
Virtual Tourism: Enhancing Vocational Education Through Immersive Simulations ( University & Colleges Committee Webinar)
The VRARA University and Colleges Committee is pleased to offer this online presentation on September 20th which explores the innovative use of virtual and augmented reality in tourism education, drawing from the 'My Hometown Project' and related research conducted at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. We'll discuss how immersive technologies are being utilized to address real-world challenges in the tourism industry, such as over-tourism in popular destinations, while simultaneously providing students with valuable hands-on experience.
The talk will showcase a custom-built VR platform that allows students to create, curate, and share virtual tours of their hometowns and other locations. We'll examine how this technology, combined with a specially designed immersive learning environment, enables students to simulate real-world tour experiences. The presentation will highlight key findings on the impact of these simulations on students' sense of presence, motivation, and preparation for careers in tourism. By demonstrating the practical applications of VR/AR in vocational education, this talk aims to inspire new thinking about the potential of immersive technologies in training the next generation of tourism professionals and reshaping the future of the industry.
Speaker Bio: Eric Hawkinson
Eric is a learning futurist, tinkering with and designing technologies that may better inform the future of teaching and learning. Eric's projects have included augmented tourism rallies, AR community art exhibitions, mixed reality escape rooms, and other experiments in immersive technology. Full listing of research and projects at https://erichawkinson.com
Roles
Professor - Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Research Coordinator - MAVR Research Group
Founder - Together Learning
Developer - Reality Labo
Community Leader - Team Teachers
Chair - World Learning Labs
No advance registration required; Mark your calendars and join us!


EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF REAL ESTATE DIGITAL TWINS AND VR
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF REAL ESTATE DIGITAL TWINS AND VR
HOW DIGITAL TWINS AND VR WITH THE POWER OF WEB 3.0 IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY
Join VRARA Real Estate, Architecture and Construction Committee Co-chair John Dean Markunas and Digital Twin and VR industry experts, Matthieu Melki and Dr. Miguel Arias as they discuss the use of these new technologies which are enhancing and augmenting real world assets and how they will have a positive and sustainable impact on the world.

HealthCare Comittee Meeting: The Future of Patient Care
Join us for our Healthcare Monthly Meeting! Learn how to attend.

How to Design VR Arcade Games that Don't Suck {Presented by the VRARA LBE Committee}
Great arcade games like Pac-Man, Tetris, and Time Crisis can last forever. Most VR arcade games lack vital elements that drive replay, leading operators to demand large libraries of mediocre games. Three leading industry experts delve into virtual reality arcade game mechanic fundamentals, highlighting essential aspects ranging from core loops to progression and rewards to feedback systems.
By emphasizing the importance of designing immersive, fun, and addictive games, this webinar aims to equip developers with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving world of VR arcade gaming.
Topics will include:
1. Player Control and Input
2. Core Loop
3. Challenge and Difficulty
4. Progression and Rewards
5. Balance
6. Feedback and Communication
7. Pacing and Variety

Simulation & Training event: “Unlock a world of new possibilities through digital twins" #VRARA @unity
Get ready to unleash the power of your data with our first Simulation & Training event of 2022: “Unlock a world of new possibilities through digital twins.” See firsthand how digital twins are leading digital transformation with renowned organizations such as Tyndall Air Force Base, Orlando Economic Partnership, and Bell Textron.
Join us to:
Learn how Tyndall Air Force Base, in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton, is accelerating change to become more resilient, operationally effective, and digitally connected.
Discover how the Orlando Economic Partnership is advancing forward-thinking economic and community development initiatives through a digital twin of the entire Orlando region.
Learn how Bell is using digital twins in innovative ways within the aerospace industry.
Can’t make our virtual event? Sign up anyway and we’ll share the recording for you to watch at your convenience.
Featuring special guests from:
Booz Allen Hamilton • Bell Textron • Orlando Economic Partnership • Tyndall Air Force Base
Scaling Augmented & Virtual Reality in Retail (Online Event)
See the latest use cases and case studies in the retail and ecommerce sectors applying Virtual and Augmented Reality solutions to increase efficiency, engagement, and revenues.
RSVP for our Webinar: Next generation HMDs and the killer app for VR
RSVP here (click on Upcoming tab)
Live Webcast on Location-Based Virtual Reality (LBVR)
RSVP here (it’s free)
Organized by the VRARA Location Based Entertainment Committee
News reports of experiential location-based virtual reality (LBVR) in shopping arcades, theme parks and movie theaters are taking the world by storm. Companies including FoxNext, Zero Latency and Disney's ILMxLab with Star Wars are demonstrating that LBVR is a viable business for investment, which is clearly enticing mainstream consumers to satisfy their VR curiosity. This is demonstrated by the high levels of growth, with consumer spend expected to reach $809 million by 2022.