Event Domes: The Future of the Global Events Industry

Event Domes: The Future of the Global Event Industry

Leveraging digital technology for marketing and events is proving to be a safer, more effective, and certainly more affordable option. With event technology, we can turn the most intimate of gatherings into massive, extraordinary experiential showcases. One way to accomplish this is through the use of event domes.

These immersive domes can sweep you away from your surroundings and place you anywhere you desire. Imagine a yoga class in the middle of the city; you feel immersed in nature, surrounded by serene visuals and soothing soundscapes. How about a virtual opportunity to try out new products in the most lifelike of adventures? We’re going to explore the significance of event domes and why you should consider them for your next event.

Movement Break in the Venture Dome Amidst the Hustle and Bustle of Denver | Lumen & Forge

What are Event Domes?

So you may be wondering, what are event domes? Well, as the name suggests, they are dome-like structures you can use to host events! However, one thing that distinguishes an event dome from another space is how versatile a dome can be. Event planners, and promoters as well, will see the unique benefits provided by event domes, such as:

Versatility: Event domes can be set up as a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent structure; ideal for providing an immersive viewing experience no matter where your event is held.

Attraction The unique shape of event domes is eye-catching and intriguing from the outside, causing passing guests to become naturally curious. The experience inside the dome is even more impressive, enough to be considered its own form of experiential marketing that will leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Customizable Event domes are incredibly customizable and can be made into oblong or elongated shapes and spherical domes, then tailor-fit according to your company’s specific theme or branding. On top of this, they come in just about any size, accommodating anywhere from just a handful of people to thousands.

The combination of all these benefits results in the perfect experience for an immersive event. Not all event domes are the same, though. Some differ in how they’re set up. Others differ in terms of the materials they’re made out of. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of event domes that exist.

Projection Mapped Geodesic Event Dome for a Private Function by Lumen and Forge

What Kind of Event Domes Are There?

Event domes are becoming increasingly popular across all manner of industries. However, each type of event dome has its own specific setup requirements. There are two main types of domes that are widely used for events - inflatable and geodesic.

Inflatable domes Offers intuitive features and seamless editing capabilities. Perfect for the novice or experienced videographer.

Geodesic domes This camera is great for those who want to create dynamic and vibrant content. This camera does have a slight learning curve to master all of the features.

Both have proven helpful for many events such as art shows, music concerts, corporate events, weddings, sporting events, and beyond; meeting different demands from customers based on their budget and needs.

In addition to these immersive event domes, you also have hemispherical and tilted domes. However, these are permanent structures that you will find in the likes of planetariums and museums. They are an optimal option if you have one located near you, but aren’t suited for all types of events due to their lack of portability.

World's Largest Inflatable Event Dome for Miami Super Bowl by Lumen and Forge

What is a 360 Event Dome?

If you want to create the ultimate experience for your guests, consider pairing a 360 event dome with 360 visuals. A 360 event dome offers a totally unique visual experience that immerses guests in any atmosphere you can think of. Perfectly designed for projection mapping, the domed surface allows images to be projected at incredible angles, giving the effect of being engulfed in an expansive landscape. It’s comparable to that of VR for an entire audience.

Whether you're trying to create a galactic space scene or share a VR world with multiple friends, a 360 event dome allows you to turn your event into something truly special and unexpected. Create interactive games, immersive live performances, or simply move people with awe-inspiring visuals – the possibilities are endless.

Here are some unique benefits of 360 event domes:

Unrivaled immersion - Although you can decorate an event dome with your branding, using projection mapping to surround your guests in 360-degree visuals takes it to the next level.

Easily customizable - Rather than simply decorating the event dome with branded elements, projection mapping can be used to utilize every inch of space. Better yet, the visuals can be changed at the push of a button.

Cost efficient - With projection mapping, there’s less need for physical decorations and props. This will reduce setup times, transportation costs, and storage space.

Render of 360 Projection Dome by Lumen and Forge

How to Choose the Right Event Dome for Your Event

Here are some factors that you must consider when choosing a dome for your upcoming event:

Event Size

How big will your event be? This should be the first consideration. Small events, like private parties, workshops, or small corporate meetings, demand a more intimate setting and only require a small dome. Medium-sized events, including product launches, art exhibitions, or corporate seminars, need a bit more breathing room that will provide ample space without leaving guests walking long distances. Larger-scale events, like concerts, festivals, or trade shows require the biggest domes that can house stages, seating areas, and separate sections.

