AR-VR in the Online Events of Vietnam
Just as new opportunities rise within the covid scenario, people and businesses are prompted to online gathering and events. The shift is inherent, noticeable, and at some points opens more pathways for advanced technology to enhance our online experience.
Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR-VR), the definitions that sparked interest among tech enthusiasts (and sci-fi fans) for over a decade, now also gained the firm stand in the event management industry. According to a survey by EventBrite, about 88% of event organizers planned to use virtual reality solutions, and about 87% considered using augmented reality solutions to provide an entertaining and engaging experience to attendees.
Factors such as affordable hardware, faster internet speeds, and a receptive audience have contributed to the striking growth over the last 4 – 5 years. Additionally, extended reality (XR), the umbrella term that includes all the mix between reality and a variety of computer-generated experiences taking place within a simulated environment, has gradually overcome “the chasm” to become one of the most promising technologies of the future.
1. AR-VR adaptions in Vietnam
Although the concept is fairly new, AR-VR events in Vietnam have been developed in fields of production, education, retail. healthcare, hotel and restaurant, real estates, and entertainment. Events will often be held in website format that contains captures of 360-degree images and videos, and can be used to host exhibition, product showcase, virtual tour, concert, and conference. 3D product interactions can also be experienced on website, and VR booths at offline events are also viable options.
Higher interactive AR-VR events are often run by multinational agencies. Significant AR-VR projects were Broadcast AR project developed by CO-WELL Asia in Summer Promotion Campaign 2018 by AEON MALL, AR Mobile in the exhibition “Going through The War” by ADT Creative in the 11th National Youth Union Congress, or AR-VR application in Holomia’s property project, which allows to build, interact, and sell a sample 3D apartment. Such events are application of greater practical values, and are looked forward to be more adapted in the future.
As the Government has had policies for technology developments, Vietnam has been considered a fertile soil for VR and AR to develop. Virtual events are approachable by larger type of customers within unlimited space and time, and being less affected by regulations and weather conditions. Although the use of AR-VR technology requires the event to have a high and stable budget mostly for the equipment, virtual events help save most of the cost for renting a venue, transportations, dressing, stage setups… It can be agreed that the cost of virtual event is comparable to the previously used costs for offline events.
2. Things to consider before investing in AR-VR management
Before businesses employ AR and VR solutions at events, basic concepts about the technologies and insights into how these technologies function should be well informed. Depends on the type of business and the products displayed, companies can decide which solution would prove to be the best at an event exhibition. Businesses too must be aware of the latest developments in the sectors, particularly in terms of latest hardware and software options that can be utilized at the event.
Organizer should always partner with a tech company that has expertise in AR and VR solutions. Often times, businesses adopt methods to cut down their spending on technologies. This can, however, do more harm than good for the company. Hence, businesses must be careful about choosing their technology provider. They can collaborate with a high-end solution provider and decide on the best possible immersive experience solutions for events. They can get a know-how of the ways the technologies can be utilized and determine which technology suits them the best at events and expos.
3. Setting up an AR-VR event in Vietnam
All the steps to below to sketch up a virtual event are not necessarily applied for all event type. Depending on each idea, clients can consider different approaches and mechanics to bring out the most effective virtual event:
3.1 Date and time: Since your attendees might live in different time zones, the time and date for your virtual event are considerably more important than for in-person events.
3.2 Event format: A variation in online format can be implemented from simple live-streaming to interactive websites, videos, developed applications or collaborating with metaverse businesses.
3.3 Platform: There are few options when it comes to streaming platforms for your virtual event. Pick the streaming platform based on where most of your attendees can view the event. Examples are
3.4 Venue selection: For some virtual events, offline venues are still needed though often in much smaller size and capacity comparing to in-person events. As Vietnam will adopt more technologies, virtual venues with suitable capacity, moderation and stable connection will be considered such as VRChat, RecRoom, SecondLife, AltSpace, or Mozilla Hubs.
3.5 Reports: In addition to being responsible for reporting events to customers, event organizers also need to do this for the company and associates in the event. This report will include the budget, survey results, satisfaction and effectiveness of communication through the presence of journalists, effects from the event created with users, …
The use of AR and VR in event management can transform the way individuals experience events. Although augmented reality faces many challenges, the major challenge of using augmented reality and virtual reality in event management is the limitation of one’s own imagination. Augmented reality and virtual reality can be used in every aspect of the events management industry as envisioned by event organizers. These solutions can help keep attendees engaged and provide them a astonishing experience.
Hebronstar Strategy Consultants
Kim Chi Vy / Business Analyst
