Hio Debuts New Virtual Networking Features, Offers 3 Free Months of Premium Access

April 8, 2020

Networking and events platform Hio (which stands for “hit it off”) has launched two new offerings to facilitate virtual networking and socialization — and is offering free Hio Premium access from April 1 – June 30.

Event planners can create, host and manage virtual events free of charge on the Hio platform. The Host-Moderated Virtual Event option works for webinars, speakers and individual networking sessions during an event, while the new Virtual Lounge format provides a formal opportunity for attendees to engage in one-on-one networking sessions. Network Now, a new Hio Premium feature, allows individuals to conduct seven-minute, one-on-one video chats on demand, mimicking live networking.

“With Virtual Lounge and Network Now, Hio hopes to allow event organizers to ... help users form meaningful relationships and grow their network in tough times,” says Jason Craparo, CEO and founder of Hio.

He adds, “Hio Premium allows event organizers to seamlessly take their events digital in the event of a cancellation. This reduces massive losses that can come with unplanned cancellations and also ensures that attendees benefit from planned events, giving them access to connect with other attendees from their mobile phones.”

Hio’s Host-Moderated Virtual Event offering uses Zoom as its broadcast platform. Content can be pre-recorded or recorded live for later use. While the event host and speakers need to install Zoom, attendees only need the Hio app if they want to join the event from their smartphones. The host can start the meeting from either Zoom or Hio.

“Once the host goes live, we overlay the Zoom experience onto the attendee’s screen right from Hio,” Craparo explains. “After the event, the guest list stays live so attendees can then access Hio’s follow-up features, such as sending a pre-written follow-up email or setting a reminder to reach out.”

Premium users also have the ability to send all of their new Hio connections to one of 30 CRMs with the click of a button.

For moderated events, the number of participants is limited only by the organizer’s Zoom account (usually 100 people and 40 minutes, if you’ve signed up for a free Zoom account; the length and the attendee number increase with paid Zoom subscriptions).

Virtual Lounge events include the seven-minute, one-on-one video chat functionality along with live group messaging and the option for social media integration. This format is unmoderated, allows unlimited capacity, and has no time limit — much like a social gathering.

Planners can also use Hio to schedule and host in-person events of any size, using their existing registration site or internal systems. The app also supports on-demand push notifications, allowing you to communicate important updates to your attendees in real-time — and to follow up with them post-event. 

“Hio can save a lot of money for organizations that frequently host field events because it combines an event tool with a networking tool that are both free,” says Craparo.

It’s also easy to measure the ROI of an event using Hio. The platform’s planner view includes a dashboard that summarizes attendee demographics, types of networking activities (i.e., what pieces of contact information were shared), attendees’ interests and more. The information is also available as a downloadable prospectus.

Hio’s event clients include EMRG Media’s Event Planner Expo, Global Training & Events Group LLC’s Tech Up for Women, Prysm Group’s B2B Marketing Expo and White Label Expo, Network After Work, Rockstar Connect, BOLD Networking and NY Tech Meetup.

Here’s a quick comparison guide showing the differences between Hio’s Host-Moderated Virtual Event and Virtual Lounge events. 

To learn more about Hio and try it for your own events, go hereDownload the Hio IOS app here and the Hio Android app here

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact