AI and VR in events are transforming experiences that connect, delight, and inspire.
Let’s face it, events aren’t what they used to be. And honestly, thank goodness for that. Today’s audiences want more than a nice centerpiece and a cheese plate. They’re craving something they can feel. Something interactive. Something new.
That’s where a little tech magic comes in.
At Hosts Global, we’ve been playing in the sweet spot between classic hospitality and cutting-edge ideas. Lately, AI and VR are the tools helping us make events feel fresh, connected, and most importantly, fun.
AI: Your New Creative Wingman
Artificial Intelligence might sound a little intimidating, but in our world, it’s more like a brainstorming buddy that never runs out of steam. Personally, I’ve had the pleasure of working with AI for years across platforms like Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and ChatGPT.
These tools have become part of my creative toolkit, helping me visualize wild ideas, polish strategy decks, and write killer event copy.
But where AI really shines is personalization.
Imagine an event where every guest’s experience is subtly tailored, with custom playlists, smart name tags, and AI-curated gift suggestions based on preferences gathered before the event. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes people feel seen.
Want to see how we personalize experiences in real life? Check out how Hosts Chicago and Hosts New Orleans craft immersive guest journeys rooted in local culture and creative tech.
VR: Step Into the Experience
Now let’s talk about Virtual Reality. We’re no strangers to transporting guests with design, but VR takes it to another level.
Picture this: you walk into a ballroom in Chicago and suddenly you’re strolling through the streets of Tokyo or sipping champagne under the Northern Lights.
We’ve seen clients use VR for:
- Product launches (hello, virtual test drives)
- Team-building with immersive puzzles and adventures
- Venue walk-throughs before a single table is set
It’s more than just flashy tech. It’s a tool for storytelling.
How We Make It Work IRL
The secret to using AI and VR at events is simple: don’t overdo it. These tools should enhance the moment, not distract from it.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as a VR lounge that gives guests a five-minute escape. Or AI-powered check-in stations that greet guests by name.
We’ve even experimented with AI art activations where guests type in a feeling or a memory and receive a one-of-a-kind digital print to take home.
Tech doesn’t have to mean cold and distant. It can be warm, thoughtful, and even nostalgic.
Want more creative ideas like this? Explore our Hosts Global Blog for the latest in event innovation and experiential design.
But Don’t Panic…You’re Still the Secret Sauce
Here’s the thing: AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to make you shine.
The real magic of events comes from human creativity, those quirky ideas, gut feelings, and out-of-nowhere pivots that only an actual person can dream up.
AI can help generate ideas or sort data at lightning speed, but it doesn’t know what makes your client’s CEO tear up during the welcome speech or what playlist will get the whole room dancing.
So no, the robots aren’t taking over. They’re just handing us smarter tools while we keep doing what we do best, bringing people together in ways that feel real, emotional, and unforgettable.
What’s Next?
We’re just scratching the surface. From voice-activated activations to generative lighting design that reacts to crowd energy, the possibilities are endless, and we’re here for all of it.
Whether you’re dreaming up your next event or just dipping your toes into the tech pool, remember this: it’s not about chasing trends. It’s about creating moments people won’t forget.
And if those moments come with a side of AI sparkle or a VR surprise, even better.
Explore how Hosts Global can bring technology-driven storytelling to your next event, from concept to curtain call.
Meet the Author
Broc Anthony
Creative Strategist & Event Design Manager – Chicago (and everywhere our offices take us)
Purpose-driven | Storyteller | Sneaker Enthusiast
I’ve been in the design world for a decade, but my path to Hosts Global, isn’t my first trip around the events block. I live for that sweet spot where creativity meets problem-solving, when a wild idea transforms into something tangible, immersive, and unforgettable. Dream it up, then make it real? That’s my jam.
For me, design isn’t just about colors and layouts. It’s about crafting moments that connect people, inspire them, and linger long after the lights go down. Every choice I make is intentional, from the texture of a table linen to the tempo of a room’s energy. It’s all in service of creating an experience that means something.
Outside the office, I’m usually chasing the perfect bite of food, hunting for my next favorite pair of sneakers, getting lost in a deep House Music set, or exploring a fresh way to tell a story visually. Chicago has been home for most of my life, with quick stints in Scottsdale and Seattle, and I love that this city always has another layer to reveal. History, culture, and creativity are tucked into every neighborhood. It’s the kind of place that keeps you on your toes, and that’s exactly why it’s the perfect canvas for events that surprise and delight.
Ask me about the time a last-minute design pivot saved an event or where to find the best hidden food gems in the city.
