2024 XR Events

What’s On: 2024 Virtual & Augmented Reality Events List

The XR Industry hosts a variety of world-class events throughout the year. We’ve curated a list of 2023’s biggest international conferences, trade shows, and showcases for virtual and augmented reality.

Top events by month

Try our other event tools in case you’re looking for events in Artificial Intelligence or Web3

 

Welcome to our guide for virtual reality and augmented events, the ultimate resource for keeping up with the latest and greatest in VR and AR technology.

Our guide features a curated list of top events in the industry, sorted by month and recommended by our academy advisor members. Whether you’re a VR/AR enthusiast, developer, or professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, this guide is the perfect tool to help you discover the latest trends, network with industry leaders, and stay informed about the most exciting developments in VR and AR.
Why trust our event recommendations?

Unlike other lists you’ll find on the web:

  • AIXR regularly attends events on this list
  • We poll our members on which events they get the most out of
  • We don’t accept payments or requests for being listed on our event guide
  • We regularly update this list to ensure it’s as accurate as possible

If you’re looking to get the inside scoop on the web3 sector within the metaverse, we’ll shortly be releasing a separate guide

January

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CES

Las Vegas, USA, January 07 – 10 2024

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is hands down the largest technology trade show in the world, featuring a wide range of consumer electronics, including virtual and augmented reality products. The event is known for its many new device releases and product launches, making it an ideal opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products and for attendees to see the latest technology trends.

If you’re looking to learn about the latest trends and developments in VR/AR, you can find most of the information online, only attend CES if you need the opportunity to meet the exhibitors in person and get hands-on experience with the products.

However, be warned.

CES is so big that it can be overwhelming and not worth the cost unless you have a very solid plan of what you want to achieve. The real networking and deals often happen outside of the event, at parties and dinners. It is recommended to get yourself on a list and attend these events in order to make the most of the experience.

The SPIE AR | MR | VR

San Francisco, USA, January 28 – 29 2024

The conference organized by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE) focuses on the technologies of augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) brings together a wide variety of attendees, including researchers and engineers, investors and entrepreneurs, and customers and suppliers, to share and create the latest advancements in AR, VR and MR technology.

The conference is typically focused on hardware and enabled content, and also features visionary industry perspectives from technology leaders working in the largest AR-VR-MR companies. There will be plenty of demonstrations and exhibits of new products and services in the industry. This event is a great opportunity for people to learn about the latest hardware developments and trends.

February

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MWC Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain, February 26 – 29 2024 (2025 TBC)

Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, the largest mobile event in the world, is a must-attend for those in the VR/AR community. This annual event, held in the beautiful city of Barcelona, gathers industry professionals from around the globe to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of mobile technologies, including virtual and augmented reality.

Although MWC’s primary focus is on mobile technology, it has increasingly become an important venue for VR/AR developers and enthusiasts, with many companies showcasing their latest VR/AR applications, devices, and platforms. From immersive gaming experiences to groundbreaking enterprise solutions, MWC Barcelona is the place to discover the latest advancements in the VR/AR space.

Don’t miss the opportunity to network with thousands of attendees, including developers, investors, executives, and thought leaders, as well as attend insightful panels, workshops, and presentations. After a long day of immersion in the world of mobile technology, explore the vibrant city of Barcelona and enjoy the myriad of local events, parties, and gatherings held in conjunction with MWC.

March

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SXSW

Austin, March 08 – 16 2024 (2025 TBC)

SXSW is a well-known technology and media conference. As with GDC it’s technically not an immersive event, but it does feature a significant VR and AR track.

Due to the nature of South-by-South-west being such a multifaceted media the event makes it perfect for the Metaverse’s dynamic approach to modern media. It’s such a large event you’ll be having more trouble deciding what to and what not to attend.

Our recommendation before you attend SXSW is to thoroughly arrange your diary and meetings before on location as you’ll quickly be swamped with the multiple onsite events.

Game Developer Conference

San Francisco, USA, March 18 – 22 2024 (2025 TBC)

As the world’s largest professional game industry event, we always have to include GDC as a recommendation for metaverse professionals. Despite the name, this event is not just for game developers. It’s one of the best events for the VR/AR community to be at.

