Immersive Technology Leaders Unite at Sarasota’s Thrive 2025 Symposium
Leading the way in immersive technology innovation, XR Women is set to host the Thrive 2025 Symposium on February 7–9, 2025, at the Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida. The event is designed as a comprehensive forum to bring together professionals from the augmented, virtual, and mixed reality fields, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s continued commitment to advancing technology and leadership.
Over the past four years, XR Women has established itself as a key facilitator within the AR/VR/MR industry by organising networking events that connect women professionals from around the globe. These events have helped foster a balanced and forward-thinking approach to innovation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the evolution of immersive technologies. The upcoming symposium builds on this legacy and is positioned as a transformative gathering that will shape the future of the field over the next five years.
The symposium is viewed as a landmark occasion in the history of XR Women, commemorating the group’s 200th event, which spans both in-person and virtual formats. The milestone is celebrated not only as an achievement but also as a moment to deepen connections among professionals, encourage collaborative learning, and drive industry progress. Co-founders of the organisation have emphasised the importance of coming together to recognise past achievements while laying the groundwork for future developments in immersive tech.
Karen Alexander, a co-founder of XR Women, highlighted the significance of the event as an opportunity for professionals to form new in-person connections and build upon their collective expertise. The symposium is expected to serve as a dynamic platform where attendees will have the chance to engage directly with emerging trends and cutting-edge practices in immersive technology. The event will also serve to underscore the strengths in technology innovation demonstrated by both the Ringling College of Art & Design and the State College of Florida’s Advanced Technology Center, as reflected in the array of exhibitors and workshop leaders present.
Julie Smithson, another co-founder of XR Women, underscored the growing importance of immersive technologies in today’s digital landscape. She pointed out that as these technologies gain wider adoption, it becomes essential for the public to understand their capabilities and for industry practitioners to remain informed about rapid developments. The symposium is set to address this need by offering a diverse range of sessions aimed at enhancing professional knowledge and public awareness of XR innovations.
Throughout the multi-day symposium, participants will be immersed in a variety of activities. The programme includes an opening networking session, a comprehensive exhibition floor, and multiple hands-on experiences with XR, VR, and AR technologies. Additionally, attendees can participate in specialised workshops, in-depth focus-topic sessions, and a keynote panel that promises to cover pressing issues such as XR development tools, workplace challenges including microaggressions, and the critical role of industry standards in XR application creation. A guided tour of the State College of Florida Advanced Technology Center is also scheduled, offering insight into advanced research and development facilities.
With a membership base of roughly 1,200 professionals spanning 60 countries, XR Women continues to demonstrate the global reach and impact of immersive technology. The Thrive 2025 Symposium is expected to not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also to set the stage for the next chapter in XR innovation and leadership.
