Russ Abrams has extensive experience leading transformation efforts across various industries, including healthcare, government, telecommunications, information systems and retail. As a consultant and trainer, he applies innovative Lean Six Sigma solutions to drive the strategy execution, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. Russ excels at building strong teams, processes and control systems in a unique way that enables organizations to live continuous improvement, not just learn it.
Highlights
• Highly skilled deployment leader, executive coach and trainer
• Lean master and Six Sigma Master Black Belt
• High-level experience across transactional and manufacturing environments
• Created innovations in telecommunications, retail and healthcare
2014 Keynote Speaker Gemba Lean Summit, Brazil

Started a non-profit all volunteer organization building devices for people with disabilities. using the same skills for understanding the customer's needs and providing innovative solutions.

Russ Abrams has extensive experience leading transformation efforts across various industries, including healthcare, government, telecommunications, information systems and retail. As a consultant and trainer, he applies innovative Lean Six Sigma sol... Show more

As Principal AI Strategist at Sikich, a leading professional services firm providing transformative business solutions, Ray leverages over 36 years of experience in the IT industry. Having served as a systems architect for complex CRM implementations utilizing Microsoft technologies, he now focuses on guiding organizations toward productive, responsible, and impactful use of AI technologies, particularly Generative AI. Passionate about innovation, Ray has been a featured speaker at numerous Microsoft centered events including SummitNA 2025, and served on the advisory board for the ExtremeCRM event series, shaping strategic content and contributing significantly to the Microsoft Dynamics community.

As Principal AI Strategist at Sikich, a leading professional services firm providing transformative business solutions, Ray leverages over 36 years of experience in the IT industry. Having served as a systems architect for complex CRM implementations... Show more

Javier Perez is an accomplished Enterprise Architect with over 20 years of experience in implementing collaboration solutions. Throughout his career, Javier has demonstrated expertise in a wide range of Microsoft 365 applications, including Power Automate, PowerApps, SharePoint Online, Teams, Project Online, Exchange Online and Azure. His proficiency extends to advanced technologies such as Azure Document Intelligence and Azure AI, enabling organizations to leverage cutting-edge tools for enhanced productivity and innovation. Javier's extensive experience and deep knowledge make him a valuable asset in driving digital transformation and fostering collaborative environments.

Javier Perez is an accomplished Enterprise Architect with over 20 years of experience in implementing collaboration solutions. Throughout his career, Javier has demonstrated expertise in a wide range of Microsoft 365 applications, including Power Aut... Show more

I'm Mithun A. Sridharan, an entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker on Strategy, Management Consulting and Digital Transformation. I'm a Forbes Technology Council Thought Leader and a Member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. As a strategy and technology executive, I advise senior leaders and corporations derive value from their strategic technology investment portfolios. I am a TEDx speaker and regularly share insights at industry conferences and corporate events. I have also contributed thought leadership to high-impact journals and magazines, such as the World Economic Forum, the American Banker, Wired, Bloomberg, etc. I hold an MBA from ESMT Berlin, a Master of Science from Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, both in Germany and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Madras, India.

I'm Mithun A. Sridharan, an entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker on Strategy, Management Consulting and Digital Transformation. I'm a Forbes Technology Council Thought Leader and a Member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. As a strategy... Show more

Based near Graz, Austria, I am a seasoned software developer and team leader with 37 years of industry experience. As an AI enthusiast, I specialize in integrating artificial intelligence solutions into practical applications. My expertise spans multiple programming languages and platforms, allowing me to approach challenges from various technical perspectives while leveraging the latest AI technologies.

Based near Graz, Austria, I am a seasoned software developer and team leader with 37 years of industry experience. As an AI enthusiast, I specialize in integrating artificial intelligence solutions into practical applications. My expertise spans mult... Show more

Cloud-forged endpoint administrator with background in e-comm and manufacturing. Microsoft MVP | Intune & PowerShell

Cloud-forged endpoint administrator with background in e-comm and manufacturing. Microsoft MVP | Intune & PowerShell Show more

Meet Stephanie, the dynamo who kick-started her career in cost accounting and manufacturing operations. But it wasn't until she was handed the reins of the company's first ERP implementation that she truly fell head over heels. Using technology to optimize effective business processes was a game changer. Fast forward 20+ years and over 500 projects later, Stephanie has become the go-to solution architect who doesn't mess around and just gets things done.

