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06/01/2022 – About the Topic

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality can provide windows to other places and be used to enhance physical spaces someone is already in. Many believe that in and of itself, this will be a huge aspect of why entertainment will be one of the litmus test for the realistic, everyday adoption of immersive technology. Immersive technology provides the opportunity of both bringing the user to the destination or elevating the experience of those at the destination.

Especially in the times of social distancing, the entertainment industry creatively stretched the virtual landscapes of space to provide moments of ‘normal’ during a time that urban centers were left as ghost towns. Now that we have re-opened we are re-navigating how to socialize and gather and the foundation for cross-world experiences of hybrid events have been set. NFT art galleries, music concerts, sports viewing, stage programs and even conferences now have the increased global exposure and complexities of hybrid capacity.

Join us June 1 for The Next Evolution of Sports & Entertainment where industry experts will discuss how immersive technologies are being used today and shaping the future of how we will be entertained.

What’s the Format

6pm-8pm CDT

6:00-6:15pm – Networking & Preparation

6:15-6:30pm – Introductions & Welcome

6:30-7:30pm – Panel Discussion and Q&A

7:30-8:00pm – Networking

Panel Members

Attending VRAR Chicago Virtual Meetups

We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment Community 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. To get to the Community Hall once in Virbela, you click the GO TO menu on the top left of your screen >> Pavillion >> Community 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.

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.

thank you to our sponsors

thank you to our partners

Getting started in Virbela

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