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

I am CEO and co-founder of Expanso, the company behind the distributed compute platform Bacalhau. This means I spend most of my time helping humans to convince machines to be smarter. I am only moderately successful at this.

Previously, I led product management for Kubernetes on behalf of Google, launched GKE, and co-founded the Kubeflow project, and led Open Source ML Strategy at Azure. I have also worked at Protocol Labs, Amazon and Chef and co-founded three startups.

I am CEO and co-founder of Expanso, the company behind the distributed compute platform Bacalhau. This means I spend most of my time helping humans to convince machines to be smarter. I am only moderately successful at this. Previously, I led prod... Show more

As a Technical Account Manager at Red Hat, I work every day to transform business objectives into innovative technological solutions. I am a cloud enthusiast dedicated to leveraging modern tools to solve complex needs, specializing in the design of hybrid cloud architectures and the implementation of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to build scalable, resilient systems. I am passionate about understanding the intersection between technology and business strategy to drive growth

As a Technical Account Manager at Red Hat, I work every day to transform business objectives into innovative technological solutions. I am a cloud enthusiast dedicated to leveraging modern tools to solve complex needs, specializing in the design of h... Show more

In her current role as Business Systems Analyst Coordinator, Tiffany Hall manages end-to-end project life cycles and act as a lead on enterprise-wide projects. Her work reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and solving complex challenges through collaboration and research-driven solutions.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts/Non-Profit Administration and Marketing Communication from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Tiffany brings a strong foundation of strategic communication and enterprise-wide perspective to the companies she has worked with.

In her current role as Business Systems Analyst Coordinator, Tiffany Hall manages end-to-end project life cycles and act as a lead on enterprise-wide projects. Her work reflects a commitment to fostering innovation and solving complex challenges thro... Show more

Profissional de tecnologia e comunicação com experiência em engenharia de conteúdo, estratégia digital e gestão de projetos em ambientes corporativos globais. Atuou em projetos de tecnologia de alta complexidade e realizou transição de carreira dentro do mesmo ecossistema, passando de Content Engineer para Client Engagement Manager.

Possui formação em Letras, com forte atuação em comunicação estratégica, processos e relacionamento entre times multidisciplinares. Paralelamente à carreira em tecnologia, desenvolve projetos artísticos e culturais como guitarrista, vocalista e idealizadora, integrando criatividade, disciplina e visão sistêmica em sua trajetória profissional.

Profissional de tecnologia e comunicação com experiência em engenharia de conteúdo, estratégia digital e gestão de projetos em ambientes corporativos globais. Atuou em projetos de tecnologia de alta complexidade e realizou transição de carreira dentr... Show more

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has taught in the United States, Spain, and the Philippines since 1991. His acclaimed book Smithsonian Asian Pacific American History, Art, and Culture in 101 Objects (2023) earned the Smithsonian Secretary’s Research Prize. An accomplished musician and past president of the Association for Asian American Studies, Dr. Gonzalves was appointed to the Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship Program and currently serves on the board of the American Council of Learned Societies.

Dr. Theodore S. Gonzalves is a scholar of comparative cultural studies and a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. A Fulbright scholar and former interim director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, he has ta... Show more

I am an animation student local to my beloved downtown Toronto, and have a passion for bringing people together!
I have previously vended and panelled at the rebooted iteration of Dashcon, Dashcon2, to much success and hilarity. I love all things internet nerdy and art nerdy!

I am an animation student local to my beloved downtown Toronto, and have a passion for bringing people together! I have previously vended and panelled at the rebooted iteration of Dashcon, Dashcon2, to much success and hilarity. I love all things i... Show more

Trinity Paige Encarnacion (she/her) is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There, she is also a First-Year Writing Instructor and Ethnic Studies TA. Her creative work can be found in Pinch and Periphery.

Trinity Paige Encarnacion (she/her) is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There, she is also a First-Year Writing Instructor and Ethnic Studies TA. Her creative work can be found... Show more

As an independent and committed product designer, I explore new design practices to put my knowledge at the service of a more desirable future for the environment, society and individuals.

As an independent and committed product designer, I explore new design practices to put my knowledge at the service of a more desirable future for the environment, society and individuals. Show more

Author of Master Software Architecture book: https://mastersoftwarearchitecturebook.com/

Founder and co-author of the Evolutionary Architecture repository: https://github.com/evolutionary-architecture/evolutionary-architecture-by-example

Promoter of continuous deployment, holistic and pragmatic approach to software architecture.

Just another software dude living in Switzerland.

Website: https://www.fractionalarchitect.io
Newsletter: https://newsletter.fractionalarchitect.io

Author of Master Software Architecture book: https://mastersoftwarearchitecturebook.com/ Founder and co-author of the Evolutionary Architecture repository: https://github.com/evolutionary-architecture/evolutionary-architecture-by-example Promot... Show more

I’m Leslie — a lifelong performer, producer, and mentor helping mission-driven women and entrepreneurs claim their space on the stage and in the spotlight
I started performing professionally at nine years old and went on to build a successful PR and communications agency that booked comedians, songwriters, and festivals all over the country. I’ve spent my life both on the stage and behind it — and I know what separates someone who’s simply speaking from someone who’s commanding the room.

