12/06/2023 – About the Topic
Immersive technologies are doing much more than changing the way we work and play; they’re reshaping the way we gather and socialize, offering us entirely new realms of connection and community. They offer places where you can be your other self, be someone else – be your true self. It’s where physical distances become irrelevant and where social gatherings take on new meaning. From virtual reality dance parties to augmented reality meetups where you can mingle with friends in your favorite park, these technologies are sparking a new era of social interaction that’s as exciting as it is transformative. They are breaking down physical barriers and creating shared digital spaces where people can connect, engage, and enjoy experiences together, regardless of distance.
Whether you’re a seasoned immersive tech enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this digital frontier, join us December 6th at 1871 – as well as in the metaverse, as we explore how these innovations are transforming the way we connect, play, and share moments with others.
Panel Members
The Next Evolution Hosts
All Members
Two-Degrees.io
Caroline Dennis
Founder - VRAR Chicago
Matthew Wren
Matt Wren will be moderating the discussion in person while Caroline Dennis will be hosting the virtual portion in Virbela. Matt is the President of Origin Development & IT and founder of The Next Evolution event series and VRAR Chicago. Caroline is entrepreneur, startup advisor, and advocate from Two-Degrees.io and XRWomen.
What’s the Format
Times in Central Daylight Time (CDT)
5:30-8:30pm at 2112 for the In-Person Program
6:00-8:00pm in Virbela for the Virtual Program
5:30-6:15pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
6:15-6:30pm – Introductions & Welcome
6:30-7:10pm – Panelist Presentations
7:10-7:45pm – Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:30pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
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.
Attending The Next Evolution
Attending in-Person
1871 | 222 W Merchandise Mart Plz | Suite 1212
For our Physical Venue, 1871 can be found in Suite 1212 on the 12th floor of theMART, which is located on the North side of the river between Wells and Orleans. For easy access, enter through the Orleans entrance on the west side of theMART and take those elevators to the 12th floor.
Watching the Live Stream
Primary Live Stream | www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams
People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!
Attending Virtually
Virbela | Virtual Environment | virbela.com/download
We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment Next Evolution Hall by downloading the Virbela open campus client at virbela.com/download. See more about getting started and navigating Virbela here.
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. To get to the Community Hall once in Virbela, you click the GO TO menu on the top left of your screen >> Meetings >> The Next Evolution Hall. 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.
win a prize collecting nfts from attending
Through a partnership with Vennity, we will be creating unique NFT Badges to collect by attending 2023 The Next Evolution programs. Each badge you claim counts towards an end of year drawing for a prize to be given out in December 2023.
thank you to our sponsors
thank you to our supporting partners
