XR Southern Summit
February 25 & 26, 2025
Cedar City, Utah
Southern Utah University
- Days
- Hours
- Minutes
- Seconds
Keynote Speaker: Cortney Harding
Cortney Harding is an experienced founder and content creator and an in-demand expert in the digital revolution from Web2 to Web3, the metaverse, and immersive technologies. As the founder of Friends With Holograms, she developed VR training for companies like Walmart and Amazon on topics such as diversity, inclusion, and mental health. Her work has been recognized at Mobile World Congress, SXSW, and HR Executive. Harding has collaborated with Meta to shape learning strategies in the metaverse and currently leads immersive content at Virti.
Plenary Speakers

Bea Rodriguez-Fransen
Dr. Bea Rodriguez-Fransen is Co-founder and Director at ASU Next Lab, Senior Global Futures Scholar, and Instructor at The Design School of ASU, bringing together individuals, research, and communities to boldly imagine and co-create humane technology and equitable futures with diverse students, staff, and partners. A decolonial futurist, she was chosen as 1 of 10 educators across the world to become a TED Speaker in 2024: “Unlocking Indigenous knowledge: A new path for education.”

Ben Naugton-Rumbo
Ben is the Chief Revenue Officer at Bodyswaps, a leader in using XR to transform soft skills education. Originally from the UK and now based in North Carolina, Ben brings a global perspective and over 13 years of experience integrating AI and immersive design to enhance learning. He has worked with organizations, educational institutions, and governments to implement XR solutions that foster self-awareness and empathy. His passion for shaping the future of education with technology has helped thousands bridge the gap between theory and practice through immersive learning.
Tuesday Schedule
- 10:30-11:00-Doors Open
- 11:00-11:50-Welcome and Keynote Speaker
- 12:00-12:50-Breakout Sessions
- 1:00-1:50-Lunch and Panel
- 2:00-2:50-Breakout Sessions
- 3:00-3:50-Network Hour - Lab Tour
- 3:30-3:50-Presenter
- 4:00-4:50-Breakout Sessions
Wednesday Schedule
- 8:30-9:00-Doors Open
- 9:00-9:50-Plenary Speakers
- 10:00-10:50-Vendor and Network Hour
- 11:00-11:50-Breakout Sessions and Tours
- 12:00-12:50-Breakout Sessions and Tours
- 1:00-2:30-Lunch - Presentation - Awards
Accommodations
The following properties have generously offered a 20% discount on the best price listed online for XR Southern Summit attendees
Courtyard Cedar City
1294 South Interstate Drive
Cedar City, Utah 84720
SpringHill Suites Cedar City
1477 South Old Hwy 91
Cedar City, Utah 84720
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cedar City
1555 South Old Highway 91
Cedar City, Utah 84720
Sponsorships
Pre-event:
- Top placement of company logo on event promotion
- Company logo on website
- Individual social media post
- Inclusion in statewide press release
During Event:
-
Company logo on attendee badges
-
Company logo displayed on conference signage
-
Company description and contact information on program
-
4 Complimentary Passes
-
Reserved table
-
Opportunity to include promotional material or products in attendee bags
-
Sponsor of Keynote Presentation
-
Access to registration list and emails
-
Vendor Space included
Pre-event:
-
Secondary placement of company logo on event promotion
-
Company logo on website
-
Inclusion in statewide press release
During Event:
-
Company logo displayed on conference signage
-
Company logo on program
-
2 Complimentary passes
-
Reserved table
-
Vendor Space Included
-
Add sponsor of Plenary Speaker
Pre-event:
-
Tertiary placement of company logo on event promotion
-
Company logo on website
-
Inclusion in statewide press release
During Event:
-
Company logo displayed on conference signage
-
Company logo on program

Organizing Committee

The SUU VR/AR Department's goal is to educate students and faculty about these emerging technologies and how they can be integrated into the higher ed classroom.
Working alongside the VR/AR department the XR Southern Summit is a National Conference that aims to bring together presenters and educators to showcase how they have been using XR within universities, in industry fields, and in student involvement.