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 Travel
4245 N Knox Ave, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, IL, USWednesday 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/streamsBeer provided by Revolution Brewing
Seltzers provided by [SYSTEM] SeltzersAbout 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 DemosHost:
Matt Wren - In-Person Host - Founder & CTO of BUNDLAR
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 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.
2 attendees
Past events
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