Who doesn’t want to find out more about a digital realm expected to generate an economy of $8 - 13 trillion by 2030? The USTMAX Center provides your chance to gain valuable knowledge and ask questions about the metaverse in a Lunch and Learn on April 27, from noon – 1 p.m., at the USTMAX Center in downtown Conroe, Texas. Presenting “The Metaverse: A New World of Opportunities” will be Cesare Wright, Ph.D, MFA, director of Digital Media Initiatives and assistant professor of Communication at the University of St. Thomas-Houston.

What Is the Metaverse

Various people in technology have described the metaverse as the future of the internet, a video game, Zoom on steroids, or something else entirely. Wikipedia describes it as “a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social and economic connection.” Regardless, it seems to signal a wholly immersive and interactive quantum shift in how people interact with technology.

Dr. Wright said, “The interesting thing about the metaverse is that it is essentially an interconnected virtual universe. It is taking our physical reality, digitizing it, and putting it into an experience with a digital environment. It can connect you to everybody else out there who is doing the same thing! In this Lunch and Learn, we will provide an introduction to the Metaverse by exploring its potential impact on various aspects of our daily lives.”

Why Does It Matter?

Senior Director of the USTMAX Center, Dr. Carla E. Alsandor, explains the value of this topic.

“Understanding the metaverse, what it is and how it affects us is meaningful for the growth and well-being of companies, firms and organizations,” she said. “Business leaders will benefit from this opportunity to learn from Dr. Wright, who brings a wealth of technology knowledge and expertise to the University and now locally to USTMAX.”

If you’re curious about how the metaverse may transform business, commerce, education, social engagement, policy and global politics, this April 27 session, free and open to the public, is for you. Lunch is provided, and you are invited to RSVP here. 

Cesare Wright, Ph.D, MFA

Dr. Cesare Wright is a tech enthusiast, visual anthropologist, and leadership specialist whose work centers on the intersection of technology and culture.  His research interests and professional expertise include digital media production, Metaverse, artificial intelligence, drone technology, eSports/gaming, virtual & augmented reality, and media theory, game-based learning, and executive leadership.

Dr. Wright is currently Director of Digital Media Initiatives and Asst. Professor of Communication at University of St. Thomas. He is Program Director of the Microsoft EPIC, VIP, and FAST programs, which have been integrated as courses in the Communication Department at UST. He previously served as RCEL Lecturer and Leadership Specialist in the School of Engineering at Rice University, where he co-developed and launched the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership.