Hopin

Overview

Hopin is a comprehensive virtual event platform that replicates the experience of a physical conference. It features specialized 'rooms' for networking, main stages, and expo booths, prioritizing attendee interaction over passive viewing. In 2023, Hopin's core Events and Session products were acquired by RingCentral, marking a major shift in the company's focus toward its 'Community Suite'.

What it does

• Provides multi-track virtual venues with stages, sessions, and networking areas.
• Features AI-powered 'Speed Networking' to connect attendees based on interests.
• Includes robust registration, ticketing, and analytics tools for organizers.
• Offers a customizable 'Expo' floor for sponsors and vendor interaction.
• Integrates with streaming tools like StreamYard (formerly owned by Hopin).

Who it's for

• Event Organizers
• Marketing Managers
• Community Leaders
• Enterprise Organizations

Why it works

• Engagement: Unlike Zoom, Hopin is designed for 'wandering' and spontaneous interaction.
• Scalability: Capable of hosting from 50 to 100,000+ attendees in a single digital space.
• Hybrid Focus: Provides tools that connect physical and digital audiences seamlessly.
• User Experience: A polished, intuitive interface that mimics a real physical venue.

Founder story

Founded in 2019 by Johnny Boufarhat in London. Johnny, who was confined to his home due to an illness, wanted to find a way to attend events and connect with people virtually. He built the first version of Hopin while in his apartment, eventually leading it to become one of the fastest-growing European startups in history.

Alternatives

• Zoom Events
• Goldcast
• Cvent
• Airmeet

Comparison overview

• Zoom Events: Stronger for meetings; Hopin (now RingCentral Events) is superior for multi-track interactive conferences.
• Goldcast: Better for B2B pipeline marketing; Hopin is the specialist for broad audience engagement and expo networking.
• Now backed by RingCentral, Hopin remains a premier choice for high-end virtual experiences.