Arts

Talented creative individuals working in the field of visual, auditory and performance arts

Wesley Ellul

Wesley Ellul

Wesley Ellul is President and co-founder of Technotainment®, the world's first decentralized streaming network pioneering what's being called Streaming 2.0 — where creators own their revenue, audiences shape the experience, and Hollywood meets Web3. A leading voice on the future of entertainment and emerging technology, Wesley brings two decades of experience at the intersection of blockchain, AI, and creator economies.
Co-founded alongside media legend Nyhl Henson — the visionary behind MTV, Nickelodeon, and Pay-Per-View — Technotainment has drawn comparisons to the early days of cable, with Henson likening Wesley to "Ted Turner when he entered the cable business."
A serial entrepreneur and former technology consultant to global organizations including the University of Oxford, Light & Wonder, and SiGMA, Wesley has built a reputation for translating complex emerging technologies into real-world business results. He is also a Maltese Government Diplomat for startup innovation, and an advisor to leading Web3 ventures.

Wesley Ellul is President and co-founder of Technotainment®, the world's first decentralized streaming network pioneering what's being called Streaming 2.0 — where creators own their revenue, audiences shape the experience, and Hollywood meets Web3. ... Show more

Connor Peshek

Connor Peshek

Outside of enjoying engineering, Connor Peshek is a musician, frequent traveler, and enjoyer of picking up heavy things and putting them back down. He's done DevRel for 4+ years at companies like Cloudflare and authentik

Outside of enjoying engineering, Connor Peshek is a musician, frequent traveler, and enjoyer of picking up heavy things and putting them back down. He's done DevRel for 4+ years at companies like Cloudflare and authentik Show more

Thomas Grundnigg

Thomas Grundnigg

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric.

I am a researcher and entrepreneur with a focus on memory systems, cultural evolution and rhetoric. Show more

MuraliMohan Jonnalagadda

MuraliMohan Jonnalagadda

Indian, Born in Andhra Pradesh working in Saudi Arabia as a software engineer from past 20 years having 2 kids and wife and 1 sister and 1 brother and i am singer

Indian, Born in Andhra Pradesh working in Saudi Arabia as a software engineer from past 20 years having 2 kids and wife and 1 sister and 1 brother and i am singer Show more

Dan Mazzella

Dan Mazzella

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior to architect level. He has built a career at TRIRIGA, IBM, Wipro, and now as the Global Director of Software for Arcadis, a leading design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services across every phase of asset creation and management for projects all around the world.

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior... Show more

Steven David

Steven David

Steven David is a Principal Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He has over 20 years of experience designing solutions for large enterprises. Through these engagements he has developed deep expertise in application development technologies and methodologies. In addition, As the focus on creating sustainable solutions has taken hold in organizations around the world, Steven has taken a leadership role in leading those initiatives in AWS.

Steven David is a Principal Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). He has over 20 years of experience designing solutions for large enterprises. Through these engagements he has developed deep expertise in application development technolog... Show more

Alejo Krismancic

Alejo Krismancic

Passionate about technology and cybersecurity - Experienced IT consultant
un curioso insoportable

Passionate about technology and cybersecurity - Experienced IT consultant un curioso insoportable Show more

Emma Ruck

Emma Ruck

Et si la pédagogie ludique rendait notre monde plus habitable ... ✨

Designer pluridisciplaire de formation, je me suis progressivement formée à l’animation d’atelier d’intelligence collective via la facilitation ainsi qu’à la création de serious game, d’atelier ludique et la gamification.
J’associe mes compétences dans l’univers jeu, de la facilitation & du design pour les mettre au service des enjeux des organismes que j’accompagne. J’aime être challengé et nourrir ma curiosité en découvrant sans cesse de nouveaux terrains d'explorations, avec une appétence pour les thématiques autour de l’éducation, la jeunesse, l'alimentation, l’innovation & l’écologie.

