Over the past year or two, virtual and augmented reality have seen a real growth spurt. Not only has this come from the increase in their quality, but also because modern smartphones are making the idea of it a whole lot more accessible.

The thing about virtual reality is that it can be incredibly easy to incorporate into any type of event, easier than you may realise in fact. Whilst the most obvious way is with live events such as concerts or sports, as they allow people to be there when they can’t be in person, exhibitions and conferences can also feel the benefit of virtual reality too.

Want to know more about how best to use virtual reality for your next event? If you do, then take a  look at the following examples of how virtual reality can be used to really make an impression.

Coachella and the virtual reality app

One of the biggest music festivals in the US has to be Coachella, not only does it attract a variety of celebrities but it also appeals to the general public too. Knowing their own popularity, the event organisers of Coachella realise that they need to stay ahead of the crowd and what better way to do this than with virtual reality.

Along with the tickets for the festivals, attendees were sent a Google Cardboard headset which was compatible with a range of devices and a link for an app that they could use to view interviews with the line up as well as photos taken at previous festival years. Not only this, but they could also use the app to give themselves an advantage of checking out the site of the festival before they even step foot in it. Pretty impressive we think!

AHS Fearless Virtual Reality at San Diego Comic-Con

Comic Con’s are known to be hugely popular events around the world and none more so than this annual event celebrating a wide range of pop culture, movies, TV shows and of course comic books too. Knowing the importance of technology in modern life, it is no surprise that many of the exhibitors at the comic con have turned to virtual reality to boost their walk ups. Great for those who go to the event of course, but not ideal for those who want to stand out.

One stand that managed to achieve this is the FX Network, who put together their very own American Horror Story inspired experience.

It centred around a purpose built dome outside the centre, which, when entering, transferred you to another world. After being met by actors in white lab coats, people were asked to lay down in a bed, before having a sheet and a headset and headphones fitted. For those brave enough to agree, they were presented with a 5 minute video which took them on a terrifying journey across the different series of AHS and introduced them to a wide variety of characters.

Cambridge Yourself Augmented Reality Booth- Noonah Experential

Taking a rather gentler approach to augmented reality, Noonah Experential partnered with Cambridge University Press in order to create a fun experience that would also promote the digital side of the publishing company. Entering an augmented reality booth the attendees were able to use gestures that would help them to take their own photo. This photo would then be combined with real time video content of Cambridge University and all without a green screen, transfer them there.

Not only was this interactive for the person within the booth, but knowing that others would be drawn in by this, a viewing monitor was also created which would further the experience. Within the booth the person could choose to take a walk around the Kings College or perhaps head down the famous river instead. Before receiving a photo before they leave. The delegates were also encouraged to share their images on social media, further spreading the message of the University Press.

Radiant Event Technology’s Virtuacast Augmented Reality Experience

Runner-up for the best augmented/virtual reality technology award at the Event Tech Awards, the vision of this particular company was to allow NBA fans to take a step closer to their favourite stars. Albeit a virtual version.

Their experience utilised pre recorded footage as well as photo content to work with live interactions within an augmented reality setting. All to create the illusion of a life size hologram that could be interacted with and recorded. Not only was this an incredibly rewarding experience for those who attended but also allowed them the chance to share the video or images online through their social media profiles, promoting the company further. The mechanism was also incredibly key to this too, it was flexible, mobile and lightweight, combining a mat on the floor and a mobile app. Which was easy to use and easy to transport around too.

We are sure that these different approaches have given you inspiration to try out augmented reality for yourself at your next event, if it is on a slightly smaller scale than these particular approaches.