Behind The Curtain
The founder of Meridian Treehouse, Wesley Della Volla is a visionary, innovator, and immersive experience pioneer. Whether transforming National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium into the largest, permanent virtual reality theater in the world or winning Emmy, National Press Photographers Association, and Webby awards for his innovative storytelling, Wesley pushes the boundaries of what is possible. He also shares his expertise at the intersection of education and entertainment as an adjunct lecturer in Georgetown University’s Environmental Studies Department, as the 2023 Robert and Mabel Ruhl Public Lecturer at the University of Oregon, Resident Immersive Experience Innovator at the Harvard University Innovation Lab, and the publisher of “An Introduction To Learning In The Metaverse” practitioners guide.
Awards I’ve Won
National Press Photographers Association - 1st Prize for Innovation (2020)
As VR Development Producer for the Expedition Everest 360 series I worked closely with the team at IVAR Studios to create new ways to connect audiences with our world.
Immerse yourself with a team of scientists, climbers, and Sherpa guides as they embark on an expedition that will help define our understanding of high-mountain environments. Experience the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Everest Expedition, which was not simply a climb of the mountain, but a perilous adventure to learn how climate change is impacting the highest place on Earth.
The Webby Award - Technical Achievement (2020)
The Hydrous Virtual Dive Team, led by our CEO & Co-Founder Erika Woolsey, celebrated World Oceans Week on June 7th with a first-of-its-kind shared, synchronized immersive reality experience. We dove under the waters of Palau, came face-to-face with incredible marine animals, and shared the wonder of the underwater world with people across the globe in real-time.
Connect with the ocean no matter where you are.
The Webby Award - Best VR Interaction Design (2018)
I led the innovative team and developed the strategy that enabled National Geographic to transform their celebrated 130-year-old live event series with immersive experiences in their 400-seat VR Theater and bring the purpose to the promise of immersive. Under my leadership, The National Geographic Society created the "The World's Largest Permanent Virtual Reality Theater" in the iconic Grosvenor Auditorium with the National Geographic Museum at the Society's historic Washington, DC headquarters. The theater experience recently won The Webby Award for "Best VR Interaction Design" for its boundary pushing technology, live presenter, and dynamic storytelling integration.
Emmy Award - Best Investigative Journalism - Long Form (2009)
National Geographic "Explorer: Gorilla Murders"
Park rangers fight to protect gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while struggling against armed rebels and a growing number of refugees.
Allô!/Hi!/Aloha!
wes@dellavolla.com