The Next Evolution of Training

Immersive technologies are reshaping workforce training - especially in fields where safety, quality, and efficiency directly affect Return on Investment. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) provide realistic, repeatable, and risk-free environments where workers can build skills without interrupting production or consuming materials.

Manufacturers use VR to practice lockout/tagout, equipment changeovers, quality inspections, and emergency response - cutting training time, reducing errors and injuries, and accelerating onboarding. These operational gains translate into measurable financial returns through higher throughput, fewer safety incidents, and more consistent performance across shifts and sites.

Other industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and logistics are seeing similar impact. A PwC study found that VR learners complete training programs four times faster and feel three times more confident applying new skills - key drivers of workforce readiness and retention. Companies like Mondelez use XR to test packaging and merchandising virtually, lowering travel and prototyping costs while speeding up decision-making. In higher education and technical fields, immersive training enhances knowledge retention and enables performance analytics, as seen in Texas A&M’s VR modules for nursing, forensic science, and anatomy. Law enforcement agencies also rely on VR to safely rehearse high-risk scenarios and improve decision-making under pressure.

Across sectors, the value is clear: immersive training reduces cost, reduces time-to-competency, and improves performance at scale. For manufacturers facing skills shortages and rising productivity demands, XR provides a practical and proven path to a stronger, safer, and more efficient workforce. Come learn more, for free, at AWE Nite Chicago | The Next Evolution of Training, taking place at 5:30pm on December 3 at 2112 Chicago.

What's The Format:

We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. 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.
5:30-8:30pm Central

5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos

6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message

6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations

7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A

7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos

Hosts:
Matt Wren - In-Person Host
Founder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR Chicago

Caroline Dennis - Virtual Host
Two-Degrees.io & XRWomen

Panel Members:
Details Coming Soon...

Attending The Next Evolution

Joining in Person:

2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave

conveniently located off Interstate 90/94, one (1) block from the CTA Montrose Blue Line stop as well as the Metra Mayfair stop.
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!

Joining Virtually in FRAME
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago

We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.

The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. 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 meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!

The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsors like UL Solutions, 2112, and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.

We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: FrameVR, XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, International Game Developers Association Chicago (IGDA Chicago).

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Host or Publisher The Next Evolution, NFP