Location

Next comes location. Will your event take place indoors or outdoors? If indoors, you need to make sure the dome can fit comfortably in the space, and if outdoors, you must consider the weather and choose a dome that can withstand harsh conditions.

Budget

Consider how much you’re willing to spend. Inflatable domes are typically the cheapest option, as they’re made of lightweight materials. Bear in mind that you will need an air blower to keep it inflated though. On the other hand, geodesic domes are more expensive. However, this is because they are made of more durable materials, offer improved structural integrity, and are more suitable for long-term use.

Customization

Think about how much you’d like to customize the actual dome. While the dome itself is enough to garner attention from those who pass by, you may want to further intrigue them by using translucent or transparent materials so guests can see what’s going on inside. However, then you must limit the use of branded vinyl wraps and projection mapping, as they will either block the view or not work well in certain lighting conditions.

L&F Domes: Building The Future

At Lumen and Forge, we’re passionate about building the immersive experiences our clients can only dream of. Our geodesic and inflatable 360 domes range in diameter from 10ft to 300ft. They can be customized in shape and size to meet any need. We specialize in 360 dome projection at the forefront of VR and AR experiences. We also feature ultra-high resolution spherical screens and live-playback systems with portable and accessible components so we can meet our clients wherever they need us. These custom-designed sensory experiences form lasting impressions within a platform that transports the audience anywhere you want to take them. Get ready for the most innovative, communicative, educational, and entertaining experience as our 360 domes lead your attendees into the future. Visionary companies across North America already realize the potential of this platform. Here are just three outstanding experiences of many.

Render Showing the Versatility and Customization of Geodesic Event Domes by Lumen and Forge

Jeep Dome - 4D Immersive Theater: The Ultimate Transport

Leaders in adventure, Jeep’s 360 augmented reality dome was a custom immersive 4D theatre experience. Guests had the opportunity to venture out for a simulated off-road ride in their latest Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Not only were they awed by the seamless, pixel-perfect spherical screen featuring the most exciting and realistic off-road video content, but the audio system also made the experience ultra-real, from the roaring engine to crunching snow and splashing mud. When the Jeep’s top came down, fresh scents of pine and cedar filled the theater. Over two annual X-Games events, nearly 5,000 guests were amazed. As a marketing experience, things just don’t get any better than these 360 domes have to offer.

Jeep Experience Highlights by Lumen and Forge

Capital One Venture Dome: Promoting Travel and Tourism

Back in the winter of 2018-2019, Capital One was already seeing the potential in the 360 dome experience as a way to entertain people in Denver, Colorado. The experiential immersion space used projectors, lighting, and sound for the exciting multi-day feature. Showcasing the local and exciting scenery of Denver, the audience was encouraged to travel and experience the exhilaration of the mountains and forest, including a scuba diving experience and a thrilling VR ski simulator. The dome contained group exercises, including yoga as well as motivational speakers and famous athletes.

Capital One Venture Dome Highlights by Lumen and Forge

The World's Largest Projection Dome - Miami: An Unforgettable Experience

To say we were excited to design, build, produce, and run the world’s largest projection 360 dome for AG Entertainment is a major understatement. This experiential nightclub set in the heat of Miami attracted over 60,000 visitors to be immersed in visuals and an eclectic atmosphere. Guests were treated to feature performances from the world’s hottest rappers and musicians over three days throughout the 2019 Superbowl. Within the massive 225 by 175ft of space, AV equipment, lighting, and seating were all customized to deliver 40,000 sq. ft. of seamless, vivid visuals and screen space. The Miami Dome was designed for an unforgettable experience for all those attendees.

World's Largest Projection Dome Highlights by Lumen and Forge

At Lumen & Forge, creating an immersive experience that fits any need is what drives us. We offer custom-designed projection mapping, 360 domes, and interactive installations that transport any guest to unforgettable spaces, creating lasting memories that will resonate for years to come. Our premium technology and services come together to create impactful global events that are sure to awe and inspire. Find out how we created these unique experiences for these and other cutting-edge companies and what we can do for your next event. Contact us now!