Randolph West (they/them) writes about the Microsoft Data Platform, having worked with SQL Server since the late 1990s. When not writing about technology, you can see them acting on the stage and screen, or doing voices for independent video games. Former five-time Data Platform MVP and charter member of the Azure Data Community Advisory Board. Founder of the Calgary Data User Group. Connect with Randolph on Twitter, or buy their books on Amazon.

Randolph West (they/them) writes about the Microsoft Data Platform, having worked with SQL Server since the late 1990s. When not writing about technology, you can see them acting on the stage and screen, or doing voices for independent video games. F... Show more

Saj Zaman, the Founder of Finally Free Productions (FFP), boasts a wealth of experience in the technology industry as a serial entrepreneur and expert in scaling up businesses. With over a decade of experience, Saj has honed his skills in custom app, software, and game development, as well as blockchain development, catering to clients nationwide.

Under his leadership, FFP has achieved remarkable success, becoming a testament to Saj's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Recognizing the immense potential for growth through mobile applications, he has guided countless business owners in establishing a strong presence in their respective industries. FFP prides itself on transforming clients' ideas into service apps that fuel business growth and deliver tangible results.

Saj's profound impact on the tech industry is further underscored by his dedication to designing sophisticated software and high-quality applications. Alongside his driven FFP team, Saj exemplifies a relentless pursuit of perfection in realizing clients' visions. By continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible, he is shaping the future of technology and making an indelible mark on the industry.

Saj Zaman, the Founder of Finally Free Productions (FFP), boasts a wealth of experience in the technology industry as a serial entrepreneur and expert in scaling up businesses. With over a decade of experience, Saj has honed his skills in custom app,... Show more

Ben Vanderberg is a Principal Platform Evangelist for Adobe Acrobat platform. For the last 15 years, he has worked with organizations to help drive automation and paperless technologies. With the release of the iPad and the iPhone, he helped publishing organizations drive cross-publishing to the web, mobile, and traditional paper. At Adobe, he has been helping drive innovation in documents through e-signatures (Adobe Sign) and document automation using Adobe Document Services. He is also working with many enterprise platforms, including SalesForce, Microsoft 365, AWS, Azure, and other platforms. Ben is also an editor and contributor to Adobe Tech Blog.

Ben Vanderberg is a Principal Platform Evangelist for Adobe Acrobat platform. For the last 15 years, he has worked with organizations to help drive automation and paperless technologies. With the release of the iPad and the iPhone, he helped publishi... Show more

From running street teams to making a music documentary, Christine spent most of my adolescence deeply entrenched in the music industry and went on to receive an undergrad degree in Music Business, followed by an MBA in Marketing and a Masters in Data Science. She managed to combine all of her passions into roles consulting and working with various music startups, venues, festivals, radio stations and labels bridging the gap between music, data & business. Originally from Baltimore, MD, USA, Christine spent 2 years in Stockholm most recently as the Head of Data & Insights for Universal Music Sweden and now calls London home working as the Director of Data & Insights for Global Marketing at Warner Music Group, where Christine use data to tell stories & help guide our artist's journeys.

From running street teams to making a music documentary, Christine spent most of my adolescence deeply entrenched in the music industry and went on to receive an undergrad degree in Music Business, followed by an MBA in Marketing and a Masters in Dat... Show more

Hrvoje dolazi iz Grada Zagreba, gdje ponajviše spava, a nešto manje piše i uči.
Učenik je Srednje Škole, štuje sove, pohađa dramsku i svakih 6 mjeseci re-watcha FIrefly.
Kako ne voli pisati biografije, sklepao je nešto pet minuta prije prijave.

Hrvoje dolazi iz Grada Zagreba, gdje ponajviše spava, a nešto manje piše i uči. Učenik je Srednje Škole, štuje sove, pohađa dramsku i svakih 6 mjeseci re-watcha FIrefly. Kako ne voli pisati biografije, sklepao je nešto pet minuta prije prijave. Show more

J'ai passé des années à aider les autres à mieux travailler ensemble. Et puis j'ai fondé Animeet, une communauté où des gens qui ne se connaissent pas fabriquent des films d'animation en un week-end. Mon métier aujourd'hui : libérer le processus créatif dans les organisations.

