News · July 2024

The PTR VR Library launches in Townsville

The PTR VR Training Library was shown in public for the first time at Smart Precinct NQ in Townsville on 18 July 2024.

The panel at the PTR VR Library launch. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel at the PTR VR Library launch
Two guests by the Townsville banner before the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Two guests by the Townsville banner before the talks

What happened on the night

Smart Precinct NQ opened the evening with a welcome, Simon Lowe took the floor, a panel took the questions from the room, and once the chairs were pushed back the headsets came out and the guests stepped into the Library themselves.

Arriving at Smart Precinct NQ

Guests arriving at the venue before the talks began.

Guests arriving with drinks before the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests arriving with drinks before the talks
Simon Lowe talking with guests on arrival. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe talking with guests on arrival
A conversation at the table by the banner. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A conversation at the table by the banner
Guests catching up before the room fills. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests catching up before the room fills
Two guests talking by the window. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Two guests talking by the window
Talking with guests at the high tables. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Talking with guests at the high tables
Three guests laughing before the welcome. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Three guests laughing before the welcome

Before the talks

Conversations around the room while it filled.

Simon Lowe in conversation by the banner. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe in conversation by the banner
Guests talking in a small circle. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests talking in a small circle
A conversation across the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A conversation across the room
The room in small groups before the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The room in small groups before the talks
Greeting guests beside the wall quote. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Greeting guests beside the wall quote
Introductions in the corner of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Introductions in the corner of the room
The room filling as guests arrive. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The room filling as guests arrive
A group standing together before the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A group standing together before the talks
Opening the evening from the front of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Opening the evening from the front of the room

Smart Precinct NQ hosted the evening

The welcome came from the front of the host's own room. Smart Precinct NQ's event listing set the evening out as transforming communication and leadership through virtual reality, with live demonstrations and a panel.

The welcome at the lectern

Smart Precinct NQ opened the evening and set out the program.

The host opens the evening at the lectern. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The host opens the evening at the lectern
The welcome, with the partner slide behind. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The welcome, with the partner slide behind
Gesturing to the screen during the welcome. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Gesturing to the screen during the welcome
Introducing the program for the evening. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Introducing the program for the evening
The welcome, mid-sentence at the lectern. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The welcome, mid-sentence at the lectern
At the microphone during the welcome. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
At the microphone during the welcome
A pause in the opening remarks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A pause in the opening remarks
Speaking to the room from the lectern. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Speaking to the room from the lectern
The welcome, part way through. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The welcome, part way through
Mid-sentence during the opening remarks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Mid-sentence during the opening remarks
Finishing the welcome at the lectern. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Finishing the welcome at the lectern
The welcome, seen from the back row. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The welcome, seen from the back row

Group portraits by the banners

Guests photographed in front of the event banners.

A group portrait by the event banners. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A group portrait by the event banners
Simon Lowe with guests by the banners. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe with guests by the banners
Four guests together before the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Four guests together before the talks
Leonie Sanderson with a guest at the launch. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Leonie Sanderson with a guest at the launch
Simon Lowe speaking beside the virtual reality slide. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe speaking beside the virtual reality slide

Simon Lowe on where VR training works

Simon Lowe presented on the effectiveness of virtual reality training: which kinds of learning a headset does better than a slide, and which it does not.

The PTR VR Library is the catalogue of workplace scenarios that answer produced, built to be rehearsed rather than watched.

The room takes its seats

The chairs filled and the presentation began.

The room taking its seats for the talks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The room taking its seats for the talks
Opening the program to a seated room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Opening the program to a seated room
The room filled ahead of the presentation. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The room filled ahead of the presentation

The panel

Four panellists took the front of the room under the PTR VR Library slide.

The panel settling in front of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel settling in front of the room
Three panellists listening to a question. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Three panellists listening to a question
The panel under the PTR VR Library slide. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel under the PTR VR Library slide
The moderator opening the panel discussion. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The moderator opening the panel discussion
A panellist answering a question. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A panellist answering a question
The panel seen from the side of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel seen from the side of the room
A panellist making a point. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A panellist making a point
The full panel under the Library slide. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The full panel under the Library slide
Two panellists during the discussion. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Two panellists during the discussion
Two panellists sharing a laugh. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Two panellists sharing a laugh
The panel mid-discussion by the screen. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel mid-discussion by the screen

Questions from the room

The panel taking questions from the audience.

Simon Lowe answering the moderator. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe answering the moderator
The panel from the side of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel from the side of the room
The audience listening to the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The audience listening to the panel
Leonie Sanderson at the microphone. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Leonie Sanderson at the microphone
The panel listening to a question. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel listening to a question
A panellist answering from the chair. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A panellist answering from the chair
Three panellists during the discussion. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Three panellists during the discussion
The panel taking a question from the floor. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel taking a question from the floor
Panellists turned toward one another. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Panellists turned toward one another
The panel seen across the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel seen across the room
Simon Lowe making a point to the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe making a point to the panel
Answering a question in front of the screen. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Answering a question in front of the screen
The moderator puts a question to the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The moderator puts a question to the panel
Leonie Sanderson and Simon Lowe on the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Leonie Sanderson and Simon Lowe on the panel
Simon Lowe answering from the panel chair. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Simon Lowe answering from the panel chair
A point made from the panel chair. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A point made from the panel chair
The audience listening from the back. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The audience listening from the back
The panel near the end of the session. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel near the end of the session
The panel and the room in conversation. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
The panel and the room in conversation
Four panellists at the close of the session. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Four panellists at the close of the session
Fitting a headset for a guest after the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Fitting a headset for a guest after the panel

Then the headsets came out

After the panel the demonstrations began. Guests were fitted with a headset, handed the controllers, and took a turn inside a Library scenario.

