THU Main Event is an experience, a movement, and a new mindset for creators.
It’s the only event that gathers all players of the industry in the same place, to spend an entire week connecting with no egos, no VIPs, no formalities, and no assholes.
Hard to
describe
Easy to
love
The best way to discover THU is through the words of the Tribe
“How I would describe THU: Joyous. Surprising. Passionate. Egalitarian. Connective. Insane. Inspiring. And fun. THU is what you get when people who truly love art, creativity, exploration and a great time share that love with others to make something beautiful and alive. So glad to be part of the Tribe! It's always fun to talk to people who are passionate about film-making and animation and creativity, and are interested to learn more. I remember what it meant to me, when I was starting in the industry, when people who'd had a lot more experience would take the time to talk to me, so I'm really looking forward to making new friends and sharing what I know.”
Peter Ramsey
Filmmaker
"I had heard glowing things about THU from a number of friends who’d attended over the years, but I never fully understood their enthusiasm until I attended myself as a speaker. Unlike other events with clear divisions between VIPs, speakers, and attendees, THU has no such barriers. From the moment we all arrived, everyone was made to feel included with regular social gatherings and encouraged to mingle, collaborate, and learn together. I didn’t feel like I made new contacts, I felt like I’d made new friends, people I can’t wait to see again at the next gathering of the Tribe."
Josh Scherr
“I think at THU, something special is happening. Throughout all the connections that people establish, I feel there are hidden talents that didn't dare to express themselves fully before, which finally dare to step into the light and embrace their art.”
Kim Jung Gi
Graphic Artist
“Like a baby tasting sugar for the first time, I could not get enough of THU! My heart is still bursting with inspiration from our beloved festival. I wish everyone in the world of creatives could experience such a unique and soulful event. Unlike anything I have ever experienced!”
Jorge Gutiérrez
Animator, Director
"I've been to conventions and art events before, but nothing like THU. To me, it felt like Space Camp or something. You have hundreds of artists gathering for a week with no other goal than to enrich each other and themselves. It’s an amazing experience. I was very humbled to be there and to experience it alongside my art heroes."
Mingjue Helen Chen
Assistant Production Designer
“This event changed my life. Literally. So many memories, new and long lasting friendships, and so humbling to be around such talented people”
Andrew Schmidt
Senior animator at Pixar Animation Studios
Is THU for you?
THU is for creators from all areas of the digital entertainment & interactive industry. We all have different backgrounds, career goals, and dreams, so each of us adds something unique to the Tribe.
Art,
Technology,
Entrepreneurship
It’s all about building the bridge between these three areas.
It turns out when you put the dreamers, the doers, the suits, and the geeks in the same place, really cool things happen.
We strongly encourage you to talk to people who have been to the Main Event and ask them questions about their experience! You can reach out to the Tribe through our discord channel.
What can you expect?
A Creative Reset
Every year, hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and areas of the industry attend the Main Event. This means we’re bringing together different perspectives, breaking industry patterns, and helping creators get out of their comfort zone.
The Industry’s Biggest Career Opportunities
Are you looking for a job or a new career path? We have two days dedicated to recruitment during the Main Event, where the best companies look for talent in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for freelance work, partners for a new project, or to build your network, this is also the place for you.
A Safe Place For Creators, Especially Introverts
We know what it’s like to feel out of place at events, and that’s why we make sure THU is a safe space where people feel comfortable to connect with fellow creators and access opportunities without the stress factor.
No Event and No Day is The Same: From 9am to 2am
We’re constantly changing things up and creating new event dynamics, so every edition is unique. We also take pride in having a schedule where no day is the same, keeping the Tribe busy and inspired with activities from 9am to 2am.
A Family Called Tribe
Our Tribe includes creators from all walks of life: students, juniors, seniors, you name it. We are all the same, and the Tribe is a community of people who believe in kindness and build each other up.
Finding your Magic is an Inside Job
Allow yourself to dream, remember why you started, and fall in love with your craft all over again. THU takes you on a trip through different forms of expression, allows you to rediscover traditional arts, and helps you find inspiration in unexpected creative areas, such as food and music.
previous editions
Every edition of the Main Event tells a story, documenting the Tribe’s growth and THU’s evolution. Scroll down to discover the poster and manifesto of each year.
2024
Everlasting
ABOUT
THU Main Event is a transformative experience and a creative reboot for every professional of the digital entertainment industry. This includes seniors from all areas, as well as creators, builders, and artists from all levels of seniority.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From the length to the structure and activities, everything is built to ensure an unforgettable experience of connections, learning, and growth. We’re constantly changing things up and creating new event dynamics, so every edition is unique.
This year, we are structuring the event in two parts: Career & Connections, and Learn & Discuss.
- Career & Connections: Find a new job, connect with companies, understand how the industry works, peek behind the scenes of some of the biggest projects, and network in a relaxed atmosphere with no formalities.
- Learn & Discuss: Remember why you started. Get inspired with talks from the brightest minds in the industry. They come from all over the globe to share their knowledge and unique perspective. Deconstruct processes and methodologies, learn new skills and improve your craft.
Highlights
668
attendees59
countries40
knights6
days
2022
A Place to Become
THU is a 6-day event packed with activities.
Highlights
612
attendees54
countries45
knights6
days
A Quest for Roots
In 2021, THU Main Event returned to Tróia, Portugal. The Tribe was finally able to reunite for the first time since the pandemic started, and keeping everyone safe was our priority. Tróia may be the place where everything began, but every quest has a turning point. We realized that home was never a place, and our quest for roots came to an end. The Tribe is our home and the seed of all things, settling deep wherever we go.
Highlights
221
attendees41
countries30
knights6
days
Legend of the Seventh Unicorn
In 2019, the Tribe celebrated the arrival of the Seventh Unicorn in Malta. He taught us the greatest lesson of all: it is only when you look at the world through the eyes of your inner child that you are capable of truly seeing it.
Highlights
994
attendees60
countries71
knights6
days
Tales of the Unknown
2018 was the year we moved to Malta, shattering our comfort zone and bringing the Tribe on a journey of self-exploration and possibilities. Together, we unlocked new views of the world and embraced the unknown instead of fearing it.
Highlights
983
attendees93
countries60
knights6
days
Epoch of Belief
THU 2017 was all about believing in ourselves and our talent. This was also the year we introduced the B-Sides, a new activity that shows the business side of the industry.
Highlights
871
attendees67
countries61
knights6
days
The Tribe Returns
The THU team grew in 2016, and so did the Tribe. The Tribe’s different approach to the industry began setting a new standard for these kinds of events, changing the scenario for the future of Digital Entertainment.
Highlights
594
attendees61
countries49
knights6
days
The Beginning of the End
2015 was an emotional rollercoaster. We struggled to gain recognition and support, so we thought this would be our last edition. When we were about to give up, Lenovo came to the rescue!
Highlights
584
attendees47
countries39
knights5
days
The First Battle
We reached a new level in 2014! Our vision for the Tribe started to take shape, and THU became more than just an event. We established it as a safe place and a home for our talented global family.
Highlights
488
attendees45
countries33
knights4
days
The Birth of the Unicorn
From humble beginnings come great things! THU was born from a simple idea: bringing the world's brightest creative talent to a place where everyone can get together, connect, learn from each other, and feel a sense of belonging.
Highlights
197
attendees17
countries24
knights4
days