J'ai passé des années à aider les autres à mieux travailler ensemble. Et puis j'ai fondé Animeet, une communauté où des gens qui ne se connaissent pas fabriquent des films d'animation en un week-end. Mon métier aujourd'hui : libérer le processus créa... Show more

I am Aakash Dhakshnamoorthy, a AI/ML Engineer & Strategist in the R&D Department at Zenardy Technologies India and an Oracle Certified GenAI Professional. My expertise spans Python, Gen AI, DevOps, Jenkins, React, and JavaScript, with a keen interest in Generative AI Application Development.

Additionally, a winner and mentor of the National Level Smart India Hackathon and a finalist in the UNESCO India Africa (UIA) International Hackathon, I have actively contributed to the AI and technology landscape.

I am also a speaker at Global AI Bootcamp, Dev Summit, an AI workshop conducted by Microsoft, AI Agents workflow by Google and many more industry events, where I share insights on AI and emerging technologies.

I have delivered session on AI, ML, Azure and Agents for college students and have served as a mentor in multiple AI-domain hackathons, helping participants navigate AI challenges and solutions.

Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about teaching underprivileged students and actively participate in environmental initiatives. I also enjoy painting and designing, blending creativity with technology to innovate and inspire.

I am Aakash Dhakshnamoorthy, a AI/ML Engineer & Strategist in the R&D Department at Zenardy Technologies India and an Oracle Certified GenAI Professional. My expertise spans Python, Gen AI, DevOps, Jenkins, React, and JavaScript, with a keen interest... Show more

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Realites, a leading metaverse company, to create immersive and interactive experiences for his fans. Kae9mm aims to push the boundaries of music and technology and to explore new dimensions of creativity and expression.

Kae9mm is a cyber musician who blends hip-hop, techno and futuristic themes in his music. He is known for his innovative use of virtual reality and augmented reality in his live performances and music videos. He has recently partnered with United Rea... Show more

A trained actor with a curious background: from Theatre Studies, to Q/A, to Business Intelligence development, to full stack web development, I am the resident specialist PHP Developer Advocate at Global Cloud Communications giant Vonage. I founded Birmingham, UK's current PHP usergroup BrumPHP, hosted the Fusion Meetup Series, and organised the TechMids Developer Conference. I mentor, write and speak on PHP, JavaScript, DevOps, DevRel and tech culture. I pretended to be a DJ on the way.

A trained actor with a curious background: from Theatre Studies, to Q/A, to Business Intelligence development, to full stack web development, I am the resident specialist PHP Developer Advocate at Global Cloud Communications giant Vonage. I founded B... Show more

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends real-world change management expertise with authentic and engaging storytelling. His work includes open conversations around mental health, suicide awareness, and well-being, creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Erik Zito is a leader in mental health, and organizational change who helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity, trust, and compassion. With experience across corporate, nonprofit, and higher-education environments, Erik blends re... Show more

Rođen 1991. godine. Veliki ljubitelj SF-a i stripova još od ranog djetinjstva. Ljubitelj povijesti letova u svemir i istraživanja svemira.

Rođen 1991. godine. Veliki ljubitelj SF-a i stripova još od ranog djetinjstva. Ljubitelj povijesti letova u svemir i istraživanja svemira. Show more

Danielle Cooley has been working in design research and strategy for more than 18 years with such companies as Hyundai, Pfizer, Graco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fidelity, MasterCard, and more. She leads a bespoke consulting practice and speaks frequently at local, national, and international conferences.

Danielle Cooley has been working in design research and strategy for more than 18 years with such companies as Hyundai, Pfizer, Graco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fidelity, MasterCard, and more. She leads a bespoke consulting practice and speaks frequent... Show more

Andrew spent over a decade in Customer Service, IT Support, and Knowledge Management roles before transitioning to his dream job of being a writer, game designer, and professional Dungeon Master. He is now the owner of Quills & Quests where, through fiction writings and games, he explores heroism as a means of self-improvement, promotes mental health awareness, advocates for fair play, and fosters creativity.

Andrew hosts, writes, designs, and publishes his own Dungeons & Dragons adventures. He also provides various professional Dungeon Mastering services as well as interactive gaming experiences for individuals, groups, private parties or corporate events.

