If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that the importance of effective video content cannot be understated. If 2017 is telling us anything about the future, it’s that virtual reality and 360 video is the next frontier.

What is virtual reality?

It’s possible that you’ve been exposed to this technology and weren’t even aware of it. 360 Degree video is exactly what it sounds like. Multiple cameras are placed onto a rig in order to capture 360 degrees of video. The footage from the cameras is then stitched together to create an immersive experience. The experience can be viewed using multiple devices:
  1. Your mobile device- That’s right, if you have a mobile device with the YouTube app installed, you’re ready to go. Lots of organizations have created 360 video experiences that you can view using your mobile device. GoPro is a great example of an organization that used strong visuals to create a powerful immersive experience, click here on your mobile device to check it out.

     
  2. Google Cardboard- Want a step up? Slide your mobile device into one of these affordable cardboard headsets to view the VR experiences in a more immersive environment. Making a VR Experience for your event? Consider customizing Google Cardboard headsets as gifts for your attendees. Not only will they enjoy the gift, it will help increase engagement with the experience you have created.

     
  3. Samsung Gear or Equivalent headset- Several headsets on the market create highly immersive environments by using mobile devices (compatibility varies). For example, clip a compatible Samsung phone into the Samsung gear headset and voila! You’re now plugged into a highly immersive environment capable of viewing 360 degree experiences.

     
  4. Oculus Rift- The Oculus rift headset differs from the Samsung Gear headset (Or other equivalent in that no mobile device is required). Instead, the headset requires a PC (make sure that you view their requirements before purchasing a PC). While this may sound like a big investment, losing the mobile device and running the experience from a PC can have some big advantages. First, it’s easy to control the experience from the PC, so that your user doesn’t have to learn how to navigate the menu of the Samsung Gear headset to view the experience. In addition, using the Oculus rift and a PC you can sync the viewer’s experience to a large monitor so that anyone walking by can see exactly what the person wearing the headset is viewing. 

How could I use a 360° VR Experience for my event?

Want to increase attendance or engagement at your next event or conference? 360 Video is a great tool. “VR technology allows the viewer to be fully immersed in the space or experience that the content provider chooses to expose them to,” said Scott Durban of Lightborne Communications in Cincinnati, who recently helped Cincinnati USA create a 360 degree experience to help conventions and meetings increase attendance, engagement, and hype for their upcoming events in Cincinnati. (Click play below to check it out!)

 

The use of VR technology doesn’t come without challenges. With 360 degrees of video, the content developer has to make sure that the experience is engaging in every direction. Unlike a normal video, the user is the one who chooses what they view. In addition, using 360 degrees of video doesn’t excuse the content developer from telling a story. If the experience is boring or unengaging, the user will simply take off the headset. Developing an engaging 360 video experience requires a well thought out story that will leave the viewer wanting to watch it again (and potentially have an entirely different experience).

Interested in creating a 360 video/Virtual Reality Experience for your next event? Visit the website of Lightborne Communications