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Virtual Reality Training: How It Will Transform the Event Industry

Virtual reality has carved out its spot in the special events industry as a great way to collaborate with clients and creative partners. It has been used to sell prospects on venue spaces and design schemes, as well as streamlining the creation of floor plans and layouts.

However, VR can play another important role on an internal basis: staff training.

With access to multiple platforms, virtual reality helps event professionals work from wherever they are located to collaborate on an event. They can achieve such a high level of visualization that they can train team members, review protocols, and get a realistic feel for an event in advance.

 

Why use VR for training?

In general, regular training improves a team’s accuracy and organization while also providing the ability to review procedures and discuss the flow of an event’s layout. When done virtually, the training process is enhanced by increased collaboration and removes the need for in-person meetings to cover the fundamentals.

VR provides an immersive experience that mimics the feel of being in the event space, which allows someone to act as if they were walking through the floor plan. They are able to see all of the pieces required and see how they are placed for a cohesive layout. This experience provides far greater detail and understanding than a printed floor plan passed around a table.

Is VR accessible?

Many people still see virtual reality as a thing of the future, but you’d be surprised to know that it’s actually extremely accessible for businesses of all sizes. Virtual tours can now be done across multiple platforms, including VR headsets like the Oculus.A VR headset can easily be purchased today at stores like Walmart and Best Buy, making it easy to procure and set up all in one day.

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Why now?

Virtual reality has exploded in the consumer market and is quickly being adopted by all industries. It is improving accuracy and precision, helping all types of professionals to generate new ideas and open up new opportunities for their businesses.

It’s currently breaking into the special events industry, and it’s critical for vendors to utilize VR now because today’s market is tech-savvy. Our clients expect the newest technologies from their service providers, and it can truly set you apart from competitors.

In addition to making your business more marketable, it also has the benefit of streamlining your operations and providing easier and enhanced collaboration within the event team.

In the world of business—and especially the events industry—it’s essential to be forward-thinking and willing to adapt to the times. Don’t be the last one on board the virtual reality train; otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with those that adopted and implemented the technology earlier.

Sandy Hammer

CMO, AllSeated, New York City, NY

With over 20 years of experience in the international events industry, Sandy Hammer is the co-founder and CMO of AllSeated, a collaborative network for planning events that offers tools including floorplans, 3D view, Guest List, RSVP, Seating, Timelines, Mobile Check-In and more.