Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a new and innovative way to experience events. While VR has primarily been used for gaming and entertainment purposes, it is also becoming a popular tool for businesses to use for virtual events, such as conferences, training sessions, and product launches.
As the world slowly adapts to the new normal, virtual events are also becoming the norm. If you're thinking about using VR for your next company event, we have created a series of blog posts to help you get started, beginning with this article:
5 Benefits of Using VR for Your Company Events
Many businesses are starting to see the potential of using VR as a way to connect with their audiences and create an immersive experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own homes or from wherever their offices are all around the world.
There are many benefits to using VR for company events, including the following:
1. You can reach a global audience
One of the great things about VR is that it knows no geographic boundaries. That means you can invite people from all over the world to attend your event, regardless of where they are located.
2. You can create an immersive experience
VR allows you to transport your guests to a completely different environment where they can interact with your brand in a whole new way.
3. You can save on costs
Hosting a physical event can be costly, especially if you need to rent out a venue or fly in guests from out of town. With VR, you can eliminate those costs and still provide your guests with an unforgettable experience.
4. You can generate excitement
VR is still a relatively new technology, which means that hosting a VR event can generate a lot of excitement and buzz for your company.
5. You can stand out from the competition
With more and more businesses using virtual events to connect with their audiences, you can use VR to make your company stand out from the rest.
VR Events: Requirements to Get Started
There are several platforms available on the market today that enable you to host VR events. One option is Spatial, a virtual reality software that allows users to build virtual worlds and host events in the metaverse.
These are a few things we recommend using to host your virtual event:
Spatial account
In order to enjoy all the features of the Spatial platform, you need a registered account. You can sign up for a free account on Spatial's website, from which you can enjoy the following features, just to name a few:
- VR/AR, web and mobile device compatible
- Create a public metaverse HQ for your company events and host up to 50 guests
- Host meetings as a replacement or enhancement to Zoom/video conferencing
- Screen-share into your space
You can also expand the capabilities of your Spatial account by signing up for a Pro membership.
M2 Studio custom environment
If you want to create a custom environment for your event, you can do so with M2 Studio. M2 Studio is another virtual reality software that is devoted specifically to designing and implementing custom VR environments using the Spatial platform.
With M2 Studio, you can have the following capabilities, among many others:
- Showcase your brand's custom environment in spaces like Spatial, Altspace, Engage, The Wild, Arthur, Decentraland & more!
- Customize your environment with your brand assets
- Upload any type of content (3D files, images, videos, documents, etc.)
- Use lifelike virtual avatars from a selfie within your space
Sky Lounge Office – Custom Spatial.io Environment by M2 Studio
Ready Player Me avatar
Avatars are an important part of the VR experience, as they allow users to represent themselves in the virtual world. If you want to create a custom avatar for your event, you can do so with Ready Player Me.
Ready Player Me is a 3D avatar creation platform that enables users to create avatars that look like them or anyone else they want. Together with the Spatial platform, you can create lifelike avatars using a selfie.
VR headset
As with any VR experience, you will need a compatible VR headset in order to fully immerse yourself in a 3D environment. Spatial is compatible with Meta [Oculus] Quest 2 VR headsets.
5 Tips for Hosting a Successful VR Event
Now that we have gone over the basics of what you need in order to host a VR event, here are some quick tips to make sure your event is a success:
1. Plan ahead
As with any event, planning is key to ensuring its success. You'll need to consider things like the purpose of your event, your target audience, the VR platform you'll be using, and the type of content you'll be presenting.
2. Keep it short
Keep your VR event to a reasonable length so that your guests don't get too tired or bored. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to under an hour, or whatever you deem is relevant and fitting to your event.
3. Make it interactive
Make sure your event is interactive and engaging by incorporating activities, games, or quizzes. This will help to keep your guests' attention focused on the VR experience.
4. Have a backup plan
Like any remote collaboration session, unexpected things may happen. Make sure you have a backup plan in place in case there are technical difficulties or other unforeseen issues.
5. Promote your event
Be sure to promote your event ahead of time so that your target audience is aware of it and can make the necessary arrangements to attend.
