The idea for KC IMAGINE grew out of a conference held by Ron Green, Executive Director of digiSTORY KC, and Gary Sage, Board Member of Thank You Walt Disney. They explored an idea for the future of the renovated Laugh-O-gram building, where Walt Disney launched his first commercial animation studio, with representatives from area colleges.

Gary Sage leads a panel discussion on industry needs with KC area digital media professionals at the first meeting of KC IMAGINE

An Industry Needs Survey helped identify priorities to advance the digital media ecosystem in the Kansas City region. A key need identified was for networking opportunities for area professionals and educators to begin to establish a collaborative digital community in the city and in the region.  

Industry Camp, launched with a kickoff program at the Kansas City Central Library, created in partnership with the Kansas City Public Library and ParentCamp. IndustryCamp encouraged digital media professionals to connect, strengthen and collaborate through networking and shared problem solving through online meetings during the pandemic.

A new in-person event format, DIGITAL SCENE KC was launched. Offered every other month, the networking event features a theme or subject area of interest within digital media disciplines, and emphasizes networking and continuing education by connecting attendees to best practice experts from the digital media community.  Each session is hosted at a unique location of importance to that session’s theme.