Exploring Insights from the First Three.js Conference in Paris: Uniting Creators and Innovators

Sep 10, 2026 797 views

By Manoela Ilic in Articles on September 10, 2026

A Glimpse into the Inaugural Three.js Conference in Paris

Exploring the first Three.js Conference through the eyes of those at the heart of it in Paris.

Something extraordinary is unfolding in Paris.

For the first time ever, the Three.js community converges for a specialized conference dedicated to the popular JavaScript library, uniting developers, artists, designers, and enthusiasts under one roof.

Even if you can’t attend in person, Codrops is making sure you don’t miss a beat. Our correspondents — Houmahani Kane, Adel Sanaa, and Rafael Teixeira — are live on the scene in Paris, documenting everything from keynotes to casual discussions, ensuring you get a real feel for the event as it happens. Expect regular updates to be shared here as the conference progresses.

Think of our coverage as an exclusive lens into the unfolding events, showcasing the highlights, reactions, and connections made during this vibrant two-day experience.

Explore the conference schedule here.

Anticipation Before the Event

As the countdown to the conference ticks down, an electric energy fills the air.

Event preparations are in the final stages; the venue transformation is underway, and early attendees are starting to filter in. After months of eager expectations, the inaugural Three.js Conference is on the brink of starting.

Here’s a snapshot of the atmosphere just moments before the curtains rise in Paris. 🇫🇷

The Conference Opens

And just like that, the event kicks off. 🇫🇷

The atmosphere is palpable with excitement as attendees gather for the inaugural talks and demos — it’s clear that a long-awaited community unity is now coming to fruition.

We’ll share initial impressions from Paris, including standout moments from the opening presentations by Vicente Lucendo and Robin Payot.

Divergent Paths in Presentations

Vicente Lucendo transported us behind the scenes of Messenger, detailing the intricate sound design and technical decisions that shaped this iconic experience.

In contrast, Robin Payot invited us down memory lane by recreating elements of Zelda within a Three.js framework, daring to push from WebGL into the realms of WebGPU.

The juxtaposition of nostalgia and innovative graphics was a captivating kickoff. 👀

An Engaging AI Dialogue

During a break, a captivating panel discussion took place with Mr.doob, Renaud Rohlinger, Nicolas Barrateau, and Florian Zumbrunn, who explored how AI is reshaping the landscape of Three.js.

The dialogue bubbled with insights into the tangible shift in coding culture; where coding once meant hours of overwhelming challenges, now it feels invigoratingly productive. Still, they stressed the importance of foundational skills; the arduous journey of coding not only fosters understanding but also unlocks the potential to truly master these emerging tools. The central question became: with such capabilities at our fingertips, when do we draw the line?

Set against the buzzing excitement of the conference, this conversation certainly underscored the emerging dynamics within the creative tech space.

Animating the Web and Digital Experiences

The morning continued to deliver rich content through three unique perspectives on enhancing web experiences.

Cassie Evans of GSAP discussed exciting advancements in GSAP 4, featuring improved Three.js integration and new spring-based animation tools that promise better performance when merging traditional DOM animations with Three.js.

Daria Nevezhyna approached the discussion from a human-centered angle, questioning the flatness of much of the web experience despite technological advancements. Her captivating product configurator demo showcased how interaction and storytelling elevate online product engagement.

Finally, Kim Boutin shared her personal evolution on the web, tracing her journey from early online experiments to her current explorations of interfaces that break conventional norms.

Three talks, three divergent methods, but all united by a commitment to making the web more expressive. ✨

Cassie Evans discusses GSAP 4 innovations.

Driving the Web Ahead

The next round of talks showcased three very distinct journeys. Célia Lopez described her evolution from novice to working with industry leaders, imparting a key lesson: growth comes through sharing your work and learning continuously. Her mantra is simple: Dream → Learn → Enjoy.

Natalia Markoborodova and Thomas Nattestad then shifted gears, delving into HTML within Canvas. Their experimental initiative seeks to fuse the structural power of HTML with the creative capabilities of Canvas, utilizing THREE.HTMLTexture to create immersive experiences that blend interactive 3D elements and traditional interfaces.

Lastly, Lovis Odin illuminated ways generative AI is being integrated into practical production workflows. The shift is moving away from simple prompts to more sophisticated creative systems, encompassing everything from rendering with Blender to real-time generation methods.

Peer Critique: A Portfolio Roast 🔥

What happens when you present a portfolio to industry veterans like Bruno Simon, Cassie Evans, and Nicolas Barradeau? Expect candid and often scathing feedback.

Their session provided rapid assessments, highlighting common pitfalls: illegal fluid simulations, excessively long loading times, overuse of effects leading to distraction, and the aversion to dense text blocks. The consensus? Designers should prioritize clarity, make intentional decisions, and let their creations shine.

Rapid Fire: Lightning Talks ⚡️

Ten speakers. Two-minute slots. Each moment packed with content.

The lightning talks whirled through a variety of topics, from AI-enhanced 3D creations to interactive installations. Unbound showcased their work integrating AI with Three.js, while Sketchfab's Cédric Pinson demonstrated a browser-based tool for manipulating 3D lighting.

Other highlights included the innovative approaches by Thrixel for crafting interactive 3D environments and a project allowing visitors to grow digital plants via touchscreen QR code technology. Julian Garnier previewed new Anime.js features, and Nathan from Immersive Garden shared more intuitive methods for building 3D scenes. Wrapping it up, Dario Sanchez challenged our views by stating, “Rendering isn’t always the bottleneck. Perception is.” He pushed the narrative that beyond technical accuracy lies the essence of taste.

Behind the Scenes at the Three.js Conference

While the presentations dazzled on stage, there were months of diligent preparation shaping the experience behind those moments. Julie Martin and Romain Briaux from Hervé Studio dedicated around seven months to creating the conference atmosphere, investing in everything from website design to the artistic direction, merchandise, and overall attendee experience.

### Closing Thoughts: Community at the Heart of Innovation The Three.js Conference showcased much more than just impressive technical prowess; it became a living embodiment of community-driven creativity. From its inception, the collaboration with Three.js has been impactful, transforming initial projects like Zenly into a broader movement that intertwines branding, motion graphics, and 3D illustration. Rather than merely displaying their technical skills, the conference organizers prioritized fostering a sense of belonging among attendees, which is fundamentally significant in a space often dominated by competition. The playful design elements carried throughout the event—from the vibrant aesthetics of the website to the intricate details of speaker badges—exemplify this approach. It’s not just about functional design. Every element, right down to the interactive 3D maps, aimed to engage participants at a deep, experiential level. That’s compelling. The applause from the audience during the badge reveal didn’t just celebrate the innovation; it highlighted a shared journey. This conference stood as a reminder that technology thrives in a rich collaborative environment, where creativity and community fuel each other. Mr.doob’s insights on the evolving relationship between AI and coding emphasized the shifting paradigm of what creativity means in this space. His comparison of AI’s integration into coding to the transition from manual anti-aliasing is striking. It suggests that we’re at a tipping point in how developers—and even children—approach 3D game design. If you're part of this ecosystem, this evolution is a call to action. Embrace the tools that make exploration easier, but don’t lose sight of the intrinsic value of curiosity and imagination. As Day One wraps up, it’s clear this event is more than a collection of talks—it's a comprehensive experience that places community connections at the forefront. We're excited for Day Two. What insights remain to be uncovered? What new collaborations might emerge? The future looks promising for a community that values creativity as much as technology. Stay tuned!

Source: Manoela Ilic · tympanus.net