Sarah Ennis appointed as President of VRARA Vancouver Chapter

We are thrilled to have Sarah Ennis as the new Chapter President and help us grow our Vancouver Chapter!

Sarah has worked in the leadership capacity for various custom advanced tech innovation companies including Unity Technologies and most recently Intergalactic Agency. In her career, she has helped Fortune 500 brands such as lululemon, Microsoft, Kroger, Pfizer, and more. She is also the Co-Chair of our global Retail Committee.

Sarah has a background in management consulting and is a firm believer of wrapping a combination of advanced technologies around key business challenges and opportunities. In her new role as the President of VRARA for the Vancouver chapter, she hopes to connect her global network and Vancouver's rich technology ecosystem to enable the art of the possible with advanced technologies.

Sarah is working on her upcoming Chapter event, reach out to her vancouver@thevrara.com if you want to speak and or sponsor!

Shape the Future: How AR Will Transform Retail In The Next Decade (Free Online Event)

Over the next decade, augmented reality technology will permeate into our daily lives in ways we could not have imagined. In retail specifically, consumers are demanding a better shopping experience, and have started using augmented reality applications like the Ikea Place app to help them make better purchasing decisions. Houzz also reported that over two million people have used AR when buying products in the Houzz app and people who have engaged with the tool were 11 times more likely to purchase.

AR offers exciting ways to bridge the online and offline shopping experience. For example, AR can allow customers to virtually try on products like shoes, clothes, sunglasses or cosmetics so they can shop in the comfort of their own home. In other cases, AR can make in-store displays more interactive and engaging, which builds more brand loyalty and awareness.

If you you're interested in retail, e-commerce, marketing/branding this event is for you!

Friday, April 24th, 2020, 10 AM PST /1 PM EST. Featuring speakers Amy Peck (HTC), Tony Parisi (Unity), Elliott Round (M-XR) and Raffaella Camera (Accenture). Hosted by James Basnett (Answer Intelligence).

Limited spots available.

RSVP here

Calling all Canadian VR/AR Companies! Join Our SXSW 2020 Delegation!

Calling VR/AR companies in Canada! 

Join the VR/AR Canadian delegation to SXSW 2020, Taking place every spring in Austin, Texas, SXSW is one of the largest interactive, creative, film, and music festivals that attracts decision-makers from some 106 countries around the world.

Last year saw 160,000 people take part across conference and satellite events.

The Vancouver VR/AR Association/Launch Academy is proud to announce via the GOA (Global Opportunities for Associations) has received national funding for Canadian VR/AR companies that are looking to attend and build business opportunities at SXSW (Austin TX) March 13-17. This opportunity gives Canadian companies the ability to develop business opportunities abroad with some of the leading enterprises, investors and thought leaders.

Global Opportunities for Associations (GOA) provides non-repayable contribution funding to support trade organizations undertaking new or expanded international business development activities, in strategic markets and sectors, for the benefit of an entire industry.

There will be a group that will choose 5 Canadian VR/AR companies to join the delegation. GOA will be reimbursing up to 75% of your eligible travel cost including flights, accommodations, conference registration and more. We will also be setting up B2B meetings, speaking/networking opportunities, and demo space. This is a great opportunity to showcase your technology/content to some of the biggest buyers/investors in the world.

If you are interested please fill out this form by Feb 1st, 2019. Applications are reviewed on a first come first serve basis so we encourage you to apply ASAP! See program guidelines here

Selected companies will be announced on Feb 7th 2019.

If you identify yourself as a woman, indigenous or visible minority, we highly encourage you to apply. 

Are you a VR/AR founder/startup looking to expand and relocate your business into North America?

VRARA Vancouver and Launch Academy through the VR/AR Hub has a program launched to help founders like you looking to relocate and become a Canadian Permanent Resident and benefit from easier access to the US/Canadian market for business and travel.

Launch Academy is Vancouver’s leading non-profit tech hub, focused on helping emerging tech entrepreneurs launch, fund and grow their startups since 2012.

They’re a designated organization of the Canadian Government's Start-up Visa Program and are currently working with over a dozen different who have relocated to Vancouver, Canada. See more info about the Start-up Visa Program below.

Application Deadline is March 15th. Get your application started today!

Read more here