VRTO 2026 Spatial Media World Conference & Expo

Step into the next evolution of spatial computing at the VRTO 2026 Spatial Media World Conference & Expo. Now in its 11th year, VRTO continues its mission as the industry’s "weirdest, most relevant conference," operating as a premier think-tank for those who prefer open standards and ethical ventures over closed ecosystems.

Join us from June 24th–26th, 2026, at OCAD University in downtown Toronto. This year, the conference expands to a three-day format to dive deeper into the intersection of AI, human-centric design, and independent innovation.

Why VRTO 2026? The 2026 edition coincides with Toronto’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, bringing a unique energy and global spotlight to the city's tech and creative sectors. While the world watches the pitch, we’ll be exploring the frontiers of:

• AI Production & Integration: Practical discussions on AI development, ethics, and the shift toward autonomous digital teammates.
• Quantum Ecosystems: Insights into Canada’s $334M investment in quantum technologies and how they converge with spatial media.
• Independent Innovation: A dedicated focus on open-source approaches and supporting creators outside of Big Tech silos.

What to Expect:

• Dynamic Programming: Three full days of talks, workshops, and panels featuring pioneers who have shaped the history of wearable tech and virtual worlds.
• Interactive Exhibit Hall: Hands-on access to roomscale VR, augmented reality activations, and the "Innovation Zone" featuring startups and top-tier student projects from across the Americas and Asia.
• Maverick Networking: Connect with a global community of C-suite executives, artists, researchers, and "OGs" in an environment designed for authentic collaboration.

Prepare for a journey that ignores the corporate script and focuses on the actual future of technology.

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"VRTO is far more than a regional XR conference, it's a vital organ of the industry." ~ Ben Erwin, Creator of the Poly XR Awards

Secure your access early to take advantage of tiered pricing. A limited number of passes are available at a discount; once these are claimed, tickets remain available at the final rate while supplies last.

The interactive gallery and Innovation Zone showcase the projects of independent developers, startups, and academic researchers. This space offers direct access to the scientists, artists, and engineers currently defining the standards for spatial media, AI production, and ethical tech development.

Check individual ticket descriptions for specific access details regarding workshops and session tracks.

Visit the official site for the full speaker lineup and schedule:

Join the global community at #VRTO2026 to explore the intersections of technology and humanity

VRTO is Canada's largest and longest-running event dedicated solely to #XR and #spatial media arts. This year, the conference expands to a three-day format and returns to its roots at OCAD University.

By purchasing a VRTO 2026 conference pass, you will receive a custom discount code for the FIVARS Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories.

• FIVARS Dates: June 15–19, 2026.
• Location: Toronto.
• The Perk: All VRTO badge holders get a deep discount (historically up to 50%) on in-person festival tickets to experience exclusive Canadian and world premieres of narrative-driven immersive content.

Visit the official site for more information:

Are there ID requirements or an age limit?
Daytime (conference + exhibits): 10+. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Evening invite-only networking: 19+. ID may be requested.

Are VR demos age-restricted?
Yes. VR demos are 13+, or require active supervision by the attendee’s legal guardian.

Where is VRTO held?
OCAD University — 100 McCaul St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Where is registration/check-in?
Ground floor — left of the glass doors when entering from the street.

What are the hours? (June 24–26, 2026)
Conference programming: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM daily (Conference Pass required).
Exhibition Hall: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM daily (badge or wristband required).

Are exhibits included in conference passes?
Yes. All Conference Pass holders have access to the Exhibition Hall during exhibit hours.

Is there early check-in?
Yes — June 23, 2026 (2:00 PM–4:00 PM). Bring your Eventbrite QR code / email (no printing needed).

Do day-specific tickets work on other days?
No. Day-specific tickets are valid only for the date(s) on that ticket type. Badges/wristbands are coded and won’t be honored on other days.

What are the transport/parking options?
There is no school parking lot.

• Parking: Paid street parking (Green P) is available nearby, and there is paid parking across the street from the venue.
• Public transit: Use the TTC Trip Planner. The venue is near St. Patrick subway station and nearby streetcar stops.

What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds. Tickets are generally transferable via your Eventbrite account.

The name on the registration doesn’t match the attendee — is that okay?
Yes, with proof of purchase. We may verify purchaser details and require ID/contact info for the attendee.

Does each ticket need to be registered individually?
Conference Passes require registered name badges. Update ticket info using the Edit link in your Eventbrite Tickets page.

Is there an exhibitor wristband this year?
Yes. An Exhibits-Only wristband is available and grants access to the Exhibition Hall for all three days (June 24–26, 2026), including the second-stage programming (talks, demos, workshops, and special presentations during hall hours). It does not grant access to conference sessions in the main auditorium or any receptions.

Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Show your digital Eventbrite confirmation/QR code at check-in.

Photography / streaming rules
No flash photography. No live streaming of conference sessions. No exceptions.

My TAX ID number isn’t being accepted — what should I do?
Enter it exactly 15 characters (often includes letters like RC or RT).

American Express isn’t working — what should I do?
Use the 4-digit CID on the front of the card (not the 3-digit code on the back).

Is there student & educator pricing?
Possibly, on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to with your student ID or .edu email, and we’ll let you know what options are available.

What restaurants are nearby?
Village by the Grange food court is across the street; more options nearby on Queen St and Baldwin St.

How do I apply a promo/discount code?
Click TICKETS → checkout page → Enter promotional code link → Apply before selecting tickets.

Conference page
https://conference.virtualreality.to

VRTO has consistently hosted a global community of thought leaders, C-suite executives, and pioneers who have shaped the history of wearable tech and virtual worlds.

• Anne Toole: Renowned writer known for Horizon Zero Dawn, Days Gone, and The Witcher.
• Curtis Hickman: Co-Founder of The VOID.
• Olivier Palmieri: Game Director & Director of XR Workshop at Ubisoft Montreal.
• Blake Harris: Best-selling author of History of the Future and Console Wars.

• Walter Greenleaf, PhD: Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s MediaX Program and a leading authority in digital medicine and medical VR technology. He is the Co-founder and Board Chair of the International Virtual Reality Health Association (IVRHA).
• Dr. Steve Mann: Known as the "Father of Wearable Technology".

• Philip Rosedale: Founder of Second Life and High Fidelity.
• Amanda Watson: Creator of Air Link for Meta.
• Dave Cardwell: Academy Award winner and Director of 3D at Adobe (formerly of SPINVFX/BrioVR - Lord of the Rings, King Kong).
• Dario Laverde: Developer Relations at HTC.

• Douglas Rushkoff: Internationally acclaimed author of Present Shock and Team Human.
• Ana Serrano: Director of OCAD University and the Canadian Film Centre.
• Brett Leonard: Director of the visionary films Lawnmower Man and Virtuosity.
• Moses Znaimer: Media pioneer and creator of Bravo, Space Channel, and MuchMusic.
• Kadon Douglas: Executive Director at BIPOC TV & FILM.
• Sarah Vick: Head of Business Development at Intel Studios.

Read More:

1. VRTO Official Speaker Archive
2. OCAD University - VRTO 2026 Venue
3. FIVARS Festival Info

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

100 McCaul St, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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