HD EXPO ended on a high note today after the two day conference and exhibition attracted a capacity crowd to its trade show floor, panels and educational offerings. During the event, Oscar winners, technology visionaries, and technical experts presented real-world knowledge through intimate conversations, 3D screenings, cutting edge panels and intensives to standing-room only audiences.

Wednesday’s panels featured an acquisition to post workflow with RED, featuring Ted Schilowitz and a cadre of cinematographers, producers and post experts, and featuring never-seen-before footage. Also on Wednesday, American Cinema Editors presented “See What’s Coming - Meet the Editors of The Hottest New and Upcoming Releases,” a panel discussion featuring top editors Paul Hirsch, ACE, Nancy Richardson, ACE, Terilyn Shropshire, ACE, and Myron Kerstein, moderated by Carolyn Giardina. On Thursday, HD EXPO launched the Second Annual 3D Day, a highly anticipated series of screenings and expert discussions about 3D. The panels took a hard look at 3D in its current state but kept an eye towards the future, as the technology barrels into the workflow and into the public consciousness. Industry leader Vince Pace (“Avatar,” “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “U2 3D”), led two panels focusing on 3D. “Myth Busting 3D: Stop the Myths. Hear the Truth.”, which featured director Eric Brevig, (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”), Doug Merrifield, (“Hannah Montana”), Glen McPherson, ASC, (“Final Destination 4”), Phil Orlins, (ESPN), and Eric Torres (“Final Destination 4”), explored and explained the facts and in some cases the fiction of 3D production. Pace also took the audience through a first hand -discussion of the exciting and challenging deployment of Sports in 3D. 3D screenings accompanied the panels. Peter Anderson, ASC was joined by Doug Bankston from American Cinematographer in a One-on-One conversation exploring Anderson’s extensive 3D experience including “U2 3D,” and a number of groundbreaking 3D public space projects.

HD EXPO Delivers

HD EXPO’s exhibition area, sold out well in advance of the event, featured top industry manufacturers and technology companies including Panasonic, Atempo, Canon, Boris FX, IDX, Band Pro and many others.

Geared towards decision makers, thought leaders and key influencers, the invitation-only Q: What’s Next Pavilion featured conversations with Daryn Okada, ASC, President of the American Society of Cinematographers and iconic journalist Bob Fisher; Nash Parker from Alcatel-Lucent and Debra Kaufman of mobilizedtv.com, and John Nicolard of FotoKem, recent winner of the IBC Innovation Award.

HD EXPO CEO Kristin Petrovich noted “We are honored and proud to have the community and industry support that is a key part of our education and shows. As we close our flagship show tonight, we look forward to an exciting 2009 with a number of exciting announcements and new products. We are grateful for the support of our amazing experts and exhibitors.” Petrovich announced dates for 2009 HD EXPO including March 5, 2009 at the Universal Hilton, June 11, 2009 at the Navy Pier in Chicago, September 17, 2009 in New York City and November 4-5, 2009 in Los Angeles.