
In her latest blog, Maria Alamgir shares her experience of attending the 9th International XR-Metaverse Conference in Busan, South Korea.
Introduction
With the unwavering support of my supervisors, Prof. Timothy Jung and Dr. Mandy Claudia tom Dieck, as well as the invaluable assistance from the Doctoral College and the Department Fund, I had the privilege of attending the 9th International XR-Metaverse Conference in Busan, South Korea. Hosted by Dong-Eui University from 18-22 May, 2024, this conference, organised by the International Association of Immersive Technology Innovation (IAITI), was founded in 2015 by Prof. Timothy Jung and Dr. Mandy Claudia tom Dieck. The theme for this year’s event was “Metaverse: Where Reality Meets Imagination,” attracting 200 delegates from 24 countries.

Pre-Conference PhD Seminar
The conference kicked off with a stimulating pre-conference PhD seminar, featuring presentations from esteemed academics. The seminar not only delved into discussions regarding the future of XR but also offered invaluable tips for navigating the doctoral journey, providing me with a roadmap for success in the field, an experience for which I am truly grateful. And of course, no South Korean experience would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine – a dinner featuring the country’s luxury dish, duck, was a highlight of the day.
Conference Highlights
Throughout three days, delegates indulged in workshops and keynote speakers from industry leaders such as AstraZeneca, Naver, NHS, Caliverse, PwC, and others. Additionally, delegates engaged with presentations and posters presented by esteemed researchers and PhD students from various corners of the globe. This diverse array of sessions facilitated multidisciplinary interactions and stimulated innovative discussions on a wide range of topics, including Digital Twins, Human-Robot Interaction, Luxury Brand Marketing in Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality in the healthcare sector, among others. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring!

Presentation Time
On day two, I found myself front and centre for a 10-minute presentation, followed by a lively Q&A session. As a newcomer to the international conference scene, I’ll confess, I was a bundle of nerves. But with a deep breath and a sprinkle of confidence, I plunged into my presentation. And guess what? It was a thrill! The feedback was fantastic, and the brainstorming for collaborations was in full swing. Being part of this dynamic community? Absolutely unbeatable. Here’s to more thrilling conferences and boundless opportunities in the XR universe!

Cultural Immersion
Amidst the scholarly pursuits, we took time to soak in the sights and sounds of South Korea. From donning traditional attire to exploring historic temples and devouring Busan’s vibrant street food scene (kimchi overload, anyone?), each moment held the promise of a new adventure, made possible by the conference.
Reflection & Conclusion
As the conference came to an end, the air was filled with reflections on the connections formed and the memories created. The conference was even more memorable for me as my sister Maida Alamgir attended with me. To immortalise our collective experience, we posted a commemorative video on my LinkedIn profile, ensuring that the enchantment of Busan endures long after the conference lights have faded.

Here’s our conclusion on the conference:
“The conference was an immersive experience that left a lasting impression. From dynamic workshops to inspiring keynote speeches, every moment was filled with excitement and discovery. Engaging with experts and enthusiasts, I gained valuable insights and forged meaningful connections that will shape my journey in XR innovation. I’m filled with anticipation for the future opportunities.” – Maria Alamgir
“Attending an international XR metaverse conference wasn’t just about a brief stint in Busan, it was a voyage of innovation. Here, minds united to sculpt the future, transcending the limits of reality, all to enhance the world with the magic of XR. I’m grateful to the conference for giving me the chance to begin immersing myself in the XR community and to forge valuable connections.” – Maida Alamgir
Here’s to the future of the IAITI XR Conferences!
