1. The Augmented Enterprise Summit (AES)
The Augmented Enterprise Summit, or AES as it’s commonly known, really zeroed in on the practical side of augmented reality for businesses. It wasn’t just about flashy tech demos; the focus was squarely on how companies are actually using AR right now and what challenges they’re facing.
One thing that stood out was the strong presence of actual end-users. You could tell the content was put together with them in mind, which is a nice change from some events that feel more geared towards developers or investors. They talked about a lot of real-world applications, like:
- Improving field service operations with AR overlays.
- Streamlining manufacturing processes through guided assembly.
- Enhancing training for complex tasks.
- Boosting remote collaboration with shared AR views.
The conversations really highlighted that AR is moving beyond the experimental phase and becoming a tool for tangible business results. It was clear that companies are looking for solutions that are reliable, scalable, and offer a good return on investment. The summit provided a good platform for these discussions, bringing together people who are implementing these technologies and those who are developing them.
2. VR/AR Global Summit
The VR/AR Global Summit, which later rebranded as the Immerse Global Summit, was a big deal for anyone looking at how virtual and augmented reality were actually being used, especially in business. It wasn’t just about the flashy tech; it was about practical applications and how companies were making it work.
This event brought together a lot of smart people from different companies, all talking about the real-world uses of XR. They covered a bunch of topics, from how VR and AR can help in training employees to how 5G networks play a role in making these technologies smoother. It was a place where industry leaders shared what they were actually doing, not just what they hoped to do.
Here’s a look at some of the key areas discussed:
- Enterprise Applications: How businesses are using VR/AR for things like remote assistance, design, and customer experiences.
- Training and Education: Using immersive tech to teach new skills or provide realistic simulations for complex jobs.
- The Future of XR: Discussions on where the technology is headed and what new possibilities are opening up.
- Networking Opportunities: A chance to connect with others in the field, share ideas, and maybe even find partners.
The summit really focused on bridging the gap between the potential of VR/AR and its current, practical use cases. It was a good spot for people to learn from others who were already implementing these technologies and see what worked and what didn’t. They had talks, panels, and even ways to demo new products, giving attendees a solid look at the state of XR in the enterprise world.
3. DevLearn 2021
DevLearn 2021 was a real breath of fresh air after a long stretch of virtual-only events. It felt good to be back in person, connecting with people in the learning and development space. The conference really focused on what’s next for L&D, and even though it had a different feel than previous years, it didn’t miss a beat.
It was a great place to see how XR and other immersive tech are starting to make real waves in how we learn and train. Lots of discussions revolved around practical applications and how to actually implement these new tools, not just talk about them.
Key themes that kept popping up included:
- The shift towards more personalized learning experiences.
- How to use data to actually improve training outcomes.
- The growing role of AI in content creation and delivery.
- Exploring new ways to engage learners, especially in remote or hybrid settings.
The energy was palpable, with attendees eager to share insights and figure out the future of learning together. It was a solid reminder that while tech changes, the core goal of helping people learn and grow stays the same.
4. VRARA Enterprise Forum
The VRARA Enterprise Forum is a pretty focused event, aiming to get the big players in the enterprise XR world together. They had a solid lineup of end-users and brands confirmed, like Daimler, KLM, Medtronic, Lockheed Martin, and Toyota. The goal was to bring over 500 executives together to talk about how XR is being used in industries such as automotive, aviation, manufacturing, and telecoms. They covered specific use cases like field services, maintenance, inspections, and production operations.
Beyond just talks and demos, a big part of the forum was the networking. They had group sessions and one-on-one video or chat connections, letting attendees connect with speakers, sponsors, and other executives. One attendee mentioned that the 1-on-1 networking in 2020 was exceptional, allowing for brief, focused conversations with industry leaders and generating a lot of business leads. The platform itself apparently ran smoothly, making it easy to connect with key people in a relaxed setting.
Key focus areas included:
- Field services and remote assistance
- Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO)
- Inspections and surveying
- Production and assembly line operations
- Training and skill development
5. CES
CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is always a massive event, and 2021 was no different, even with its virtual format. It’s less of a niche XR conference and more of a giant tech showcase where you’ll find VR and AR sprinkled throughout. Think of it as the place where all the big players, from Intel and Nvidia to HTC Vive, show off what they’ve been working on.
This year, the focus was on how these technologies fit into the broader consumer tech landscape. We saw a lot of talk about hardware advancements, but also how XR can connect with other hot topics like AI, machine learning, and even the automotive industry. It’s where companies come to make deals and find new partners, so it’s a good spot to see where the industry is heading from a business perspective.
While not solely dedicated to VR/AR, CES is important because it highlights the integration of immersive tech into everyday products and services. It’s a place to witness new product launches and get a feel for the market trends directly from the manufacturers and developers themselves. The sheer scale of CES means that any XR developments shown there are likely to have a significant impact on the consumer market.
6. IEEE VR + 3D User Interfaces
The IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, often just called IEEE VR, is a big deal for anyone serious about the technical side of VR and AR. It’s where researchers, engineers, and creators from all over the world come to show off the newest tech and research. Think of it as a place where the future of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality gets presented.
