The Light and Sound Interactive Conference will showcase the Rochester region’s areas of expertise – such as optics, game design and more -- for three days in June.
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo talked about how a conference like this benefits the region.
"Things are happening in Monroe County,” Dinolfo said. “And when we have these conferences when we bring in world leaders, world companies to Rochester, and we combine that with the energy and talent of the University of Rochester, of RIT, good things happen."
The event is a collaboration among a number of partners, including UR and RIT. David Williams, the dean for research in arts, sciences, and engineering at UR, talked about this partnership.
"We have very complementary expertise at UR and RIT, and this is just the right area where we can excel and really shine," Williams said.
Guest speakers from Facebook, Microsoft and the Department of Defense are on the lineup.
Vinnie Esposito, vice president and executive director of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, talked about the synergy exemplified in a project like this.
"Really to put our best foot forward as Rochester,” Esposito said, “both in terms of what we offer in entertainment, nightlife and culture with the Jazz Festival, and of course, the core competencies and technologies that LSI will put front and center."
Parcel 5, Dryden Theater, Sibley Square and the Riverside Convention Center will all take turns hosting parts of the conference, which will take place downtown June 25 through 27, right in the middle of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival.