Virtual reality has come on leaps and bounds in the last five years, and if youve been to a technology trade show recently, youll have no doubt seen merchants from a variety of industries using VR as a way to lure interested consumers to their stands. But does VR have business applications beyond a shiny new toy to impress at events? The Reality Bites event, running in London this October, plans to find out.

The event, taking place at Bounce in central London on 12 October, focuses on what virtual and augmented reality can do for businesses, and has been designed for brands and agencies to provide them with a real understanding of the opportunities surrounding VR, AR and 360-degree video.

VR needs to be more than just a cool experience and PR opportunity. The technology enables marketers to make a splash, driving attention and giving customers a glimpse of a side of brands they havent seen before.

Reality Bites will explore how to get consumers involved in the right ways, and provide brands with practical advice on how this new medium should fit within integrated branding experiences, and where it should sit within marketing teams.

Speakers include Matt Gee, head of digital transformation at Isobar and Isabelle Bass, managing partner for digital at Starcom Media Vest Group. Our own online editor, Alex Spencer, will be chairing a panel discussion on how brands should manage their presence within the VR and AR space.

There will also be presentation from VR experts and an opportunity to get hands-on with cutting edge VR and AR technology, for a better understanding of just what recent developments in the field can do for brands.

Tickets for the event can be booked here, and attendees who book before 6 August qualify for an Early Bird rate of just £99 + VAT.