Introduction

The best XR trade shows, expos, events and conferences for 2026 represent the premier gathering points for extended reality professionals worldwide. This definitive guide covers 20+ industry-leading events where immersive technologies converge with business opportunities, from established giants like AWE USA to emerging powerhouses like UnitedXR Europe.

With the XR industry projected to surpass $150 billion by 2027, strategic event attendance has become crucial for staying competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. The augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) industries continue to grow, driving technological innovations and business opportunities.

What This Guide Covers SXSW features a large XR component as part of its technology, film, and music festival. SXSW will take place from March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, USA, providing a unique blend of creative and technological innovation.

This comprehensive resource details major international XR conferences with confirmed or anticipated dates, locations, and pricing for 2026, including world’s largest events like CES 2026 (January 6-9, Las Vegas) and premier conferences such as AWE USA (June 8-10, Long Beach). CES 2025 will take place from January 7-10 in Las Vegas, NV, USA, showcasing the latest advancements in XR and other technologies. METAVSUMMIT 2025 will be held on January 7-8 in Dubai, UAE, offering a platform for immersive technology innovations. Pocket Gamer Connects will occur on January 20-21 in London, UK. We cover regional events across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, plus industry-specific gatherings. This guide does NOT include virtual-only events or conferences without significant XR focus.

Who This Is For

This guide is designed for XR professionals seeking networking opportunities and business development, developers and researchers in AR/VR/MR industries, and enterprise decision-makers evaluating XR technology adoption. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast discovering cutting edge technology or an industry leader planning strategic partnerships, you’ll find actionable insights for maximizing your conference investment.

Why This Matters 2026 represents a pivotal year for the XR industry with major hardware launches, artificial intelligence integration, and spatial computing breakthroughs. In-person events provide unmatched networking opportunities and hands-on access to latest technologies before public release. Additionally, access to hybrid and virtual formats at XR events expands audience reach by eliminating physical barriers. The metaverse is becoming increasingly relevant, providing new avenues for collaboration and interaction within the XR ecosystem. Industry leaders, innovators, and peers often gather at XR events to exchange ideas and explore collaborations. Strategic event attendance can accelerate business growth, foster technology partnerships, and provide critical market intelligence in this fast-moving sector.

2026 represents a pivotal year for the XR industry with major hardware launches, artificial intelligence integration, and spatial computing breakthroughs. In-person events provide unmatched networking opportunities and hands-on access to latest technologies before public release. Additionally, access to hybrid and virtual formats at XR events expands audience reach by eliminating physical barriers. The metaverse is becoming increasingly relevant, providing new avenues for collaboration and interaction within the XR ecosystem. Strategic event attendance can accelerate business growth, foster technology partnerships, and provide critical market intelligence in this fast-moving sector.

What You’ll Learn:

• The top 20+ XR events ranked by industry impact and attendance figures

• Specific dates, locations, pricing, and focus areas for each premier event

• How to choose the right conferences for your professional goals and budget

• Practical strategies for maximizing ROI from trade show attendance

Understanding XR Trade Shows and Conferences

XR events are specialized gatherings focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and spatial computing technologies. These conferences serve as dynamic marketplaces where industry professionals discover latest innovations, form business partnerships, and access thought leadership from technology pioneers.

Extended reality events matter because they provide unmatched opportunities for technology discovery, business development, and strategic networking within the rapidly evolving immersive technologies landscape.

Types of XR Events

Technology-focused conferences like IEEE VR and SIGGRAPH emphasize research and development, featuring cutting edge computer graphics research and interactive techniques. The IEEE VR Conference is a leading academic and research conference for VR, AR, and MR technologies. IEEE VR 2025 will be held from March 8-12 in Saint-Malo, France. The SPIE AR | VR | MR event is scheduled for January 25-30 in San Francisco, CA, USA, offering amazing opportunities to explore cutting-edge advancements shaping the immersive tech landscape. NVIDIA GTC focuses on groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of computing, including XR applications. These events attract academics, researchers, and technical professionals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in XR.

