Preliminary Agenda

Get ready for the VR Arcade and Attractions Summit, where the latest and greatest in virtual, augmented and mixed reality attractions are presented with context and insights that make sense for operators.

This year we will explore the idea of the downloadable theme park. VR technology delivers immersive interactive experiences that capture the imagination of new audiences. It also dramatically improves the economics for operators by reducing capital expenditures and space requirements of legacy fixed attractions. 

Our agenda is in development, but here's a snapshot of the what you'll experience when you attend the 8th, and best ever, VR Arcade and Attractions Summit.  

We invite you to join your colleagues in shaping the future of fun. Secure your seat, contribute to the dialogue, and stay at the forefront of the virtual wave. The agenda might evolve, but only to enhance your experience. Don't miss out!

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Monday - March 17

9:00am - Noon

VR Arcade User Group

Join HTC our industry User Group. Meet with company execs, hear about new features, and get all your most pressing questions answered.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Dave Myers
Director Enterprise Technical Services - VIVE

Shabeer Sinnalebbe
CEO - Synthesis VR / XR Immersive Tech Inc
Jeremy Paige
Sales Manager - vrCAVE

Moderator

Bob Cooney
Host - The VR Arcade Game Summit

1:00 - 2:00pm

The Downloadable Theme Park: Transforming Physical Spaces

Explore the potential of downloadable attractions to reduce CAPEX, minimize physical infrastructure, and maximize entertainment value. This panel will discuss the benefits of digital attractions and how they’re already changing the landscape of theme parks, museums, and more.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Eldad Givon
Head of Business Development - Valo Motion
Nick DiMatteo
VP of Operations & Business Development
Pinnacle Entertainment Group LLCP
Rico Torres
Chief Executive Officer & CO-Founder
AR's Entertainment Hub

Moderator

Danny Gruening
VP of Business Development - Creative Works

2:15 - 3:15pm

Envisioning Narrative-Driven VR in Entertainment Venues

This panel will dive into the latest technological advancements driving the downloadable theme park concept. From VR and AR integrations to cloud-based attractions, discover how to stay ahead of the curve with minimal physical investments.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Rod Findley
President & CEO - Immotion

Joel Newton
Co-Founder - CityLights VR

Nicholas Boyer
Business Development - CityLights VR

Moderator

Bob Cooney
Host - The VR Arcade Game Summit

3:30 - 4:30pm

Setting the Bar: Establishing Standards in VR Entertainment

Discuss the financial implications of moving towards a downloadable model. Learn how early adopters have doubled their EBITDA, slashed operational costs, and achieved rapid returns on investment.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Amy Hedrick
CEO, Founder - Cleanbox Technology

Pete Gustafson
Executive VP, The AAMA

Dave Myers
Director Enterprise Technical Services - VIVE

Ben Davenport
CEO - VRsenal

7:00 - 10:00pm

VIP Reception - VR Summit

Join us for the location-based VR industry’s biggest networking event of the year. 2024 brings an exciting new venue, with fun immersive attractions, and room for 150 of your best friends. This event sells out every year. Act fast.

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Tuesday - March 19

9:00 - 10:00am:

From Bits to Coins: Monetizing Digital Attractions

Explore strategies for monetizing downloadable attractions. This panel will cover various revenue models, from pay-per-experience to subscription services, and how to turn digital attractions into profitable ventures.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Mitchell Poythress
CEO and Founder - The Rabbit Hole VR
Martin Holly
Founder - Striker VR
Shabeer Sinnalebbe
CEO - Synthesis VR / XR Immersive Tech Inc
McKay Christensen
Owner - Private Label VR

10:15-11:15am

What Makes Great VR Games

From conception to production - Raw Thrill's founder Eugene Jarvis will explain the creative development and technical engineering behind Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR. Plus a follow-up panel discussion on what makes a great game, and what operators should look for. The dialogue extends into identifying the components of a premier VR game and guiding operators on the key aspects to consider when acquiring VR attractions.

Sponsored By

Speaker

Eugene Jarvis
President, Creative Director - Raw Thrills, Inc.

Panelists

David Illes
Co-Founder - Worlds Beyond
Joe Mares
President - Fun Empire, Inc.
Jim Bennington
Founder - NO CASH VALUE LLC

1:30 - 2:30pm

Connecting with the Next Generation

From VR to esports to influencers, how does the arcade industry stay relevant and connected with digital and virtual native generations?

Panelists

Sponsored By

Gregory Trent
Co-owner - Back Alley Lanes
Bryan Severance
Director and CEO
Spy Ninjas HQ / Fallout Zones
Phillip Steinfatt
CEO - Tower Tag
Sergio Garcia
Business Development - Virtuix

2:45 - 3:45pm

Get in the Box: Immersive Gaming Rooms

Kevin Williams will discuss the evolution of Immersive Gaming Rooms and their impact on social virtual experiences, highlighting the shift towards unencumbered immersive adventures and the future of these technologies in entertainment. Plus a follow-up panel discussing the new wave of immersive multiplayer gaming rooms bringing social, active play to compact spaces without headsets.

Sponsored By

Speaker

Kevin Williams
Director - KWP

Panelists

Jonathan Casson
Vice President - Sony Pictures Entertainment
Pete Stearns
Senior Director, Midway Operations
Dave & Buster’s
Arthur Loring
Owner - The Fun Factor
Stefan Murariu
Head of Sales - Inowize

4:00 - 5:00pm

Unlocking Potential: Innovations in VR Escape Rooms

VR escape rooms offer significant advantages over physical ones. A panel of operators unravel the secrets to captivating and successful VR escape room ventures.

Sponsored By

Panelists

Archie Wright
Owner/CFO - ARs Entertainment Hub
Nazar Yousif
Owner/CEO - Diablo Escapes
Salem Thyne
President - Middle Initial, LLC
Jeremy Paige
Sales Manager - vrCAVE

The topics for the show (to be finalised)

More Bits, Less Atoms: The Downloadable Theme Park:

Consumers increasingly seek new experiences. Popups, touring exhibits, and a constant supply of new businesses keep them fulfilled. How can an entertainment center fully invested in fixed attractions stay fresh in an ever-changing competitive landscape? The Downloadable Theme Park trades specific hardware for flexible, software driven platforms that constantly change to keep audiences coming back. This visionary panel will discuss the concept and share what’s possible today.

Metaverse Meets the Movie Theater: Storytelling Experiences

Movie theaters are being undermined by streaming, strikes, and changing consumer expectations. More immersion from large formats like Imax and motion seats like 4DX are increasing in popularity. The recent Immersive Audience Report from the University of Birmingham suggests people also expect interactivity. What types of experiences hit the sweet spot between story, immersion, and agency?

Business Plans: Are Feasibility Studies Still Feasible?

With costs escalating, business models emerging, consumer demands changing, and competition for location-based entertainment increasing, how can an operator project success? The industry’s leading consultants will take the stage to talk about how they’re helping clients navigate the ever-changing LBE landscape.

Virtual Thrills: Coaster Parks of the Future

Roller coasters are the most popular amusement park ride according to a CBS news poll. And the advent of the VR motion simulator has made them a staple of arcades. While theme parks can have more than a dozen coasters, the biggest FECs now boast multiple VR coasters. Will arcades become the future of the coaster park? Can VR be a viable alternative for thrill seekers?

From Malls to Mars: VR Field Trips

Numerous studies have shown VR increases focus, comprehension, and retention for students. Companies are building virtual reality experiences for schools and teachers, but without the space and equipment, kids are missing out. Can the downloadable theme park play a role in this emerging education landscape, adding rich experiences and filling otherwise underutilized dayparts?

Mixing Realities: Combining the “Real” and the “Virtual”

New headsets from Meta, HTC, and Pico all feature high resolution cameras so users can see the virtual and “real” worlds mixed. This creates opportunities for new experiences, like VR laser tag, interactive treasure hunts, museum and educational experiences and more. How will customers respond when they can’t tell where reality ends and fantasy begins?

Last Year's Sponsors

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The Downloadable FEC - Image by DallE 3, prompted by Kylie Savage
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