Michael’s journey began in theater, where he earned the prestigious Nestroy Prize as a lead actor in Vienna. He later transitioned into the tech world, founding Viorama, the company behind Splash, a VR app Winner at SXSW 2016. As part of Viorama, Michael also developed Spilly, a neural net for real-time human detection, which allowed for interactive visual effects—technology that Giphy later acquired.
In addition to his work with Viorama, Michael co-founded Shaderverse, which focuses on 3D procedural asset and avatar creation for virtual worlds and the metaverse.
As the founder of Wonderland Immersive Design, Michael has led immersive projects with Mastercard in the metaverse, collaborated on experience design with the Burning Man Organization, and partnered with Columbia University on immersive educational projects. Recently, Wonderland has worked with startups on innovative educational products through play and with brands on AI-powered personalized e-commerce.
Through the Play Economy Hub and his book, "The Guide to the Play Economy", Michael continues to lead a movement that encourages businesses to embrace AI, XR, and play as essential tools for growth and customer loyalty. His expertise is sought by companies looking to integrate these technologies into their strategies, creating more engaging, emotional connections with their audiences.
Main Stage
AWE EU 2024 Welcome Keynote: Learn Our History to Create the Future
Main Stage
Main Stage
Making the Real World a Canvas for XR Experiences
Networking
LUNCH
Networking
Expo & Playground Hours
Main Stage
How Next-Generation Wearables Are Revolutionizing Fintech
XR Enablement
Augmenting a Clearer Reality: Understanding the Impact of Lens Material in AR Experiences
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Play to Learn: Gamified Education in Action
Main Stage
The Future of Mobile AR: Engaging Content, Real Solutions
Enterprise
The Implementation of Mixed Reality in Automotive Production: A Practical Insight
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Beyond the Screen: Transformative Uses of AR
XR Enablement
Wearable Sensors & AR: Paving the Way to Mass Adoption
Main Stage
Harnessing Immersive Marketing for Maximum ROI in Retail Media
Enterprise
Shifting Gears with VR: A Deep Dive into Volvo Group’s Technological Transformations
Main Stage
Scaling XR Using the Appropriate Solutions for the Use-Case
Developer, Creator & Gaming
The Future of Media is Spatial, Like Never Before
XR Enablement
How to Make True Mixed Reality that Merges the Virtual with the Real
Networking
Afternoon Break
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Spatial Collaboration at the Speed of Light
XR Enablement
Green Realities: XR Applications in Environmental Tech Made in Austria
Main Stage
PANEL: XR in Europe: Corporate Client Stories from Austria
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Crafting Impactful XR Experiences with Competitive Analysis
XR Enablement
How Can the Dental Sector Benefit from XR and AI Technologies?
Main Stage
How XR will Enable the Future of Design and Manufacturing through Immersive Engineering
Developer, Creator & Gaming
What Predicts Users' Sense of Presence ('Being There') in Virtual Reality Experiences?
Enterprise
NEcOLEAP: Meyer Avatar in the Metaverse
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Who is VR For, Anyway? Embracing a User-Centered Design Approach
XR Enablement
PANEL: XR Ecosystems Punching Above Their Weight
Developer, Creator & Gaming
Community Platform to Promote AR Patterns
Enterprise
Engineering-grade Augmented Reality - Case Studies
Main Stage
The Future of XR under the AI Act
Main Stage
Networking
Expo & Playground Hours
Networking
LUNCH
Main Stage
How World Leaders in Government and Businesses are Leveraging XR
Start-Ups & Investors
Investor Panel
Retail, Marketing & Training
Astronaut Zero G Training in XR
Enterprise
Unlocking Scalable XR: From Custom Builds to Scalable Enterprise Solutions
Main Stage
Unlocking Curiosity and Innovation: Building Intelligent Human-Centered AI/XR Learning Ecosystems
Enterprise
Flexible System using VR Techniques to Increase Competence of Technical Services Employees
Retail, Marketing & Training
Bridging the Gap Between the Next Generation and the Industry through Intelligent Immersive Learning
Main Stage
Designing for the Play Economy
Retail, Marketing & Training
Transforming Education: How RTC Antwerp Deployed VR to 150,000 Students Across 700 Schools
Enterprise
The Augmented Worker - How XR Adds Superpowers to Any Task
Start-Ups & Investors
Start-up Pitch Competition
Enterprise
Use Cases for AR/VR within Financial Services
Networking
Afternoon Break
Enterprise
VR at KLM Ground Services: From Future Aircraft Flying V to Airbus 321 Neo
Main Stage
PANEL: Mars Immersion XR Program: Empowering Future Innovators
Retail, Marketing & Training
PANEL: Technology at Work: How VR Can Fight Unconscious Bias
AI
Real-Time Inspiration: The Human/AI Feedback Loop in VR Sculpting
AI
Creative Futures: Navigating the New Landscape of AI and Virtual Worlds
Retail, Marketing & Training
From Local to Global: How to Secure News Coverage & Drive Growth
Enterprise
AI
Creating a GPT-3 Driven Chatbot for Social Virtual Reality
Main Stage