Mon crédo aujourd'hui :
Imaginer • Concevoir • Transmettre

🌱Imaginer des expériences ludiques et apprenantes pour tous publics.

🍀Concevoir et réaliser des supports intuitifs & impactant.

🍃Transmettre et animer ces expériences grâce à l'intelligence collective.

Et si la pédagogie ludique rendait notre monde plus habitable ... ✨ Designer pluridisciplaire de formation, je me suis progressivement formée à l’animation d’atelier d’intelligence collective via la facilitation ainsi qu’à la création de serious g... Show more

Matt Zaske

Matt Zaske

I am a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience who brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the table. My background bridges several IT disciplines including endpoint management, server administration (Linux and Windows), and applications architecture and development. I am also an advocate for innovation and automation through encouraging folks to move to a DevOps mindset and promoting the use of automation tooling to improve everyday business practices. I also believe that the concept of "embracing laziness" is a powerful driver of innovation and creative solutions.

I am a well-established trainer and dynamic and engaging speaker, having presented at events internally, locally, and regionally such as user groups, edtech conferences, and similar engagements. I have also been a repeat speaker at larger events such as MMSMOA. My unique blend of humor, storytelling, and real-world experience helps others navigate and understand complex technology concepts and sparks innovation. I refer to this as "technology grief counseling."

I enjoy exploring and demystifying new and emerging technologies and enjoy creative pursuits including 3D printing, home automation, software development in novelty "bot" projects, and am a theatre nerd and participant including time as an executive leader of a nonprofit community theatre organization.

I am a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience who brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to the table. My background bridges several IT disciplines including endpoint management, server administration (Linu... Show more

Rob Jolliffe

Rob Jolliffe

Rob graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s of Engineering in the early 90s. He first worked with manufacturing ERP in 1994 and first worked with Dynamics in manufacturing in 2008. He considers himself more of a manufacturing consultant than a Business Central expert. He has read “The Goal” at least 4 times, “Lean Thinking” at least 3 times, and has seen Star Wars more times than he can count (Han shot first!).

He is an avid collector of music and, using “The Rolling Stone Top 500 Album List” as a guide, has managed to buy 490 of the 500 best albums of all time (as CDs - the rest are out of print).

Rob graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s of Engineering in the early 90s. He first worked with manufacturing ERP in 1994 and first worked with Dynamics in manufacturing in 2008. He considers himself more of a manufacturing cons... Show more

Robin Rosengrün

Robin Rosengrün

Full time power platform enthusiast @Microsoft

Full time power platform enthusiast @Microsoft Show more

Scott Rigby

Scott Rigby

Scott is an artist, engineer & dad, collaborating on a different kind of world. Into collective art, activism, therapy & open source nerdy stuff. Scott is a Cloud Native Ambassador, speaker, organizer of CNCF community events including the New York Kubernetes Meetup and New York KCD, and international conferences including GitOpsCon. He enjoys helping develop Free and Open Source Software that anyone can use, including co-maintaining CNCF projects Helm, Flux and OpenGitOps.

Scott is an artist, engineer & dad, collaborating on a different kind of world. Into collective art, activism, therapy & open source nerdy stuff. Scott is a Cloud Native Ambassador, speaker, organizer of CNCF community events including the New York K... Show more

Michael Baeyens

Michael Baeyens

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Director of Product and Design Practices at eXalt, leading a community of more than 200 product and design professionals (since June 2024).

Following the success of Human After All — closing keynote at UX Conf 2023 (800+ attendees) and subsequently performed 8 times across France for a total audience of over 3,500 — Mitch established himself as a distinctive voice on the ethical, cultural and strategic impacts of AI, drawing a parallel between the career of Daft Punk and our relationship with automation, robotics and generative systems.