Business and enterprise events such as AWE and Augmented Enterprise Summit focus on commercial applications, ROI assessment, and deployment strategies across various industries. Building on the research foundation, these conferences translate technical innovations into practical business solutions. The Augmented Enterprise Summit (AES) is set for September 23-25 in Dallas, TX, USA, offering actionable insights for scaling immersive technologies in the workplace.

Industry-specific gatherings like Industrial Immersive for manufacturing and Training & Simulation Industry Symposium target specialized verticals where XR technologies solve specific operational challenges. Mobile World Conference (MWC) is happening from March 3-6 in Barcelona, Spain, featuring keynote speeches and discussions on technologies driving the industry forward, including 5G, AI, IoT, and extended reality (XR). XR technologies are anticipated to transform industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail by improving training, visualization, and productivity.

Key Benefits of Attending

Attendees gain hands-on access to latest XR hardware and software before public release, often experiencing innovations that won’t reach market for months. This includes opportunities to test and compare the latest XR hardware, such as headsets like the Apple Vision Pro. XR events provide immersive tours, allowing experiences such as virtual tours of inaccessible locations and simulations of products in action. Exhibitors at XR events use gamification to engage attendees through interactive experiences. Attendees also discover new applications of XR technology within fields such as employee training and marketing. Direct networking with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners creates opportunities impossible through digital channels alone. Conference sessions and panel discussions provide market intelligence on emerging trends and competitive landscape insights.

Transition: Understanding these event types helps professionals select conferences aligned with their specific goals and expertise levels.

Global XR Events 2026

The following world’s leading events represent the most influential XR conferences with global reach and major industry participation, attracting thousands of professionals and hundreds of exhibitors annually.

CES 2026 (January 6-9, Las Vegas, USA)

CES stands as the world’s largest consumer technology show, featuring major XR hardware announcements from industry giants like NVIDIA, Meta, and emerging innovators. With 180,000+ attendees and 4,500+ exhibitors, CES provides unparalleled exposure to latest advancements across the entire tech ecosystem. CES is the major tech event featuring high-profile keynotes, state-of-the-art tech products, and a comprehensive overview of the latest tech products and services.

Expected reveals include next-generation VR headsets, AR glasses prototypes, and spatial computing platforms. Pricing ranges from $350 for “Exhibits Plus” to $1,700 for “Deluxe Conference” passes, providing access to exhibition halls, keynote addresses, and hundreds of specialized conference sessions.

Laval Virtual 2026 (April 7-9, Laval, France)

Laval Virtual 2026 stands as Europe’s oldest VR/AR event, attracting approximately 200 exhibitors and featuring over 50 speakers across five conference halls. Ticket prices range from 60€ to 195€, making it accessible for European professionals. Laval Virtual is known for connecting academics, students, startups, and professionals to develop impactful immersive technologies. Laval Virtual is scheduled for April 9-11 in Laval, France. The event distinguishes itself through academic rigor and connections between European startups, corporates, and public agencies.

Industrial Immersive 2026 (March 2-3, Houston, USA)

Industrial Immersive 2026 targets manufacturing and energy sectors with XR solutions for training, maintenance, and operational efficiency. The event gathers industry leaders and innovators focusing on industrial XR applications. Industrial Immersive Week 2025 will take place on March 3-4 in Houston, TX, USA, providing a platform for early insights into these transformative technologies.

Training & Simulation Industry Symposium 2026 (June 15-16, Orlando, USA)

This symposium serves professionals implementing XR for training applications across healthcare, aerospace, and defense industries. It offers focused sessions on simulation-based training and XR deployment strategies. Training & Simulation Industry Symposium (TSIS) is scheduled for June 17-18 in Orlando, FL, USA, making it a key event for those in these specialized fields.

