The Hollywood Professional Association has issued the call for proposals for the 2021 HPA Tech Retreat. This year, the respected gathering is evolving into a dynamic virtual event taking place in February, 2021. The HPA Tech Retreat has led technology transformation for over 25 years, this year turning the power of its thought leaders and key influencers towards tackling the impact of the global pandemic on the media landscape. The highly anticipated gathering of professionals who work at the intersection of technology and creative media seeks program submissions on that critical topic as well as its usual focus, groundbreaking ideas and technologies.

Again this year, the main program will be determined by proposals submitted during the Call for Proposals. Proposals will be accepted from today until 5PM PDT on Friday November 20, 2020. Submissions are also now open for the breakfast roundtables.

The conversation and connection that are a hallmark of every HPA Tech Retreat is still a key element and will be enabled and encouraged through technology. Details on the entire event will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

Call for Proposals: Main Program
Main program presentations are strictly reserved for marketing-free content.

HPA’s long running program virtuoso Mark Schubin notes that main program sessions can include a wide range of topics, but an important focus this year will be on how technology has helped the industry overcome the impact of the COVID 19 virus and the role it will play as we adapt to a new set of industry challenges and opportunities.

This year, more than ever, HPA Tech Retreat will retain its dedication to high-information, high-value conversations. Schubin says, “As usual, we seek proposals for presentations and/or panels related to all aspects of movies, television, and other aspects of motion imaging and related sound and other sensations. But there are new rules! The maximum duration of any presentation or panel will be 20 minutes, but we might be able to accommodate more presentations, so consider splitting big topics into multiple presentations. There is no minimum duration. If selected, presentations are to be prerecorded and delivered before the event (deadlines will be announced). Extra consideration will be given to proposals addressing the global pandemic.”

Presentation proposals must come from the proposed presenter. No formal submissions are required and proposals are informal in nature; a sentence or two is usually sufficient. If more information is needed, it will be requested. Submitters will be contacted if the topic is of interest. Submissions should be sent to media.mark.schubin@gmail.com.

Call for Proposals: Breakfast Roundtables
Breakfast roundtables will return for the virtual event. Unlike the other portions of the HPA Tech Retreat, the moderator-led breakfast roundtables can include marketing information. Schubin comments, “Table moderators are free to teach, preach, ask, call-to-task, sell, kvell, or do anything else that keeps conversation flowing for an hour.” There is no vetting process for breakfast roundtables. Proposals for breakfast roundtables must be submitted by their proposed moderators and once the maximum number of tables is reached no more can be accepted.

Seth Hallen, president of HPA, noted, “Despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, we are going to make sure that this HPA Tech Retreat continues to engage, inform and connect in its usual jaw dropping way.  This year, more than ever, the discussion and deep knowledge is exactly what our community needs and seeks. Your input is what has always made the HPA Tech Retreat program unlike any other event, and I encourage you to submit for this year’s program – the industry needs to hear from you!”

Schubin succinctly summed up the Call for Proposals, “In the age of Covid-19, the HPA Tech Retreat will still be exactly the same but completely different.  Stay tuned for more details, but don’t forget to submit your presentation proposals and breakfast roundtable topics.”

Further details for the 2021 HPA Tech Retreat will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about the 2021 HPA Tech Retreat, visit http://www.hpaonline.com.