The world of metaverse, exhibitions and immersive screenings had an appointment with the Quebec creative industry this week. Hub Montreal has just ended after three days of speeches, conferences, panel discussions and project presentations.
The annual meeting serves to “network”, according to a very HEC motto, to promote the development of digital businesses in the culture and entertainment sector by putting them in contact with potential buyers.
The community’s response exceeded expectations, with approximately 130 foreign delegate registrations. Major museums from around the world were present, including the Tate Modern in London and the Louvre, as well as major telecom companies, including the French Orange.
Montreal is the best city for this important industry meeting.
The event-market also attracted delegates from major entertainment companies, including Disney, and major festivals, such as SXSW, Tribeca and the Manchester Film Festival. The opening keynote was delivered by Marco Balich, founder of Turin-based Balich Wonder Studio, which specializes in creating mega-shows like the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games.
“To my knowledge, there is nothing similar in the world,” proudly said Sébastien Nasra, founder and director of Hub Montreal, met Tuesday at the Palais des Congrès, on the second day of the sixth edition of the event. He knows very well that his very good idea can be copied elsewhere. “But quite honestly, Montreal is the best city for this important industry meeting. In the meantime, I’m trying to gain as much ground as possible to become even more essential. »
Mr. Nasra has produced two other boutique events of the genre, but in the field of music: M for Montreal for 17 years and Mundial Montreal for 12 years.
“Hub Montréal attracts people with real purchasing power and a real desire to hire local talent, to schedule exhibitions or create collaborations in mixed or augmented reality, virtual reality, immersive exhibition or installation. of public art, he adds. It is an experiential market made to generate business spin-offs. »
Guests from abroad were also treated to tours of places of production and creation, from Cirque du Soleil installations to Cirque Éloize, including the Phi Centre, the NFB, the Pointe-à-Callière museum, the Botanical Garden, etc.
The city’s reputation is second to none in this sector, thanks to companies like Moment Factory and Cirque du Soleil, which have become multinational multimedia shows. The Quebec metropolis actually outrageously dominates the sector in Canada.
Local industry professionals also come in droves. Hub Montreal expected 500 registrations. He managed two hundred more. The pressure is also increasing for the creation of a festival component for the general public, which the director is considering. He sums up this possible development by recalling that festivals (in cinema, for example) tend to first create a popular event and then attach a specialized market to it. Hub Montreal would therefore follow the path in reverse.