10 Immersive Marketing Events of 2023 //

My approach to industry events has changed drastically since COVID receded. Two voices are ringing in my head.

• One who is looking for the excitement, in-person networking and pure adrenaline at large-scale events.
• Another reason I am very selective about where and how I travel is that my health is my highest priority.

You might be on one side or the other, but it is clear that events will remain a vital avenue for marketing professionals.

After having explored immersive media events and technologies for marketers before the pandemic, I was keen to see how the landscape has changed in the past few years.

Many of the events that were on the list before COVID are returning in person in 2023. Many are considering digital passes to provide a convenient stay-at-home option.

These are my top picks as a marketing professional looking to increase their metaverse marketing skills.

1. GatherVerse AI Summit 2019

February 1, 2023, / Virtual ( See the recap).

The Gatherverse community is focused squarely on the metaverse, and the implications these new technologies have for business leaders and other organizations.

This group is focused on safety, ethics, wellness, and sustainability, which is refreshingly different from other tech events that focus more on business results and ROI. Similar to my Metaverse manifesto, the group places a strong emphasis on digital citizenship, inclusion and accessibility for all.

Each year, the group hosts several virtual events on a variety of topics. These include women in tech and athletics in metaverse. Marketing professionals found valuable information at the AI summit as they grapple with how AI advances will affect their roles, strategies, and tactics in the future.

2. Mobile World Congress

February 27, 2023-March 2, 2023 / Barcelona Spain

It is hard to overstate the importance of 5G in the immersive media landscape. With 5G becoming more popular, consumers have the ability to share amazing immersive experiences on their mobile devices.

Some of the sessions that are metaverse-themed this year include:

• NFT’s: One-hit wonder?
• How to do it right, from the Metaverse to the Matterverse
• Who are the new consumers in Web 3.0?

This event is expected to be the biggest, with more than 100,000 people traveling from all corners of the globe. This conference will showcase the most recent immersive technology innovations from big companies with large budgets.

MWC takes control of the entire city, making housing and transportation a huge challenge. Do not expect to be able to wait in long lines for taxis or public transit. Instead, consider walking. Barcelona is the most beautiful and walkable city I’ve ever seen.

3. South by Southwest, (SXSW),

March 10-19 2023 / Austin Texas, USA (Online passes are available)

SXSW began as a music festival. It has grown to be a huge phenomenon that attracts approximately 75,000 people. It now attracts professionals in the music, film, and interactive industries.

SXSW features technology and brand experience, as well as a track dedicated to marketing and branding. Austin is home to some of the most innovative creative teams in the world. They hope to make a splash and stand out among a crowd.

Many professionals travel to Austin, Texas without a badge from SXSW. There are many free events like the Cannes Lions. It is essential to prepare, plan and focus on the most important events before you arrive.

Walking is the best option for transportation in Austin. Don’t be tempted to wear your most trendy gear. Comfortable shoes and practical clothing are the best options.

Austin’s weather is generally sunny but it’s not always perfect so bring rain ponchos and other all-weather gear.

4. Laval Virtual

April 12-16, 2023 / Laval, France

Laval Virtual, an industry conference that attracts around 20,000 people each year, is held in a small town just outside Paris.

Prior years featured tracks that covered topics across the verticals, such as sales, marketing, infrastructure, storytelling, perception and IoT.

This conference is primarily focused on business-to–business immersive tech. If you are more interested in consumer campaigns, it might not be the right choice.

Laval, which was built in the 11th Century, is rich in history. You can visit museums and chateaus as well as enjoy the local cuisine during your stay. This beautiful setting is the perfect backdrop for immersive industry networking that takes place outside of event sessions.

5. National Association of Broadcasters, (NAB). Show

April 15-19, 2023 / Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

NAB is a massive show that covers the entire digital ecosystem, including app development, advertising, and audio.

This industry event brings together professionals from all fields who want to advance their careers, learn, experience cutting-edge training and get hands-on knowledge. It also connects with industry leaders who are advancing the science, art, and business of content.

