Augmented World Expo: The Essential Gathering for the XR Industry

From its inception, the Augmented World Expo (AWE) has blossomed into the premier annual XR event on our calendars. It’s a conference with rich history, continuing to draw in enthusiasts of immersive technology year after year.

In the past, various other industry gatherings attracted the early trailblazers of XR’s contemporary era. There were specialized segments for XR at major tech events like CES, GDC, and E3, alongside noteworthy company events such as Oculus Connect and Unity’s Vision Summit. Grassroots happenings like SVVR and VRLA, as well as numerous local meetups around the world, forged enduring relationships within the XR community.

While many of those events have faded away, the connections made at them have proven to be lasting. Among all the XR conferences I’ve attended, nothing rivals the spirit captured at AWE USA, which seems to have inherited the essence of those early pioneering gatherings.

Since my first visit to AWE USA in 2018, I’ve watched it not just grow in size, but flourish with increasingly intriguing and valuable sessions, exhibitors, and opportunities for networking. Today, it stands as the must-attend event for any serious player in the XR industry. Despite its growth, it retains the electrifying spirit of the early days, when kickstarters and meetups kindled the fire of immersive tech among bold dreamers willing to take a chance on what was once just a beautiful possibility.

With pride, I’m thrilled to share that Road to VR will be AWE USA 2025’s Premiere Media Partner. Alongside our usual in-depth coverage of the event, we’ll shine a spotlight on standout sessions and exhibitors, facilitate exciting giveaways with AWE partners, and even offer an exclusive 20% discount on tickets for AWE USA 2025. The Super Early Bird All Access passes are now up for grabs, so act fast for the best deal!

Scheduled to take place from June 10th to 12th in Long Beach, California, AWE USA 2025 promises to be the biggest yet, anticipating over 6,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, 400 speakers, and boasting a sprawling 150,000 square feet of expo space.

The event is celebrated not only for its vast array of sessions and the broad spectrum of exhibitors ranging from industry giants to vibrant startups but also for its dynamic ‘Playground’ section. This area is a highlight, offering developers and creatives a platform to debut immersive experiences that span the gamut from innovative games to awe-inspiring art and a variety of imaginative works.

And let’s not forget the annual afterparty at AWE USA, a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and forge new connections across this ever-evolving industry.

If we had to choose just one conference to attend in 2025, AWE USA would be it. We wholeheartedly recommend it should be yours too!