The metaverse is more than just a buzzword in today’s technology landscape. As innovative vendors continue to unlock new forms of technology, helping to produce the next generation of digital landscape, metaverse experiences are quickly becoming a commonplace reality.
In virtually every industry, organizations are experimenting with the potential of the metaverse, to unify and synchronise employees on creative tasks, deliver training, and support customers. As complementary technologies such as XR, AI, and 5G continue to proliferate the landscape, the demand for the metaverse is constantly increasing.
However, many companies are still in the early stages of discovering what the metaverse is, and what it can genuinely do. For those starting their journey into this new landscape, metaverse events could offer the ultimate learning experience. Here are just some of the events worth attending this year.
1. Laval Virtual
April 12th-14th, 2023, France
Laval Virtual is one of the most impressive XR events in the world. Every year, the innovative conference invites speakers and vendors from around the globe to come together in an exploration of the next generation of digital technologies. Focusing heavily on the VR/AR ecosystem, the Laval Virtual event is an excellent space to learn all about the development of immersive content, and the tools that will shape the future of metaverse environments.
The hybrid event hosted both in-person in France, and online, provides attendees with a multitude of opportunities to get involved in educational and training events, speaker sessions, and networking experiences. Plus, there’s a fantastic award ceremony to check out, showcasing some of the most powerful solutions in the XR space today.
2. AWE 2023
May 31st to June 2nd, 2023, Santa Clara, California
AWE, or the Augmented World Expo, is a US-based event sure to deliver some fantastic insights and experiences to those interested in the metaverse landscape. This world-leading conference focuses on the emerging technologies in the mixed, augmented, and virtual reality spaces, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to experiment with some of the latest hardware.
There are various workshops and academy classes for attendees to take part in, where they can learn from some of the most reputable figures in the metaverse and XR space. Additionally, visitors can check out dedicated sessions covering everything from spatial computing to Artificial Intelligence, cloud streaming, haptics, and 5G. Some of the biggest names in the industry will be in attendance too, from Microsoft and Meta to Google and Unity.
3. XR Expo 2023
June 15-16th, 2023, Stuttgart, Germany
One of the premier events in the XR space, XR Expo 2023 is a B2B-focused technology conference, exploring all of the various components of augmented, mixed, and virtual reality, and the impact these tools are having on the modern world. The XR Expo highlights the evolution of the extended reality space, with speaker sessions and insights from some of the top companies pioneering the development of new metaverse landscapes.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experiment with some of the world’s leading tools, software, and hardware in the exhibition center. Plus, dedicated networking sessions will offer visitors a great chance to chat about some of the trends and topics influencing the metaverse space today. The event is sure to have a lot to offer for those interested in the next generation of digital technology.
4. Techspo Expo
Various locations and dates all over the globe
The Techspo Expo series is a globally renowned series of events, hosted in regions across the United States, as well as in various locations elsewhere in the world. The conference was designed to bring together leading marketers, technology innovators, designers, and brands, and help them discover the opportunities afforded by new technologies.
Here, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to experiment with different styles of transformational technology, from SaaS and mobile tools to metaverse solutions and XR experiences. There are educational speeches to check out, as well as a huge exhibition floor, where companies can put the latest tools to the test themselves.
5. Siggraph 2023
August 6-10th, 2023, Los Angeles
One of the biggest annual events for anyone interested in computer graphics and interactive techniques, Siggraph is a conference perfect for those interested in the metaverse. After all, visual experiences and immersive interactions are likely to play a crucial role in the way that we develop the digital landscapes of the future. At Siggraph 2023, attendees will be able to learn more about the impact of XR and metaverse technologies on the future of brands.
Programs and educational sessions included in the event range from a comprehensive VR theatre, to a set of emerging technology panels and market reports. There are five dedicated interest areas for people to explore, including spaces focused on art and design, gaming and interactive experiences, research and education, animation and production, and new technologies.
6. Augmented Enterprise Summit
October 24-26th, 2023, Houston, Texas
One of the longest-running and most comprehensive events dedicated to the metaverse and XR technologies, the Augmented Enterprise Summit is a must-attend conference. Here, attendees will gain insights into practical solutions for evaluating and adopting immersive technologies, both inside and outside of the workplace.
Visitors will have a chance to learn how some of the major companies around the world today, such as PepsiCo and Walmart, are investing in meaningful digital transformation initiatives. Additionally, industry-leading innovators will be sharing their thoughts on everything from emerging wearable devices to digital twins in the metaverse, and the rise of AI and IoT solutions.
7. Microsoft Ignite
November 15-16th, 2023, TBA
With an eye firmly focused on the future, Microsoft has been increasing its investment in metaverse technologies and extended reality in recent years. The company has implemented everything from artificial intelligence to virtual avatars into some of its most popular tools, including Microsoft Teams. Plus, it’s empowering the future generation of metaverse creators with access to solutions like Microsoft Mesh and the HoloLens collection.
Microsoft Ignite, the company’s annual event, focusing on digital transformation and technology innovation, is a great place to learn about the new developments in the Microsoft roadmap. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn all about Microsoft’s investment in the metaverse first-hand, and they’ll be able to check out some of the new tools coming to the Microsoft ecosystem.
