Tom Emrich

Tom Emrich is a recognized pioneer in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and wearable technology. With over 15 years of experience in the space, Tom has been at the forefront of spatial computing and has a track record of providing strategic direction for powerhouse brands and organizations using emerging technology. As a product leader, Tom has inspired teams, shaped solutions, and created developer ecosystems for some of the most influential AR/MR platforms, including those from Niantic. As VP of Product at 8th Wall, the WebAR platform now part of Niantic, Tom was instrumental in enabling agencies and brands with tools to create browser-based AR content for business growth. Some of the brands that launched WebAR campaigns powered by 8th Wall include Nike, Porsche, Sony Pictures, Burger King, General Mills, Heineken, McDonald's, Red Bull, and COACH. Tom has been critical in building the AR/VR/wearables community. In 2013, Tom founded We Are Wearables, which he grew to become the largest wearable tech community before it was acquired. He also co-produced AWE, the world's #1 spatial computing event series, for nearly six years, expanding and growing this community globally. An investor with a sharp eye for the future of spatial computing, Tom was a founding partner of Super Ventures, a VC fund for early-stage AR investments. He continues to invest in this space as an angel investor. Tom's thought leadership is widely recognized in the media and industry events. His insights have been featured in CNN, BBC, Forbes, Adweek, and The New York Times, and he has been a sought-after speaker at TEDx, CES, SXSW, Festival de Cannes, and Elevate. His background as a freelance journalist and recurring wearable tech expert on Canada's largest TV morning show underscores his ability to communicate complex technological concepts in an accessible and engaging manner to a broad audience. Now a ‘Top Voice’ on LinkedIn, Tom has written about wearable technology for over a decade. In 2012, global events leader UBM acquired Tom's influential blog about wearable tech, one of the sector's earliest sources of news and analysis. Tom's unparalleled experience and innovative mindset make him a leading authority in AR and VR. His book, “The Next Dimension,” offers invaluable insights into leveraging these technologies for business growth, making it a must-read for business leads looking to stay ahead of the curve.