lawrence-minh bùi davis, PhD is a refugee diaspore, curator, writer, and troublemaker who lives as a guest on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway Nation. A co-founder of the arts anti-profit AALR (2009), the Asian American Literature Festival (2017), and the Center for Refugee Poetics (2018), he believes in stewardship of literature as social and ethical ecosystem. As far as anyone knows, he was the first curator of viet descent at the World’s Largest Museum and Research Complex, as well as the first to be exiled from it. Sometimes you can see new things by the light of his neurodivergence.

lawrence-minh bùi davis, PhD is a refugee diaspore, curator, writer, and troublemaker who lives as a guest on the ancestral lands of the Piscataway Nation. A co-founder of the arts anti-profit AALR (2009), the Asian American Literature Festival (2017... Show more

Cail has spent the last couple of decades working at the intersection of people and technology: in the performing arts, in the motion picture industry, and now in the field of software operations. He is fascinated by learning from incidents - large and small - and will gladly trade stories about them. He is a proud member of the Resilience In Software Foundation, a group dedicated to applying Resilience Engineering principles to the business of operating software systems.

Cail has spent the last couple of decades working at the intersection of people and technology: in the performing arts, in the motion picture industry, and now in the field of software operations. He is fascinated by learning from incidents - large a... Show more

PhD student at Leuphana University - futurescout at Stifterverband - freelance artist (composer, musician, actor, director) - founder of the purpose start-up ChargeHorizons reshaping regenerative travel sector

PhD student at Leuphana University - futurescout at Stifterverband - freelance artist (composer, musician, actor, director) - founder of the purpose start-up ChargeHorizons reshaping regenerative travel sector Show more

Imam 28 godina i dolazim iz Rijeke. U slobodno vrijeme bavim se fotografijom, igranjem boardgameova, gledanjem filmova, serija i animea. Nadam se da ćete uživati i zabaviti se samnom na kvizu!

Imam 28 godina i dolazim iz Rijeke. U slobodno vrijeme bavim se fotografijom, igranjem boardgameova, gledanjem filmova, serija i animea. Nadam se da ćete uživati i zabaviti se samnom na kvizu! Show more

Obelyn, awarded local cosplayer and a member of Rikon 2025 cosplay competition judge committee.

Obelyn, awarded local cosplayer and a member of Rikon 2025 cosplay competition judge committee. Show more

Adam Grzanka is a Polish television presenter, comedian, event host and writer based in Kraków. He is known for hosting programs including “Dwie Stolice” and “1200 Muzeów,” as well as for his stand-up performances and cultural projects connected with Nowa Huta. His work combines humor, improvisation and positive audience interaction.

Adam Grzanka is a Polish television presenter, comedian, event host and writer based in Kraków. He is known for hosting programs including “Dwie Stolice” and “1200 Muzeów,” as well as for his stand-up performances and cultural projects connected with... Show more

Clara is an independent public philosopher and cultural critic whose work examines the subconscious systems, practices, and beliefs that quietly structure contemporary life. She focuses on the shadow sides of culture: the unspoken assumptions and deeper forces that shape how we live, relate, and organize society. Drawing on interdisciplinary methods, she connects philosophy, cultural analysis, and concept design to surface what usually remains hidden. Through her brand Metanoia, she develops projects that translate these inquiries into tangible experiences. She is currently preparing her debut dining pop-up as one such exploration.

Clara is an independent public philosopher and cultural critic whose work examines the subconscious systems, practices, and beliefs that quietly structure contemporary life. She focuses on the shadow sides of culture: the unspoken assumptions and dee... Show more

Ayisha Thompson-Olajide is a seasoned brand strategist, Ayisha has helped hundreds of brands refine their vision, define their messaging, and create impactful marketing strategies that lead to consistent growth. Her expertise in personal branding, creative entrepreneurship, and marketing has made her a sought-after coach and consultant for creatives, coaches, and consultants.

As a result of working with Ayisha, business leaders confidently communicate their brand value, develop systems that deliver immediate results, and position their brands for continued success for generations. She is passionate about partnering with coaches, creatives, and consultants who are ready to build captivating brands that create a legacy—and who are committed to getting the support needed to successfully execute their vision and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Ayisha is also an adjunct faculty member at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she teaches creative entrepreneurship, equipping young artists and designers with the tools to transform their talents into sustainable businesses.

Her mission? To empower creatives and professionals to overcome self-doubt, gain clarity, and craft brands that inspire, influence, and leave a lasting legacy.

