Originally published May 11, 2016 , updated on September 14, 2024

Event trends are rapidly beginning to lean towards virtual reality. The required technology has become consumer-ready and the consumers themselves hanker after more memorable experiences. With the recent release of the Samsung Gear VR headset, VR experiences are realistically accessible to the masses. There’s no doubt about it; viewers want to be a part of the narrative instead of merely observing it.

Interactive Vendor Demos and Virtual Venues

Static demonstrations may be a thing of the past. According to Events.com, a marketing agency could deliver a fully-interactive, three-dimensional pitch to potential clients. The options for vendor demos are almost endless. We’re looking at a world where event-goers will gaze in awe rather than stifle a yawn while sacrificing their precious time in exchange for nothing more than a goodie bag.

Virtual venues are another potential plus for event organisers. Consider the enormous potential of a completely interactive virtual space with no design limitations whatsoever. Furthermore, consider the financial implications of paying for server space. You pay them instead of shelling out a hefty sum for physical event space and all the extras that go along with it.

An Alternative to Live Keynote Speakers

Here’s important news for event organisers who are keen to test the VR waters but prefer to have some traditional elements in place. Event Manager Blog suggests the possibility of holograms and Telepresence in the place of live keynote speakers. This would provide the all-important “wow-factor” without taking too much of a risk on something that event-goers might be unfamiliar with.

Spatial Audio for an Immersive Experience

In a post written by College Web Editor, spatial audio is described as “spherical sound that can be experienced in 360 degrees.”

Recently introduced to YouTube’s 360 videos, spatial audio will allow event organisers to direct attendees’ attention in a completely new and exciting way.

Therefore, as an event-goer, you would hear a sound and instinctively find yourself looking to exactly where it came from. Being able to direct a viewer’s gaze in this way is an extremely powerful tool. It’s one that until now has not yet been explored to its full potential.

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