Immersive Tech @ Casa Loma

​Join us at Casa Loma for an event focused on immersive technology, exploring how embedded microcontrollers can enhance the escape room experience through innovative sound design and interactive elements. We'll also discuss the softer skills that help hardware work in heritiage venues.

​Panelists

​Ryan Andal is the President and co-founder of the immersive entertainment studio Secret Location. He’s been at the forefront of immersive tech for over a decade — helping shape some of the first award-winning VR and AR experiences out there, including The Sleepy Hollow VR Experience, which won a Primetime Emmy. He continues to bring the magic of digital experiences into the real world at the Illuminarium at the Distillery District.

​Sam Pelletier is a Creative Technologist, Fabricator and Maintenance Coordinator at Secret City. His background mixes art, technology, and fabrication, and he previously worked at places like Rec Room and Playdium where he kept games and interactive systems running smoothly. Now, he brings that same mix of tech know-how and storytelling into immersive spaces, working on everything from escape rooms to dinner theatre experiences.

​Zain Siddiqui is the co-founder of Fabricats — a design studio specializing in designing and building unique, tailor-made immersive experiences and products. Their portfolio ranges from custom business signage to elaborate escape rooms, spine-tingling haunted houses, and innovative product displays. Before that, he was the co-owner of Dream Escape Canada, an immersive entertainment company known for their top-tier escape rooms. 

​Moderator

​Julianna Udvari is a Product Designer at Secret City Studio, where she leads the design practice and shapes the look and feel of the studio’s experience design efforts. With a versatile portfolio spanning health care, real estate, and finance, she brings a sharp eye for user-centered design to every project—whether it’s crafting tactile puzzle interfaces or guiding brand systems for major clients. At Secret City, she has been crucial to helping recruit, onboard and train early talent in the immersive experience space. Julianna will be moderating today’s discussion, drawing on her cross-industry expertise to connect design insights with real-world impact.

​Introduction (5 minutes)

​Patrick Keenan is a Senior Product Designer at Meta, where he works on wearables, generative AI, and augmented reality. He’s also the co-founder of Secret City, one of Toronto’s top immersive experience brands, known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling with actor-led escape room adventures and immersive puzzle-based experiences across the GTA and internationally.

Core Topic: Learn the fundamentals of building and integrating microcontrollers to create dynamic sound effects and responsive environments, unlocking new levels of immersion for players.

Technology in Action: Discover how cutting-edge technology can transform traditional escape rooms into fully immersive adventures, with practical insights into enabling seamless player interaction and engagement.

Panel Discussion: Engage with a diverse group of panelists, including tech experts and game designers, as they share their perspectives on advancing immersion through technology, offering inspiration and actionable ideas.

Bonus Perk: Ticket options are being considered, potentially including admission to one of Casa Loma’s thrilling escape room games, giving attendees a chance to experience immersive tech firsthand.

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​We are officially part of Toronto Tech Week 2025, a weeklong citywide collection of events to connect and celebrate the builders. June 23 → June 27, 2025 | torontotechweek.com.