Ayisha Thompson-Olajide is a seasoned brand strategist, Ayisha has helped hundreds of brands refine their vision, define their messaging, and create impactful marketing strategies that lead to consistent growth. Her expertise in personal branding, cr... Show more

I am a needle felting artist for many years, I love working with wool creating realistic and fantasy 3d objects and animals. I make wet felted scarves and bags. I love to teach workshops to pass on skill and help others create.

I am a needle felting artist for many years, I love working with wool creating realistic and fantasy 3d objects and animals. I make wet felted scarves and bags. I love to teach workshops to pass on skill and help others create. Show more

Hello! My name is Sagan, and I am a painter and author. In 2018 I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and now I speak at events about my journey through that, about art, and about philosophy.

Hello! My name is Sagan, and I am a painter and author. In 2018 I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and now I speak at events about my journey through that, about art, and about philosophy. Show more

DM and painter for Realms Long Forgotten

DM and painter for Realms Long Forgotten Show more

Morgan Caldwell is the founder of ZoMo Studios and a homeschool speaker and children’s author based in Tennessee. She helps overwhelmed homeschool families create calmer, more connected learning environments through storytelling, emotionally supportive homeschooling strategies, and creative, family-centered learning that feels realistic for everyday life.

As a homeschooling parent in a neurodivergent household, Morgan speaks on burnout reduction, flexible learning approaches, emotional support, and building meaningful family culture through creativity, connection, and realistic routines. Her work encourages families to move away from perfectionism and toward homeschooling that nurtures both parents and children with less stress and more belonging.

Morgan Caldwell is the founder of ZoMo Studios and a homeschool speaker and children’s author based in Tennessee. She helps overwhelmed homeschool families create calmer, more connected learning environments through storytelling, emotionally supporti... Show more

Aristeia is an award-winning creative strategist, AI-driven creator and advisor to creative entrepreneurs, with a background in marketing, branding and building creative-led businesses. Their work spans film, content and emerging technologies, focused on helping creators navigate shifting markets, position their work and develop sustainable, forward-looking strategies.

Known for a systems-level, data-informed perspective, Aristeia combines creative intuition with a deep focus on market signals, audience behavior and evolving economic models. Their work explores how AI is accelerating content creation while forcing a rethinking of where value lives — from content itself to ownership, access and audience relationships.

As the founder of PromptingPros, a professional network for AI creatives, Aristeia explores new models for how creators build, connect and generate value in an era of infinite content.

Aristeia is an award-winning creative strategist, AI-driven creator and advisor to creative entrepreneurs, with a background in marketing, branding and building creative-led businesses. Their work spans film, content and emerging technologies, focuse... Show more

Scott J. Sholder is a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP. The Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, he focuses his practice on litigation, counseling, and dispute resolution in connection with entertainment, media, and intellectual property matters. Scott represents and advises clients across various industries in copyright, trademark, right-of-publicity, unfair competition, domain name, and commercial and business disputes, as well as defamation defense. He has appeared in federal and state courts around the country as well as administrative and arbitral tribunals and has handled cases from pre-suit negotiations through trial and post-trial procedures. His clients range from major media and entertainment companies and A-list talent to closely held and startup businesses and individuals in need of advice on intellectual property or guidance concerning brewing or existing legal conflicts. Scott is a skilled advocate and understands the risks, benefits, and practical considerations inherent in these cases and knows how to make use of available leverage and industry knowledge to reach a favorable conclusion. He utilizes a principled yet practical approach to litigation with an eye toward efficient resolution in line with the client’s business needs and financial realities. A frequent writer and speaker on issues related to copyright and trademark in the entertainment and digital media space, with a recent focus on NFTs and generative AI, Scott is a regular contributor to the CDAS legal blog as well as other major legal publications and has published several law review articles.

In his spare time, Scott plays bass guitar in the CDAS house band REDACTED, writes short fiction in the dark fantasy/horror genre, and creates NFT on-chain art under the pseudonym MetalheaD. His works are listed on Makersplace, Objkt, and Exchange, and he was selected to be part of the first cohort of the Makersplace Artist Launchpad Program. His glitch work was selected to be displayed at a recent NYC glitch art event, and he enjoys creating and sharing new works on his social media channels as often as possible.

Scott J. Sholder is a partner with Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard LLP. The Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation group, he focuses his practice on litigation, counseling, and dispute resolution in connection with entertainment, media, and intellectu... Show more

Melvin Thambi is a renowned Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Global Speaker with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design, technology, and business. His expertise spans visual design, product innovation, and brand strategy, where he has led high-impact creative initiatives for global brands, shaping the future of design-driven business success.

