The Next Evolution of Travel

Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins are reshaping how people experience travel before, during, and after a trip. Before departure, travelers increasingly use VR previews and virtual tours to “try before they fly,” exploring destinations, museums, and landmarks to reduce uncertainty and plan itineraries with confidence. These experiences help travelers visualize spaces, prioritize attractions, and feel more connected to a destination even before booking. Tourism boards and cultural institutions in countries like the US, UK, France, and Germany are using immersive previews as both inspiration and education tools, turning trip planning into an engaging, exploratory experience rather than a purely logistical task.

On-site, immersive technologies add interactive layers to real-world environments, transforming streets, museums, and heritage sites into living narratives. Through AR apps or headsets, visitors can point a device at a location to see historical reconstructions, animated characters, or contextual storytelling appear in place - making history, art, and culture more accessible and engaging. Destinations such as Gettysburg, the Louvre, Brussels, and Nassau demonstrate how immersive experiences encourage active participation rather than passive observation, while also helping manage visitor flow and accessibility. After the trip, digital souvenirs like saved AR moments, virtual replays, and shareable clips extend the travel experience beyond physical presence, keeping destinations connected to travelers long after they return home. These immersive environments also break down physical barriers, providing a meaningful way for people with restricted mobility to traverse the globe and visit cherished locations they can no longer reach in person. Together, these tools are redefining tourism as a continuous, interactive journey that blends physical travel with digital discovery.

Join us March 4th to learn about immersive technologies in Travel.

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, and Unreal Chicago.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Next Evolution, NFP