While the conference itself is packed with informative sessions and lectures from industry leaders, the real magic of GDC happens outside of the conference. The event is a hub for silicon valley leaders and the city of San Francisco is bustling with activity all week long as thousands of developers, publishers, investors and other industry professionals flock to the city for the event.

In fact AIXR hosted a free developer party that was so popular it sold out in a matter of days. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to make sure to be the first on the waitlist.

The parties are where you want to be, as this is where some of your most prominent network introductions will take place. Grab a ticket to the exhibition floor and reach out to your network to get as many meetings in as soon as possible.

IEEE VR

Shanghai, March 16 – 21 2024

Organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) the conference typically features a wide range of presentations, papers, and demonstrations from leading experts in the field of VR.

The conference is more research-focused compared to other VR events. It is an academic conference, which means that it primarily focuses on the latest research and developments in the field of virtual reality.

The conference program is typically divided into several tracks, each focused on different aspects of VR technology, such as VR systems and applications, VR software and hardware, VR human-computer interaction, VR content creation, and more. The papers, posters and presentations at the conference are peer-reviewed, which means that they are evaluated by other experts in the field prior to being accepted for presentation. This ensures that the information and research presented at the conference is of high quality and relevant to the field.

April

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Laval Virtual

Laval, France, April 10 – 12 2024

Laval Virtual has a long history in the immersive space and offers a slightly different experience to attendees. In some ways it’s a destination event experience, situated in the quaint city of Laval. Due to its location, you will find it’s mostly made of French delegates.

Due to its long running history however, it still fields international attendees from across the world and its academic research-led focus makes for very insightful talks.

As with most of the conferences, the event features a wide range of presentations, workshops, and demonstrations, as well as opportunities for attendees to network and explore business opportunities.

XR Expo

Stuttgart, Germany, April 3 – 4 2024

This XR event showcases a wide-ranging program for the professional use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies.

Explore the opportunity to explore XR solutions, concepts, and projects spanning various sectors, including industry, architecture, medicine, trade, and crafts. The event highlighted an array of technological innovations, user experiences, and market developments, featuring contributions from industry leaders like BMW, FESTO, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Mercedes-Benz, Schneider Electric, SMS Group, ThyssenKrupp, Trumpf, and Unity.

Hosted by the Virtual Dimension Center.

May

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Cannes XR

Cannes, France, May 14 – 22 May 2024

Cannes XR, a unique and captivating extension of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, is the perfect destination for those seeking top VR/AR events. As an integral part of the Festival de Cannes and the Marché du Film, this exceptional event showcases a wide range of virtual and augmented reality films, installations, and interactive experiences.

Nestled in the picturesque French Riviera, Cannes XR serves as a platform for creators, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to explore groundbreaking storytelling and experience the future of cinema in the realm of virtual and augmented reality events. However, it’s essential to consider that this exclusive event can be quite costly, with luxurious parties on yachts and beachside venues adding to the overall expense.

Cannes XR offers a comprehensive VR/AR events list, featuring screenings, competitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to promote collaboration and inspire innovation within the VR/AR community. Attendees can immerse themselves in cutting-edge narrative experiences, spanning fiction, documentaries, animation, and interactive installations, all while mingling with influential figures in the global film industry.

June

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Metaverse Expo

Seoul, Korea, June 26 – 28 2024

Dive into the future of digital technology at the Metaverse Expo, with a focus on the limitless possibilities of the metaverse and the new economic landscape driven by blockchain and NFTs.

The Metaverse Expo offers an in-person experience over the course of three days where attendees can engage with 30 insightful sessions covering a wide array of topics related to the metaverse, blockchain, and NFTs.

While the majority of the event will be conducted in Korean, international attendees can still enjoy overseas speakers’ lectures in English, ensuring a comprehensive experience for a global audience.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the cutting-edge developments in the metaverse and digital technology at the Metaverse Expo. Connect with industry professionals, learn from thought leaders, and stay ahead of the curve by discovering the latest trends shaping the future of the digital world.

July

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Siggraph

Los Angeles, USA, July 28 – August 1 2024

SIGGRAPH, an annual conference on computer graphics, has been organized by ACM SIGGRAPH since 1974. As one of the most reputable events in the 3D graphics industry, it attracts a diverse audience of professionals, including researchers, artists, developers, and business leaders from around the globe.

