ecosystem.

IVS AMA Joint Area Manager (Hitoyori LLC - Representative Member / Osaka University Sophomore)

Akira Orita

22 years old. After enrolling in Osaka University in 2022, took a leave of absence in 2024. Established Hitoyori LLC in 2026. Gained extensive internship experience working with politicians, startups, VCs, and SMEs. Founded and led several student organizations. Involved in planning and operating startup conferences such as IVS and SusHi Tech Tokyo with ITAMAE. Mainly focuses on UI/UX design, marketing, business development, and event management.

IVS AMA Joint Area Manager (JYAKU Inc. - Representative Director)

Yota Yamauchi

Joined Bitstar Inc. of the SAKURA internet Group as a new graduate in 2018. Handled sales and PM, established the Fukuoka office, and was appointed Director in 2024 at age 24. Founded JYAKU Inc. in the same year and became Representative Director. Based in Fukuoka and Oita, and focusing on digital marketing, he is currently developing tourist facility digital nameplate services and real-time multilingual subtitle transmission services.