Shared reality venues are hot right now. Here’s what you need to know
Immersive entertainment is booming in the US, offering unique and engaging experiences that blur the lines between reality and fantasy. A recent study by Eventbrite, found this growth has been accelerated by changes in the behavior of attendees. According to the research, when it comes to money, ‘experiences’ trump ‘things’: More than 3 in 4 millennials (78%) would choose to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable, and 55% of millennials say they’re spending more on events and live experiences than ever before.
Millennials crave more experiences: Not shockingly, more than 8 in 10 millennials (82%) attended or participated in a variety of live experiences in the past year, ranging from parties, concerts, festivals, performing arts and races and themed sports—and more so than other older generations (70%). But millennials can’t get enough. 72% say they would like to increase their spending on experiences rather than physical things in the next year, pointing to a move away from materialism and a growing demand for real-life experiences.
Experiences help shape identity & create life-long memories: Nearly 8 in 10 (77%) millennials say some of their best memories are from an event or live experience they attended or participated in. 69% believe attending live events and experiences make them more connected to other people, the community, and the world.
FOMO drives millennials’ experiential appetite: Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) millennials experience FOMO. In a world where life experiences are broadcasted across social media, the fear of missing out drives millennials to show up, share and engage.
Here are some of the top immersive venues across the country:
Meow Wolf (Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Denver): Known for its psychedelic, interactive art installations that transport visitors to surreal and fantastical worlds. Explore secret passages, climb through strange structures, and become part of the art itself.
AREA15 (Las Vegas): This massive entertainment complex houses a collection of mind-bending experiences, including immersive art installations, virtual reality experiences, and interactive games.
Superblue (Miami): Featuring large-scale installations by leading contemporary artists, Superblue Miami invites visitors to step inside the art, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
ARTECHOUSE (Washington D.C., New York City, Miami): This digital art space showcases innovative and experimental works that push the boundaries of technology and creativity.
WNDR Museum (Chicago, Seattle, Boston): With a focus on interactive and playful exhibits, WNDR Museum encourages visitors to engage with art and technology in a fun and accessible way.
The Friends Experience (New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Washington D.C., Toronto, Paris): Step into the world of the iconic TV show with recreated sets, props, and costumes.
City Museum (St. Louis) More of a giant playground than a traditional museum, City Museum features a labyrinth of tunnels, slides, and secret passages built from recycled industrial materials.
New & Noteworthy:
Cosm (Los Angeles, Dallas): This cutting-edge entertainment venue uses immersive technology to create shared reality experiences, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
Sphere (Las Vegas): This groundbreaking venue boasts the world’s largest spherical structure with a fully immersive 16K LED display and 4D technologies, redefining the possibilities of immersive entertainment.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
