![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65c5921398f30a871236dfa8/6658e1400b9bd1d64c773804_Austin%20MacKay%20and%20Reid%20Valmestad%20at%20the%20Team%20Canada%20Trade%20Mission%20in%20South%20Korea%20.jpeg)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, April 29, 2024 — When Austin MacKay and Reid Valmestad founded CoPilot Co. 6 years ago, they didn’t expect to travel to Seoul, South Korea as delegates for a Team Canada Trade Mission. Held from April 10 to April 15, 2024, the trade mission aimed to strengthen business ties and foster collaboration between Canadian and South Korean companies.
“This experience has allowed us to demonstrate our expertise on an international stage,” said MacKay. “As the only delegates from Manitoba in the creative sector, we are honoured to have this opportunity.”
A key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the trade mission included over 160 Canadian organizations from various sectors. MacKay and Valmestad represented CoPilot Co. at the mission.
CoPilot Co. is a global, innovative, and tech-driven production studio that specializes in XR virtual production solutions. The studio offers various services, including virtual environment creation, LED wall installation and training, and film production. The trade mission provided CoPilot Co. the opportunity to bring their expertise to new markets and pursue valuable partnerships, all while showcasing what Manitoba’s creative sector has to offer.
“We are excited about the potential partnerships and opportunities that will emerge from our time in South Korea,” said Valmestad.
The mission, led by the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, followed the success of previous trade missions in other nations.
“During the last 4 days, I saw for myself why the Republic of Korea is such a great market for Canadian companies,” said Ng in a Global Affairs Canada news release. “I watched as Canadian businesses from different sectors made lasting connections and expanded their networks in the Republic of Korea.”
During the mission, MacKay and Valmestad met with numerous Korean businesses and creatives to discuss potential collaborations. They also visited various virtual production facilities across Korea, including the Digital Media City and NP Studio’s XR stage. These visits provided invaluable insights into the latest advancements and practices in the industry.
MacKay and Valmestad will speak about their Team Canada Trade Mission experience and its impact on CoPilot Co. at a Creative Export Seminar on June 20, 2024. The seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Creative Manitoba’s offices at 245 McDermot Ave.
For more information about CoPilot and its participation in the Team Canada Trade Mission to South Korea, please contact:
Austin MacKay
Co-Founder, CoPilot
austin@copilotco.io
www.copilotco.io
Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xdKl-CUmy_LKxj4yD0NQU-tYBGpKd00Z?usp=sharing