Andrew spent over a decade in Customer Service, IT Support, and Knowledge Management roles before transitioning to his dream job of being a writer, game designer, and professional Dungeon Master. He is now the owner of Quills & Quests where, through ... Show more

Peter Gallinari is a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in Information Technology, including more than 30 years in leadership roles specializing in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Compliance. He possesses extensive industry expertise across the financial services, healthcare, and government sectors.
Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has held several high-profile positions, including:
• Chief Data Privacy Officer for the State of Tennessee
• Domain Information Security Officer for the State of Tennessee
• Chief Security Officer at GE Capital and GE IT Director of Operations
• Chief Security Officer overseeing security for three hospitals in New York
• Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Delivery Services at Merrill Lynch
• Data Privacy Program Manager for the State of North Carolina
His deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, such as GLBA, SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, FTI, CJIS, SSA, and the EU GDPR, along with PCI compliance for commercial operations, and data protection frameworks: ISO27001, SOC2 TYPE2, NIST.
Peter is a recognized subject matter expert in cloud compliance and governance solutions and is a frequent keynote speaker at Data Privacy and Cybersecurity conferences across both the public and private sectors. His insights and leadership have consistently driven the secure and compliant management of sensitive data in complex, high-stakes environments. He currently has a new book out on Amazon: The Sound of Governance: Rockin Privacy Across Sectors, and a weekly YouTube Channel: Rockin Data Privacy - Peter Gallinari

MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST BIO
🎹 Peter Gallinari – Official Artist Bio
Peter Gallinari is a veteran keyboardist, songwriter, and recording artist whose career spans over three decades of performing and recording alongside some of rock’s most iconic names. Known for his soulful playing, powerhouse stage presence, and deep musical versatility, Peter has built a reputation as a go-to collaborator in the world of classic rock and beyond.

He is currently touring with pop legend Tiffany, continuing a long line of high-profile performances that have included tours with Leslie West & Mountain, Richie Scarlet (of Ace Frehley’s Comet and Alice Cooper).
Peter’s studio and stage credits are a who’s who of rock royalty, including collaborations with:
• Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Ace Frehley (KISS), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Fergie Frederiksen (TOTO), John Regan, (Ace Frehleys Comets, Peter Frampton, Stones)
• Anton Fig (David Letterman, KISS), Barry Lee Harwood & Derek Hess (Rossington Collins Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
• Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart), Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper), Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates)
• And many more, including members of Blue Öyster Cult & The Misfits.
In addition to his performance work, Peter is a proud member of the Hammond Family of Artists, recognized by the legendary Hammond Organ company for his musicianship and contributions to live music.
📡 Learn more and follow upcoming shows at:
🔗 www.petergallinarimusic.com

Peter Gallinari is a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in Information Technology, including more than 30 years in leadership roles specializing in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Compliance. He possesses extensive industry exper... Show more

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce enforcement matters, and family offenses. She handles both trial and appellate matters and has developed particular experience in parental alienation cases. After completing law school in 2024, she passed the New York bar exam and was admitted to practice by the Appellate Division: Fourth Department, in January 2025.

In her daily work, Erin represents individuals and families facing legal disputes that often carry emotional and financial impact. Matrimonial and family law requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of both statutory and case law. Her involvement in trial proceedings allows her to present evidence and arguments before the court, while her appellate experience focuses on reviewing legal errors and drafting persuasive briefs. Through this combination, she works to ensure that her clients’ positions are clearly and effectively presented at every stage of litigation.

Attorney Erin Welsh, Buffalo, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Middle East Studies from Syracuse University. She attended on a full-tuition merit scholarship through the Coronat Scholar Program, which supports students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving others. During her undergraduate years, she was also selected as a Remembrance Scholar, one of the institution’s highest honors recognizing academic excellence and community involvement. In addition, she completed the Renee Crown University Honors Program, which emphasizes interdisciplinary study, communication, and civic engagement.

After graduating from Syracuse University, she continued her academic work at Trinity College Dublin, earning a Master of Philosophy in Sociology with first-class honors. While pursuing her graduate degree, she authored and published a peer-reviewed article titled “Assessing Microfinance as a Means of Socioeconomic Empowerment for Vulnerable Women in Jordan.” Her research examined how financial programs can influence economic stability and opportunity for women in underserved communities. This work reflected her broader interest in how legal and social structures affect access to resources and individual advancement.

Erin then attended the University at Buffalo School of Law to complete her legal education. During law school, she served on the Buffalo Law Review, contributing to the editing and publication of scholarly legal articles. She received the Robert J. Connelly Trial Technique Award in recognition of her courtroom performance and practical advocacy skills. She was also named a James Kent Scholar and served as a Property Fellow, assisting with academic instruction in foundational legal subjects.

Her practical training included internships at the Erie County District Attorney’s Office and in the Attorneys for Children Unit at the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo. These experiences provided exposure to both prosecution work and child advocacy within the legal system. Erin Welsh also participated as a New York State Bar Association Family Law Section Fellow, further strengthening her focus on family law practice.

Outside her professional responsibilities, Erin Sydney Welsh, Buffalo, volunteers as a judge for mock trials and moot court competitions. Born and raised in Western New York, she resides in Williamsville with her spouse. In addition to her work as an Attorney, she is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who continues to write and perform music.

Erin Sydney Welsh is an associate attorney practicing matrimonial and family law at Brian R. Welsh, PLLC, in Williamsville, New York, just outside Buffalo. Her practice includes representation in divorce, custody, child support, prenuptial agreements... Show more

Writer and speaker

Writer and speaker Show more

Hello there! I'm Miguel, a web developer known for my passion for crafting user-centric web applications. With extensive experience in front-end technologies like React, Vue.js, and JavaScript/TypeScript, as well as a strong background in back-end development using Ruby on Rails and Node.js. Throughout my career, I've been deeply involved in all aspects of web development, consistently following agile/Scrum methodologies. My primary goal is to consistently deliver exceptional products that prioritize user satisfaction, and having a background as a Product Designer in the past, helps me to bring a keen eye for user-centric design principles and a deep understanding of user needs to every project. I also have past experience on the stages of TDC (The Developers Conference) in Sao Paulo and Florianópolis, and other smaller events in the region I live. I've given talks on various topics, including UX principles, Nielsen heuristics, pair programming, and pair design. Additionally, I actively participated in an internal training program at my company, where I focused on the intersection of code and design. I delved into essential aspects such as accessibility, responsiveness, and UX, along with diving into more technical topics like databases and programming as a whole.

Hello there! I'm Miguel, a web developer known for my passion for crafting user-centric web applications. With extensive experience in front-end technologies like React, Vue.js, and JavaScript/TypeScript, as well as a strong background in back-end de... Show more

Emily is a Principal and Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at SEH, where she influences digital strategy and practical AI adoption across engineering, planning, and consulting teams. With nearly two decades of experience spanning marketing, digital transformation, and the AEC industry, she specializes in translating emerging technologies into tools users can actually use.

Emily works closely with technical teams to identify where AI adds real value, whether that is improving efficiency, reducing risk, or enhancing decision-making without disrupting core engineering judgment. Her work focuses on applied use cases, realistic guardrails, and helping teams move from curiosity to confident adoption.

Emily is a Principal and Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at SEH, where she influences digital strategy and practical AI adoption across engineering, planning, and consulting teams. With nearly two decades of experience spanning marketing, digital ... Show more

Julian Kamphausen (Studio für unendliche Möglichkeiten) began his career in various roles in the performing arts. From 2013 to 2017, he headed the annual “Branchentreff der freien darstellenden Künste” (Independent Performing Arts Industry Meeting) for the Performing Arts Program, which, with over 500 participants, is now the largest theater congress in Germany. In 2016, Alexandra Wolf, re:publica, and Kamphausen conceived Performersion, a format in which actors from digital civil society and technology development engage in exchange, discussion, and cooperation with artists from the digital and performing arts. From 2018 to 2020, he was artistic director of the Hauptsache Frei Festival in Hamburg together with Susanne Schuster. He was co-founder and artistic director of prater.digital. Since 2021, he has been managing director, together with Gloria Schulz, of Studio für unendliche Möglichkeiten (Studio for Infinite Possibilities), which now designs, produces, and distributes public-benefit solutions for art, education, mediation, teaching, and research in Hamburg and Berlin: these include the new metaverse “GoetheVRsum” for the Goethe Institute and the highly innvoative "Protoverse" together with the HTW Berlin.

