AWE Nite Chicago | The Next Evolution of Travel

Wednesday 03/04/2026

5:30pm Physical | 6:00pm Virtual (Central)

AWE Nite Chicago | The Next Evolution of Travel

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/streams

Beer provided by Revolution Brewing
Seltzers provided by [SYSTEM] Seltzers

About the Topic:
Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital twins are reshaping how people experience travel before, during, and after a trip. Before departure, travelers increasingly use VR previews and virtual tours to “try before they fly,” exploring destinations, museums, and landmarks to reduce uncertainty and plan itineraries with confidence. These experiences help travelers visualize spaces, prioritize attractions, and feel more connected to a destination even before booking. Tourism boards and cultural institutions in countries like the US, UK, France, and Germany are using immersive previews as both inspiration and education tools, turning trip planning into an engaging, exploratory experience rather than a purely logistical task.

On-site, immersive technologies add interactive layers to real-world environments, transforming streets, museums, and heritage sites into living narratives. Through AR apps or headsets, visitors can point a device at a location to see historical reconstructions, animated characters, or contextual storytelling appear in place - making history, art, and culture more accessible and engaging. Destinations such as Gettysburg, the Louvre, Brussels, and Nassau demonstrate how immersive experiences encourage active participation rather than passive observation, while also helping manage visitor flow and accessibility. After the trip, digital souvenirs like saved AR moments, virtual replays, and shareable clips extend the travel experience beyond physical presence, keeping destinations connected to travelers long after they return home. These immersive environments also break down physical barriers, providing a meaningful way for people with restricted mobility to traverse the globe and visit cherished locations they can no longer reach in person. Together, these tools are redefining tourism as a continuous, interactive journey that blends physical travel with digital discovery.

Join us March 4th to learn about immersive technologies in Travel.

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 XRWomen

For More Details:
https://thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events/

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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 UL Solutions, 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.