Since then, he has created and delivered two major conferences:

UI0 – Interface Zero: The Rise of Invisible Products in the Age of AI,
an exploration of how AI agents are reshaping product design by shifting from user-facing interfaces to products designed for agent-consumers. The talk examines the deep impact of this paradigm shift on design and product roles, methods and responsibilities. UI0 has been presented more than 16 times across France and internationally (including LPC Paris and PMF Zurich), reaching over 8,000 attendees and generating more than 8,000 video views.

FAMOUS – Lessons Learned on Brand, Values and Resilience from the Most Iconic (and Maybe the Most Underrated) Product of Our Times (FLUPA 2025),
a cultural and strategic analysis of Taylor Swift’s career as a product ecosystem, extracting concrete lessons on brand consistency, long-term vision, value systems and resilience that modern product teams can apply to their own work.

Recognized for mastering the art of storytelling, Mitch brings audiences along through a distinctive mix of sharp insight, humor, personal anecdotes and pop culture references. Sitting at the intersection of strategic planning, design leadership and product expertise, he delivers talks that are both intellectually rigorous and highly engaging — making him an unmissable speaker on the future of product, design and culture in the age of AI.

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Direc... Show more

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer.
As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow mature enterprise architecture and business analysis practices, and plan and execute digital transformation programs.
As the Professor of Business Analytics at Humber College, she encourages her students to look for ways to solve business problems using analytics.
As a business analysis mentor, she leads the BA Mindset Mentorship Circle and encourages business analysts to learn, adapt, and thrive.
Yulia is active in the business analysis, architecture, and analytics communities, publishing articles and videos, joining podcasts, and advocating for applying common sense and critical thinking in all business endeavours.

Yulia Kosarenko is the author of the books "Business Analyst: A Profession and a Mindset" and "Foundations of Business Analytics", speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer. As the owner of Why Change Consulting Inc., she helps her clients grow ma... Show more

Kate Siegel

Kate Siegel

I'm a motivational speaker and ICF Certified Professional Coach devoted to changing the world one aha at a time.
Having led the learning and development function in a variety of industries and organizations, I have a rich background in leadership, management, and interpersonal skill development.
I combine my 15+ years of experience in the corporate classroom with even more years of acting and improv comedy to lead events that are as entertaining as they are impactful. With personal stories, hands-on activities, and actionable takeaways, my programs are always engaging, inspiring, and uplifting.
My areas of expertise and library of materials cover leadership, management, change, communication, personal/interpersonal development, and much more. Feel free to check out my course catalog at www.k8siegel.com/coursecatalog

I'm a motivational speaker and ICF Certified Professional Coach devoted to changing the world one aha at a time. Having led the learning and development function in a variety of industries and organizations, I have a rich background in leadership, ... Show more

Benjamin Nothdurft

Benjamin Nothdurft

Benjamin has a long-term and hands-on experience with introducing, building, running, coaching and speaking about Java, Microservices (including DDD and events), Docker/Containerization, distributed/self-contained systems (SCS) and disruptive technologies.

At day he works as Tech Lead for Cloud Technologies at codecentric. At night he hacks on innovative trends like FaaS, Service Meshes, Voice UIs and IoT. At evenings he organizes workshops, talks and code retreats at the Software Crafters Community Jena (Softwerkskammer Jena) and the Java User Group Thüringen. On weekends he serves as a board member at the Java Aktuell Magazine and at the JavaLand conference – leading the Architecture and Methodology & Culture streams.

He also runs Open Data Hackathons as well as Devoxx4Kids events. Regularly he also gives university lectures on OOP, Java, Docker, Git, Project Management and Agile Methodologies. In his leisure time he enjoys road cycling, art & theaters, wine/gin/whiskey tastings and discussions about politics and improving IT organizations.