The conference showcases cutting-edge research, hands-on demos, art exhibits, technical talks, and panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics such as computer graphics, animation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of interactive experiences and has consistently been a platform for innovation and inspiration in the industry.

In addition to the main conference program, SIGGRAPH features a robust exhibition floor where leading technology companies present their latest products, services, and solutions. This allows attendees to experience new tools and techniques firsthand, keeping them at the forefront of industry advancements.

With numerous networking opportunities, SIGGRAPH enables professionals to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and foster collaborations, solidifying its status as a premier event in the 3D graphics industry.

August

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Venice Film Festival

Venice, Italy, August 28 – September 07 2024

The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, has expanded its offerings to include a dedicated VR and AR section, showcasing the latest advancements in immersive storytelling. Set in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, this event provides a platform for creators, industry professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the intersection of cinema, technology, and immersive experiences.

The festival features screenings, competitions, and exhibitions, presenting a diverse selection of virtual reality and augmented reality films and installations. As a part of this renowned event, the VR and AR section offers an opportunity for attendees to experience cutting-edge narrative experiences and witness the future of storytelling.

September

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TechCrunch Disrupt

San Francisco, USA, September 19 – 21 2023

TechCrunch Disrupt has a particular emphasis on startups and investment opportunities. The event is attended by a large number of investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, making it an ideal opportunity for companies looking to raise funding or explore networking opportunities.

AIXR agrees that one of the main draws of TechCrunch Disrupt is the high-quality, insightful talks given by real leaders in the technology industry. The content of the event is heavily focused on business and Silicon Valley, with a focus on the latest trends and developments in the technology industry.

Although TechCrunch Disrupt is not primarily a VR/AR event, the topic inevitably features heavily and the audience is ideal for networking and making connections within the VR/AR industry.

October

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GITEX Global

Dubai, UAE, October 14 – 18 2024

GITEX Global, one of the largest technology events in the Middle East, is a must-attend event on the AIXR list for companies looking to expand in the region. This dynamic conference provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to break out of the North American events bubble and connect with professionals working on exciting projects from different parts of the world.

As the perfect platform for seeking investment and fostering business relationships, GITEX Global not only features dedicated immersive tracks for VR/AR but also covers a wide range of other technology topics, including IoT, AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. This diverse offering ensures that attendees can explore the latest innovations across multiple sectors.

Augmented World Expo (AWE)

Vienna, Austria October 29 – 30 2024

Augmented World Expo (AWE) is a flagship event in the virtual and augmented reality industry. With a great track record of speakers, content and attendees, it’s always one to attend if you can. The event’s stateside presence has a much larger footprint than its European-based event. It’s definitely the largest immersive-only focused event.

The event features a wide range of speakers and panelists, including industry leaders, experts, and innovators, who share their insights and experiences on the latest advancements and trends in VR and AR technology. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest hardware and software developments, as well as to explore new business opportunities and to network with industry professionals.

In addition to the conference, AWE also features an exhibition floor, where attendees can see the latest VR and AR products and services from leading companies and startups in the industry. The event also includes workshops, hackathons, and training sessions, led by industry experts, giving attendees the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques in VR and AR development and design.

Augmented Enterprise Summit

Houston, TX, USA, October 15 – 17 2024

The Augmented Enterprise Summit is the longest-running, most comprehensive event dedicated to the business and industrial applications of AR/VR/MR (XR) and other metaverse-related emerging technologies (think body-worn sensors, exosuits, and other XR accessories, digital twins, etc.)

Now in its 9th year, Augmented Enterprise remains the only XR conference and exhibition focused entirely on enterprise and the technologies augmenting workers today.

TechCrunch Disrupt

San Francisco, USA, October 28 – 30 2024

TechCrunch Disrupt has a particular emphasis on startups and investment opportunities. The event is attended by a large number of investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, making it an ideal opportunity for companies looking to raise funding or explore networking opportunities.

AIXR agrees that one of the main draws of TechCrunch Disrupt is the high-quality, insightful talks given by real leaders in the technology industry. The content of the event is heavily focused on business and Silicon Valley, with a focus on the latest trends and developments in the technology industry.