Julian Kamphausen (Studio für unendliche Möglichkeiten) began his career in various roles in the performing arts. From 2013 to 2017, he headed the annual “Branchentreff der freien darstellenden Künste” (Independent Performing Arts Industry Meeting) f... Show more

Mikaela Pisani is a computer engineer with a Master's in Data Science. She is currently the chief data scientist and head of machine learning at Rootstrap. This award-winning custom software development agency has built web and mobile apps for startups, publicly traded companies and public figures.

She also runs Girls In Tech Uruguay, a global non-profit organization focused on the engagement, education, and empowerment of women and girls in tech, as well as educating children on STEAM. Mikaela is a member of a community of girls in AI called AI Wonder Girls and is also on the AI Research team at ORT University in Montevideo, Uruguay.

In addition, Mikaela plays a key role as part of the interdisciplinary group ANT. ANT aims to create artistic devices by integrating its three core disciplines - Art, Neuroscience and Technology. She also is part of Fibras, a community that supports projects using technology as a platform to generate social Impact.

For all her contributions in STEM, she won the Globant Award ¨Women That Build¨ and was selected as a finalist in Women In Tech awards under the category ¨Global AI Inclusion¨.

She’s also been featured in several publications, most recently with LifeWire, BBC news and MKAI, regarding AI. She has spoken at some conferences and events, including Women in Tech Global Conference, ValleyML, and Airflow Summit.

Mikaela Pisani is a computer engineer with a Master's in Data Science. She is currently the chief data scientist and head of machine learning at Rootstrap. This award-winning custom software development agency has built web and mobile apps for startu... Show more

As Head of Design and Development at Diagram, Dennis leads a talented team of designers, developers, and QA specialists. With a background spanning coding, UX, and testing, he champions bold ideas and collaborative problem-solving.

Passionate about design’s power to inspire change, he advocates for ethical standards, professionalism, and a workplace culture that fosters diversity, creativity, and growth.

As Head of Design and Development at Diagram, Dennis leads a talented team of designers, developers, and QA specialists. With a background spanning coding, UX, and testing, he champions bold ideas and collaborative problem-solving. Passionate abou... Show more

Vanchhit Khare is an AI systems engineer, published researcher, and music producer. He
works at the intersection of agentic intelligence, automation infrastructure, and creative system
design. His experience spans large scale implementations in finance and healthcare, and his
research focuses on multi agent collaboration, contextual memory, and machine driven
coordination. He also creates electronic music that blends structured logic with emotional
storytelling. Learn more at https://vkhare.online.

Vanchhit Khare is an AI systems engineer, published researcher, and music producer. He works at the intersection of agentic intelligence, automation infrastructure, and creative system design. His experience spans large scale implementations in fin... Show more

From paintbrushes to Power BI 🎨📊, my path blends art and analysis: I studied hairdressing, special effects makeup, and fine arts, and today I analyze data in a call center. Where I once created imaginary worlds, I now use my imagination to innovate with KPIs, dashboards, and strategic decisions 💡. I still tell stories, but with data as the protagonists. Because creativity isn't abandoned… it transforms 🚀

From paintbrushes to Power BI 🎨📊, my path blends art and analysis: I studied hairdressing, special effects makeup, and fine arts, and today I analyze data in a call center. Where I once created imaginary worlds, I now use my imagination to innovate... Show more

My name is Esther Davies and I’m a storytelling enthusiast with a basis in dramaturgy of classical theatre, later academically educated in film and creative writing for video games and other interactive forms. I'm a dramaturgy graduate who also attended screenplay workshops and a writing course at Nottingham University.
I'm a native English speaker born and raised in Croatia. I work as an English teacher for young children, teaching English through stories, books, and writing. My mostly theatrical background gave me a lot of insight into character development, making me pursue character-driven storylines. My love for fiction and books gave me a rich inner world which helps with my worldbuilding.
I've been writing plays for group participants for ZKM, the Zagreb Theatre of Youth, since I was 13 years of age. I inhale books, write short prose and fiction, and have been selected as a candidate for short story contests. I also study philosophy and immerse a lot of philosophical streams of thought into my work. .

I am currently working on a Transmedia project, which will have a theatre play as its main domain, and have a narrative extension in the form of a video game concept.

