FAQs

  • The AUREA Award is a global competition that identifies and celebrates excellence in augmented, virtual, or mixed reality. Our goal is to highlight the best products and services and demonstrate the potential of this sector for technology and entertainment as a whole. Participants are hosted at the luxurious 4-star Hotel Colosseo at Europa-Park Resort, with accommodation provided from Sunday through Wednesday morning.  The main conference dates are February 2–3, 2026. Monday and Tuesday are packed with conference activities. Attendees will benefit from high-value keynotes and panels, pitching sessions, and extensive networking opportunities.

  • You will receive a personalized email invitation from Michael Mack asking you to confirm your attendance. You must confirm your attendance by clicking on the link in the email. This is the only way to secure your spot at the hotel. All attendees must sign a participation agreement that includes our code of conduct.

  • You can find all the information you need to travel to Europa-Park on their official website.

  • We are pleased to provide full catering (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for all attendees during the conference.

    For Finalists, we cover all lodging from February 1–4, 2026, and provide a travel stipend of up to $500 per team (up to 2 persons). Please refer to your participation agreement for specific booking and reimbursement instructions to ensure you receive your stipend by February 2026.

    For VIP Invited Guests, your lodging and accommodations are fully covered for the duration of the event (February 1–4) or as otherwise specified in your invitation

  • The EP Express (monorail) station is conveniently located directly in front of Hotel Colosseo and serves as the primary mode of transport.

    Day 1 (Pitches @ Globe Theater): Please take the EP Express from the hotel station to the venue in the morning and for your return in the afternoon.

    Day 1 (Dinner @ Western Saloon): A dedicated shuttle service (cars) will provide direct transport from the Hotel Colosseo lobby to the Western Saloon and back.

    Day 2 (Evening Event): Please take the EP Express from the hotel station to Station Alexanderplatz (Main Entrance).

  • For our daily keynotes and networking, Business Casual is the perfect fit. The AUREA Award Gala is a night to remember! We encourage guests to opt for Cocktail or Festive attire for Tuesday’s ceremony and dinner.

    A Friendly Weather Note: Early February in Rust is a true German winter. While our indoor venues are cozy and climate-controlled, transitions between the hotels and the conference areas will be brisk. We recommend bringing a warm winter coat, a scarf, and comfortable shoes for the short walks through the resort.

  • What is the objective of the pitch? The goal is to demonstrate how your project sets a new benchmark in immersive entertainment. Please note that this is not an investment pitch. You are presenting to a panel of peers and industry experts who are assessing your project’s innovation, craftsmanship, and its potential to advance the XR industry.

    What categories are being judged? The pitch is category-agnostic. The jury evaluates excellence across a broad range of criteria, including:

    • Innovation & Creativity: Fresh narratives or unique artistic approaches.

    • Technical Excellence: Operational complexity or engineering breakthroughs.

    • Impact: How the project enables creators or engages audiences.

    How much time do I have? Each finalist has a 12-minute total time slot. Please structure your presentation according to the following breakdown:

    • Pitch: 5 minutes

    • Jury Q&A: 5 minutes

    Moderator Transition/Setup: 2 minutes

  • To ensure a smooth experience on stage, please follow these technical guidelines:

    Delivery: We strongly recommend sending all presentations to us at least 48 hours prior to the event. This ensures stability and allows for technical checks.

    Hardware: We provide the main presentation laptop. Note: If absolutely necessary, we can provide HDMI and Apple Airplay connectivity for personal devices (both for Pitches and Conference). However, we strongly advise against using personal devices to avoid technical glitches on stage.

    Format (CRITICAL):

    Day 1 (Pitches/Finalists):9:16 (Portrait/Vertical Mode). This is crucial as we are using a vertical LED wall.

    Day 2 (Conference/Keynotes):16:9 (Landscape/Horizontal Mode).

    Control: A clicker (remote) is provided for all sessions.