Event Overview
East by NorthWest (EXNW) 2025 will take place from July 18 to July 20, 2025, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, located at 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC. This annual three-day summit is recognized as one of the world’s largest gatherings of racialized professionals working in film, television, streaming, gaming, and animation.
Venue & Lodging
The main venue for the event is the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, with additional accommodations offered through EXNW’s partner hotels at special rates for attendees. These include:
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport (Richmond, BC)
EXchange Hotel Vancouver
Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (West Broadway)
Summit Highlights
EXNW 2025 offers a wide range of activities and experiences designed to elevate, celebrate, and connect racialized creatives across entertainment industries:
Conference Sessions & Panels (July 18–20): A diverse lineup of keynotes, panels, and mentorship sessions featuring industry leaders and changemakers.
EXNW Summit Kick-Off Party (Friday evening): A social event to welcome attendees and foster networking between North American and Asia-Pacific creatives.
Studio Tour (Friday): Behind-the-scenes visits to leading production studios, sound stages, recording facilities, and digital labs across Vancouver.
Pitch Sessions (Friday): Exclusive meetings between attendees and select funders, producers, and executives—available to those with the Summit & Tour Pass.
Pre-Ball Reception & Purple Carpet (Saturday evening): A formal reception leading into the main gala, complete with a purple carpet photo experience.
EXNW Ball & Connector Awards Ceremony (Saturday night): A gala event honouring individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to global equity in media. Guests will enjoy dinner, entertainment, and award presentations.
AI × Drag N’ Dim Sum (Sunday afternoon): A vibrant closing event featuring performances by House of Rice, a keynote discussion on AI and storytelling, and a dim sum social.
Ticket Options
Ticket packages include Super Early Bird, Early Bird (available until June 27), and Regular pricing. Options are as follows:
Summit Pass: Access to conference sessions, networking activities, and included meals.
Summit & Tour Pass: Includes the full Summit experience plus access to the Studio Tour (pitch session application not included).
Ball & Reception Ticket: Individual tickets or table reservations for the Saturday gala.
AI × Drag N’ Dim Sum Ticket: Admission to the Sunday afternoon showcase and closing event.
Policies & Guidelines
EXNW 2025 prioritizes safety, respect, and accessibility for all guests:
Health & Safety: Attendees are asked to self-screen for symptoms. The event follows JW Marriott’s enhanced cleanliness protocols.
Filming Notice: The summit will be filmed and photographed. By attending, guests agree to the use of their likeness for promotional or educational content.
Code of Conduct: The event enforces a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behaviour. All attendees are expected to uphold values of inclusion, consent, and professionalism.
Disclaimer: Organizers reserve the right to make schedule, venue, or programming changes. They are not liable for attendee costs associated with such changes.
Mission & Focus
EXNW is a trans-Pacific creative summit that exists to empower racialized storytellers working in screen-based industries. Through panels, pitches, keynotes, and awards, the summit strengthens global equity, fosters meaningful collaborations, and expands access to industry networks and opportunities. Notable featured guests include Ins Choi, creator of Kim’s Convenience, among others.
Land Acknowledgement
EXNW and its producers, RESO, acknowledge that this gathering takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. They honour the enduring presence and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples across Turtle Island.
