Industry Innovators 2025: Carter Lilley
Carter Lilley, a 3D artist for BCD Meetings & Events based in Lakewood, Ohio, is pushing the boundaries of event technology with cutting-edge visualization tools.
Lilley’s journey into his current role followed an unconventional path. Growing up, he and his brother had unlimited access to computers through their mother, who worked as a tech coordinator for their local school system. This exposure sparked their interest in video editing, graphic design, and game development. Lilley’s first design job was as a self-taught motion designer for his university’s IT department, where he honed skills that he now applies to events technology and spatial visualization.
At BCD, Lilley works with tools like Unreal Engine to custom-build virtual stages from the ground up. The company uses a combination of software and in-house tools developed by Lilley, including lidar-based photogrammetry to scan event spaces. This technology allows BCD to create highly detailed and accurate maps of environments, giving clients a precise preview of their events.
“This technology gives us the ability to show the client exactly what they can expect when it comes to their event,” Lilley explains. The use of real-time rendering technology enables collaborative client experiences, with designs often being approved during live calls.
One of Lilley’s most memorable projects involved creating a hybrid event with a custom-built virtual stage using Unreal Engine. Presenters were broadcast live into virtual environments, allowing for dynamic camera movements and interactivity. This project showcased BCD’s capabilities in event production and visual design.
Lilley is excited about emerging technologies like Gaussian Splatting, which promises to revolutionize 3D data visualization. He envisions a future where live, data-driven graphics and virtual environments become more prevalent in event production.
Looking ahead, Lilley’s team is working to push the limits of their visualization workflow, exploring new applications for real-time rendering in both show content and previsualization. On a personal note, Lilley has developed an interest in digital sculpture and is learning 3D character workflows, finding the process both challenging and rewarding.
