World first claimed as holographic 3D ad network launches at Simon malls across the USA

Hologram Media Network (HMN) has launched what is pitched as the world’s first always on holographic advertising network, built in collaboration with Proto Hologram.

Featuring Proto Luma devices, this spans Simon malls across the US.

The network – which has thus far deployed across 30 Simon locations – including Los Angeles’ Del Amo Mall, New York’s Roosevelt Field Mall, Atlanta’s Lenox Square Mall, Nashville’s Opry Mills, and Chicago’s Woodfield Mall – offers limited advertising inventory, featuring 3D creative advertising programmed alongside exclusive IP content collaborations.

Each month's holographic show is curated with storytelling from major studios, creators, artists, and influencers, as well as live interactive hologram events with celebrities. The charter content showcase featured an exclusive experience for Paramount Pictures' Sonic the Hedgehog 3, immersing customers in a lifelike 3D encounter with the character and his team.

“Today’s consumers live in a world where engaging with 3D experiences is becoming second nature,” says James Andrew Felts, CEO at HMN. “Platforms like Meta Quest, Fortnite, and Roblox have normalised interacting with immersive content. HMN elevates this trend by bringing experiential media to real world spaces at scale, bridging the digital and physical spaces in ways that match changing customer expectations.”

“I’ve witnessed the evolution of countless mediums, but nothing compares to this,” says Proto Founder David Nussbaum. “Together with HMN, we’re not just delivering ads - we’re creating personal, unforgettable moments at scale. This is a new era for interactive media, where the lines between the digital and physical worlds disappear.”

"HMN represents the next frontier of engagement for Simon," says Dennis Tietjen, Senior Vice President at Business Development at Simon. "We’re excited to collaborate on bringing this revolutionary technology to our properties, transforming the way brands connect with shoppers and delivering an unparalleled experience for our guests."

HMN is gearing up to announce deployments with additional malls and plans to expand the network to 150 Proto units by the end of 2025. 

“Our vision is not just to present holograms but to create a dynamic ecosystem where customers can interact with digital content in the real world,” Felts says. "This is a glimpse into the future we envision, where consumers experience the blending of their online and physical worlds.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Immersive experiences were a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.