The event industry has already embraced augmented reality and virtual reality event platforms. A survey revealed that about 88% of event organizers planned to utilize virtual reality solutions. Also, 87% of respondents thought augmented reality would be an engaging and entertaining solution. These immersive technologies are in high demand within the events industry. Before you start investing in AR and VR in the event industry, let’s look at its do’s & don’ts, application and a few instances here.
Table of Contents
- Do’s & Don’ts of AR & VR for Event Industry
- Keep up with the latest technology
- Use technology only as a tool, not as a gimmick
- Partner with the right technology provider
- Application of AR in Events
- Application of VR in the Event Industry
- Instances of AR in Event Industry
- Instances of VR in Event Industry
Do’s & Don’ts of AR & VR for Event Industry
For businesses to use AR and VR effectively, they need to become familiar with the underlying concepts. They must have an understanding of how these technologies work so that they can utilize them properly. Here are some of the things businesses need to know before implementing AR and VR in the event industry:
Before getting to the point, let’s have a sneak peek of the virtual event business model here.
Hope you get the point, now let’s dig into the dos and don’ts.
Keep up with the latest technology
Whether using augmented reality or virtual reality, businesses should know the pros and cons. It is then up to the business to decide which solution would be most effective for the event exhibition. These technologies offer a similar level of immersive and interactive experience, but depending on the type of business and the products on display at the event, one can prove preferable to the other.
Technologies are constantly evolving, and businesses, too, need to be aware of the latest advances. Both hardware and software play an important role in these technologies’ success or failure. As a result, businesses need to be aware of the latest hardware and software options for events.
Use technology only as a tool, not as a gimmick
VR and AR in event industry provide an engaging and immersive experience, however, businesses should not use these technologies as gimmicks. Technology must be utilized to its fullest potential to keep visitors engaged. These technologies can be used to demonstrate a product or feature that will pique the interest of the users and potentially result in a business opportunity for the company. Even if they don’t turn out fully engaging, the demos shouldn’t feel gimmicky.
Partner with the right technology provider
A tech company with experience in AR and VR solutions should be partnered with businesses. Businesses often save money by cutting back on technology expenses. However, this can hurt the company. It is therefore important for companies to choose their technology provider wisely.
With the help of a high-end solution provider, organizations can come up with the best possible immersive experience solutions for events. To get a better understanding of how the technology can be used, they can identify which technology is best for their needs at events and expos.
Now that you’ve gained a deeper understanding of AR and VR in the event industry, here are some of the applications for using them at your events.
Application of AR in Events
Compared to virtual reality solutions, AR in event industry is relatively easier to implement. All you need is a mobile device to leverage the technology. Augmented reality can provide businesses with additional information about many products. Here are a few ways it can be applied at events:
A device-based AR system
Mobile phones or tablets with AR capabilities can be used to interact with the AR content. Why because nowadays most smartphones are having AR capabilities and so device-based AR has a broader reach.
For instance, if you are in a plan to project a car model, people can use device-based AR on their smartphones and they can view it in multiple colours. Along with this, people can garb other information related to that vehicle by clicking on the respective items.
As a result, the device–based AR is the best economical AR solution since it requires only a minimum investment in hardware.
Wearable AR devices
Some of the common wearable AR devices are Google Glass and Microsoft Hololens. Those devices provide you with an immersive augmented reality experience and overlay virtual information into this real world.
All you need to do is, give that wearable device to your audience and wearers can just move their hands and heads to gain those real experiences. Businesses can need to invest in that hardware; a little bit expensive but you can provide attendees with an immersive AR experience.
Transparent AR screens
Transparent AR screen – the most advanced device of augmented reality solutions. This technology has a transparent OLED display which can be able to project a 3D environment over a 2D screen. Without the need for a mobile phone or smart glass, viewers can enjoy having a 360-degree immersive experience.
To make your effortless, let’s choose the best virtual platform to host your virtual fair & virtual exhibition in the finest 3D space. We at HexaFair offer numerous features to conduct virtual reality solutions for your industry. With our platform, you can even engage your virtual audience with customized avatars.
Overall, the benefits of using AR in event industry include minimal distractions, better engagement, and a better graphical environment.
Application of VR in the Event Industry
Unlike AR, VR in event industry provides a more engaging and enriching experience. In virtual reality, users can experience different kinds of events or webinars or expos or fairs or exhibitions in the place of their comfort without physically being there.
For instance, let’s consider car manufacturers are going to conduct workshops to enlighten how cars are made using virtual reality solutions. With the 360-degree immersive experience, you engage your audience in a metaverse environment.
To make your effortless, let’s choose the best virtual platform to host your virtual fair & virtual exhibition in the finest 3D space. We at HexaFair offer numerous features to conduct virtual reality solutions for your industry. With our platform, you can even engage your virtual audience with customized avatars.
Overall, the benefits of using virtual reality over augmented reality include minimal distractions, better engagement, and a better graphical environment.
Instances of AR in Event Industry
A great example of AR in event industry is Cirque du Soleil. With Microsoft Hololens they show their stage grandly shows to the audience. During a demo, Tremblay, Fillion, and one of their Cirque co-workers tossed on a HoloLens headset and started collaborating on a new set using primitive geometric shapes. They were also able to bring a co-worker into the scene using a virtual avatar, similar to the kinds of VR collaboration efforts we’ve seen on Facebook. By the end of the presentation, they were looking at a life-sized version of a potential Cirque du Soleil set, complete with dancers moving throughout it.
Instances of VR in Event Industry
Like AR, here is a great instance for VR in event industry. Budweiser brewed an immersive experience for visitors using virtual reality. With VR headsets, attendees can watch the virtual tour of the Budweiser brewing plant in an immersive 4D environment. People can sense the hops, scent, sound and wind effects as they move around the brewery. Hence, the audience can get an inciting sensory experience in it.
The benefits and usage of AR & VR for Event Industry can transform the way people can experience events. The main challenge of augmented and virtual reality is the limitation of one’s imagination. With the help of HexaFair, event organizers can keep attendees engaged and provide them with a wow experience. Request a demo now.