A few years ago, we first started hearing about the use of virtual technology in events. It was a new trend and there was some debate about whether this was a passing fad.
If you stay current on the trends developing in the events industry, then you know that virtual technology is not only on the rise but it is now mainstream.
This means that this one-time budget-breaking technology is now more accessible to event producers.
There are two ways to experience virtual technology: augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
VR is an immersive user experience that places you into a completely computer-generated simulation to give you the feeling that you are experiencing a personal account of the situation.
With AR, you combine a simulated environment (VR) with real life scenarios. AR simply enhances the scenario while the VR experience is a total simulation.
Here are three ways to use virtual technology at your event:
1. Product Demonstrations
Let’s say you are headed to a trade show and want to stand out above the sea of companies attending, many of whom are your competitors.
Creating a VR and AR experience of your product will help you stand out above the rest. Look at it from a consumer’s point of view – would you prefer to see the product in a brochure as a salesperson talks about it or would you rather the chance to see, touch and feel what it would be like to experience the product before you commit to it?
2. Virtual Events
When you host an event, there is always a challenge to keep your numbers high. It becomes even more difficult when your event is held in a location not easily accessible. Now there is no reason to sacrifice location because of low attendance concerns.
In the quest for events to get bigger and better, implementing virtual technology may just be the answer to a few common challenges: higher attendance numbers and better engagement by attendees. Click To TweetVR can simulate the entire experience for the attendee without them even entering the venue or the city. It also expands your reach allowing you to reach a global audience.
The venue can be recreated using VR to give the attendee the feeling of being there in person. Think of it as a livestream on steroids – not only do they hear and see what is happening they can believe they are actually in the same room as the people there in person!
3. Virtual Experiences
If you want to create a jaw-dropping experience at your next event for your guests, a VR experience is the way to go!
Imagine you are holding a launch party for a high-performance sports car with a guest list full of interested buyers. Obviously, there is no way each guest can take the car for a spin – or can they?
Now, with this technology, they can experience that test drive. They can sink into the seats as they hug the curves of the highway at top speeds. It will leave them amazed and wanting more.
In the quest for events to get bigger and better, implementing virtual technology may just be the answer to a few common challenges: higher attendance numbers and better engagement by attendees.
Now, with increasing developments in this technology, you can use VR and AR to enhance every aspect of your event. The ideas are limited only by your imagination.
Have you used VR or AR in any of your events? If so, how did it go? Let me know in the comments below.