The Blender Conference is an annual event dedicated to the open-source 3D creation suite known as Blender. It serves as a platform for developers, artists, and enthusiasts to converge, share knowledge, and celebrate the community's achievements.
History and Purpose
Founded in 2002, the Blender Conference was initiated to bring together the growing community around Blender. Initially named "Blender Conference," it was later renamed to Blender Conference to reflect its broader focus on all aspects of the Blender ecosystem, including:
- Development updates
- Artist showcases
- Workshops and tutorials
- Industry talks
Location and Format
The conference is traditionally held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at the Amsterdam RAI, which provides a central location for both European and international attendees. It spans over two days, typically in late October or early November, coinciding with the release of new Blender versions.
Key Features
- Presentations: Talks from developers, industry professionals, and artists on new features, techniques, and projects.
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions where participants can learn directly from experts.
- Blender Bazaar: An expo area where companies, freelancers, and enthusiasts can showcase products, services, and personal projects related to Blender.
- Blender Awards: An awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories like best animation, best open movie, etc.
Significance
The Blender Conference plays a crucial role in:
- Providing a space for networking among professionals and amateurs.
- Fostering innovation through the sharing of ideas and best practices.
- Encouraging community involvement in the ongoing development of Blender.
Notable Events
- In 2006, the conference saw the announcement of the Blender Institute, which aimed to create open movies and educational content using Blender.
- The conference often features the premiere of Blender Open Movies, like "Elephants Dream," "Big Buck Bunny," and "Sintel."
External Links
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