12/03/2025 – About the Topic
Immersive technologies are transforming how professionals are trained across industries – from retail and hospitality to healthcare and law enforcement – by offering realistic, repeatable, and safe learning environments. In retail, major brands are using VR to train employees for complex, high-pressure scenarios, such as crowd management or customer service during peak seasons. A PwC study cited in industry research found that employees trained with VR complete programs four times faster than in traditional classrooms and are three times more confident when applying their skills in real life. Similarly, companies like Mondelez use Samsung Galaxy XR systems to test packaging and merchandising virtually, reducing costs and speeding up decision-making. Because these training modules are cloud-based, organizations can deploy them at scale, achieving both 30% higher retention and job satisfaction among new hires compared with standard onboarding methods.
In higher education and specialized fields, immersive learning has moved beyond concept into measurable impact. At Texas A&M University, Dr. Jinsil Hwaryoung Seo’s team has developed over a dozen VR training applications used in nursing, forensic science, and anatomy education. These modules – ranging from sepsis response simulations to trauma-informed patient care – enable students to interact with virtual patients through haptic gloves and motion-capture avatars. Faculty members report that students trained in VR environments demonstrate stronger clinical judgment and greater retention of procedural knowledge. Likewise, law enforcement agencies are leveraging VR to replicate real-world pressures safely. Officers train in scenarios like domestic disturbances or active-shooter events, where physiological and behavioral data (such as stress levels and decision-making under pressure) are tracked to improve situational awareness and de-escalation skills. Together, these examples show how immersive technology is redefining professional training – making it safer, faster, and more effective across disciplines.
Join us December 3rd to learn about immersive technologies as a tool for training.
Panel Members
More Details Coming Soon…
What’s the Format
Times in Central Daylight Time (CDT)
5:30-8:30pm for the In-Person Program
6:00-8:00pm in Virbela for the Virtual Program
5:30-6:15pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
6:15-6:30pm – Introductions & Welcome
6:30-7:10pm – Panelist Presentations
7:10-7:45pm – Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:30pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
We will start with informal networking, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.
Attending The Next Evolution
Attending in-Person
2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave
conveniently located off Interstate 90/94, one (1) block from the CTA Montrose Blue Line stop as well as the Metra Mayfair stop.
Watching the Live Stream
Primary Live Stream | www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams
People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!
Attending Virtually
FRAME
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago
We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.
The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!
thank you to our sponsors
thank you to our supporting partners