Benjamin has a long-term and hands-on experience with introducing, building, running, coaching and speaking about Java, Microservices (including DDD and events), Docker/Containerization, distributed/self-contained systems (SCS) and disruptive technol... Show more

Aashish Manchanda

Aashish Manchanda

I am a UX design leader and product strategist with a decade of experience in creating user-centric digital solutions. Currently, I work as a product design leader focusing on enterprise design for Cisco. My expertise lies in scaling design systems, leading cross-functional teams, and driving business impact through innovative UX strategies.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking at global conferences like UXDX and NFT.London, where I share insights on blending creativity, research, and technology to deliver impactful results. My experience also includes leveraging design and AI to drive sustainable practices through in-depth research, usability testing, and exploring how design influences user decisions toward eco-friendly outcomes. Additionally, I’m passionate about mentoring emerging designers at premier institutions, helping them shape the future of user-centered design.

I am a UX design leader and product strategist with a decade of experience in creating user-centric digital solutions. Currently, I work as a product design leader focusing on enterprise design for Cisco. My expertise lies in scaling design systems, ... Show more

João Esperancinha

João Esperancinha

João is a 10+ years experienced Software Developer, Studied Telecom Engineering at ISEL Lisboa, and worked in different companies in Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. He is a certified Kong Champion, a certified Java Developer (OCP11) and is a Certified Spring Professional 2021. Outside the software development Universe, João is someone interested in arts and crafts and making stuff out of old materials creating the occasional modified furniture. João loves plants and has a small potted garden with Yuccas and blueberry bushes. He has one particular YouTube channel called JESPROTECH dedicated to engineering where João shares his experience with the world.

João is a 10+ years experienced Software Developer, Studied Telecom Engineering at ISEL Lisboa, and worked in different companies in Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. He is a certified Kong Champion, a certified Java Developer (OCP11) and is a Ce... Show more

Evgeniy Tolstykh

Evgeniy Tolstykh

Producer and Project Manager in large-scale game productions, including Wargaming’s Steel Hunters. I managed Character Art, Narrative and R&D teams, resource planning, and production metrics related to retention and engagement.

Currently, I focus on optimizing creative pipelines through AI-driven tools and data integration — building systems that help teams visualize performance, track milestones, and identify bottlenecks early.

Projects: Soul Atlas, Steel Hunters, World of Warships, Best Team Ever
Companies: DPS Games, Wargaming, Lesta Games

Producer and Project Manager in large-scale game productions, including Wargaming’s Steel Hunters. I managed Character Art, Narrative and R&D teams, resource planning, and production metrics related to retention and engagement. Currently, I focus ... Show more

Yoshi Yamaguchi

Yoshi Yamaguchi

アマゾンウェブサービスジャパン合同会社シニアデベロッパーアドボケイト。AWS製品の普及と技術支援を担当し、特にオブザーバビリティ、SRE、DevOpsといった領域を専門とする。

アマゾンウェブサービスジャパン合同会社シニアデベロッパーアドボケイト。AWS製品の普及と技術支援を担当し、特にオブザーバビリティ、SRE、DevOpsといった領域を専門とする。 Show more

LeRenzo Malcom

LeRenzo Malcom

Software engineer at Enpal!

Software engineer at Enpal! Show more

Aymeric Laleau

Aymeric Laleau

Tech Lead le jour, musicien décalé le reste du temps, j’aborde le développement comme une bonne jam session : écoute, rythme et justesse.
Mes valeurs ? Collaboration, transparence, et le respect du tempo de chacun. J’aime travailler en harmonie collective, et partager mes riffs, mes fails et mes trouvailles pour aider les équipes à jouer juste ensemble.

Tech Lead le jour, musicien décalé le reste du temps, j’aborde le développement comme une bonne jam session : écoute, rythme et justesse. Mes valeurs ? Collaboration, transparence, et le respect du tempo de chacun. J’aime travailler en harmonie col... Show more

Lee Silber

Lee Silber

Lee Silber is the award-winning author who turns his best selling books into fun and interactive presentations that make people think, laugh, learn, and interact. For more about Lee go: www.leesilber.com

Lee Silber is the award-winning author who turns his best selling books into fun and interactive presentations that make people think, laugh, learn, and interact. For more about Lee go: www.leesilber.com Show more

Elitsa Popova

Elitsa Popova

Db2 and RACF Mainframe services. Professional background - full stack web application developer, art teacher, personal trainer.