The show features a variety of technical tracks that are immersive and valuable for broadcasters and media professionals. The show will feature a visual storytelling track this year that will provide innovative immersive content.

A dedicated theater space is available for exhibitors and speakers, which allows them to demonstrate the latest immersive broadcasting technologies. You might be tempted to stay at a Vegas hotel, but I suggest staying off the strip as they are less expensive and offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Vegas.

6. Semi-Annual Gathering Digital Ascendant

May 10-11th, 2023 / New York City USA

This exclusive network of marketing brand leaders is for invite only and houses some of the best minds in the industry. I was privileged to be invited to speak at their Santa Clara fall event. I was astonished.

This group provides one of the most valuable aspects of industry events: power networking. This group is close-knit and offers a supportive network of brand marketers who are openly discussing current challenges.

The group requires a membership fee and goes through vetting to ensure that both parties are a good match. Their gatherings will cover current trends in brand marketing, including everything immersive and metaverse.

These events are intimate and allow for meaningful connections between industry professionals, which is often lacking at larger events.

7. Augmented World Exposition (AWE 2023

May 31-June 2, 2023 / Santa Clara, California, USA (Online passes available)

Over the years, I have attended AWE and seen it grow into a top XR conference. I was thrilled to be invited back to present a case on how Intel’s marketing team engaged. Augmented reality was used by the developers audience.

The three-day event this year features many tracks that marketers will find interesting, including advertising, retail, ecommerce and web3, as well as AI and virtual beings, gaming and entertainment.

AWE is a conference that brings together investors and the most innovative XR-focused start ups in Silicon Valley. If you are looking for cutting-edge technology to help your campaigns reach the next level, this is the conference for you.

8. Cannes Lions 2023

June 19-23, 2023 / Cannes, France

Cannes Lions examines creativity in brand communications. The festival and awards show, which lasts five days, provides industry access to consumer research, new ideas and emerging technologies that will shape popular culture.

Intuitive technology has been used to engage audiences in the past years. This conference is for you if you want to network with the best marketing agencies and teams.

For the official conference sessions, passes cost upwards of $3,000 Every publisher hosts workshops and networking events. Even if you don’t have a pass, conference veterans can still attend each year with a full agenda.

Cannes Lions is about branding and advertising more than technology. Don’t expect to find Immersive Marketing 101, tactical content or Immersive Marketing 101 at Cannes Lions. The event is more about getting to know the best marketing teams while sipping roses on the beach.

I was able to speak at Cannes Pre-Pandemic in partnership With Brand Innovators. They are certain to bring in some amazing speakers this year using cutting-edge technology.

9. Advertising Week New York

September 2023, New York City, USA

The event is four days long and features thought leadership content as well as engaging special events. Attendees range from advertising executives and public relations professionals to chief marketing officers and social-media advisers. In previous years, there were many sessions with immersive content. I expect this year to have more.

This conference is held in New York City and brings together anyone who works in media. Participants are given a behind-the scenes look at the future of advertising as they grapple with declining TV viewership and an increase in content. You should do your research before you go, as there are many sessions and parties.

10. The Immerse Global Summit

December 2023. Location TBD

The Immerse Global Summit is the annual event organized by the AR/VR Association( https://www.thevrara.com/) . After a Covid-induced hiatus, it was held in Miami in 2022. It promises to be one the most important industry events in 2023.

AR/VR Association is a group of professionals in immersive technology who are focused on verticals that can leverage immersive technologies, such as marketing, education, finance, and other. There are many regional chapters of the group that host events each month. This is a great place to meet other innovators and pioneers who specialize in XR.

Your metaverse marketing muscles can be boosted

A virtual event I host monthly for marketers who want to explore immersive spaces is also available. I’d love to have you join me. Each month, we meet via Zoom at noon PT. You can read more and find the link to join.

This is not a complete list of all conferences that will cover marketing in the metaverse in 2023. Please connect to me on LinkedIn to share any great opportunities you may have missed.

The post Top Ten Immersive Marketing Events of 2023 was first published on MarTech.