2024

Dear MAVR Members,

As your coordinator, it is my privilege to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together this past year and to share our collective accomplishments and aspirations for the future.

Firstly, I want to express my deepest appreciation for our core team, whose dedication and hard work continue to be the driving force behind our thriving community. Despite facing challenges, such as transitioning roles within our leadership team, our group's stability has allowed us to focus on growth and innovation. I am particularly grateful to Adam Stone for his commitment to mastering his new role as treasurer, which is pivotal to our organization's financial health.

This year has seen significant growth in our membership, budget, and the number of events we've successfully executed. Our collaborations with various SIGs, chapters, and external organizations have not only broadened our reach but have also enriched our community with diverse perspectives from across the globe. This diversity is our strength, sparking new research avenues and fostering a collaborative environment that is both inclusive and inspiring. However, this growth brings with it the challenge of balancing our budget. For the first time, our expenses have outpaced our income, largely due to our strategic decisions to invest in new initiatives such as the development of a MAVR-specific metaverse environment and the introduction of a scholarship program. These investments are designed to provide more interactive and engaging platforms for our members and to support promising new researchers in our field.

Our events this year have been nothing short of spectacular, with the World Learning Labs at the forefront, garnering attention from academic leaders and industry experts worldwide. These gatherings are not just events but catalysts for real-world impact, driving forward the research and application of immersive learning technologies. Looking forward, we aim to continue this momentum with even more innovative events and initiatives. We encourage all members, especially our new ones, to get involved, whether by participating in events, contributing to our publications, or taking on leadership roles. We are particularly excited about the upcoming opportunities for publishing and sharing your work, which will further our mission of advancing immersive technologies in education and research.

In conclusion, while we face some financial challenges, the state of MAVR is strong and promising. I am confident that with your continued support and involvement, we will overcome these challenges and achieve greater heights. Thank you for your dedication to MAVR and your commitment to pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.

Stage of MAVR Address 2024:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzPpUulgzM 

Warm regards,

Eric Hawkinson

Coordinator, MAVR Organization