Drinks and farewells

Conversations after the formal program ended.

Guests talking after the panel. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests talking after the panel
Three guests with drinks after the session. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Three guests with drinks after the session
Conversations at the back of the room. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Conversations at the back of the room
Guests talking at the end of the evening. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests talking at the end of the evening
Leonie Sanderson and Simon Lowe with a guest. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Leonie Sanderson and Simon Lowe with a guest
A conversation in the co-working space. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A conversation in the co-working space
Guests talking beside the event banners. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Guests talking beside the event banners
Three guests together at the close. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Three guests together at the close
A conversation over the last of the drinks. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
A conversation over the last of the drinks
Four guests at the end of the evening. PTR VR Library public launch at Smart Precinct NQ, Townsville, 18 July 2024.
Four guests at the end of the evening

Government backing for the Library

In 2024 the Queensland Government's Ignite Ideas Fund awarded PTR $95,000 for its Immersive VR Library project, listed among the Round 11 recipients.

Sources

The event listing, funding announcement and recording of the Library launch.

A woman wearing a VR headset faces a three-choice panel on a suburban street at night, the shape a PTR VR Library title puts in front of a learner.

Immerse yourself in the future: transforming communication and leadership through VR

Smart Precinct NQ · Event listing · 2024

The host's listing for the evening: the venue, the date, the live demonstrations and the panel.

A vast bright circular atrium with a round open skylight, trailing ivy and curved white walls, one of the PTR VR Library's settings.

Ignite Ideas Fund Round 11 recipients

Advance Queensland, Queensland Government · 2024

The recipient list carrying PTR's $95,000 award for the Immersive VR Library project.

Simon Lowe speaks from a lectern at the PTR VR Library launch in Townsville, a frame from the recording of the evening.

PTR VR Library Launch Event, the recording

People Tech Revolution on YouTube · Published October 2024

The evening as it was recorded: the welcome, Simon Lowe's talk and the panel.

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The PRACTICE lane on PTR Labs Demos: three of its roleplay characters shown one after another in cinematic office settings, a golden-hour boardroom, a customer lounge and a dusk meeting room
PRACTICE
The PLAY lane on PTR Labs Demos: a slow moving view through three environments from the 360 Immersive Experience, a museum hall, a hospital room and a modern waterfront, animated from the experience's real 360 scenes
PLAY
The CREATE lane on PTR Labs Demos: a chibi character modelled on PTR's co-founder runs toward the camera through Scope Creep Sprint's world, leaping an office chair and a jammed printer
CREATE
The CONNECT lane: a six-person video call grid bringing a distributed organisation together, among them a woman using a wheelchair and a man dialling in from a greenhouse
CONNECT
The CONSULT lane: Simon leads an adaptive AI consultation, talking a client through a tailored recommendation shown on a tablet between them
CONSULT
The COLLABORATE lane: Leonie leads a co-design workshop at a whiteboard, mapping ideas with sticky notes while the group gathers around her
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WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Keia Hobbs, MD
PTR demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricacies of human behaviour, crucial in crafting meaningful and impactful experiences. I wholeheartedly endorse PTR and their commitment to creating impactful experiences.
Keia Hobbs, MD
Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education, University of Illinois Chicago
Martine McCash
Over the past six months, XRHealth Australia has worked closely with People Tech Revolution to co-design innovative immersive applications... supporting workplace mental health and recovery in the transport industry. Simon and his team have been exceptional collaborators: creative, responsive and genuinely committed to human-centred design. Their ability to understand clinical and operational needs and translate complex ideas into safe, realistic VR environments has made the partnership both productive and enjoyable. Together, we are developing practical, evidence-informed tools that build confidence, resilience and coping strategies through structured, real-world scenarios. I highly recommend People Tech Revolution as a trusted technology partner.
Martine McCash
Vice President - Services, XRHealth Australia
Sally Wagnon
From the initial concept discussions to the final execution, PTR demonstrated a commitment to guiding us through what was completely new territory. Their approach was structured and transparent and they always let us know what was achievable given the timeframe and budget.
Sally Wagnon
Senior Campaign Manager, 89 Degrees East
Nic Barry
I don't think role plays will ever cut it again in this space. Participants are able to empathise and discuss the experiences... with detail that just wouldn't be possible without actually experiencing it themselves.
Nic Barry
Digital Learning & Organisational Capability, Domain Group
Rhonda Brighton-Hall
They jump back, step away, they gasp, they try to find their voice, they ask to be included and when dismissed, they physically shrink. And when they can't do any of those things, the learning sticks and the real conversations begin.
Rhonda Brighton-Hall
CEO, MWAH - Making Work Human Again
Sean Hunter
Working with the PTR team has been great and I look forward to continuing the relationship and developing more VR training.
Sean Hunter
Director of Systems Transformation, Mater and Mater Education
Christine Mudavanhu
We work together with People Tech Revolution to codesign experiences and we are both committed to creating psychologically safe environments and workspaces.
Christine Mudavanhu
Founder and Principal Consultant, Utano Global
SWGJ Program Lead
VR will be a game changer, helping us create ongoing opportunities for deliberate and safe practice following the live workshop experience.
SWGJ Program Lead
Speaking with Good Judgement Program Lead, Mater Education
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Simon Lowe in conversation, hands raised mid-sentence in an armchair
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