I discovered circus performance in 2016. Since I was not only indulged in writing but also performing and acting, the discovery of object manipulation was an additional portal for me to express my ideas through movement. I started working on traffic lights back in 2018., evolving onto the streets of the coast, and then on the underground scene of the "Dvorana za izvedbene umjetnosti" Medika and "Triko Cirkus Teatar".

I loved the idea of not being bound to a certain theatre, director or studio, but to just make a stage wherever I am and freely express something others find out of this world, but is closer than we think.

I continue to explore performance dramaturgy and am finding my voice in the silly realms of society.

My name is Esther Davies and I’m a storytelling enthusiast with a basis in dramaturgy of classical theatre, later academically educated in film and creative writing for video games and other interactive forms. I'm a dramaturgy graduate who also atten... Show more

I am a software engineers with years of experience in building web applications. I worked with multiple programming languages and I'm passionate about clean code and things that works.

I am a software engineers with years of experience in building web applications. I worked with multiple programming languages and I'm passionate about clean code and things that works. Show more

Designer with experience in both corporate and educational environments, specialized in UX/UI and web development. Passionate about collaboration, she actively participates in tech and STEAM communities, where she helps create spaces that bring together art, education, and technology. Her work is guided by a strong commitment to inclusion and collective learning.

Designer with experience in both corporate and educational environments, specialized in UX/UI and web development. Passionate about collaboration, she actively participates in tech and STEAM communities, where she helps create spaces that bring toget... Show more

Rachel Ann Mullis is a film maker turned public speaker known for leading conversations most people avoid—and doing so with precision, emotional intelligence, and earned authority. Recognized as a sensitive subject guru, she specializes in exposing the truths individuals, organizations, and industries can’t—or won’t—address on their own.
Her credibility is grounded in deep, hands-on experience at the center of high-stakes cultural moments. Rachel directed and produced Shame on You, a feature documentary examining sexuality shaming and gender-based violence around the world, starring Tiffany Haddish. The project placed her at the intersection of global conversations about power, harm, and cultural silence—work that continues to inform her speaking today.
She also hosted over 150 episodes of No Filter Friday on Public House Media, where she covered the #MeToo movement from inside Hollywood. Through candid, long-form conversations with artists, advocates, and industry insiders, Rachel became known for asking the questions others wouldn’t—and holding space for conversations others couldn’t.
In addition, Rachel has a book deal based on her involvement in the California v. David Pearce case, further grounding her work in real-world accountability, systemic failure, and the human cost of silence.
What distinguishes Rachel as a speaker is her ability to translate emotionally charged, high-risk issues into clarity and action. She doesn’t provoke for attention—she reveals for impact. Trusted for her depth, discretion, and insight, Rachel equips audiences to engage in the conversations that drive meaningful change.

Rachel Ann Mullis is a film maker turned public speaker known for leading conversations most people avoid—and doing so with precision, emotional intelligence, and earned authority. Recognized as a sensitive subject guru, she specializes in exposing t... Show more

Speaker Bio:

Born in Cuba and raised with the unshakable belief that adversity can be fuel for greatness, Mrs. Maldonado is a dynamic keynote speaker who inspires audiences with her powerful story of perseverance, reinvention, and success. As a Cuban immigrant, she overcame language barriers, cultural challenges, and societal expectations to rise through the ranks of the marketing and sales world—proving that grit, vision, and heart can reshape any destiny.

Mrs. Maldonado speaks with authority and authenticity, drawing from real-life experiences of breaking through ceilings that others said were unbreakable. Her message is clear: you are not a product of your environment—you are the architect of your future. She challenges limiting narratives and empowers people to rewrite their own, reminding them that giving up is not an option when the dream is rooted in purpose.

With a blend of strategic insight, infectious optimism, and radical kindness, Liset delivers keynotes that move both people and performance. Whether addressing corporate teams, entrepreneurs, or leadership summits, she leaves her audiences energized, empowered, and ready to take bold action.

