7 Super-Profitable Uses For VR In Exhibitions
Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a popular tool for event organizers and exhibitors looking to differentiate themselves from the pack. They can upset their offering apart from the competition by creating interactive and memorable experiences for their visitors.
From immersive 3D visuals to virtual tours, the technology offers possibilities that will take events and conferences to the next level. This guide looks at how event organizers and exhibitors can use VR at exhibitions and conferences.
Uses for VR in expos and conferences
1. Pre-event virtual tours
For some brands, getting expo visitors excited about visiting your stand can be a challenge. Letting people know your stand number on social channels doesn’t cut it.
VR is perfect for creating a virtual tour of your expo stand. This means building a 3D representation of your event space or venue so people can explore it before attending in person. This could include detailed floor plans, interactive sections, or even 360° panoramic views of the space.
Attendees can get an idea of what your business offers, and you can add another layer of engagement for those who are already attending the event.
2. Education experiences
There are plenty of creative ways to use VR in events and conferences; all it takes is imagination! VR provides personalized education experiences tailored to each attendee’s interests and skill level. For example, use it to give attendees hands-on practice with products or services you plan to promote at the event.
3. Interactive audience participation
VR technology doesn’t just provide immersive experiences and personalized education. Use it as an interactive tool for audience participation during presentations or keynote speeches. Attendees can interact with speakers in real time.
This allows everyone in the audience, even those not at the event, to participate and engage with the speaker without feeling left out due to physical distance limitations.
4. Business opportunities
Virtual reality encourages some exciting business opportunities. Exhibitors can use this technology as a promotional platform to invite sponsors or partners as virtual exhibitors at your event.
You could even link up with companies that create custom-made virtual environments. They can showcase their offering at your stand. It’s worth exploring these options if you want to maximize ROI from your event attendance.
5. Networking opportunities
Networking is an integral part of any expo or conference. But some find it challenging to make meaningful connections when many people attend.
With VR tech, exhibitors can create virtual networking opportunities by allowing attendees to interact with them in a virtual environment. Both parties can socialize without feeling overwhelmed or distracted by the ‘event noise.’
6. Interactive Exhibits
Interactive exhibits could be anything from 3D models of products to demonstrations of new technologies. Participants can engage with your offering more personally than traditional displays or presentations.
For busy expo stands that struggle to give quality time to every visitor, VR is an excellent option. Instead of keeping them waiting, offer a VR session designed to impress!
Not only does VR provide exciting content, but it also makes a powerful marketing tool for product launches or other promotional activities.
7. Immersive experiences
Brands looking to wow their audience can use virtual reality to create immersive experiences with VR technology. This could include anything from virtual games to guided tours. It doesn’t always have to be about business!
What is virtual reality?
VR is where people use a device or special equipment to enter a virtual world that they can interact with. It is used in entertainment, medicine, and education and real estate, as well as modern expos and conferences. The combination of hardware (headsets and controllers) and software allows users to experience an immersive simulation of the real world.
Benefits of VR for exhibitions
- Reduced costs: Exhibitors can avoid expensive post-event travel by providing attendees with all the information they need virtually. Vr also means businesses can reduce stand personnel as VR headsets will do the brunt of the work.
- Enhanced Engagement: One of the most compelling benefits of using virtual reality technology at events and conferences is its ability to improve engagement among attendees. Instead of simply watching presentations or listening to speakers, viewers can participate in discussions and proactively decide what content to consume.
- Increased attendance: Event organizers gain increased attendance rates by creating an immersive environment that offers something different from traditional expo and conference formats.
Disadvantages of VE at events
A few potential drawbacks to using VR should be considered before committing.
- Lack of interaction: While it’s true that attendees can communicate with each other virtually, there is no face-to-face interaction. This can be a considerable disadvantage if you need to build trust. A lack of physical contact may cause attendees to feel disconnected from your offering.
- Technical Difficulties: Like any technology, there is always the chance something could go wrong. Internet connection is always a concern for exhibitors. If the connection drops out, your ability to connect and convert ends. Also, non-techie staff may struggle with VR.
- Cost: While virtual reality is becoming more affordable, it still costs much more than traditional brochures or television screens. In addition to hardware and software investment, you’ll also need to consider the cost of creating VR content.
Summing up
There are many ways to use VR technology at expos and conferences. It can provide attendees with an unforgettable experience that keeps them returning year after year.
The options are endless, from creating interactive exhibits and virtual tours to providing immersive experiences. Unsurprisingly, this technology has become increasingly popular among event organizers looking for ways to make their events stand out from the crowd.