A thought leader in AI, design monetization, and creative entrepreneurship, Melvin is a recognized speaker at international design and technology conferences. He brings a unique perspective on how designers can leverage AI, build scalable revenue models, and adopt a business mindset to thrive in an evolving creative economy.

In 2017, he was honored as Business Mentor of the Year by Entrepreneur of India, recognizing his impact in mentorship and leadership. His artistic work has also been exhibited on the global stage, including New York Times Square, reflecting his passion for blending storytelling, digital art, and cutting-edge technology.

Beyond corporate leadership, Melvin is deeply committed to mentorship and the future of design, empowering the next generation of creative professionals to move beyond execution—embracing strategy, innovation, and business acumen to drive real-world impact.

Melvin Thambi is a renowned Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Global Speaker with over two decades of experience at the intersection of design, technology, and business. His expertise spans visual design, product innovation, and brand strategy, wh... Show more

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immigrating to Canada — clients include Universal Music, Nettwerk, and AWAL.

Her work sits at a rare intersection: creative direction and performance marketing. She delivers $0.16 CPCs and 631% website traffic growth from single campaigns, alongside brand work that holds up visually. She taught at cimdata Bildungsakademie (IHK-accredited, Germany), served as an industry mentor at Symphonic (March 2026), and mentored at Measure of Music 2026 — a global music and data conference reaching 1,400+ participants across 63 countries. She has been featured in CEO Times and Women's Insider.

She speaks on brand strategy, creative direction, performance marketing, and building a creative business as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur. Available in-person in Toronto and virtually worldwide.

Ina Friedrich is the founder and creative director of 0.1% Agency, a women-founded creative and growth studio based in Toronto, Canada, specialising in music, culture, and sports. Originally from Germany, she built her agency from scratch after immig... Show more

Diana Pelenur is a photographer and digital artist who is based in Toronto having grown up in Brazil and Uruguay. Diana has always been fascinated with technology and Web3 has provided
the perfect platform to explore her curiosity of what is possible on the blockchain. Her art is based on digital photographs that are then manipulated in photoshop to tell a story beyond the
photographic image. Diana likes to imagine what life would look like if we lived on the blockchain and her latest collection is a reflection of this imaginary world. Recently Diana has begun exploring art created with AI.

Diana is co-founder of XenosProject.io, an NFT pfp collection whose mission is to support schools in underrepresented regions. It is a project that is using Web3 to create a positive social impact.

Diana Pelenur is a photographer and digital artist who is based in Toronto having grown up in Brazil and Uruguay. Diana has always been fascinated with technology and Web3 has provided the perfect platform to explore her curiosity of what is possibl... Show more

Robin Allison Davis is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, writer, and producer based in Paris and born and raised in the Washington, DC, area. After a ten-year television career in New York City and desiring to see more of the world, she moved to Paris in 2016 to pursue the dream of a more international lifestyle—and got more than she bargained for. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Surviving Paris is her first book.

Robin Allison Davis is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, writer, and producer based in Paris and born and raised in the Washington, DC, area. After a ten-year television career in New York City and desiring to see more of the world, she moved to Pari... Show more

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to captivate a room.

A longtime Comedian, Film & Television Actor, Writer, and Producer: Mark has honed his craft across multiple entertainment mediums, bringing an unparalleled depth of experience to the stage. A Two-Time Emmy Award Nominee, his talent has been recognized at the highest levels,

Mark is an International Headliner, sharing stages with comedy legends such as Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy, entertaining audiences around the globe.

When you Book Mark For Your Next Event, You Get:

A Skilled Speaker and Natural Storyteller: Armed with a BFA in Theater from USC, earned through a Public Speaking Scholarship, Mark combines academic rigor with his inherent flair for storytelling.

An Experienced Event Emcee: Mark is adept at keeping audiences engaged and events running smoothly, ensuring your occasion is both memorable and timely.

Engaging, Inspiring, and Funny Presentations: His presentations are a perfect blend of humor, inspiration, and audience engagement, leaving lasting impressions on all who attend.

An Expert at Event Alignment: Mark excels at tailoring his presentations to meet your event goals, ensuring your audience receives a message that’s as aligned as it is impactful.

Whether you seek a hilarious anecdote or a moving inspirational story, Mark’s ability to align his presentations with your event’s needs makes him an invaluable addition to any lineup. Book him now to guarantee your event's success!