Apple WWDC 2026 (June 2-6, San Jose, California, USA)

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a must-attend event for XR professionals interested in software development, augmented reality, and emerging technologies within Apple’s ecosystem. The event provides deep technical sessions, hands-on labs, and keynote presentations from Apple executives, offering insights into ARKit advancements and visionOS platforms.

AWE USA 2026 (June 8-10, Long Beach, USA)

AWE USA represents the leading event dedicated specifically to augmented reality, virtual reality, and spatial computing. This premier conference attracts 5,000+ attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and features 400+ speakers from across the XR community. Ticket prices range from $175 to $1,495, with early bird discounts available. AWE XR USA will be held from June 10-12 in Long Beach, CA, USA. AWE’s focus on enterprise solutions and metaverse infrastructures makes it a must attend event for professionals seeking comprehensive XR industry coverage.

SIGGRAPH 2026 (August 8-12, Vancouver, Canada)

SIGGRAPH is the premier conference for computer graphics and interactive techniques, attracting XR developers and researchers interested in visualization, advanced rendering, and content creation pipelines. This cutting edge technology showcase emphasizes visual effects, animation, and breakthrough research. SIGGRAPH 2025 will be held from August 10-14 in Vancouver, Canada. Registration typically ranges from $400-$2,000 depending on membership status and session access.

AWE Asia 2026 (August 26-28, Singapore)

AWE Asia extends AWE’s global reach into the Asia-Pacific region, localizing trends and opportunities for regional professionals. This event offers crucial insights into Asian market dynamics, regulatory environments, and partnership opportunities. AWE XR ASIA is scheduled for August 24-26 in Singapore.

Meta Connect 2026 (September, Date TBA)

Meta Connect serves as Meta’s flagship event for VR/AR hardware and software announcements, with major impact on industry direction and partnerships. Expected reveals include new Quest devices, AR glasses updates, and AI-powered social experiences. Major tech companies are heavily investing in XR technologies to stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape. Meta Connect is Meta's annual conference where new VR/AR developments are announced, with dates and format to be determined. This premier event shapes the future of social VR and workplace collaboration.

Augmented Enterprise Summit 2026 (September 21-23, Dallas, USA)

The Augmented Enterprise Summit focuses specifically on enterprise XR adoption, featuring ROI case studies and deployment strategies across various industries.

UnitedXR Europe 2026 (December 7-9, Brussels, Belgium)

UnitedXR Europe represents a new mega event merging AWE EU and Stereopsia’s depth in European regulatory and ethical frameworks. This emerging conference promises to become Europe’s premier XR gathering. UnitedXR Europe will be held from December 8-10 in Brussels, Belgium.

XR Expo 2026 (May 6-7, Stuttgart, Germany)

XR Expo serves as Germany’s leading B2B XR event, featuring case studies on large-scale deployments in automotive, aerospace, and smart factory verticals. The XR Expo will take place on May 8-9 in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing best practices within the XR domain and featuring excellent speakers and participation from XR industry giants.

XR Fair Tokyo 2026 (July 7-9, Tokyo, Japan)

XR Fair Tokyo functions as Japan’s major B2B exhibition for XR technologies, providing gateway access to Asia’s fast-growing XR market. Local and international firms present technologies for entertainment, manufacturing, and marketing applications. XR Fair Tokyo will occur from July 2-4 in Tokyo, Japan.

Event Selection and Planning Guide

Strategic approach to choosing XR events ensures optimal return on investment while advancing specific professional objectives within budget constraints.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Events

When to use this: For professionals with limited time and budget for event attendance seeking maximum impact.

1. Define Primary Objectives: Clarify whether you’re seeking networking opportunities, technology discovery, business development, or thought leadership. Different events excel in different areas.

2. Assess Target Audience Alignment: Review speaker lists, exhibitor rosters, and attendee demographics to ensure alignment with your professional goals and potential partner profiles.

3. Evaluate Total Costs: Calculate registration fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and lost productivity time. Factor in early bird pricing and group discounts where available.

