Social Activities
We are pleased to confirm a number of social activities that will take place across the Conference at Royal Holloway, University of London.
CoStar Futures Studio Virtual Tour
Location: Shilling Building
Date: Thursday 10th September 2026
Times: 12:00 - 12:30 I 12:30 - 13:00 I 13:00 - 13:30 I 15:00 - 15:30
Capacity: 30 (per session)
Pre-registration Opening Soon
The Futures Studio at Royal Holloway, University of London is a research and development facility dedicated to advancing virtual production, immersive media and next-generation audio technologies for the creative industries.
As part of the CoSTAR National Lab’s facilities, the studio provides a collaborative space where researchers, students and industry partners can experiment with tools such as LED-volume virtual production, real-time rendering and spatial audio to develop new forms of storytelling and media production.
The Futures Studio also serves as a testbed for a major new facility - the CoSTAR Stage at Pinewood Studios, which will be led by the same team and will bring large-scale virtual production and creative-technology R&D directly into one of the world’s leading film studio environments.
The Futures Studio was jointly funded by Royal Holloway, University of London and Surrey County Council.
Specifications
The Futures Studio is a prototyping facility that offers the following core production and research capabilities:
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LED volume-based virtual production for real-time environments and in-camera backgrounds
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Real-time Unreal Engine pipelines for interactive scene rendering and virtual environments
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Camera tracking and in-camera VFX enabling parallax-correct imagery on LED walls
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High-end cinema camera capture with professional cinema cameras, lenses, and motion rigs
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Immersive and spatial audio production, including multichannel playback and recording
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XR and mixed-reality experimentation using VR/AR headsets and 3D scanning tools
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Live performance and music production in an acoustically treated studio environment
These capabilities are supported by a dedicated LED virtual production stage, camera tracking systems, high-performance rendering servers, immersive audio infrastructure and XR capture tools, enabling small-to-medium scale film, television, music and immersive media productions.
Yoga
Location: Sports Centre - Jane Holloway Building
Instructor: Maxine
Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Time: 15:30 - 16:10
Capacity: 20
Pre-registration Opening Soon
Take a moment to stretch, unwind, and recharge with an on-campus yoga session on Wednesday 9th September from 15:30 - 16:10.
No experience is needed. Mats are provided—just wear comfortable clothing.
Spaces are limited to 20 participants, so please book online to secure your place. (Pre-registration opens soon)
Dr Catherine Elizabeth Georgiou
Dr Catherine Elizabeth Georgiou is a Lecturer of International Business at Royal Holloway University of London in the SIBE (Strategic International Business and Entrepreneurship department). Her research interests include international cooperation, information economics, and the institutional environment. She has published in leading publications including Management International Review, and the International Small Business Journal.
Picture Gallery Tour
Location: Picture Gallery, Founders Building
Guide: Kathryn
Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Time: 10:15 - 10:45
Capacity: 30
Pre-registration Opening Soon
RHUL’s Art Collections Officer, Kathryn, leading the tours. She usually offers introductory talks covering Thomas Holloway and the early history of the College, the development of the Picture Gallery, and highlights from the collection.
Musical Performance at The Chapel
Location: The Chapel, Founders Building
Dates/Times: Wednesday 9th September - 20:00 - 20:30 I Thursday 10th September - 12:30 - 13:00
Capacity: TBC
Pre-registration Opening Soon
Housed in one of the most spectacular university buildings in the world, and completed in 1886, the beautiful gilded chapel includes bas-reliefs by Ceccardo Fucigna and a fine three-manual organ.
Sustainability Walks
Details TBC