# Event Details - **Event Name**: The Next Evolution of Utilities - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 01 Apr, 2026 at 05:30 pm – Wed, 01 Apr, 2026 at 08:30 pm (-05:00) - **Event Description**: Join us April 1st at 2112 Chicago at 5:30pm to learn more about The Next Evolution of UtilitiesAbout this EventImmersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are helping utility companies better visualize, maintain, and manage complex infrastructure. One practical example comes from the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority in New Jersey, where field workers have piloted an AR system using Microsoft HoloLens and the vGIS platform. By integrating existing geographic information system (GIS) data with AR visualization, workers can see a real-time overlay of underground infrastructure—such as sewer, drainage, and energy lines—while standing above ground. The system aligns digital models with physical landmarks like sewer manholes and can be controlled with voice commands or hand gestures, allowing crews to work hands-free while accessing critical information. This shared visual interface helps multiple agencies coordinate during repairs or emergencies and reduces the risk of damaging buried infrastructure during excavation.Immersive technologies are also transforming workforce training and knowledge transfer within the utilities industry. With an estimated 40 percent of the current utility workforce expected to retire by 2030 and demand for skilled workers increasing as grid modernization projects expand, utilities are turning to MR and VR to accelerate training. These technologies create high-fidelity simulations of real-world tasks—such as relay testing, equipment maintenance, or climbing utility poles—allowing technicians to practice safely while receiving immediate feedback. Studies have shown that AR-based training can reduce training time for entry-level technicians by up to 50 percent, while immersive learning programs can also lower training costs and improve retention. In addition, MR/VR platforms enable remote collaboration, allowing experienced engineers to mentor field technicians in real time through shared virtual environments, helping utilities retain institutional knowledge while preparing the next generation of workers to manage increasingly complex energy systems.Join us April 1st to learn about immersive technologies in Travel.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 Central5:30-6:15 PM Networking & Tech Demos6:15-6:30 PM Welcome Message6:30-7:10 PM Panelist Presentations7:10-7:45 PM Panel Discussion with Q&A7:45-8:30 PM Networking & Tech DemosHosts:Matt Wren - In-Person HostFounder of The Next Evolution Nonprofit Event Series & VRAR ChicagoCaroline Dennis - Virtual HostTwo-Degrees.io & XRWomenPanel Members:Details Coming Soon...Attending The Next EvolutionJoining in Person:2112 | 4245 N Knox Aveconveniently 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 StreamPrimary Live Stream | www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streamsPeople can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!Joining Virtually in FRAMEFramevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicagoWe 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 Sponsors like UL Solutions, 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 URL**: https://allevents.in/chicago/the-next-evolution-of-utilities/100001984646582353 - **Event Categories**: Workshops, Business, Meetups, trips-adventures - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket URL**: https://consumer.pxf.io/c/1339408/3151484/39691?partnerpropertyid=1191892&MediaPartnerPropertyId=1191892&svlink=14105511&level=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fthe-next-evolution-of-utilities-tickets-1984646582353 - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Chicago - **state**: IL - **country**: United States - **location**: 2112 Chicago - **lat**: 41.9594902 - **long**: -87.74480109999999 - **full address**: 2112 Chicago, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, United States ## Event Organizer details - **affiliate_id**: 10 - **organizer**: The Next Evolution, NFP (https://allevents.in/org/the-next-evolution-nfp/25934161) ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: banner - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/e64a1c624ed76f1196cd2e62237fe41e03794d4620f9f65c0b1115787f65a84b-rimg-w1178-h666-dc020101-gmir.jpg?v=1772852980 - **Alt text**: thumbnail - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/2bd92065b9f78afb5f668360ac79ad6e7b4cb6f7fd2942452794646c93a8f25a-rimg-w400-h400-dc020101-gmir.jpg?v=1772852980 ## FAQs - **Q**: When is the event happening? - **A:** Wed, 01 Apr, 2026 at 05:30 pm (-05:00) - **Q**: Where is the event happening? - **A:** 2112 Chicago, 4245 North Knox Avenue, Chicago, United States - **Q**: What is the ticket price? - **A:** starting from 0 up to 0 USD - **Q**: Who is organizing the event? - **A:** The Next Evolution, NFP - **Q**: What type of event is this? - **A:** Workshops, Business, Meetups, trips-adventures - **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about The Next Evolution of Utilities ? - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "The Next Evolution of Utilities", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/e64a1c624ed76f1196cd2e62237fe41e03794d4620f9f65c0b1115787f65a84b-rimg-w1178-h666-dc020101-gmir.jpg?v=1772852980", "startDate": "2026-04-01T17:30:00-05:00", "endDate": "2026-04-01T20:30:00-05:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/chicago/the-next-evolution-of-utilities/100001984646582353", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "2112 Chicago", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "4245 North Knox Avenue", "postalCode": "60641", "addressLocality": "Chicago", "addressRegion": "IL", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "41.9594902", "longitude": "-87.74480109999999" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Join us April 1st at 2112 Chicago at 5:30pm to learn more about The Next Evolution of Utilities", "offers": [ { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-03-07", "availabilityEnds": "2026-04-01T20:30:00-05:00", "validFrom": "2026-03-07", "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "0.00", "price": "0.00", "url": "https://allevents.in/chicago/the-next-evolution-of-utilities/100001984646582353" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-03-07", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-03-07", "url": "https://allevents.in/chicago/the-next-evolution-of-utilities/100001984646582353", "price": 0, "name": "Donation" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availabilityStarts": "2026-03-07", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-03-07", "url": "https://allevents.in/chicago/the-next-evolution-of-utilities/100001984646582353", "price": 0, "name": "General Admission" } ], "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The Next Evolution NFP", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/the-next-evolution-nfp/25934161", "description": "Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality & Mixed RealityImmersive technologies represent the interface to the world’s next phase of communication. The methods have evolved over time from verbal histories to drawings, then the written word, spread widely by printing presses, transmitted over teletype and then telephone, then over the air using radio, adding motion pictures with television, and on to the internet and mobile computing. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality allow people to view and interact with digital information presented within spatial context.It’s a lot to grasp, and these technologies are already changing the way we work, play, learn and live. The Next Evolution provides resources to help our community learn how to make use of these technologies at their jobs, in school, for fun, and for socializing or relaxing.The Next Evolution Event SeriesOur free monthly “VR & AR: The Next Evolution” event series is 100% volunteer run. This provides the individuals that support each event with valuable opportunities to engage directly with the leaders in the VR & AR community. In addition to providing value to the community through helping to run the event, they also gain experience with the technologies being presented and direct connection with the people building the industry.Beyond the in-person assistance each event requires, there are a significant number of expenses for equipment, supplies, snacks, and services. We have vowed to keep the monthly event series 100% free to attend, so finding comes from individual donations and sponsorship from supporters.Upcoming EventsWhether you come for the education or the community, to have fun, learn, or connect, our events are informal and welcoming to all. Our goal is to help you take your next step forward with virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, whatever that next step may be. for some it may be trying a new technology demonstration, while some may just want to meet others who are just starting to learn. Can’t make it in person? Join virtually or watch the live stream.The Next Evolution, NFP is a program of Big High 5, NFP – a registered 501(c)3 charity organization. We provide education, economic development, and community support services." } ] } ] ```