Summit25
>>
Program
>>
Session

Dream vs. Budget: Who Wins in Immersive Design?

Tues

Immersive experiences often promise world-building on a grand scale – but budgets rarely match the ambition. How can designers and producers reconcile creative vision with the financial reality of the current economic climate, without diluting the impact?

Dan Hughes
Illusion Design and Construct

Dan Hughes is one of the managing directors of Illusion Design and Construct. For over a decade, Illusion have been transforming creative visions into extraordinary realities and are the premier scenic design and construction company for immersive experiences, events, exhibits, stages, and retail.

Hamish Jenkinson
The Department Agency

Hamish Jenkinson is the Founder and CEO of The Department, a multi-award-winning agency. He began his career in film and television, working for Guy Ritchie and Madonna on major films such as James Bond: Die Another Day, Superman Returns, and Margin Call. He has also directed acclaimed music videos and TV commercials, such as a perfume campaign for Michael Bublé.

Under his leadership, The Department has produced high-profile events, including two Opening Ceremonies for the Champions League Final, the FA Cup Final, and the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup celebrations.

Hamish has produced extraordinary experiences for global brands like F1 Williams Racing, IWC, BMW, Omega, Adidas, and MINI, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The agency has worked with top talents, including Bob Geldof, Jude Law, Milla Jovovich, Tinie Tempah, and Usain Bolt.

In London, Hamish has founded iconic venues such as the Old Vic Tunnels, The Vaults, and the art gallery Lights of Soho, which became the most Instagrammed venue after launching and was featured on the front cover of GQ Magazine. His immersive collaborations extend to projects with Secret Cinema, Punchdrunk, and renowned artists like Tracey Emin and Banksy.

Neil Connolly
Immersive Everywhere

Neil, an award-winning writer and fearless creative leader of design and production teams, has been a pioneer in playable and immersive theatre since leading the charge in 2007 – He can’t shake it off. In 2019, he adeptly crafted an enchanted immersive experience for HRH Elizabeth Regina during Sainsbury’s 150th birthday celebrations. With 18 years of distinguished contributions to themed entertainment, Neil has shaped theatre productions & attractions like: The Traitors Live Experience, Peppa Pig Surprise Party, Handles Messiah, The Crystal Maze Live Experience, Tomb Raider: The Live Experience, and Chaos Karts, an AR go-kart real-life battle.

Join The Network