XR, VR and multisensory storytelling in the US and in Europe
In the framework of the economic mission in the entertainment sector, we are bringing a group of 8 Brussels-based companies to New York. We will be organizing a panel discussion followed by demos on Tuesday, April 14th from 9.30am to 1pm at the Consulate General of Belgium in New York (885 Second Avenue, 41st floor) on the subject of XR, VR and multisensory storytelling in the US and in Europe. Breakfast and lunch with Belgian delicacies will be provided.
Introduction: why immersive:
According to Bain & Company, “The media industry is on the precipice of a major disruption as we enter what might be called the Immersive Era. Revenue streams from immersive platforms could grow US media revenues by as much as 20% by 2030”.
According to the 2025 European Media Industry Outlook, "The global XR market for immersive media generated an estimated EUR 61 billion in 2024, and these revenues are expected to triple by 2030. The EU immersive media market was estimated at EUR 12 billion (20% of the global market)”.
Topics of discussion:
Immersive experiences: a trend to stay?
Making culture accessible to all
Feeling history: emotional power of VR
Technology advancements in multisensory storytelling
Digital creative ecosystem in Brussels, Belgium, and Europe
Challenges and opportunities of organizing immersive experiences in the US and Europe
Ethical use of AI, consumer demand for interactivity, EU vs US regulation
Run of show:
9.30am-10.00am: breakfast
10.00am-11.00am: Panel discussion :
Jean Philippe Schepens van Thiel, AxonJay.ai (Brussels) (moderator)
Professor Maya Georgieva, Senior Director of the Innovation Center and XR, AI, and Quantum Labs at The New School (introduction for the US/NYC)
Michael Barngrover, XR4Europe (introduction for the EU)
Harley Hendrix, Hall des lumieres (New York)
Gautam Chandna, Exhibition Hub (Atlanta and Brussels)
Antoine Goldschmidt, Magicstreet (Brussels, Belgium)
Baudouin de Troostembergh, Sandora VR (Brussels, Belgium)
11.00am-12.00pm: Presentations and demos
Michael Barngrover, XR4Europe (pan-European non-profit association for Europe's XR and virtual worlds ecosystem)
Gautam Chandna, Exhibition Hub (curator of large exhibitions)
Antoine Goldschmidt, Magicstreet (media and light art studio)
Baudouin de Troostembergh, Sandora VR (immersive VR experiences)
Francesco Losavio and Arnaud Van de Sompel (developer of immersive leisure concepts: Brivocorp, Prison Island Brussels)
Asmae Ben Bahida, TechEpist (expert in digitalization, 3D virtual museums and exhibitions)
Jean Philippe Schepens van Thiel, AxonJay.ai (predictive AI)
12.00pm-1.00pm: Lunch and networking