ADFEST 2025

PROGRAM

/ THURSDAY 20 MARCH

/ FRIDAY 21 MARCH

/ SATURDAY 22 MARCH

/ 3-Day Program

/ WORKSHOP

< TO 3-DAY PROGRAM

The Alchemy of Immersion: Blending Technology to Create Magic with Meaning

Ty Curtis

Immersion is an alchemical process. It combines elements like design, hardware, software, storytelling, and world-building to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

The Alchemy of Immersion explores how these components come together to craft moments of surprise, deliver entertainment in unexpected ways, and drive meaningful change. This talk delves into the levels of immersion, each an essential ingredient in creating experiences that captivate and resonate.

It starts with ever evolving hardware devices and software systems that expand the boundaries of storytelling, unlocking entirely new realms of engagement. Next are the tactile and physical layers, interactive objects and sensory connections that ground digital narratives in the real world. Together, these elements lay the foundation for world-building and theming, where immersive ecosystems invite audiences to step inside and become active participants in the story.

Immersion is more than technology, it is the art of blending diverse elements to evoke wonder and connection. This talk will uncover how these carefully crafted experiences can transform the way we tell stories, build worlds, and engage with audiences.

Ty Curtis

Founder & Managing Director

Activate Studios

Brisbane

Ty Curtis, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Activate Studios, has been pushing the boundaries of immersive engagement since 2013. With an instinct for what’s next and a bold approach to taking risks that pay off, he’s collaborated with global brands like BMW, Free Fire, Suzuki, Lendlease, and Jimmy Choo to create unforgettable experiences. Under his leadership, Activate Studios crafts gamified adventures and interactive moments that pull people in and leave them grinning.

Previously, Ty served as Business Manager for Fin Design + Effects’ Shanghai studio, working with a world-class team on projects using Unreal Engine, real-time rendering, and large-scale volumetric LED stages. As Global CTO at Imperfect Circle, he led the company’s early XR explorations, driving innovative immersive storytelling across APAC and setting the stage for groundbreaking work in the space.

But really, this is just a fancy way to say he builds cool stuff that makes people feel something. His goal is always the same; make it fun, make it memorable, and make it matter.