Although TechCrunch Disrupt is not primarily a VR/AR event, the topic inevitably features heavily and the audience is ideal for networking and making connections within the VR/AR industry.

November

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Immersive Tech Week (ITW)

Rotterdam, Netherlands, November TBC 2024

Immersive Tech Week is a rebranded version of VR Days and it’s a week-long event that focuses on the latest advancements in virtual and augmented reality, as well as other immersive technologies. The event has expanded to include a wider range of topics and audience, reflecting the growing interest and diversity in the field of immersive technology.

AIXR is an active partner in the event, providing support with knowledge of speakers and industry experts to ensure that the event fully covers the industry.

Many academy members from AIXR attend the event, making it a great opportunity to network with industry leaders and experts. The event also features an awards ceremony that recognizes the best VR/AR projects and developers, adding to the high caliber of attendees. Historically, the event has had an audience that skewed Dutch, but it is now starting to break out of that mold and attract attendees from around the world.

December

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8th International XR Awards

Rotterdam, Netherlands, December 5  2024

The 7th International XR Awards is a red carpet event that is considered to be one of the highlights of the event’s calendar year. The event features a 3-course VIP dinner, black tie attire, and premium entertainment, making it an exclusive and prestigious event for the who’s who of the industry.

AIXR hosts the event (and we may be biased here), but the numbers speak for themselves with the event being a must-attend for industry leaders and experts.

The awards ceremony recognizes and celebrates the best VR/AR projects and developers, and is a great opportunity to network with industry leaders and experts. Attendees can expect to see some of the most innovative and groundbreaking VR/AR projects being recognized.

To maximize the experience, attendees can also attend the Immersive Tech Week event at the same time, which provides a great opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry and to explore new business opportunities.

Immersive Global Summit

Miami, USA, December TBC 2024

The Immersive Global Summit, hosted by the VR AR Association (VRARA), is an event dedicated exclusively to virtual and augmented reality. As a must-attend conference for professionals and enthusiasts in the XR industry, this summit takes place in the vibrant city of Miami and offers a comprehensive program that delves into the world of immersive technologies.

Featuring a wide range of presentations, workshops, and demonstrations, the Immersive Global Summit showcases the latest advancements in virtual and augmented reality. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge XR technologies, and discover new strategies for implementing immersive solutions.

In addition to the educational content, the Immersive Global Summit provides numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and explore potential business collaborations. This event, organized by the VR AR Association, is perfect for those seeking focused discussions on XR technologies and their applications across various industries.

 

Siggraph Asia

Sydney, Australia, December 3 – 6 2024

Siggraph Asia, an extension of the renowned SIGGRAPH conference, brings the world of computer graphics and interactive techniques to the Asia-Pacific region. Set in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia, this annual event gathers professionals from around the globe, including researchers, artists, developers, and business leaders, to explore the latest advancements in the 3D graphics industry.

The conference offers a comprehensive program, featuring cutting-edge research, hands-on demos, art exhibits, technical talks, and panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics such as computer graphics, animation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive techniques. Siggraph Asia consistently showcases innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of interactive experiences.

In addition to the main conference program, Siggraph Asia presents a robust exhibition floor where leading technology companies showcase their latest products, services, and solutions. This allows attendees to experience new tools and techniques firsthand, ensuring they stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

Top tips for attending these top VR/ AR Events of 2023

Focus on the events and activities happening around the main conference: While the main event is undoubtedly important, many networking opportunities and unique experiences can be found at satellite events, workshops, and parties. Be sure to explore these side events and make the most of your time at the conference.

Assess your event objectives: Consider whether you need to attend a dedicated VR/AR event or if a niche industry event may be more beneficial. Align your event choices with your specific goals and interests to maximize your experience and networking potential.

Network ahead of time: Utilize platforms such as LinkedIn or the AIXR platform to connect with potential attendees, speakers, and exhibitors before the event. This can help you establish relationships and set up meetings, making your time at the event more productive.

Leverage AIXR before attending your next Metaverse event.

On AIXR you can network ahead of time, search and filter all online and in-person events and build on your knowledge before attending events in the Metaverse industry. Give yourself a headstart and join our community for free.