From the advent of Computer-Aided Design in the 80s to the surge of online registrations in the 90s, followed by the mobile app and RFID revolution in the 2000s, technology has remarkably revolutionized the events landscape. Today, we're delving into virtual and augmented reality, AI-driven personalization, and hybrid event solutions, marking an exciting evolution. Wherein, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) is no longer one-faced events, they are immersive and interactive experiences.
Especially, with innovative companies like Option 1 Group, even seemingly simple events can take on extraordinary dimensions infused with its cutting-edge technologies. Imagine a corporate conference— an assembly of professionals exchanging ideas and information, some dozing off at the back too. Now, reimagine it through the lens of Option 1 Group. Attendees don't just listen; they interact with content in real-time – customized AR/VR experiences bring abstract concepts to life, making everything engaging.
Option 1 Group's technologies transcend the mundane; with holographic displays, kinetic technologies, and Holoblades they elevate any formal event to a sensory marvel. Flying holograms, such as those created by Holoblades, captivate attention and offer an interactive experience that goes beyond imagination, bringing depth and dynamism to any display. The company’s tech doesn't overshadow the essence of events; it amplifies it. It's about crafting experiences that linger in memories, forging connections, and setting new standards in event engagement. In the hands of Option 1 Group, simplicity becomes sophistication, routine becomes exceptional, and every event, regardless of its scale, blossoms into an extraordinary experience.
Pioneering First-of-its-kind Solutions
The legacy of Option 1 Group traces back to 1985, marked by a pioneering spirit that ushered in cutting-edge audio systems in Bombay, India. Expanding its horizons to the UAE, this visionary company seamlessly merged global technology with the corporate world. Evolving to meet the demand for innovative solutions, Option 1 Design Studio emerged, housing multiple sectors dedicated to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.
The Option 1 Design Studio (ODS) is an avant-garde hub where technology meets artistry. Specializing in the seamless fusion of AI, holographic displays, cutting-edge touch solutions, immersive UI/UX designs, SAAS Solutions, and the realm of virtual events, its expertise extends to crafting captivating creative content for events and films. The company harnesses the power of dynamic 2D & 3D creations, innovative design conceptualization, mesmerizing VFX, animated content, and meticulous storyboarding.
At the core of its mission lies the creation of immersive visual content—a powerful conduit to convey intended messages to target audiences. Backed by an accomplished leadership team boasting extensive event production backgrounds, Option 1 Group navigates effortlessly from concept to flawless execution. its expertise ensures a seamless journey for brands, crafting activations that resonate globally and leave a lasting impact.
Leveraging a suite of innovative hardware like Dragon O, Holoblades, Holobox, Kinetic Lights, LED Sphere, Transparent OLED, Interactive 3D AI Avatar, and Teleprompter, they craft the best of experiences, beyond one could imagine. From the mesmerizing Dragon O at Me Dubai to the interactive Holobox experiences and the revolutionary Volumetric showcases at Jax and Football events, its hardware lineup is awe-inspiring.
Complementing this hardware prowess is its software development arm, focused on creating dynamic experiences. Through interactive development, Virtual Event platforms, 3D Web Design, and Metaverse explorations, they revolutionize event production, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. Its Xverse at Gitex 2023 stands as a proof of its commitment to pushing the frontiers of what's possible in the realm of events, where hardware and software converge to create transformative experiences.
Always a Step Ahead
The transformation spurred by the pandemic has indeed propelled a great shift in how we approach events and technology. It pushed people into adopting digital platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex, making remote work and virtual events the norm. “To our advantage, the transition to hybrid events allowed for a broader audience reach beyond physical boundaries. Historically, the MICE industry heavily relied on in-person presence, which increased costs and efforts.
However, the advent of digital solutions changed this landscape dramatically. However, we were much prepared for this even before the pandemic, focusing on bridging the gap between events and technology; always striving to innovate and digitize processes. Our aim was to streamline registration, reduce carbon footprints, eliminate paper usage, and simplify attendee experiences,” highlights Sujoy Cherian, Group CEO & a Creative Technologist.
Their approach goes beyond inventing standalone technologies, and engineering comprehensive solutions that bridge the gaps between these three realms. Take Holoblades, for instance—an existing technology revamped to deliver holographic interactivity with unparalleled depth of field and kinetic capabilities. The fusion of holographic tech with kinetic mounts produced flying holograms, breaking the confines of fixed displays and offering an immersive spatial experience.
Option 1 group’s technologies craft experiences that endure long after the curtains close
Pushing boundaries further, Option 1 Group is at the frontier of spatial computing, collaborating with giants in the segments. The company’s exploration transcends the confines of AR and VR, introducing a new level of interactivity where users can navigate augmented realities without bumping into physical barriers, thanks to innovative hardware facilitating pass-through vision.
And the amalgamation of gaming tech and live events is where Option 1 Group truly sets a new paradigm. By harnessing platforms like Unreal and Unity, traditionally reserved for gaming, they're revolutionizing content management in real time. Imagine modifying anamorphic content on large screens instantaneously, altering perspectives and angles seamlessly without the arduous wait of rendering—something that once took hours now happens in mere seconds.
Their pioneering spirit extends beyond technology. It's about understanding that while content reigns supreme, the means of interaction—the hardware and software—determine how effectively that content captivates an audience. In this evolution, the distinction between hardware, software, and content blurs. What remains crystal clear is the impact of innovation—a force that continues to shape and reshape the landscape of events, catapulting them into realms once thought unimaginable.
AI-driven, Personalized, & Accessible Solutions
But how does Option 1 Group ensure its content reaches the right audience? Its meticulous approach involves understanding the event genre, audience demographics, and industry specifics. They craft impactful, immersive content, favoring quality over quantity, thereby creating lasting impressions. Its strategy isn't just about creating content; it's about ensuring it resonates, captivates, and stays embedded in the minds of the audience.
“The vision isn't just about being a leading player but also democratizing technology, making it accessible for the entire industry – In fact, making the world more connected!”
They've been at the forefront of predicting multimedia trends. Looking ahead, they envision artificial intelligence (AI) as a game-changer in event logistics. “AI won't just streamline processes but will redefine user experiences, personalizing notifications, and optimizing event navigation.
The potential of AI is vast—it's not about replacing jobs but enhancing efficiency. It will transcend the conventional roles, with specialists focused on prompting accurate AI responses. This shift in the backend operations of events will revolutionize real-time data processing, feedback mechanisms, and even privacy management. In an age where data privacy is paramount, AI can emerge as the custodian.
By filtering information and ensuring genuine data, it becomes the gatekeeper for user data, enhancing security and trust in data exchange. We foresee a decade where AI seamlessly integrates with events, becoming the backbone that transforms the industry. Also aim to become pioneers in providing software solutions for registration management, talent scouting, and reshaping traditional event practices,” he shares.