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The Wall Street Journal has teamed up with MeetKai to launch a metaverse version of its Journal House in Cannes, France.
This digital replica is a nod to the physical venue frequented annually by attendees of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where industry leaders gather for discussions and networking.
The virtual space was launched on June 17 and will remain accessible until Thursday, June 20. It offers an opportunity for global participants to join and experience the event remotely, replicating the in-person experience as closely as possible.
Visitors to the virtual Journal House can interact with event activities, sponsors, and exclusive content from previous Wall Street Journal events. This interaction is facilitated by AI avatars, a feature powered by MeetKai’s technology.
Within the metaverse space, users can explore various areas, including the Content Studio, Reception, and Terrace.
This initiative marks The Wall Street Journal’s first foray into the metaverse. However, MeetKai is no stranger to such projects.
In February, MeetKai partnered with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to enhance fan engagement during All-Star Weekend. This metaverse experience allowed fans to take part in virtual meet-and-greets, buy exclusive merchandise, and explore a virtual replica of “The Brotherhood Deli.”
Earlier in January, TripAdvisor also announced a collaboration with MeetKai to create metaverse experiences. This partnership enables users to virtually explore travel destinations before booking, offering a “try before buy” approach to travel planning.
Other media companies are also exploring the potential of Web3. Forbes, for instance, expanded its digital footprint in February by joining The Sandbox metaverse. Forbes’ virtual space includes features like a pool, bar, and gallery, providing visitors with interactive experiences and activities like a scavenger hunt.