VRTO 2024 Final Report

Events, General

VRTO 2024: Unveiling the Future of Spatial Media at OCAD University

Toronto, ON – [July 15, 2024] – The 9th Annual VRTO Spatial Media World Conference & Expo returned to OCAD University on July 10-11, 2024, produced by Constant Change Media Group Inc., programmed and produced by Keram Malicki-Sanchez, and co-produced by Aimee Reynolds. This event brought together the brightest minds and cutting-edge innovations in virtual and augmented reality in the heart of Toronto’s media arts district.

VRTO has become a cornerstone for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts shaping the future of virtual and augmented reality. This year’s lineup featured an impressive array of speakers, including:

  • Curtis Hickman, Co-founder & Chief Creative Officer of The VOID, Author & Magician
  • Dave Cardwell, Head of 3D & Immersive Labs at Adobe
  • Caitlin Krause, Author, and Speaker from MindWise and Stanford University
  • Ryan Andal, CEO and Co-founder of Secret Location
  • Lianne Baron, Strategic Partner Manager, Meta
  • Anne Toole, writer, and narrative designer on Asgard’s Wrath 2, Days Gone, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Witcher, and more

Attendees had the opportunity to:

  • Experience Groundbreaking Demos: Live demonstrations and VR, AR, and IoT demos from over a dozen creators and colleges, including Durham, Conestoga, and OCAD.
  • Participate in Interactive Workshops: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques.
  • Network with Industry Leaders: Connect with professionals from various fields to share ideas and forge new partnerships.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, including:

  • Virtual Museums, Archaeology, and Cultural Anthropology
  • Generative AI for Virtual Production
  • Web3D/WebXR Optimization and Advancements
  • Digital Humans and Hyper-Reality 2.0
  • New Advancements and Content Approaches for AR/MR

With over 35 speakers from around the globe, VRTO 2024 was an event not to be missed.

Check out this amazing Matterport volumetric capture of the venue by Scott Bowie at QuickturnVR

Complete List of Speakers:

Confirmed Very Special Presenters Include:

Media Coverage:

Attendee Reflections

Drashti Pandya (Volunteer):

“I was privileged to have the opportunity to video record the event, which allowed me to listen to a plethora of inspiring talks. Some of my favorite sessions included:

  • Anne Toole elevating VR storytelling to new heights and reaffirming my belief in the power of VR narratives.
  • Tendisai Cromwell’s insightful discussion on VR in environmental causes.
  • Debbie Deer’s session on data disparities, crucial for our future AI innovations.
  • Mike Boers’ candid insights into virtual production.
  • Curtis Hickman demonstrating that magic can indeed be created within VR.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Keram Malicki-Sanchez for this remarkable opportunity and to all the organizers and fellow volunteers for their warm welcome and collaborative spirit.”

Nitya Shinde (Volunteer):

“Day 2 at VRTO was full of networking opportunities. I met Justin Baillargeon and celebrated one year of DR. VR. I experienced Debbie Deer’s VR presentation, which was inspiring and motivated me to be creative in spatial experiences. Connecting with AR pioneers Heather Dunaway Smith, Luke Hurd, and Lianne Baron was enlightening and provided valuable guidance on AR, design, and marketing concepts.

The energy, innovation, and collaboration at VRTO were truly inspiring.”

Jason Moore (The Metamovie):

“Huge thank you to the entire VRTO team for an incredible conference. I enjoyed presenting with Nicole Bernard, running a workshop with Whitton Frank, and meeting Carol Silverman & Dario Laverde. It was an uplifting, intimate, and inspiring event. I’m coming back next year!”

Dr. VR (Justin Baillargeon):

“Attending VRTO as a podcaster was unforgettable! Reconnecting with old friends and meeting past guests from Dr. VR in real life was wonderful. Despite technical hurdles, live broadcasting episodes ended up working well. A huge shout-out to the organizers for making this event feel like home. Thanks to the volunteers for their help!”

Ivette Hernandez (Journalist):

“I had the opportunity to attend VRTO and explore Latin American and Hispanic representation in the Tech Industry. Talking with Carlos E. Paz-Soldan added valuable insights to my piece for CHHA 1610AM and Frequency News. I encourage you to explore the Canadian Hispanic-Latin American Virtual Museum exhibition at VRTO 2024.”

Dario Laverde:

“A big shout out and thanks to the VRTO team for a conference unlike any other. The quality of discussions and connections made was unparalleled. Plan to attend next year.”

Carol Silverman, Creator of Belongings:

“Thank you for the opportunity to speak about my room-scale VR experience ‘Belongings’ and designing nonlinear spatial narratives in VR, and demoing to amazing people in the exhibition hall! It was fantastic to hang out with Justin Baillargeon AKA Dr. VR for two whole days. I’m still pinching myself that it really happened.”

Dan Blair of BSDXR:

“This year VRTO was a slice, spent most of my time talking about custom peripherals, haptic experiences, and questioning reality. It was great meeting up with Megha Shah and Abhi P. from my team in Toronto, and hanging with Corey King, Blair Renaud, Robyn Smith, Ashley Huffman, Julie Smithson, Alan Smithson, Justin Baillargeon, Stephanie Greenall, Rob Theriault, and many more. Sponsors should take note because this stuff is taking off. It’s worth exploring.”

Gustavo Sanchez-Perez from the Visual Effects Society:

“An epic experience at VRTO this week representing Visual Effects Society (VES) – Toronto Section together with Josh Miles Joudrie. Thanks to all the panelists for their insightful presentations and to everyone we got to interact with on behalf of the VES.”

Jason Hunter from Durham:

“That’s a wrap! Had a great two days at VRTO. Thank you for another great year!”

Corey King – Co-Founder of ZenFri Inc.:

“VRTO has the highest per capita quantity of cool people I’ve ever seen.”

About VRTO

VRTO (Virtual Reality Toronto) is an award-winning, critically acclaimed conference that has catalyzed new ventures and opportunities in media, arts, entertainment, education, and enterprise since its inception in 2015. Known for its practical approach and positive business and development outcomes, VRTO remains a leading force in the VR and AR industry.

Toronto is renowned as a global hub of innovation and technological prowess. It consistently leads breakthroughs in digital media, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. The city’s vibrant ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and industry leaders fosters a dynamic environment where cutting-edge ideas flourish and transformative technologies emerge.

Looking Forward

VRTO 2024 was an inspiring event that showcased the future of spatial media and provided a platform for industry leaders and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and innovate. We look forward to seeing the advancements and collaborations emerging from this year’s conference and eagerly anticipate VRTO 2025.