Topics Include:

Sales with Soul: Driving Results Without Losing Humanity

Breaking the Mold: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Marketing with Meaning: How Storytelling Builds Connection & Conversion

From Adversity to Authority: Turning Your Struggles into Strength

Available for: Keynotes • Panels • Workshops • Corporate Trainings

Speaker Bio: Born in Cuba and raised with the unshakable belief that adversity can be fuel for greatness, Mrs. Maldonado is a dynamic keynote speaker who inspires audiences with her powerful story of perseverance, reinvention, and success. As a Cu... Show more

Chevron is a gray wolf, gamer, and event host from New Jersey. He works with several VRChat-based convention groups like the Furality Online Xperience, TailBass, Misho's Feeshquarium, Lords of Floof, WaterWolf, Projekt Community, and xCirrex Media to create events and bring people together for fun nights, games, friendship, and great times. He hosts Thursday VRChat Games alongside NoxTheSergal and Scottish Gamer every week (which are often attended with full instances), as well as in-person gatherings monthly. He passionately embraces VRChat and its rave and convention scene, especially with Furnal Equinox, CozyCon, Projekt Community, WaterWolf, and the Furality Online Xperience. You'll find him most often sharing photos on his art galleries to help promote his favorite events and organizations. Furrydelphia, Furnal Equinox, and Anthro New England's first ever VRChat Meet-and-Greets and Intro Panels were co-hosted by TJCoyote, Chief, Chevron, Lilithe Lotor, mBlade, and members of the Fluffy Fur Friends. Motivated by the TailBass and Furality VRChat portals, Chevron is now working to set up VRChat portals and meets at other in-person conventions.

He serves as a Photographer for the Furality Online Xperience, operator for the Operations Department for WaterWolf, Events Host for Projekt Community, and a tournament co-host for xCirrex Media events.

Chevron's love and passion for Furnal Equinox motivated him to cosplay as "Badgie" (Virtual Furnal Equinox 2021's unofficial mascot made of nothing but attendee badges) at the in-person convention in 2022. He reprized his role in-person in 2023 and 2024, and also attends other conventions as "Badgie" who is often referred to as "Attendee Man."

Chevron first attended Furnal Equinox in March 2021 over VRChat. The experience was so enjoyable that he dared to compared his experience at Furnal Equinox to Furality 2000 (November 2020). This motivated him to attend the in-person Furnal Equinox convention for the first time in March 2022. The trip was a first of many for Chevron: His first time in Canada, first time using Lyft, and first time public suiting and marching in a fursuit parade. Chevron has now added Furnal Equinox to his list of yearly attended conventions.

A lifelong player of EVE Online, Mechwarrior, Armed Assault III, Halo, Command & Conquer, and Dance Dance Revolution, Chevron holds a particular appreciation for older games of the late 1990s-early 2000s, such as the first Ghost Recon (2002) and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. His first video game was Mario on the original Game Boy when he was five years old. His admiration of cyberpunk and all things futuristic is on full display with his Illumi Cyberwear LED visor. His fursuit was made by Sarahcat. Outside of the fandom, he works in the IT industry as a cybersecurity administrator and is (jokingly) addicted to Mountain Dew.

Chevron's ultimate goal is to bring people together for fun and great times. He embraces the future with open arms and is eager to dive right into all the fun that can be had together with friends and the fandom.

Chevron is a gray wolf, gamer, and event host from New Jersey. He works with several VRChat-based convention groups like the Furality Online Xperience, TailBass, Misho's Feeshquarium, Lords of Floof, WaterWolf, Projekt Community, and xCirrex Media to... Show more

Hi! My name is Arin Kimmel. I struggled for years to make friends, win over audiences and express myself in conversations. I didn't have the right words or the right mindset and it was continuously sabotaging my life. Before I got to University I knew something had to change. I read as much as I could about Persuasion, Psychology and People. When I walked onto campus I realized with a shock that I'd gone from the worst communicator I knew to the best! I was making friends left and right. People wanted to hear what I had to say and even crazier…people actually liked listening to me (can you believe it)! But, I didn't stop there... I did Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy and anything else that could improve my communication. I graduated from University of Waterloo with a degree in Speech Communication and today I specialize in helping individuals just like yourself better express themselves. Anyone can become a better communicator, I'm living proof. You have a story to tell and I'm here to help you share it!

Hi! My name is Arin Kimmel. I struggled for years to make friends, win over audiences and express myself in conversations. I didn't have the right words or the right mindset and it was continuously sabotaging my life. Before I got to University I kne... Show more