Virtual reality is the "hot" thing in the tech world! Not only is it popular for gaming and entertainment applications, but experts have named it one of the hottest trends in the meetings and events world. If you want to add a touch of flair to your event, it's definitely worth considering virtual reality.

But how can virtual reality be integrated into your events? It may seem like such an "out there" technology to pair with a product launch, but you'll find that it's a surprisingly effective way to make your event stand out from every other!

Give a Virtual Keynote Address

Imagine how awesome it would be to use Virtual Reality technology to give the keynote address at a corporate event! Your guests will be able to listen in to the event from the comfort of their chair or table, but it will feel like they're sitting in the auditorium as they listen.

A virtual keynote address is something every guest can enjoy as they arrive or take their seat. All they need is the virtual reality headset with the keynote speech keyed up to play when they turn on the headset. They will be fully immersed in the world, and the speech will have a lot more power and hold their attention more effectively than a live, in-person speech would be.

Give Guests a Virtual Tour

Virtual reality allows your guests to move through a virtual space without the need to move through physical space. If you're demonstrating a new housing development, the new company offices, or a large product like an airplane, you can use virtual reality to give your guests a tour of the environment right at the event.

For companies displaying large, bulky products that wouldn't fit into an event venue or convention center, virtual reality is the perfect tool. Your guests can take a complete tour of the product thanks to their virtual reality headset. They'll have total control over the VR experience, and they'll be able to explore every aspect of the product, venue, or location.

Give a Virtual Product Demonstration

Virtual reality can provide you with an easy way to demonstrate the uses of your products in a space-efficient manner.

Let's say you're launching a new line of basketball shoes. Instead of hiring professional athletes to play in your venue, you can record a basketball game and transform it into a virtual reality viewing experience. The VR headset will allow your guests to watch the game from any angle, and they'll be able to see the product working in real time.

There are so many ways you can give your guests a virtual reality product demonstration. The options are limitless!

Try VR Gamification

Gamification is defined as "the application of typical elements of game playing (e.g., point scoring, competition with others, rules of play) to other areas of activity, typically as a marketing technique to encourage engagement with a product or service."

Games like Pokemon GO! got people moving around, but it didn’t feel like exercise because they were playing a game. Fitness apps like Zombie Run have become hugely popular thanks to the gamification they offer.

You can do the same at your event and turn your event into a virtual "scavenger hunt". Once the guests put on the headset, they'll be able to tour the event venue in virtual reality, searching for clues and puzzle pieces. The more they unlock, the higher their score, but the more of the important event elements they end up participating in.

Gamification can make anything fun if done right. Using Virtual Reality to gamify your event can turn even potentially boring product demonstrations or educational seminars into something people are guaranteed to enjoy.

Host Virtual Meetings or Classes

If you're setting up a seminar, brainstorming sessions, or training programs, virtual reality can help to immerse your guests and attendees in their surroundings. They won't be thinking about checking their phones because they'll be so busy drinking in their virtual surroundings. It will add a new level of excitement to whatever class or seminar you're giving.

You can use virtual reality to host corporate and board meetings as well. If you have attendees who can't leave their homes or offices, virtual reality will allow everyone to be present in the same virtual space even if not physically present.

Thanks to the marvels of virtual reality, your attendees may even be able to manipulate their environment to make the meeting more visually appealing and effective.

Try VR Travel

People have come to your event from around your city, but what about people around the world who want to attend? Virtual reality travel—meaning attending as a robotic attendee—is a great way to invite people outside your immediate city or state to be a part of your event. Not everyone is able to be there in person, so using robotic/remote attendees can help to extend your reach.

The truth is that the applications for virtual reality are virtually (poor pun intended) unlimited. All it takes is a bit of creativity to harness the power of virtual reality technology to turn your corporate event into something absolutely unique and spectacular.

Dan McCarthy is an Event Manager at Ultimate Experience, an event management company based in the UK. Dan has 5 years of event project management under his belt. He has worked on many successful events, and currently he shares his knowledge by writing on the company blog. Follow him on Twitter @DanCarthy2.