Virtual Reality in Event Planning – A Competitive Advantage for Venues

March 15, 2018

Chris Munz

Chris Munz is Vice President of Business Development at Concept3D, which combines 3D modeling, interactive maps and VR-enabled virtual tour software to bring any physical location into an intuitive and navigable digital format for wayfinding, space planning, data visualization and asset tracking.

We work with a host of clients, helping them bring sometimes massive spaces at a single location or distributed over the globe into the digital world. The technology enables them to give anyone, located anywhere in the world, the ability to explore their space in virtual reality. Tens to hundreds of thousands of square feet – at your fingertips.

I got very excited when I saw how one client is using VR technology at a trade show, where they were able to “bring” their massive facility with them – in their pocket! Someone would walk up to their booth, strap on a pair of Oculus VR goggles and dive in. No joke, there was a line of people waiting to take the virtual reality tour. This opens up the door to many ideas for the sales staff at convention and visitors bureaus and venues.

Sure, not everyone is going to jump at the chance to explore a convention center or meeting and events venue in virtual reality. But we’ve seen VR used as a competitive recruiting tool for athletes, students, research scientists and in several other industries.

I see no reason why the same wouldn’t apply to reach professionals in the corporate meetings and events industry. The use of virtual reality in event planning is already happening and is only going to become more common and approachable as software and hardware continue to improve, making the user experience more useful and even (gasp!) fun. The efficiencies from VR can expedite the RFP process, make it easier for venues to keep track of inventory and track assets in order to give event planners what they need, faster.

Imagine going to an in-person meeting with an event planner who’s interested in your space. You bring a pair of VR goggles and your computer – with your entire facility – and perhaps even some custom room layouts in 3D, ready to share. Alternatively, you can send out an inexpensive pair of VR goggles with a link to access a VR tour of the event space, along with one or two custom 3D layout options that can be viewed in first-person. Either way, the experience will not only give event planners a memorable and fun experience tied to your facility but also demonstrate that you’re on the cutting edge of event tech, ready to support their success with whatever it takes.

Convention centers are constantly looking ahead, with planners researching 5-10 years before their events. With virtual reality, planned or under-construction spaces can be profiled years before completion, giving event and meeting planners a real-life idea about how they can take advantage of the space down the line. Being able to show future space is a big advantage!

Virtual reality has so many applications in the event and meeting planning space, from marketing and sales, facilitating events, operations and logistics, to profiling future building and new spaces that will soon be available to event and meeting professionals.

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact