Conferences That Showcase the Future of AR and VR

28 September 2025

When you think about the future of technology, there are few sectors as exciting as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). We’ve all seen the rapid advancements in these fields, from immersive gaming experiences to practical applications in industries like healthcare and education. But where do you go if you want to be on the cutting edge of AR and VR? How do you stay ahead of the curve in a world that's constantly evolving?

Well, that’s where conferences come into play. These aren’t your typical run-of-the-mill gatherings. We’re talking about events that bring together the brightest minds, the most innovative startups, and the tech giants shaping the future. Attending these conferences gives you a firsthand look at what’s coming next in AR and VR, and you get to rub shoulders with the people making it happen.

So, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the top conferences that showcase the future of AR and VR. Whether you're an industry professional, a tech enthusiast, or just someone curious about what’s next in immersive tech, these are the events you don’t want to miss.

Why AR and VR Conferences Matter

Before we jump into the list, let’s take a step back. Why are AR and VR conferences so important? It’s not just about fancy booths and cool tech demos (though, let’s be honest, that’s always a plus). These conferences serve as hubs for innovation, collaboration, and education.

Think about it—technology doesn’t evolve in isolation. It’s a constant conversation between developers, businesses, and end-users. Conferences are where these conversations happen. They’re where companies announce groundbreaking advancements, where startups pitch the “next big thing,” and where the future of AR and VR gets molded, discussed, and refined.

If you want to be ahead of the game, you’ve got to be where the action is. And these conferences? They’re the front row seat to the future.

1. AWE (Augmented World Expo)

When and Where:

Held annually in Santa Clara, California, and multiple international locations.

Why Attend:

AWE is arguably the biggest AR and VR conference in the world. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as the “Super Bowl” of AR and VR events. AWE covers everything from enterprise AR solutions to consumer-focused VR experiences, making it a must-attend for anyone in the industry.

What makes AWE stand out is its range. We're talking about keynote speeches from industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and even a startup pitch competition where you can see the next wave of AR and VR entrepreneurs showcase their ideas. Whether you're a developer, business leader, or just a tech nerd, AWE has something for you.

What to Expect:

- Over 250 exhibitors showcasing the latest in AR/VR hardware and software.
- Networking opportunities with professionals from companies like Microsoft, Google, and Unity.
- Workshops on everything from AR development to practical business applications.
- A glimpse at future trends through panel discussions and keynotes from thought leaders in the space.

2. SIGGRAPH

When and Where:

Held annually in North America, rotating between cities.

Why Attend:

If you’re into computer graphics and interactive techniques, SIGGRAPH is the place to be. While it’s not exclusively focused on AR and VR, these technologies are a big part of the conversation.

SIGGRAPH has become a hub for showcasing how AR and VR are pushing the boundaries of digital art, immersive storytelling, and interactive design. The conference attracts a mix of developers, designers, researchers, and artists, making it a fertile ground for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

What to Expect:

- Demos of cutting-edge VR and AR projects in the Emerging Technologies section.
- Talks and panels by leading researchers and developers in the field.
- An expansive exhibition floor where you can try out the latest AR and VR hardware.
- A unique blend of art, science, and technology that makes this conference unlike any other.

3. VR/AR Global Summit

When and Where:

Held in Vancouver, Canada, and online.

Why Attend:

The VR/AR Global Summit is one of the premier events for immersive tech professionals. It brings together thousands of attendees from around the world who are passionate about the future of AR and VR.

What’s great about this summit is that it’s not just about showcasing new technologies—it’s also about fostering meaningful conversations around the business implications of AR and VR. Whether you’re looking to invest in AR/VR, build a business around it, or just understand its broader societal impact, this summit is a gold mine.

What to Expect:

- High-level keynotes from some of the biggest names in AR and VR.
- Deep-dive sessions into specific industries like healthcare, education, and entertainment.
- Networking opportunities with leaders, investors, and innovators in AR and VR.
- Virtual booths and demos that offer a firsthand look at emerging trends.

4. Facebook Connect (Meta Connect)

When and Where:

Held annually, typically online or at Meta’s headquarters.

Why Attend:

With Meta (formerly Facebook) investing billions into the Metaverse, this conference has become one of the most anticipated events for anyone interested in AR and VR. Facebook Connect is where the company reveals its latest advancements in immersive technology, including updates on its Oculus hardware and Horizon Worlds platform.

While this event is more focused on Meta’s ecosystem, it’s still a must-watch for anyone in the AR/VR space. Why? Because what Meta does often sets the tone for the broader industry. If you want to know where immersive tech is headed, you’ll want to tune in here.

What to Expect:

- The latest announcements from Meta regarding Oculus and Horizon Worlds.
- Insights into how Meta is shaping the future of the Metaverse.
- A closer look at the tools and platforms Meta is building for AR and VR developers.
- Demos and sneak peeks of upcoming hardware and software.

5. Laval Virtual

When and Where:

Held annually in Laval, France.

Why Attend:

Laval Virtual is Europe’s largest AR and VR conference, and it’s been around for over two decades. What sets Laval Virtual apart is its focus on innovation and research. The conference is known for highlighting the cutting-edge of AR and VR, particularly in areas like education, training, and industrial applications.

Laval Virtual also hosts an awards ceremony where the most innovative projects in AR and VR are recognized. This makes it a great event if you’re looking to discover the next big thing before it hits the mainstream.

What to Expect:

- An impressive lineup of speakers from across the globe.
- Demos of innovative AR and VR solutions from a wide range of industries.
- Networking opportunities with researchers, developers, and business leaders.
- A peek into the future of AR and VR through the Laval Virtual Awards.

6. IEEE VR (Virtual Reality Conference)

When and Where:

Held annually, usually in March, with rotating locations.

Why Attend:

If you’re more on the academic or research side of things, IEEE VR is the conference for you. This is one of the oldest and most respected events dedicated solely to virtual reality, and it has a strong focus on scientific research and technological advancements.

While this conference might be a bit more technical than some of the others on this list, it’s an essential event for anyone serious about the future of VR. You’ll find cutting-edge research papers, demos of experimental technologies, and in-depth discussions about where VR is going.

What to Expect:

- Presentations of groundbreaking VR research from leading universities and labs.
- Technical workshops and tutorials on VR development.
- Networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry experts.
- A highly focused environment for learning about the latest VR innovations.

7. XRDC (XR Developers Conference)

When and Where:

Held annually, typically in San Francisco, California.

Why Attend:

As the name suggests, XRDC (formerly known as VRDC) is all about extended reality, which includes AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR). This event is laser-focused on the developer community, making it a must-attend for anyone building software or hardware in the XR space.

What’s great about XRDC is that it covers a wide range of industries, from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and education. If you’re a developer looking to break into AR or VR—or if you’re already in the industry and want to take your skills to the next level—this is the conference for you.

What to Expect:

- Technical sessions and workshops on AR/VR development.
- Industry-specific tracks for sectors like healthcare, education, and entertainment.
- Networking opportunities with developers, designers, and business leaders.
- A chance to see the latest tools and platforms for building XR experiences.

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that AR and VR are shaping the future of how we interact with the digital world. Whether it’s gaming, business, or education, the impact of these technologies is only going to grow. And if you want to stay ahead of the curve, attending one (or several) of these conferences is a great way to do it.

From hands-on workshops and technical sessions to keynote speeches from industry leaders, these events provide a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. They’re where the future of AR and VR gets discussed, debated, and, most importantly, built.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a conference, grab your tickets, and get ready to dive headfirst into the world of AR and VR. The future is waiting.