Meet Mark Christopher Lawrence, a dynamic presenter with a multi-faceted career that spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. With decades of experience making audiences laugh, think, and feel, Mark is an exceptional speaker who knows how to capti... Show more

Amber Hasan is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer focused on using Creative Practice as a tool for change. Amber is Co-Founder of The Sister Tour collective, she has worked with photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier regarding the Flint Water Crisis, she is a Board Member of Title Track Michigan, and a Board Member of Commongrounds, where she is the advocate for the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan.

Amber Hasan is an interdisciplinary artist and community organizer focused on using Creative Practice as a tool for change. Amber is Co-Founder of The Sister Tour collective, she has worked with photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier regarding the Flint W... Show more

Chase Bethea is a distinguished freelance Composer/Technical Music Designer for video games. He has been working professionally in the industry for over a decade and has shipped over 25 games thus far. Chase has left an indelible mark through his musical prowess and is known in the industry as of the most prolific and omnipresent composers in the video game industry today earning him the title as the “Swiss Army knife of video game composition.” Chase's talent has earned him widespread recognition. He was nominated for the 2015 Annual Game Music Awards – Artists of the Year – Independent Composer by VGMO (Video Game Music Online), showcasing his early acclaim. His exceptional work on "Aground" and "On the Peril of Parrots" earned him an NYX Award for the Best Original Soundtrack, further solidifying his status as a top-tier composer.

Chase's achievements extend beyond accolades, as he has been honored with two Global Music Awards for the "On the Peril of Parrots Soundtrack" and for his overall excellence as a composer. His impact on the industry is not only reflected in his musical creations but also in his contributions as a speaker. Chase has shared his insights and experiences at renowned events such as GDC, PAX, Indie Game Business, Game Devs of Color, and MAGfest/MAGWest. He notably was chosen as a keynote speaker for the 2022 Global Game Jam. In his future endeavors, Chase continues to shape the landscape of video game music.

Chase Bethea is a distinguished freelance Composer/Technical Music Designer for video games. He has been working professionally in the industry for over a decade and has shipped over 25 games thus far. Chase has left an indelible mark through his mus... Show more

Harness the Power of Your Voice to Build Trust, Inspire Action, and Lead with Confidence

Elias Mokole is a keynote speaker, voice coach, and former opera singer with over 800 performances worldwide. With two decades of experience spanning vocal performance, communication strategy, and leadership training, Elias helps professionals develop a powerful, authentic presence that resonates—onstage, on-screen, or in the boardroom.

He works with leaders, analysts, educators, and teams to elevate how they speak, listen, and connect. Whether facilitating high-stakes conversations or leading global workshops, Elias brings together technical voice training and emotional intelligence to help clients communicate with clarity, credibility, and calm.

At the 2025 BA & Beyond Conference in Denmark and the Netherlands, Elias delivered sessions on vocal resilience and presence in change-driven environments, receiving praise for his engaging exercises, real-world voice tools, and memorable delivery.

Elias holds an MFA in Voice & Performance and blends artistic discipline with practical leadership insights. Through interactive keynotes, voice-based coaching, and applied storytelling, he helps people use their voice not just to be heard—but to move others.

Harness the Power of Your Voice to Build Trust, Inspire Action, and Lead with Confidence Elias Mokole is a keynote speaker, voice coach, and former opera singer with over 800 performances worldwide. With two decades of experience spanning vocal pe... Show more

Haitian-born artist Milly Joseph (she/her) explores the intersection of mathematics, science, and aesthetics through ceramics, digital design, photography, videography, and writing. Her work transforms calculations into tactile and visual experiences, inviting viewers to find beauty in precision. Through blending disciplines and mediums, she creates art that is both deeply conceptual and materially engaging. By making complex systems accessible, she supports her communities in developing new ways of learning, seeing, and connecting.
In her careers, she is a ceramic sculptor, ceramic teacher, logistics analyst, and consultant.

Haitian-born artist Milly Joseph (she/her) explores the intersection of mathematics, science, and aesthetics through ceramics, digital design, photography, videography, and writing. Her work transforms calculations into tactile and visual experiences... Show more

Jenna Meiring is a senior frontend developer with over 20 years of coding experience. A person of many interests, she is also a musician and artist, as well as a dog-lover working towards a qualification in dog behaviour.

A lover of rubber ducks and general whimsy, Jenna has a firm belief that while we cannot change the world we live in, the way we approach our day-to-day lives is how we find joy in the manic and fast-paced work days.

