The Metaverse can be described as a digital universe where users can “live” by using various forms of technology, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and video. The idea is that people can work, play, and stay connected through various virtual activities (i.e. concerts, traveling, working, etc.). 

The idea behind Metaverse meetings is that users would log into their virtual avatar and travel to the Metaverse meeting room, where they would meet with their fellow team members–as if they were in a physical meeting space in the office. See Horizon Workrooms video. 

Some companies are already looking into its potential. Sotheby’s is already auctioning off NFTs and has a plot of land in Decentraland where they’ve reconstructed their London galleries. Luxury brands like Balenciaga and Moncler are starting to sell their virtual wear in Fortnite as avatar skins, bringing their brand to a new generation who would have never been able to afford them in the physical world. The fact of the matter is, companies are already starting to experiment with the metaverse in an effort to not miss the next wave of digital consumers.

For remote employees to properly experience metaverse meetings – they would need to use some form of VR goggles (like Oculus) to get the full experience of body language, expressions, and voice.

The Los Angeles County Executive Office is proposing to explore the development of virtual meetings in the Metaverse to allow County constituents or applicants of the assessment appeals to attend hearings in a Metaverse space with 3D digital avatars. 

Factors to consider for the project: 

• Concerns about security in the Metaverse.  At the beginning of the pandemic, Zoom underwent major scrutiny as teleconferences and online classrooms were being hijacked by hackers. 

• Overcoming the “digital divide. “Digital divide” refers to the gap between those who have access to internet or information and communication technologies that drive access to knowledge.

• Confidentiality of information submitted in the Metaverse.

• How will organizations be able to gate their meetings so that only those invited can join?

• User access to the accessories required to successfully meet in the Metaverse (e.g. VR goggles). Organizations would need to provide this equipment to their employees, which is currently a heavy ticket item.

• Incorporate the collaboration with other County departments, such as Libraries, Assessors, Parks and Recreation, CEO, Auditor-Controller, Treasurer Tax Collector, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. 

• Convenience for constituents and County employees.