VR

VIRTUAL EVENTS

VR enables remote spectators to experience the event not only as if they were there themselves, but closer to the action than ever before.

The virtual event space also brings with it plenty of opportunity for partnerships and co-branding.

A deeper level of immersion can bring a deeper level of engagement.

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Excitement

EXCITEMENT

The event industry is now away with great examples of VR and although it’s a little too soon to call it mainstream, it appears that we are reaching the tipping point. The question now is not if, but when and how you will be using VR in your events.

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VR LITE

360 video has a much lower barrier to entry than full VR, requiring only a mobile device to experience the virtual world-albeit through the window that is their mobile device.

Another area where we’re beginning to see a real rise is 360 technology is venue tours. This is a real plus for event planners doing venue research. While it may not be as good as going there yourself (yet), it can provide a good opportunity for triage.

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SOCIAL MEDIA AS A GATEWAY TO VR

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As demonstrated by Twitter’s parternship with the Oscars, social media is very much proving to be the gateway for live streamed events. Further illustrating the point, Snapchat also provided a unique view of the Golden Globes via their Spectacles.

High profile examples aside, social media also gives control back to the user.

For this reason, your event attendees could also provide aVR or gateway to your event social media. Facilitating this in the right way could prove to be hugely beneficial.

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CONCLUSION

Anticipate Barriers

Keep your experience short and clear

Assume everyone's a VR newbie

What are some key questions to you should consider when negotiating a VR contract with a developer?

Should we make our VR experience accessible to anyone anywhere, or only to visitors on site?

Do we need to clear rights for every work that we include in our VR experience?

Do I need permission to incorporate historical facts or someone’s ideas in my VR recording?

No. Copyright does not protect facts or ideas. You can’t copy history.

Only for works still under copyright, which is in the US generally means until 70 years after the death of the creator.

As exciting as VR is, there are many reasons people may refuses to jump in. You should accommodate your guests’ fears for their physical, personal security and device hygiene, and even the fear of looking silly.

Do you want to your event more available to those living far away, you might want the VR recording to be accessed from anywhere? But if your intent is to make the on-site experience feel as authentic as possible, consider locking it only on-site.

Experiences should be no longer than 3 to 4 minutes including the welcome and wrap up

Some of your guest may be trying VR for the first time, so explain that they’re about to do, what it means, and what they can do next

Determine up front who pays for VR filming

Who owns the VR recording, including the right to license it to others?

How will you share any revenue derived from the recording?

The idea of VR can be scary as it is exciting

Be patient and gentle with your guests.

Explain what will happen, and how it all works.

Stay with them if you can to monitor their progress and when they’re finished, ask for feedback while you allow them to readjust.

Last, remind them of the message, suggesting conversion opportunity.