When asked to name the practical applications of virtual reality (VR) most people think about gaming. However, Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) are encouraging business to embrace the benefits virtual reality can provide to help transform their businesses.

In partnership with Norwich University of the Arts (NUA), Hethel Innovation and EIRA, Norwich BID are hosting their next conference in the City Conversations series, which is dedicated to how VR can be developed and used to help transform businesses, learning and training.

Attendees of The Virtual Reality – How to transform your business conference will hear a key note address from leading authority on technology trends and the ways they impact businesses, Greg Williams (editor of WIRED).  Greg will provide insights and in-depth knowledge of the future of technology and entrepreneurship to prepare attendees for what’s coming next.

Greg’s dynamic presentation style will inspire attendees to implement changes they need in order to move their businesses and brands forward in a fast-changing landscape.

Greg will be joined by Dr Michael Hornberger, Professor of Dementia Research, UEA who will talk about the impact VR is having in helping researchers better understand dementia by seeing how the brain works in relation to spatial navigation.

Sarah Steed, Director of Innovation and Engagement, NUA will talk about VR for training delivery and what can be learnt from our experience.  Sarah and her colleagues will also be demonstrating ‘Profile VR – virtual work experience’.  Two different experiences will be on offer, lasting six minutes each.

Caroline Bidewell, Head of Operations, Norwich BID said, “The conference will showcase local enterprise, the thriving tech industry in the city and how the latest technology can meet the challenges facing our high street. Come and join us and explore opportunities to draw down funding to make VR of benefit to your business”.

The conference will also include workshops and exciting practical demonstrations from Orbital Media, MySpira, Immersive VR and NUA. Local company Immersive VR have worked with global brand IKEA to help customers plan and build kitchens and living spaces using VR applications.

Free to attend the Virtual Reality – how to transform your business conference will be taking place on Thursday 20 June, 9am – 2pm at the Duke Street Lecture Theatre, NUA.

For more information please contact Colette Davies 01603 559570 or book your place online norwichbidcityconversations.eventbrite.co.uk.