When I began hosting my own women’s events and interviews, I realized something: most people with powerful missions were never taught how to hold the energy of the stage. They had the heart — but not the training or the opportunities. That’s where I come in.

Now, I teach the art and strategy of recognition — blending performance coaching, energetic embodiment, and real-world industry expertise to help people speak with presence, clarity, and confidence that sticks.

I’m Leslie — a lifelong performer, producer, and mentor helping mission-driven women and entrepreneurs claim their space on the stage and in the spotlight I started performing professionally at nine years old and went on to build a successful PR and... Show more

Jerrica Long is the Founder of Greenlight Yourself, a platform to help mid-career creatives build audiences and monetize their ideas. She has built her career at the intersection of creators, brands, and culture, and has led multimillion-dollar creator campaigns for global companies like Netflix, Lionsgate, and DreamWorks. Today, she doesn't just create campaigns, but builds ecosystems that spark conversation, loyalty, and long-term impact. She helps brands understand fandom and creators, and positions themselves for long-term success.

Jerrica Long is the Founder of Greenlight Yourself, a platform to help mid-career creatives build audiences and monetize their ideas. She has built her career at the intersection of creators, brands, and culture, and has led multimillion-dollar creat... Show more

8bitPR is a Budapest-based PR boutique focused on tech and VC communications

8bitPR is a Budapest-based PR boutique focused on tech and VC communications Show more

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-term impact.

With a keen eye for emerging trends, I specialize in identifying opportunities for social sustainability ventures. I bridge gaps between market needs and transformative innovations, and I thrive on fostering collaborations that create business models with lasting social value.

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-t... Show more

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Journalism Program at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.

She is the author of “Huele a Bomba: la paradójica esencia del periodismo de Avance,” a book on groundbreaking Puerto Rican publication, Avance. Her storytelling centers on arts, culture, education, and Puerto Rican and Latino issues. Carmen Graciela has worked with Univision News Digital, El Nuevo Día, and Primera Hora and her writing has appeared in Hyperallergic, El País, Centro Journal, The Miami Herald, The Common, and Reasons to be Cheerful, among other publications. Her freelance work includes research for the biopic Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It and being a contributing writer of a book documenting the work and the story of ArtPlace America. She holds master’s degrees from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism (New York) in Arts and Culture Reporting and Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (San Juan) in Cultural Studies. Her teaching and journalism have been recognized by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and the Overseas Press Club (Puerto Rico chapter). From 2024 to 2025 she was a member of the Center for Cooperative Media's Racial Equity Advisory Board.

Carmen Graciela is currently working on her second book centered on Puerto Ricans in New York to be published in 2026 by Periodística Editorial.

Carmen Graciela Díaz is a Puerto Rican journalist and author with more than 15 years of experience in writing and publishing in Spanish and English. With a decade of teaching experience, she is the Distinguished Lecturer/Director for the Bilingual Jo... 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

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

Qishen Sam Liang
samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/

EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies
Honors: Distinction in Asian American Studies & College of Letters & Science Highest Honors

University of Southern California | August 2023-May 2025
Master of Science, Computer Science (Computer Networks)

University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

RELEVANT RESEARCH & PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Researcher | UCSB Department of Asian American Studies | August 2022-June 2023
Research Project: The Transformation of Asian and Asian American Stereotypes and Representations in the United States

Conducted media content analysis to investigate how dominant narratives about Asians and Asian Americans have been constructed to serve shifting national interests and maintain racial hierarchies.
Analyzed a diverse range of sources, including magazine articles like “How to Tell Japs from the Chinese,” political cartoon “The Honorable Fifth Column,” and COVID-19 anti-Asian news reports.
Argued that while modes of expression evolve, the underlying hegemonic frameworks of stereotype persist, demonstrating the shift from overt to subtle forms of representation in the modern era.
This research, which drew upon frameworks of racial formation and stereotype theory, culminated in a 30 pages paper and a departmental presentation.

Project Manager & Game Developer | University of Southern California | January 2025-May 2025
Project: Area 31: A Horror Maze Game

Led the design and development of a 2D narrative game in C# and Unity, gaining practical experience in the creation of interactive media and player-driven storytelling.
Engineered systems for managing player state and progression, directly informing research into how player agency and interactive systems shape understandings.
Managed the project lifecycle using Agile methodologies, demonstrating leadership in a collaborative, creative-technical environment.