4. Review Past Performance: Research attendee feedback, speaker quality, and networking effectiveness from previous years through social media and professional networks.

Event Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: How can I manage budget constraints and high event costs?

Answer: Prioritize 2-3 key events annually based on your strategic objectives and leverage early bird pricing for significant savings. Consider regional events like Laval Virtual (60€-195€) or XR Expo for cost-effective networking when international travel budgets are limited. Local and regional events often provide better ROI for targeted networking and can serve as stepping stones to larger international conferences.

FAQ 2: How do I avoid information overload at large events?

Answer: Create targeted schedules focusing on specific conference tracks and pre-selected exhibitors aligned with your objectives. Use official event apps to pre-schedule meetings with key contacts and avoid trying to see everything. Focus on quality over quantity—three meaningful conversations often provide more value than dozens of brief encounters.

FAQ 3: How can I measure ROI from event attendance?

Answer: Set specific, measurable goals before attending each event, such as “connect with 5 potential enterprise clients” or “evaluate 3 new development platforms.” Track new connections, leads generated, partnership discussions initiated, and follow up systematically. Document insights gained and technology discovered for later evaluation and team sharing.

FAQ 4: Are there XR events focused on sustainable tech and its impact on the industry?

Answer: Yes, many XR conferences are increasingly covering topics related to sustainable tech, showcasing innovations that promote environmental responsibility within the tech industry. Events like Mobile World Congress and London Tech Week often include sessions dedicated to sustainable tech trends and their integration with XR technologies.

FAQ 5: How can I stay updated on the latest services and innovations in XR without attending every event?

Answer: Stay tuned to official event websites, industry newsletters, and XR community forums for updates and highlights. Many conferences provide virtual access or publish keynote addresses and panel discussions online. Following social media channels of events like Meta Connect and AWE USA also helps in discovering the latest advancements and services.

FAQ 6: Are there XR events with specific dates for the UK, USA, Spain, UAE, and Japan?

Answer: Yes, the XR industry offers events across these regions with confirmed or anticipated dates. For example, London Tech Week provides UK dates, AWE USA covers USA dates in Long Beach, Mobile World Congress includes Spain dates in Barcelona, METAVSUMMIT takes place with UAE dates in Dubai, and XR Fair Tokyo offers Japan dates. These regional events enable professionals to discover the latest technologies and network within their local markets.

FAQ 7: How is machine learning influencing XR technology showcased at these events?

Answer: Machine learning is increasingly integrated into XR solutions, enhancing user experiences through personalized content, improved tracking, and intelligent interactions. Conferences like SIGGRAPH and IEEE VR often feature sessions covering machine learning applications in XR, highlighting cutting edge research and practical implementations.

FAQ 8: What educational opportunities are available at XR trade shows and conferences?

Answer: Many XR events provide comprehensive education through conference sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on labs. These opportunities help attendees deepen their knowledge of immersive technologies, industry trends, and practical applications. Events such as Laval Virtual and AWE USA are known for their strong focus on education alongside showcasing innovations.

Conclusion and Next Steps

2026 represents a crucial year for the XR industry with unprecedented innovation opportunities across spatial computing, AI integration, and enterprise deployment. Strategic event selection and attendance can accelerate professional growth, expand business networks, and provide critical competitive intelligence in this rapidly evolving market.

The events covered in this guide—from world’s largest technology showcases like CES to specialized conferences like IEEE VR—offer diverse pathways for engaging with the XR community and staying current with latest trends and innovations.

To Get Started:

1. Review the complete 2026 XR events calendar and identify 3-5 priority conferences based on your professional objectives and budget

2. Register for early bird pricing on selected events—savings often exceed 30% compared to standard registration

3. Connect with event organizers, speakers, and key attendees on LinkedIn before attending to schedule strategic meetings

Related Topics: Consider exploring XR industry investment trends, startup ecosystems, and regulatory developments as complementary areas that frequently intersect with conference content and networking opportunities.