Db2 and RACF Mainframe services. Professional background - full stack web application developer, art teacher, personal trainer. Show more

Evan Roderick

Evan Roderick

As a fan of Evan Roderick, I’ve found his journey to be both motivating and meaningful. Watching someone go from the intensity of competitive sports to becoming an accomplished actor/songwriter speaks volumes about his focus and willingness to grow.

I first saw Evan on Arrow as Detective Nick Anastas, where his presence felt steady and natural. There was something about the way he carried himself, calm yet purposeful, that drew me in. Later, I learned about his background in hockey, which only added to my respect for him. He played at the Division I level for UMass Lowell before a significant injury changed his plans. That turning point led him to pursue acting, and from what I’ve seen, he gave it the same level of commitment as he did to his time on the ice.

Growing up in Vancouver, Evan Roderick Anderson was always on the move, changing schools to follow his hockey goals. Along the way, he took on summer jobs in commercials, which turned out to be his first step into the world of performance. After his injury, he came back to Vancouver, trained in acting, and started from the ground up. It’s clear that nothing about his career has been handed to him; he’s earned every step.

His performance in Spinning Out, as Justin Davis, was where many fans, including myself, really connected with his work. He portrayed the emotional tension of the role with sincerity, and it was hard not to relate to the character’s struggles and growth.

Now, with If I Run, Evan steps into the role of Dylan Roberts, a character shaped by inner conflict. It’s exciting to watch him take on more challenging material, especially after receiving a Leo Award nomination in 2023 for Sealed with a List.

And with songs like “Early Years,” he shows another side of his creativity, thoughtful, personal, and honest.

Evan Roderick continues to impress with his dedication to both acting and songwriting, and being a fan of his work makes following his journey truly worthwhile.

As a fan of Evan Roderick, I’ve found his journey to be both motivating and meaningful. Watching someone go from the intensity of competitive sports to becoming an accomplished actor/songwriter speaks volumes about his focus and willingness to grow. ... Show more

Carolina Greno

Carolina Greno

For the last 10 years, Carolina has worked as a clinical psychologist decoding the human mind; now, she’s using that expertise to revolutionize public speaking training.

Mixing her talent development knowledge, mindfulness, and her background in theatre, she creates transformational experiences that take individuals from shy and uncertain to confident and impactful speakers.

Her unique 4-personality framework has helped hundreds of professionals find their speaking zone of genius—whether they’re natural storytellers or data-driven thinkers. She has worked with global companies like Upwork and P&G, and specializes in training teams to communicate with clarity, confidence, and influence.

For the last 10 years, Carolina has worked as a clinical psychologist decoding the human mind; now, she’s using that expertise to revolutionize public speaking training. Mixing her talent development knowledge, mindfulness, and her background in ... Show more

Vicente Suc

Vicente Suc

Ing. en sistemas, Co-fundador de CSN y Proticket.io, Co-Lider del Java User Group y Lider del AWS User Group Guatemala, especializado en crear soluciones seguras y escalables sobre la nube de AWS. He liderado proyectos en sectores de salud, educación, BPO's, eventos masivos y plataformas digitales, combinando inteligencia artificial, servicios serverless y visión de negocio. Actualmente impulso iniciativas tecnológicas que optimizan procesos y mejoran la experiencia.

Ing. en sistemas, Co-fundador de CSN y Proticket.io, Co-Lider del Java User Group y Lider del AWS User Group Guatemala, especializado en crear soluciones seguras y escalables sobre la nube de AWS. He liderado proyectos en sectores de salud, educación... Show more

Producer James Simon

Producer James Simon

James Simon didn’t start his career with the intention of becoming a producer. Like many who fall in love with theater, his first experience with the stage was through performing. He acted in plays during his school years and at summer camps, developing a connection to live performance early on. Though he later explored other fields—college and a radio career—he eventually found his way back to theater, though this time behind the scenes.