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Research Areas: Asian American Studies, Games, Stereotypes, Computer Networking, Security
Technical Skills: Python, Unity, C#, Git, Data Curation, Data Analysis
Languages: English (Fluent), Mandarin (Fluent), Cantonese (Fluent)

Qishen Sam Liang samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/ EDUCATION University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023 Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies Honors: Distinction in Asian American ... 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

An Undergraduate B.tech Student, pursuing career in Data Science

An Undergraduate B.tech Student, pursuing career in Data Science Show more

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist".

Passionate Engineering Manager at Datadog, mentoring aspiring engineers and advocating for the importance of soft skills in achieving success. Sometimes I like to define myself as "proud holistic hobbyist". Show more

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024 & 2025
Leipziger Buchmesse 2025
Werde Eigentümer*in Konferenz
Buchpremiere Gewandhaus Dresden
Wirtschaftsfrauen e.V.
MamaMeetingBusinessClub
Waldbund Konferenzen u.a. Schloss Lieser 2025
AgrarLausitz Stammtisch

Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024 & 2025 Leipziger Buchmesse 2025 Werde Eigentümer*in Konferenz Buchpremiere Gewandhaus Dresden Wirtschaftsfrauen e.V. MamaMeetingBusinessClub Waldbund Konferenzen u.a. Schloss Lieser 2025 AgrarLausitz Stammtisch 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

Sketchnoteuse depuis 2016, plasticienne textile, facilitatrice collaborative et visuelle,
Membre d'Agilemans

Sketchnoteuse depuis 2016, plasticienne textile, facilitatrice collaborative et visuelle, Membre d'Agilemans Show more

I thrive on community and Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform has a great one! Now it is my pleasure to support the community 💯in my role as a Community Strategy Director at DUG (Dynamics User Group)!

I am a versatile professional who encourages collaboration, delivers creative and effective solutions (What I call noodling😀). My natural high-energy approach smashed together with varied experience in IT, communication, marketing, business analysis, and project management is a strong foundation for any new challenge. I am passionate about building community, strong relationships, providing excellent customer service, and supporting the growth and success of my peers.

I thrive on community and Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform has a great one! Now it is my pleasure to support the community 💯in my role as a Community Strategy Director at DUG (Dynamics User Group)! I am a versatile professional who encou... Show more

Angelo is a System Engineer at Corner Banca SA. He embraced Kubernetes and container technology starting in 2017, but his experience spans IoT, VoIP, and highly available systems for Internet Service Providers. He loves technology, is a big fan of home automation, and can't stop integrating and measuring the performance of every device at home.

Angelo is a System Engineer at Corner Banca SA. He embraced Kubernetes and container technology starting in 2017, but his experience spans IoT, VoIP, and highly available systems for Internet Service Providers. He loves technology, is a big fan of ho... Show more

Christian Crumlish is Director of Product at Kind and was Director of the Product Chapter at the late, lamented 18F. He brings over two decades of experience in UX design, product management, and information architecture to the challenge of building ethical AI systems.

At Kind, Christian defines the product and UX practices, leads a project for VA.gov, improving the online experience for veterans submitting and tracking disability benefits reviews, and explores the possibilities of AI-enhances product management practices.

At 18F, Christian worked on federal digital services including the launch of ClimateCorps.gov and passport modernization efforts for Consular Affairs at the State Department, learning how to navigate complex stakeholder interests while keeping user needs central. This public service perspective informs his conviction that AI systems should be built for human flourishing, not just engagement metrics.

At 7 Cups, Christian lead product development for chat-based mental health and peer support platforms, where the intersection of technology and human welfare wasn’t theoretical—it was the core challenge of every product decision.

This experience shapes his approach to AI development: technology should amplify human capability without replacing human judgment, strengthen systems without creating dependencies, and maintain professional boundaries even when business metrics might reward boundary violations.

Christian is author of “Product Management for UX People” and has been a regular speaker at IA Summit/IAC conferences for nearly two decade. His writing combines technical depth with accessible explanation—a skill honed through years of translating between engineers, designers, and business stakeholders.

Currently, Christian is building Piper Morgan, a product management AI assistant designed with ethics-first architecture. This project demonstrates that privacy-preserving AI isn’t just theoretically possible but empirically validated—achieving 80.3% clustering accuracy using only metadata relationships, with zero content analysis required.

His “Building Piper Morgan” blog series documents this work in public, sharing both successes and methodology. The approach emphasizes systematic engineering over good intentions, architectural enforcement over policy guidelines, and information architecture principles as essential tools for AI safety.

Christian’s work sits at the intersection of product management, information architecture, and ethical AI development—proving that human-centered design principles scale to AI systems when properly architected into the information structure itself.

In his copious spare time he writes and records music with his band, Layers of Meta, and released a debut album in 2025 called No One Does it Solo Only.

Christian Crumlish is Director of Product at Kind and was Director of the Product Chapter at the late, lamented 18F. He brings over two decades of experience in UX design, product management, and information architecture to the challenge of building ... Show more