What we’re about
We are here to advance the augmented reality industry in Chicago by connecting and empowering its community.
AWE Nite Chicago is a place for developers, creators, investors, founders, corporate decision makers and curious folk to come together to celebrate the activity and devote conviction around building an augmented reality (AR) hub in Chicago.
AWE Nite Chicago is part of AWE, the world's #1 XR event series, which has a reach of over 250,000 professionals all dedicated to the adoption and growth of augmented reality as the next wave of computing. AWE produces conferences dedicated to XR (AR/VR/MR) in the USA, Europe, Asia and Tel Aviv and hosts AWE Nite Meetup events in Toronto, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.
If you wish to demo, sponsor, speak or volunteer at one of our events, please contact us using this form: https://usa2018.augmentedworldexpo.com/awe-nite-meetups/
Please join our Facebook Group for industry discussions:
facebook.com/groups/AWENiteChicago
Follow AWE on Twitter (twitter.com/ARealityEvent)
, Facebook (facebook.com/AugmentedWorldExpo)
or LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/augmentedworldexpo)
for the latest AR news and events around the world.
Sponsors
See all
DePaul UniversityHosting Location
Tech NexusHosting venue
Patched RealityFounding Sponsor
Augmented Reality Glasses Buyer's GuideSponsor
Next/NOWHosting Venue and Refreshments- DePaul UniversityHosting Location
- Tech NexusHosting venue
- Patched RealityFounding Sponsor
- Augmented Reality Glasses Buyer's GuideSponsor
Upcoming events (1)
See all- The Next Evolution of Games | AWE Nite Chicago4245 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL
Wednesday 05/07/2025
5:30pm Physical | 6:00pm Virtual (Central)
The Next Evolution of Games | AWE Nite Chicago
Free to Attend
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:
With the successes of “Pokémon Go” and “Beat Saber,” virtual and augmented reality games have proven their staying power—but what makes them successful, and what will convince more gamers to make the transition? While VR’s appeal is undeniable, skepticism remains due to hardware demands, limited game libraries, and its perception as a niche market. The latest data suggests that while VR engagement is rising, developers remain hesitant, citing concerns over market size. The Apple Vision Pro, despite its high-tech promise, has yet to significantly shift industry sentiment. Meanwhile, arcade gaming is experiencing a resurgence, driven by social and physical activity-based experiences—an indication that players crave interactive, shared gaming environments.Balancing potential with current limitations, players continue to seek a truly massive multiplayer online (MMO) experience in virtual reality (VR)—a vision many associate with the concept of the Metaverse. Yet, no game has fully captured that elusive sense of scale and depth. To understand what could drive mass adoption, we look to perspectives from gamers, arcade experiences, immersive game rooms, streamers, and developers. Are players seeking social connectivity, compelling storylines, ease of adoption, or high-end aesthetics? The answer may determine the future of immersive gaming.
Join us on May 7, 2025 to learn more about immersive technology and gaming from both experts in the gaming industry and players alike.
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
Host:
Matt Wren - In-Person Host - Founder & CTO of BUNDLAR
Caroline Dennis - Virtual Host - Two-Degrees.io and XRWomenPanel Members:
Sonya Haskins - AWE
Jeff Basladynski - Baz LLC***
Register Here:
https://thenextevolution.org/events/
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 as well as Venue Sponsors, 1871, 2112, and FrameVR 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: XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, International Game Developers Association Chicago (IGDA Chicago).
