Hangzhou, China - On May 28, the 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival 's International Animation & Game Business Conference (iABC2024) commenced at the New Century Grand Hotel in Binjiang, Hangzhou. This highly anticipated event has drawn over 200 industry leaders and enterprise representatives, focusing on the core theme of animation IP from its inception to its full digital content lifecycle. The conference aims to explore innovative collaborations, integrated development, and value transformation within the industry.
Wu Jianrong, Vice President of the China Animation Association and Chairman of Zhejiang Zhongnan Group, and Irina Mastusova, President of the Russian Animation Film Association, delivered opening remarks. Other prominent figures, such as Ma Li, President of the China Animation Association, and Lee Kyung-joo, President of the Gwangju Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency, participated in the official opening, highlighting the event's significance in blending technology and creativity.
Keynote Sessions and International Perspectives
The keynote sessions featured notable international guests, including American animation artist Dalton Grant Jr. and French creative producer Pascal Léger, who shared their expertise and creative experiences. Yitong Qin, co-founder and CEO of UNIPX Group, delivered a compelling keynote on "International Cooperation and Global Brand Promotion." These sessions provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and development strategies in the global market, broadening their perspectives and offering actionable insights for internationalization.
Animation IP Project Launches
A significant highlight of iABC2024 was the animation IP project release segment. Rick Garson, CEO and founder of Garson Entertainment, unveiled the "Immersive Interactive Experience - The Future of Live Performances" project. Leading domestic companies such as Zhongnan Cartoon, Uncle Da You, Suzhou Journey to the West Interactive Culture Media, and Zhejiang Zhuoyi Culture Media showcased their latest projects, innovative technologies, and visionary concepts, demonstrating the immense potential and dynamism of China's animation and game industry.
Business Matching and Networking Opportunities
iABC2024 set the stage for extensive business matching and networking. The conference introduced a new one-on-one appointment mechanism via a digital platform, enhancing communication efficiency between buyers and sellers. Over two days, 1,649 business meetings were conducted, leading to cooperation intentions with 135 enterprises and an estimated transaction value of RMB 1.0082 billion.
Embracing AIGC and Digital Transformation
Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) emerged as a focal point during the conference. On May 29, the "Experience Innovation, Efficiency Acceleration" AIGC special session featured experts from Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, NetEase Digital Intelligence, Microsoft (China), and Digital Visual Cloud. These industry leaders showcased the latest advancements in AIGC, including virtual humans, AR/VR/MR/XR, and immersive experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on the animation and game sectors.
International Collaboration and Exchange
iABC2024 emphasized international collaboration, with participation from enterprises across 39 countries and regions, including Russia, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. The conference also hosted the China-ASEAN and China-Central Asia Digital Economy Seminar, fostering thematic exchanges on "Global Cultural Goods and Services Trade in the Digital Age."
The Russian Animation Film Association and Moscow animation enterprises presented 15 projects, engaging with domestic companies through exclusive meeting rooms. Additionally, international animation enterprises from the UK, Canada, the US, South Korea, and Russia showcased their projects, generating significant interest and facilitating numerous collaboration opportunities.
Conclusion
The vibrant activities and fruitful outcomes of iABC2024 have underscored its role as a crucial platform for the animation and game industries. The event has not only facilitated short-term interactions but also established long-term international collaboration frameworks. With its successful conclusion, iABC2024 has highlighted the innovative spirit and global outlook of the animation and game sectors, paving the way for future growth and development.