Where does fantasy end and the real world begin? At many events these days, it’s rather hard to tell.
With the cost of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences steadily falling, you as an event organizer or marketer can now integrate these splashy-yet-substantive tools into your next experience.
Sure, AR/VR were once considered novelties. But then Google pioneered Cardboard, which turns any smart phone into a VR headset. And last year Apple introduced its iPhone X with basic AR capabilities baked in. These are just two of the better-known tech companies making 3D dreams come true.
But hey, reality check: AR and VR aren’t “just” cool, either. Hyper-connected attendees now expect them as part of their experience. And with a range of options available to suit every budget, there’s no excuse not to press GO.
Here are our (current) favorite ways to integrate AR and VR into your next event:
1. Once Upon a STORY
Ever heard the old saying, “The one who tells the best story rules the world?” There’s no better way to rule your next event—and attendees’ attention—with immersive AR/VR storytelling.
Let’s face it: digital distractions are always a challenge. Eyeball-hungry phones lurk in every attendee’s pocket, just waiting to steal their attention. But with AR and VR storytelling at your command, you can tame those phones. Or keep attendees glued to a different screen.
- Phone-based stories: Want to put those phones to good use? Invite attendees to sync up wirelessly and explore an AR story overlaid on your event architecture. Or, have them slip their phone into a specialized headset for virtual reality adventure. Abracadabra—distractions be gone!
- Vision-casting stories: Another option is the big picture approach. Use virtual stories to drive home your fundraising mission. Or to help attendees imagine what’s possible if they partner with you. At LSAV, we do this early in the creative process by sending our customers a VR kit so they can view a 3D version of their exhibit before they sign off.
- Branded stories: Storytelling is also a tool for revenue generation. Create AR or VR storylines your attendees can explore, complete with virtual buildings, signage or game tokens branded to various sponsors. This creates a new sponsorship revenue stream for your event, not to mention an attractive up-level in advertising options.
- Keynote stories: Imagine how much more engaging keynotes might be if presenters interacted with augmented reality figures on stage. Or let VR transport attendees into a story as s/he tells it!
2. Ready, Set, GAME!
Games have long been a standard engagement strategy at events. But with today’s AR/VR technology, the options just got a lot more immersive. (And you thought Ready Player One was science fiction? Guess again, Wade Watts.)
But gaming is about more than the wow factor. It’s about education. And adrenaline. And connectivity. Even digital natives flock to live events because they the crave face-to-face interaction. So why not inspire a little friendly competition on site?
- Virtual Games: In some large markets, warehouse-style venues have been dedicated already to what’s called “free-roam gameplay”—meaning attendees can wander large spaces, interacting with games everywhere they turn. One facility, based in New York, offers everything from virtual rock climbing to live versions of popular mobile games.
- Games-on-the-go: Not working with a huge budget? Consider some small-but-mighty possibilities such as a food truck-style VR: a mobile smorgasbord of gameplay that rolls up (and in) to your next event. Or try a snap-together cubicle that deploys VR experiences within even compact meeting rooms.
- Gaming as performance: Instead of creating solitary interactions (available only with a headset), try letting crowds experience–and bond over—AR and VR together. Even if just one attendee is selected to experience a VR game, his or her view can be broadcast to an entire audience, allowing everyone to feel the rush.
3. Hey, Check This DEMO
Product demos and hidden features are a newer area for AR/VR exploration. But already there’s so much room for brands to amp the interactivity and fun by letting attendees go “under the hood.” Cash in on the “insider” cachet, and you’ll be well on your way to new customers.
- Magic View: Imagine being able to see products from different angles or go deep inside them, without moving them or pulling them apart. This type of exploration isn’t always feasible at events with larger products with limited venue space. But AR and VR shortcut this limitation, saving money while improving brand experience.
- Hidden Mickeys: Another option takes a cue from the now-famous “Hidden Mickey” phenomenon at Disney World. In this engagement, hide sponsor content or event-related messaging and scannable graphics around your event space on signage and architecture. Using a AR application, attendees can snap or scan them, garnering prizes, social media swag or a shout-out on the event app as their reward.
4. Kick Back and LOUNGE
So you’ve already got a lot going on at your event, and you just don’t want to add “one more thing?” AR and VR are a great way to entertain guests while they relax between activities. Consider allocating a corner of your VIP lounge to an AR or VR experiences. Or, try hosting your whole event at a space (like one of the warehouse venues, mentioned earlier) that is completely set up to take frequent virtual “breaks” from business reality.
5. A Whole Lot MORE
Whew! Is your head spinning yet? The options are virtually endless. (Sorry. You know we had to do that somewhere...) All it takes is a little vision, and imagination, to bring them to your next event.
And speaking of imagination, AR/VR deployment requires a lot of that. Plus serious digital savvy and some mad logistics skills, too.
LSAV has all of those. And then some.
Whether it’s one of these ideas, or one of hundreds of other possible solutions, let’s chat about your vision for AR/VR at your event. We can help pack the most punch into an experience that educates, delights and wows your guests.
Learn more about AR/VR at LSAV Powerhouse here.