Industry Trends: Map D and ARway Make Augmented Reality a Reality for Events

Have you ever heard someone say, “If it weren't for tomorrow, it'd be the future today” or “The future is unwritten?" Well, dear readers, when it comes to the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in the events space, that future is now!

The natural fit between AR and events is something to be explored and celebrated. AR is so well suited for expos, trade shows, conferences, and festivals. Basically, anywhere large groups of people come together in a flexible space, AR can make a difference. It adds big value to event management software by providing wayfinding meta maps, engaging spatial experiences, and deep location intelligence. It is making groundbreaking new experienceswith no programming required.

A Total Package for Event Management Solutions

Event management companies of all sizes are turning to Map D and ARway, both from Nextech AR Solutions, to make their trade shows, conferences, festivals, and other events sizzle. Map D, which has long been a well-respected product for association event management, has blossomed when combined with ARway. ARway is advanced AR technology that makes creating rich experiences easier than ever.

Map D

In one recent case, Restaurants Canada (RC) used Map D and ARway to manage its event, which is one of North America’s largest hospitality industry conferences. They were able to add delicious layers of richness to the attendee experience. So how big was the team and how did they do it? Oh, just two people with a smart phone.

Just as the use of AR and other advanced technologies for events and tradeshows has evolved over the past few years, so has Map D. It was once a niche product tailored mostly to association events and tradeshows, festivals, and expos that needed an easy way to sell booths online. Now, with the development of new features needed to optimize and enhance complex contemporary events, it has matured into the total package for event management.

No Special Equipment or Expertise Required

Some of the key features in Map D that event managers are coming to depend on are attendee ticket sales, interactive floor plans; online booth sales, real-time event updates; management tools for exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and sessions; location-based content and notifications; and (of course) the ability to easily create compelling AR experiences.

ARway is the secret sauce behind creating those experiences. It’s a no-code spatial technology platform that allows anyone to tap into the creative potential of the metaverse. Creators and users alike enjoy the powerful potential of the technology. People stay engaged with AR content longer than any other type. More than a billion people use AR on a regular basis, a number that will only grow. For events, AR is a game-changer. It opens the door to so many critical capabilities - from virtual signage, to wayfinding, to location-based popup information. While it’s easy enough for anyone to create these experiences, custom development offers an even wider array of rich experiences and services.


Sponsored by Map D and ARway 

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.