Key Dates
- Innovation Zone Open for Applications – Now – January 3, 2025 (or until capacity reached)
- Member Registration Opens – August 16
- Call for Proposals For Conference Sessions deadline – October 18
- Non-Member Registration Opens – November 15 (Become a Member to secure your spot!)
- Speaker Notifications – November
- Cancellation Deadline for Conference Registrations – January 23, 2025
About the HPA Tech Retreat:
The HPA Tech Retreat is unique among entertainment industry events, where world-class leaders in engineering, technology, creativity, and business step away from their daily routines to explore and experience the most compelling topics in content creation, management, and dissemination. This exclusive gathering fosters authentic discussions among experts, offering insights and debates that you won’t find anywhere else.
At The HPA Tech Retreat, ideas are rigorously examined and debated not only in onstage presentations but throughout every moment of the event—from spirited golf tournaments and intimate roundtable breakfasts to evening dinners and nightcaps.
As a non-profit trade association, The HPA Tech Retreat is dedicated to advancing the interests of the professional entertainment industry. From studio executives to creatives, technologists to engineers, the Tech Retreat provides answers, education, and resources to help shape the future of our field.
What to Expect at Tech Retreat:
Experience five days of dynamic and engaging programming at the Tech Retreat, where each day is balanced with expert-led on-stage presentations and numerous opportunities for networking and fun. From in-depth discussions to relaxed social activities, the Tech Retreat is designed to be both enlightening and enjoyable.
Here’s what you can look forward to at the HPA Tech Retreat:
Main Stage Presentations:
The Tech Retreat features main-stage programming from Monday to Thursday. Monday and Tuesday’s sessions are curated by HPA volunteers based on the most compelling issues, technologies, and trends in the industry. Wednesday and Thursday sessions come from submissions sent in by experts across various disciplines, curated by Mark Schubin. The call for proposals for these sessions is open to anyone interested in presenting from August 1 – October 18.
Breakfast Roundtables:
Start your day with a blend of delicious food and insightful discussion at our breakfast roundtables. Pull up a chair and engage with a group of thought leaders as subject matter experts present on various topics in a relaxed, informal setting. Enjoy your parfait while asking questions, debating ideas, and expanding your knowledge. It’s Bon Appétit with a side of insight. Interested in hosting a roundtable? Click here.
Innovation and Networking:
The on-stage programming is only the beginning. From Monday to Wednesday, attendees can explore the latest advancements at the Innovation Zone, an interactive environment where you can kick the tires on the latest, greatest, and coolest technologies. The Innovation Zone is the place for a cocktail reception on Tuesday and a food truck extravaganza on Wednesday evening for a fun networking boost alongside numerous other brunches, lunches, and parties throughout the week. Interested in showcasing your technology in the Innovation Zone? Click here.
An Exclusive Venue:
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is dedicated entirely to the 2025 HPA Tech Retreat. Beginning February 16th, this resort will be an exclusive and lively nexus for the tech and creative communities. That’s right, the entire venue will be in full Tech Retreat mode, from the Sunday golf tournament to the final 30th Anniversary Celebration, fostering an environment ripe for networking and innovation.
Golf Tournament and Sunday Activities:
For those who want to enjoy a little time in the desert before the sessions kick-off, Sunday Funday is for you. Attendees can join a range of activities including our 2nd Golf Tournament, yoga, pickleball or just some pool time in the sun.
Relax And Recharge:
Throughout the week attendees will have access to our relaxation lounge, where you can recharge after some hardcore learning and networking. Or, enjoy one of the many resort offerings such as yoga, pickleball, or the day spa. Corporate Members get to unwind in an enhanced VIP member lounge with premium amenities.
The Who’s Who of the Industry:
Participants at the HPA Tech Retreat span a diverse range of backgrounds, from Oscar winners and studio technology chiefs to NASA scientists and executives from leading tech hubs. Whether you’re just starting in the industry or you’re an established legend, everyone is welcome. This is a space where every voice and perspective matters. Attendees come together to engage deeply with forward-looking trends and technologies in the content creation ecosystem, tackling current issues from fresh and varied viewpoints.
How to Participate
The HPA Tech Retreat is what it is because of its incredible participants — from presenters and attendees to sponsors and IZ participants. There are many ways to get involved, and we’d love to have you do so!
- Attend: You can’t participate if you’re not in attendance! HPA Member registration opens on August 16. Non-member registration opens on November 15.
- Sponsorship: Showcase your support and gain visibility with the people in our industry that matter. There is a wide range of sponsorship opportunities, and we’d love your support!
- Present: Share your expertise by submitting a proposal for a Wednesday/Thursday presentation.
- Innovation Zone: Apply to showcase your company’s latest innovations.
- Breakfast Roundtables: Contribute to informal discussions each morning on topics of your choice.
- HPA Membership: Join the community and enhance your engagement. Membership includes discounted rates, exclusive registration windows, access to our member lounge, and so much more.
Tech Retreat Features
Tuesday
Supersession
Why so super? This session has been on the cutting edge of technology and workflows in today’s ever-changing landscape. Simply put, this day is not to be missed – in the past, we’ve put together short films live from across the globe, installed two state-of-the-art 3D theaters in the ballroom to showcase the workflows of “Avatar: The Way of Water,” and last year a deep dive into AI and advanced animation filmmaking techniques. Stay tuned for what’s in store this year…
Wednesday/Thursday
Peer-Presented Sessions
The launchpad and very foundation of the Tech Retreat. Two full days of panels and presentations about the most important and intriguing ideas today, given by the people who know the most about them–you! Curated by Mark Schubin.
