Blender to XR: An Introduction to 3D Development

This hands-on workshop introduces you to 3D development and its growing applications across visualization, fabrication, and immersive technologies.

The session opens with an overview of the current 3D landscape: 3D printing, photogrammetry, AR, VR, MR, and the AI-driven tools reshaping how 3D content is created. From there, you'll move into a guided Blender session, learning the fundamentals of 3D modelling and building your own 3D model from scratch.

By the end, you'll understand the core Blender workflow and leave with a model you made yourself.

What to bring

• Your laptop (Mac or Windows)

• Blender installed before the event: blender.org/download

No prior experience with Blender or 3D development is required.

Spots are limited and registration is required.

​Schedule

6:00–6:30 PM — Check-In
6:30–8:30 PM — Workshop
8:30–9:00 PM — Wrap-up

​About the Speaker

Michael Carter-Arlt is a Toronto-based Creative Technologist who builds educational experiences with immersive technology. He is the Immersive Technology Specialist at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Libraries, lectures in TMU's Master of Digital Media program, and teaches UX Design at Wilfrid Laurier University.

His work combines 3D development, web design, and 2D animation to create augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications for museums, cultural institutions, and research projects. He also uses AI to make those experiences adaptive and accessible.

Michael led development of the Rumi exhibit at the Aga Khan Museum and has worked on the museum's Afghanistan My Love and Game On! exhibitions. He also built an AR storytelling project for the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto, and in 2021 he supervised the volumetric video capture of a Holocaust survivor for the USC Shoah Foundation's Dimensions in Testimony project. He has presented on immersive and AI-driven technology at Queen's University, Carleton University, OCAD University, the University of Toronto, and NC State University.

Event Sponsor

This event is sponsored by Ideogram, a Toronto-based AI company that builds frontier image models and creative tools. It is used by millions of users for graphic design tasks and creative artworks.

The artwork for this event was made with Ideogram.

​Important Notes for RSVPs

RSVP Commitment

If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. No-shows may affect your ability to attend future TechTank events.

Photography & Video Disclaimer

By attending, you acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken and used for future promotional content. If you’d prefer not to be included, please inform the TechTank organizers when you arrive.

Code of Conduct

By attending this event, you agree to follow the TechTank Code of Conduct. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees.

​About TechTank

TechTank is a Toronto tech community bringing developers, designers, product folks, founders, and builders together through talks, workshops, and community events.

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