This conference isn’t just about listening to talks, though. You can submit papers, run workshops, show off demos, or present posters. It covers a lot of ground, too. Some of the topics that came up included things like:
- 3D Reconstruction and Digital Twins for virtual experiences
- How AR can help with sports and serious games
- Building smart XR applications
- Animation in virtual and augmented worlds
- The idea of the Metaverse and what it might bring
- New ways to interact with VR/AR, like special controllers and mid-air touch feedback
It’s a place where the cutting edge of VR/AR research is shared, often with support from big names like Nvidia and Qualcomm. While it attracts a lot of academics, the practical applications discussed, from training simulations to new interaction methods, are really interesting for anyone building in the XR space.
7. Immerse Global Summit
The Immerse Global Summit, often just called IGS, is a pretty big deal in the XR world. It’s not just about looking at cool new tech; it’s really focused on how businesses and developers can actually use virtual and augmented reality to get things done. Think of it as a place where people who build XR stuff meet people who need XR stuff for their companies.
They cover a lot of ground, talking about everything from how XR can change how we work and learn, to its potential in marketing and even healthcare. It’s a good spot to see what’s new and hear from folks who are already making XR work for them.
Here’s a look at some of the areas they usually dig into:
- Workplace applications and training
- Marketing and customer engagement
- Healthcare and therapeutic uses
- The business side of the Metaverse
- Ethical considerations in XR development
IGS is known for bringing together a lot of different companies, from big names to smaller startups, all looking to connect and share ideas. It’s a place where you can demo new tech, hear from speakers who are actually doing the work, and network with a whole bunch of people in the industry. It’s really about practical XR applications and the business opportunities within the immersive tech space.
8. XR Safety Week
XR Safety Week is a pretty unique event because it’s all about making sure the virtual worlds we’re building are safe and ethical places to be. It’s a community effort, put together by the XR Safety Initiative, and it brings together a lot of smart people from the industry to talk about the tricky parts of extended reality.
Think about it: as we spend more time in VR and AR, we need to consider things like privacy, how diverse the virtual spaces are, and even how safe it is for kids. XR Safety Week tackles these big questions head-on. They cover a bunch of topics, and it’s a good chance to hear from folks who are really thinking about the future of these technologies.
Here are some of the areas they usually focus on:
- Child safety in immersive environments: How do we protect younger users?
- Data privacy and security: What happens to our information in the metaverse?
- Inclusion and diversity: Making sure virtual spaces are welcoming to everyone.
- Ethical design principles: Building XR experiences responsibly.
- Combating harassment and abuse: Strategies for keeping online interactions positive.
It’s a free event, which is great, and it’s held virtually, making it accessible to pretty much anyone interested. The main goal is to get everyone thinking about safety and ethics as we build out the metaverse and other XR applications. It’s not just about the cool tech; it’s about building it right.
9. Laval Virtual
Laval Virtual is a big deal in the XR world, especially if you’re in Europe. It’s an international exhibition that brings together pretty much everyone involved in virtual and augmented reality. Think scientists, engineers, designers, artists – the whole crew working on what’s next.
This event isn’t just about looking at cool tech; it’s about connecting. They have a hybrid format, meaning you can go in person to Espace Mayenne in France or join virtually through their Laval Virtual World app. While the online option is there, going in person is where the real magic happens, with lots of networking and workshops.
What can you expect?
- Exhibitions: See the latest VR/AR hardware and software from big names and up-and-coming startups.
- Conferences: Hear from experts about where the industry is headed, covering topics from the Metaverse to new interaction designs.
- Awards: They give out awards to recognize the best teams using XR solutions, which is always interesting to see.
- Networking: Plenty of chances to meet people, whether you’re an innovator, a manager, or just a tech enthusiast.
Laval Virtual really shines as a place to discover new talent and see practical XR applications across different industries. It’s a solid event for anyone serious about AR and VR.
10. Siggraph
Siggraph, or the Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, is a big deal for anyone into computer graphics and interactive tech. It’s not just about VR and AR, though they’re a huge part of it. Think of it as a massive gathering for artists, animators, researchers, designers, gamers, and folks working on the next wave of tech. They have an expo where you can see all sorts of cool stuff, from product demos to research projects.
This event really brings together the creative and technical sides of computer graphics. It’s a place where people show off their latest work and talk about how they made it. You’ll find sessions on everything from making movie magic, like how they did the special effects for Star Wars, to the nitty-gritty of real-time rendering for video games. It’s pretty impressive how they cover such a wide range of topics.
Here’s a quick look at what you might find at Siggraph:
- Product & Animation: Demos of the latest software and hardware for creating digital content.
- Research & Education: Presentations on cutting-edge academic work in graphics and interactive techniques.
- Arts & Design: Showcases of digital art and design projects.
- Gaming: Insights into the technology and techniques behind modern video games.
- Emerging Tech: Explorations into new frontiers like VR, AR, and other immersive technologies.
Wrapping It Up
So, looking back at all the AR and VR events from 2021, it’s pretty clear this tech isn’t just for games anymore. We saw a lot of talk about how businesses are actually using these tools, not just dreaming about them. From training factory workers to helping doctors, the practical uses are really starting to show up. It feels like we’re moving past the ‘wow’ factor and into a phase where AR and VR are becoming real problem-solvers. The conversations at these conferences showed a lot of excitement, but also a focus on making things work in the real world. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next as more companies jump on board.
