About this Event
Spatial intelligence is the computational capacity to perceive, reason about, and interact with the three-dimensional physical and digital world. While augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) provide the visual interface, spatial intelligence serves as the underlying cognitive engine. It translates sensory inputs—such as depth feeds, point clouds, and camera motion—into structured world models that comprehend geometry, physical constraints, and persistent spatial relationships. For AR and VR, this capability enables millimeter-accurate digital anchoring, real-time occlusion, dynamic lighting integration, and intuitive hand or gaze interactions. By grounding computing in metric space, spatial intelligence transforms basic 3D graphics into immersive, context-aware environments that react naturally to human movement and physical reality.
Join us Wednesday, October 7th at 2112 where this session brings together leaders in spatial computing to explore how spatial intelligence is shaping the next generation of immersive experiences – what it makes possible today, where the technology is still maturing, and what it means for how we design and interact with the world around us.
What's The Format:
We will start with informal networking with demonstrations, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking and demonstrations. 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.
5:30-8:30pm Central
5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos
6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message
6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations
7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech Demos
Hosts:
Matt Wren
Founder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR Chicago
Andrew Towl - Virtual Host
XR Unity Developer & 3D Generalist - ApparitionXR
Panel Members:
Find Details at thenextevolution.org/upcoming-events
Attending The Next Evolution
Joining 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 www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams
People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!
Joining Virtually in 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!
The Next Evolution | AWE Nite Chicago Event Series (produced by VRAR Chicago) is now and always will be 100% free to attend.
Thanks to The Next Evolution Sponsor 2112 and beverage sponsors [system] seltzers and Revolution Brewing.
We would also like to thank our Community Partners that help us continue spreading the joy of immersive technologies: FrameVR, XR Women, NVZN, Patched Reality, Two Degrees.io, and Unreal Chicago.
Event venue & nearby stays
2112 Chicago, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.