The Next Evolution: Exploring the Metaverse

03/02/2022 – About the Topic

Is this the Metaverse? Is this just Fantasy?

The idea of ‘The Metaverse’ is expansive, still evolving, and not collectively agreed upon yet. It has many of us scratching our heads and coming up with a slew of existential questions. What does this mean, how will it affect me, and what does it mean for our future and children growing up in it?

Coinciding with Chicago’s Birthday, VRAR Chicago welcomes physical audiences back to our first in-person event since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

Our venue, 1871, is named after the year of Chicago’s rebirth after the Great Fire. This great city is once again poised to redefine itself. We now “return” to a new normal, following two years of social distancing and immersive technology acceleration. On March 2nd, city and technology leaders will join us to present: The Next Evolution: Exploring The Metaverse.

The event will explore the transformational combination of virtual and augmented reality with mobile and internet technology, as they all combine to evolve the way we work, play, and live here in Chicago and beyond.

Panel Members

Details Coming Soon…

Covid Policy for Physical Events

VRAR Chicago is committed to keeping our Chicago community safe.

Proof of Vaccination Requirement

All guests will be required to show state-issued ID along with proof of vaccinations of the final shot of immunization regime over two weeks prior to event via card or photo of proof.

Face Coverings Required

In all common areas when not actively eating or drinking.

Attending VRAR Chicago Virtual Meetups

We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment Conference Hall by downloading the Virbela open campus client at virbela.com/download. Otherwise, people can join by watching the scheduled live stream at facebook.com/VRARChicago/live_videos – where we will field questions from! See more about getting started and navigating Virbela below.

The Virbela virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the day of the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event.

We will start with informal networking, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.

Signing up for Virbela

Virbela is available on mac, windows, rift and vive.

First, you will want to create your account and then download the program onto your computer by going to their registration page. For Rift and Vive, it should be pretty straightforward in their interface.

• You will need to verify your email address
• Create an avatar
• Log into their “open campus”

Once logged in and in the Virbela open campus area, walk around with your arrow keys and then click the Go To menu on top left of the screen. Our program will be in the Conference Hall, so you will need to click that option to join us.

System Recommendations

• PC or Mac, Windows 7 SP1+ or newerMac OS X 10.11 or newer
• Headphones and a microphone
• Power cord plugged in for extended use

Entering the Virtual Venue – Conference Hall

• Log into Virbela
• Click Go To menu on top left of your screen
• Select Campus Locations
• Select Conference Hall

VRAR Chicago Virtual Environment Code of Conduct

Open microphones and/or not using headphones can create an echo effect that can negatively affect others’ experiences

• Please use headphones if you can.

• Keep your microphone on push-to-talk (using the number 1 key)

• Act as if this is a space that you are in physically!

• For the Questions and Answers portion
  • Click “Raise Hand” on bottom of your screen
  • Wait to be called on
  • Ask your question
    • Press the 1 key and hold it to open your mic
    • Ask your question and wait a moment
    • Release the 1 key

Virbela Tricks

• Press and hold the 1 button to open your microphone to speak
• Pressing the spacebar unlocks your view or “head” to look around
• You can click someone’s name and click Go To and automatically walk to them
• Your Go To menu lets you raise your hand, wave, or even dance!
• Click the screen menu on top of your screen once in the Conference Hall to select your preferred ‘view’ to enjoy the program.
  • You can toggle between these selections during the program