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Emerging virtual event technology
Emerging technologies are shaping the future of virtual events, offering new ways to engage attendees and create immersive experiences. Staying informed about these technologies helps event organizers leverage their potential for impactful events. This guide explores key emerging technologies and their benefits for virtual events.
4 key emerging technologies in events
Virtual events are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technologies like VR, AR, 5G, blockchain, and holograms. Each innovation brings a new level of interactivity, connectivity, and security, shaping how events are designed and experienced.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
VR and AR redefine how attendees engage with events, moving beyond passive observation to active participation.
Immersive experiences
VR and AR take attendees beyond traditional screens, enabling hands-on interaction with virtual environments. In a VR setting, participants can enter a completely digital world where they can interact with content—whether it's walking through an exhibition hall, attending a virtual seminar, or interacting with a live product demo. AR complements this by superimposing digital elements into the real world, allowing attendees to scan physical displays or products and instantly access augmented data, interactive videos, or 3D product models that they can rotate and examine from every angle.
Virtual exhibits
The introduction of VR and AR into virtual exhibit spaces revolutionizes product showcases. Attendees can walk through virtual exhibit halls, interact with products, and even experience simulations, transforming passive viewing into active participation. AR allows users to virtually handle objects or explore product features by overlaying digital elements onto their real-world surroundings, providing a deeper understanding of the products on display.
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5G connectivity
The rollout of 5G technology directly impacts the virtual event space, enabling faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability. It enhances the quality of streaming and interactive features, allowing for a seamless virtual experience even with large-scale events.
High-speed connectivity
Upgrading to 5G allows for data transfer speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, reducing buffering times and enhancing video streaming quality. Attendees can access high-definition live streams, participate in immersive virtual environments, and engage in real-time conversations without interruptions, regardless of the number of participants or the complexity of the content. This enables a smooth, seamless experience even during peak data usage periods.
Enhanced mobile experience
With 5G, attendees using mobile devices experience superior connectivity, eliminating the lag that previously affected video calls, virtual meetups, or networking sessions. Mobile users can engage in live presentations, access interactive content, and attend virtual exhibitions with high-quality visuals and minimal delay, even in crowded virtual spaces with simultaneous sessions.
Blockchain technology
Blockchain technology provides a robust framework for securing transactions and data within virtual events. Its decentralized nature and transparent system offer tangible benefits, particularly in the areas of event ticketing, payments, and data security.
Secure transactions
Blockchain's decentralized structure allows for secure, verifiable ticketing systems that reduce fraud. Tickets can be issued, tracked, and transferred using blockchain, ensuring that they cannot be duplicated or counterfeited. For instance, an attendee purchasing a ticket through a blockchain-based system will have a unique, immutable ticket record stored on the ledger, reducing the risk of fraud.
Data privacy
Blockchain also addresses growing concerns around attendee data privacy. With blockchain, attendees have more control over their personal information. When registering for a virtual event, users can choose what information they want to share and with whom. Event organizers can use blockchain to store only essential data, ensuring transparency and giving attendees ownership over their personal details. Furthermore, blockchain ensures that all data transactions are encrypted and secure, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Holographic displays
Holographic displays add a powerful visual dimension to virtual events, offering lifelike 3D projections that captivate audiences. These displays are especially valuable for creating engaging presentations, product demos, and immersive networking experiences.
3D Holograms
Speakers can appear as lifelike 3D holograms, giving the impression that they are physically present at the event, even if they are speaking remotely. Attendees can walk around these holographic projections to see different angles or access detailed information about the content being presented. For example, a keynote speaker could present to a virtual audience using a hologram, making the presentation feel more intimate and impactful compared to traditional 2D video conferencing.
Remote presentations
Remote speakers can now appear as though they are physically present at the event. Holographic projections allow them to interact with the audience, making it feel like they’re truly in the room. Whether delivering a keynote address or participating in a panel discussion, speakers can move around and engage with the environment in ways that flat video calls cannot match.
Benefits of emerging virtual event technologies
Emerging technologies are driving the future of virtual events, offering benefits such as richer, more personalized experiences that cater to the evolving needs of attendees and organizers.
Immersive experiences
Virtual and augmented realities bring virtual spaces to life, allowing attendees to interact with fully realized environments. For example, rather than watching a product demonstration on a screen, users can walk around and examine products from every angle, virtually manipulating them. In an exhibition setting, attendees can tour interactive booths, where digital models and data respond to their actions. These technologies offer new ways for attendees to actively participate, making every interaction purposeful and memorable.
Enhanced connectivity
With the rollout of 5G and other advanced networks, real-time communication has become practically lag-free. High-definition video streams now reach audiences with minimal delays, regardless of their location. Event platforms relying on this robust connectivity enable multiple participants to collaborate, watch live presentations, and engage in conversations without interruption. As network speeds increase, accessibility grows—giving remote audiences the same experience as those attending in person, no matter where they’re located.
Security and trust
In virtual events, clear data policies and robust encryption technologies protect attendee information from start to finish. Blockchain creates an immutable ledger, ensuring all event transactions are verified and secure, minimizing the risk of fraud. At the same time, end-to-end encryption protects sensitive attendee data from unauthorized access. By adhering to international data protection standards, event organizers build trust with their audience, making participation smoother and more secure.
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Conclusion
Emerging technologies such as VR, AR, 5G, blockchain, and holographic displays are transforming the future of virtual events. By leveraging these technologies, event organizers can create immersive and engaging experiences that captivate attendees. For a comprehensive solution to integrate emerging technologies into your virtual events, consider utilizing RingCentral’s advanced event management platform, which offers robust features for immersive experiences and enhanced connectivity.
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