Today, James L. Simon is a Broadway producer with two Tony Award nominations and a portfolio of work that stretches from Manhattan to the United Kingdom.

James was born and raised in Bronxville, New York. He studied communications at Emerson College in Boston, preparing for a career in media. After working in radio for several years, he moved to New York City in the early 1990s to pursue acting full-time. Like many actors in the city, James balanced performance work with side jobs. One of those jobs introduced him to theater production, and that experience led him down a different professional path.

His first hands-on experience with a Broadway production came during the revival of Damn Yankees. Through that role, he saw just how much work goes into making a show successful. From that point forward, Producer James Simon began to take shape. The process of coordinating the many moving parts of a theatrical production sparked his interest and led to a long-term shift in focus.

James developed an ability to spot projects with potential and bring together teams capable of executing a shared vision. His strength lies in balancing creative ambition with the practical realities of producing. Over time, he established a reputation for being consistent, thoughtful, and adept at managing the challenges of theater production.

James L. Simon earned his first Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in the Best Revival of a Musical category. His second nomination came with Operation Mincemeat, recognized for Best New Musical. He also co-produced The Woman in Black Off-Broadway, which received the Best Play Revival award from the Off-Broadway Alliance. His credits include work in London’s West End and at major theater festivals around the globe.

James is currently preparing to bring The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein to the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is also co-producing a national tour of Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty Sided Tavern in the United States, an interactive production that combines live gaming and traditional theater elements.

When asked what keeps him producing, James often points to his belief in the power of stories. While he appreciates being part of well-known productions, he also values smaller, more intimate works that may not attract as much attention. In interviews and articles, he has noted how hard it can be for new voices to gain access in the theater industry.

He continues to support opportunities for emerging talent. James serves on the board of Untitled Theater Company No. 61 and donates to programs such as Artists Relief and Donors Choose. These platforms help artists at early stages of their careers gain visibility and support.

Outside the arts, James has volunteered with the New York Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. He is also a regular blood donor through the New York Blood Bank and supports the Legal Aid Society, showing his broader commitment to service.

Producing involves far more than choosing scripts. It requires careful budgeting, coordination, conflict resolution, and planning for travel. James L. Simon, the Producer, remains deeply involved in all aspects of production. He finds value in the behind-the-scenes work—quiet tasks that ensure everything comes together on time.

Even with two Tony Award nominations and international credits, James stays focused on the work rather than recognition. He chooses projects based on substance, not trends, and strives to build environments where creativity can thrive.

Though some of his upcoming projects remain undisclosed, one thing is certain: James Simon, the Producer, continues to approach every production with care, dedication, and a deep respect for the process.

James Simon didn’t start his career with the intention of becoming a producer. Like many who fall in love with theater, his first experience with the stage was through performing. He acted in plays during his school years and at summer camps, develop... Show more

Calypso Hernandez

Calypso Hernandez

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies her skills in communication, design, and collaboration to fast-paced, high-growth environments. This blend of creative and technical experience has equipped Calypso with a deep understanding of how to foster constructive feedback, empower teams, and drive continuous improvement. Calypso also thrives on building strong, connected communities. She brings a fresh perspective on collaboration, communication, and community building in both creative and tech spaces.

Calypso is a versatile professional with a unique background in theatre, education, and tech. After years of experience in theatre and teaching, Calypso recently transitioned into the tech industry, working with innovative startups where she applies ... Show more

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

José Luis Jiménez Figarotti

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice.

EdTech scholar & VE expert, Prof. Jiménez is a prolific author on equity & human rights. His work bridges cultures inspiring empathy. His publications spark critical conversations on global exchange & social justice. Show more

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