Linna was on the scene, Monday for day 2 capturing the sights, sounds, and stories unfolding inside what may be the smartest room in the world—SIGGRAPH 2026.
Attendance more than doubled from Sunday to Monday as thousands of attendees, panelists, exhibitors, creative technologists, and ACM staff converged at the Los Angeles Convention Center to explore the future of computer graphics, artificial intelligence, immersive media, animation, and advanced production technologies.
The official attendance numbers are still being tabulated, but this year’s gathering appeared slightly smaller than SIGGRAPH’s previous Los Angeles edition in 2023. Still, the energy, intelligence, and innovation filling the convention center remained unmistakable.
Stay tuned as Linna continues getting the scoop on the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future—from the press room to the classroom.
On Monday, July 20, SIGGRAPH 2026 keynote speaker Lanny Smoot shared lessons shaped by more than 45 years of invention across telecommunications, immersive technology, and themed entertainment. There was a standing room only crowd that hung on every word, especially, his
From pioneering fiber-optic systems at Bell Labs to creating advanced experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Research, Smoot has built a career at the intersection of engineering, imagination, and storytelling. With 107 patents, he is Disney’s most prolific inventor and only the second person from the company, after Walt Disney, to enter the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
One Quote that really resonated with Linna was, “I always joke that the things I design or build in electronics, optics, and mechanics will work; however, they may not be “pretty.” I have the luxury to be working with some of the most talented artists and artisans in the world and the best storytellers in the business.”
At the center of Smoot’s message was a simple belief: invention is a team sport.
He explained that engineers, artists, artisans, designers, and storytellers achieve their best work when they understand one another’s strengths and collaborate across disciplines. Technical ideas may function, but meaningful experiences require creativity, beauty, and human connection.
Smoot also encouraged inventors to evaluate ideas honestly before investing a team’s time and resources. A strong invention should not only be possible—it should serve a purpose, create value, and be useful or enjoyable to others.
His relationship with SIGGRAPH reflects that same spirit of exchange:
“Each time that I have made a contribution to SIGGRAPH, I have taken home more than I have given.”
Smoot’s keynote reminded attendees that the most transformative innovations emerge when talented people share ideas, learn from one another, and work together to improve the world.
“Be honest about the importance of the idea and whether it will be used and/or enjoyed by large numbers of people (not just you). Is the idea worth the time and effort — especially if you’re a team leader?”
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