About us
VRAR Chicago brings together people who are interested in working with virtual and augmented reality technology.
The Next Evolution, also AWE Nite Chicago, produced by VRAR Chicago, is over seven years old and every month we feature a different industry and highlight current and potential implementations of spatial computing solutions within that industry. We gather an expert panel and focus the discussion on the needs of our audience, to help them take their next step forward with immersive technology. The event attracts a diverse group of professionals already working with spatial computing as well as those who are really new to it and generally takes place on the first Wednesday of each month (we avoid for holidays).
The community includes developers, business leaders, investors, students, and more. Many are actively working with VR and AR technology here in Chicago - providing consulting, business development, and technology development services. What makes us different from other groups is that we are not just interested in seeing what's out there, we are actively producing, promoting, and demonstrating VR and AR technology in our businesses and community.
We generally meet on the 1st Wednesday every month except for January and July where we host social meetups instead of stage programs. There are a few months where we move for holidays or to avoid other known Immersive Technology events. Our monthly event series will be held at 1871 in the auditorium or at 2112. Topics and panel details are schedule to be announced at least 2 weeks prior to each schedule MeetUp.
If you are interested in sponsoring, demonstrating technology, or participating on the expert panel, please email the organizer. We're also happy to answer any questions.
Upcoming events
1
AWE Nite Chicago | The Next Evolution of Open Spatial Internet
4245 N Knox Ave, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, IL, USWednesday 05/06/2026
5:30pm Physical | 6:00pm Virtual (Central)
AWE Nite Chicago | The Next Evolution of Open Spatial Internet
Free to Attend
This is a hybrid event where we field questions from our in-person audience, the virtual environment audience in FRAME, as well as those tuning in via YouTube.
5:30pm | In Person | 2112: 4245 N Knox Ave
6:00pm | Virtually | FRAMEvr
6:15pm | Live Stream | youtube.com/@AWEXR/streamsBeer provided by Revolution Brewing
Seltzers provided by [SYSTEM] SeltzersAbout the Topic:
The next evolution of the internet is spatial.Moving beyond traditional 2D web pages, the open metaverse will organize digital experiences around physical and virtual 3D spaces. Mobile phones and AR glasses can view digital content anchored to the real world, in the form of holographic museum exhibits, interactive storefronts, or instructions overlaid directly onto machinery. People can gather virtually in real or virtual spaces.
To ensure this spatial ecosystem remains open and interoperable, allowing anyone to host and curate their own spatial content, developers are building tools that avoid vendor lock-in.Recently, RP1 open-sourced its metaverse fabric map server, and Patched Reality introduced Manifolder, a suite of tools for exploring and editing spatial scenes. Furthermore, RP1 and the Open Metaverse Forum launched the Open Metaverse Browser Initiative to standardize how we access spatial services across VR, AR, and mobile devices. Together, these open-source efforts ensure the 3D internet will be shared and accessed by anyone, rather than controlled by a single tech company.
Join us on May 6th to learn about the amazing potential of the internet's growth into three dimensions.
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 DemosHost:
Patrick O'Shaughnessey - Guest In-Person Host - Founder - Patched Reality
Matt Wren - In-Person Host - Founder VRAR Chicago & The Next Evolution
Caroline Dennis - Virtual Host - Two-Degrees.io and XRWomenFor More Details:
https://thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events/***
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-next-evolution-nfp-109384632841
The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
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Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsors like VRAR Chicago, 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.
7 attendees
Past events
100