Jenna Meiring is a senior frontend developer with over 20 years of coding experience. A person of many interests, she is also a musician and artist, as well as a dog-lover working towards a qualification in dog behaviour. A lover of rubber ducks a... Show more

Nicola Palmeri, director and computer scientist specialized in virtual reality and multimedia, explores the symbiosis between art and technology. His dedication is mainly focused on the development of immersive and interactive virtual environments known for their realistic immersion. Furthermore, he is an expert in developing video games in which he exploits his passion for cinema. He has worked on image branding for leading companies in Europe. He teaches computer science in secondary schools and works as a freelance Information Engineer. He is an expert teacher involved in numerous educational projects (PON) by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (Miur) related to coding for students of all levels. He is constantly engaged in his independent productions, ranging from cinema to information technology. He has received numerous awards at international film festivals. His film “fiSOlofia“, acquired by RaiCinema, won 23 awards, including the Cine Festa Italia in Santa Fe and Los Angeles.

Nicola Palmeri, director and computer scientist specialized in virtual reality and multimedia, explores the symbiosis between art and technology. His dedication is mainly focused on the development of immersive and interactive virtual environments kn... Show more

Vivian Li is a passionate creator of illustration, video content, and interface design. As a freelance creative, she has generated ~2M+ organic views, scaling her personal initiative Young Coders' Sphere up to 1.5K+ students registered in under a month. Now, she also works as the Executive Creator Coach of Thetawise, an AI math tool that supports the learning of 350K users. She has also supported the AI Summit as the Design Lead, creating social media posts and merchandise. Vivian is excited about growth and eager to share her learnings.

Vivian Li is a passionate creator of illustration, video content, and interface design. As a freelance creative, she has generated ~2M+ organic views, scaling her personal initiative Young Coders' Sphere up to 1.5K+ students registered in under a mon... Show more

Luis Queral is a software designer and artist based in Baltimore, MD.

He works for the New York Times helping lead design efforts on their infrastructure team. He is frequently, and deliberately out of his element and enjoys driving the design strategy of complex software projects.

When he's not at work, he's either working on experimental film projects or spending time with his wife, two kiddos, and a big red dog named Lucy.

Luis Queral is a software designer and artist based in Baltimore, MD. He works for the New York Times helping lead design efforts on their infrastructure team. He is frequently, and deliberately out of his element and enjoys driving the design str... Show more

Joakim Ulseth is a freelance 3D Motion Designer based in Trondheim, Norway, with over a decade of experience. He has worked with brands and agencies across tech, maritime, and advertising, specializing in animated graphics and motion storytelling. For the past three years, he has crafted the opening titles for the TDC conference, blending design, animation, and technology to set the stage for the event.

Joakim Ulseth is a freelance 3D Motion Designer based in Trondheim, Norway, with over a decade of experience. He has worked with brands and agencies across tech, maritime, and advertising, specializing in animated graphics and motion storytelling. Fo... Show more

Celina Thompson is basically a vampire. She is a disabled author with multiple invisible illnesses which cause sunlight to be painful, require blood transfusions, and even make garlic off limits. This served as inspiration for her debut novel, Sanctuary (a #1 Amazon Best Seller
in Erotic Horror). Her passion for raising awareness for disabilities and healthcare continues with her next novel, La Mamácita Mafiosa (releasing in June of 2025). Before discovering her medical conditions, she worked in technical theatre and continues to have a deep appreciation for the arts. She loves immersing herself in telling a powerful story and transporting people to another world. Celina is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA), Romance Writers of America (RWA), & Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW). Currently she serves on the
Board of Directors for RMFW as the chair of the
Colorado Gold Writers Conference.

Celina Thompson is basically a vampire. She is a disabled author with multiple invisible illnesses which cause sunlight to be painful, require blood transfusions, and even make garlic off limits. This served as inspiration for her debut novel, Sanctu... Show more

Kadine is a Global Metaverse Strategist at Accenture and CEO and Founder of The Immersive KIND NFT Gallery and 3D Crypto Fashion House. Kadine is listed as one of the top 10 most influential women Metaverse Founders working in DigitaL Fashion, 3D Printing, augmented reality, virtual reality, spatial computing, XR, immersive gaming, and innovation. A pioneer in leading change in the immersive technology industry. She works at the intersection of future technology, strategy, and storytelling, engaging audiences across the globe around the future applications of emerging technologies.

Kadine is the founder of The Immersive KIND, a creative technology crypto fashion and digital arts house exploring the future of post-reality experiences.

Kadine is a Global Metaverse Strategist at Accenture and CEO and Founder of The Immersive KIND NFT Gallery and 3D Crypto Fashion House. Kadine is listed as one of the top 10 most influential women Metaverse Founders working in DigitaL Fashion, 3D Pri... Show more