arina Bay Sands rolled out Mixed Reality ( MR ) capabilities at its state-of-the-art Hybrid Broadcast Studio at Sands Expo and Convention Centre , before the New Year , complete with presenters in holographic form able to respond to Q & As in real time .

This glimpse into a new-look future for our industry was offered both online and live during Singapore ’ s first hybrid travel tradeshow , TravelRevive , which contained Asia ’ s first in-person travel conference since the Covid pandemic began .

The MR technology enlarges the Studio ’ s hybrid tech toolbox and empowers event planners to transform their events by integrating the virtual and physical worlds to create an immersive and interactive presentation .

Coupled with the studio ’ s three-dimensional stage and immersive backdrop , MR technology allows presenters to have a more meaningful interaction with digital data and the environment , bringing presentations to life through hyper-realistic visuals . Statistics and graphs simply appear to float around the presenters , linking the real and the virtual seamlessly .

The convention centre ’ s Hybrid Broadcast Studio was soft launched in

August 2020 and took just seven days to set up , according to the venue ’ s technicians . It offers broadcast-quality live-streaming capabilities , hologram functionalities and a three-dimensional stage fitted with an immersive LED wall backdrop and floor .

The MR capabilities have since been further improved to offer hyper-realistic visuals to the planner ’ s toolbox .

“ Marina Bay Sands has accelerated our adoption of technology to adapt to the new environment . We are providing a comprehensive platform for our clients to transit into the hybrid sphere successfully – using digital modes , hologram functionalities and now Mixed Reality . This will further increase delegate engagement and drive greater content and idea generation among key communities . It has also given us the opportunity to work with technology partners to add value for our clients and their events . This is the future of storytelling and we hope to continue inspiring the industry , driving digital transformation and elevating hybrid event experiences ,” said Paul Town , senior vice-president , resort operations , Marina Bay Sands .

Since early October , the integrated resort has hosted key Singapore hybrid pilot MICE events including WiT

Left : Marina Bay Sands ’ Hybrid Broadcast Studio in action

Experience Week 2020 and the Singapore International Energy Week ( SIEW ). The multi-functional studio has also been used to inspire other communities including the music industry .

In October , Marina Bay Sands hosted its first hybrid entertainment event to launch Singapore hip-hop artist Yung Raja ’ s latest single and music video – The Dance Song .

In January 2021 , Marina Bay Sands will be the Global Broadcast Centre for the 2021 PCMA Convening Leaders . This prestigious industry event will use MR to transform presentation formats and broadcast keynote speeches in real-time to multiple locations globally .

Reskilling and certifying for the future To equip its MICE workforce with the relevant skills , Marina Bay Sands has become the first venue in the world to have a pool of certified Digital Event Strategists to assist clients in navigating the world of hybrid events .

“ While we continue investing in our infrastructure , facilities and technology , it is our team of dedicated staff who are the driving force behind the creation of successful events at Marina Bay Sands . Prioritising their personal development and providing them with the necessary resources to upskill is important in the sustainable growth of an industry-relevant MICE workforce ,” said Ong Wee Min , vice-president of conventions and exhibitions , Marina Bay Sands . He demonstrated the technology by appearing as a hologram and in person at the November media launch .

Wee Min also noted event planners can look forward to further enhancements to the Hybrid Broadcast Studio , such as a fully-fledged Extended Reality ( XR ) hybrid events solution .