When she's not wowing audiences as a presenter, speaker, or blogger, you can find her donning her hat as a certified Microsoft Dynamics Business Central professional. And let's not forget her juggling act managing product, presales activities, and building professional services practices. Now, she's the brains behind Elliott Clark Consulting, a Microsoft partner that's turning consulting services on their head.

Stephanie's mantra? ERP implementations don't have to be a drag! She's on a mission to prove that they can be effective, affordable, and downright awesome. By sprinkling in her magic dust of change management and business process transformations, she makes sure her clients have a rockstar experience.

Meet Stephanie, the dynamo who kick-started her career in cost accounting and manufacturing operations. But it wasn't until she was handed the reins of the company's first ERP implementation that she truly fell head over heels. Using technology to op... Show more

Victor has more that 18 years working for global companies as an IT resource on different areas, such as Server Filed Support, Sysadmin, Site Reliability Engineer and Solutions Architect.
Today works as Sr. Solutions Architect and is specialist on Compute Services like Containers with Kubernetes cluster autoscaler and Karpenter, with the aim to reduce costs.
His aim is to help Platform engineering, other Solutions Architects and Applications teams to design, deploy and maintain the right architectures that align to the business goals and gains.

Victor has more that 18 years working for global companies as an IT resource on different areas, such as Server Filed Support, Sysadmin, Site Reliability Engineer and Solutions Architect. Today works as Sr. Solutions Architect and is specialist on C... Show more

Rakesh is an accomplished technologist and leader with over 24 years' experience in building & architecting modular Cloud ERP experiences. He is a Microsoft MVP in Business Applications and 4th time Fasttrack Recognized Solutions Architect. This is a testament to his expertise and contributions to the community in the field of business applications and low-code & no-code.

Rakesh is a Global Customer Success Architect at Tata Consultancy Services (Business Applications + Generative AI). He is responsible for designing Dynamics 365 Finance & SCM ERP, and leveraging Gen AI. He has expertise in a wide range of technologies, including Bizapps, Power Apps, and Azure.

Rakesh is passionate about leveraging Generative AI & Autonomous Agents for business applications that enhance business growth and innovation. He strongly believes in giving back to the community. He frequently shares his insights and expertise through speaking engagements, blogs, and community involvement. With his passion for empowering others, Rakesh has mentored and empowered many learners.

Rakesh is an accomplished technologist and leader with over 24 years' experience in building & architecting modular Cloud ERP experiences. He is a Microsoft MVP in Business Applications and 4th time Fasttrack Recognized Solutions Architect. This is a... Show more

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical, eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions focused on accessibility, privacy, and open-source technologies. As CTO since the company's inception, Johnson architects next-generation emerging technologies and AI solutions, leading TREE Industries' efforts to integrate sustainability first principles into AI development for global problem-solving, including advancements in voice-powered tools, 3D avatars with open-source AI assistants, and collaborative virtual beings. His notable public contributions, documented since 2017, include spearheading the release of TREE's first video game, Ultimate Disc Golf, in December 2019; developing a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020; creating the first 3D avatars integrated with the Mycroft AI assistant in March 2021; launching a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021; and developing BlenderGPT, an AI tool for generative 3D modeling, which was featured in NVIDIA's 2023 SIGGRAPH keynote, all emphasizing ethical and environmentally conscious tech innovation. Johnson is further distinguished in the field by his role in collaborations, such as TREE Industries' partnership with Fable on AI-driven projects, and his co-founding of Geppetto AI to advance real-time AI applications.

Joshua Johnson's early career in the technology sector began with roles focused on web development and software engineering, laying the foundation for his later work in AI and sustainable technologies. Alongside his role at TREE Industries, he founded and continues to lead eClarity Web Solutions, where he serves as CEO, assisting businesses and individuals in developing modern content management system (CMS)-powered websites. In this position, Johnson specialized in technologies such as Joomla!, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Flash AS3, and HTML5, gaining expertise in web design and development over several years.These early experiences honed his skills in programming and digital solutions, enabling him to tackle more complex technical challenges in subsequent roles. Although specific timelines for his initial positions are not widely documented, his work at eClarity represented a key period of skill development in software engineering and client-facing tech services before transitioning to executive leadership in AI innovation.

Leadership at TREE Industries

Joshua Johnson was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries upon its founding in September 2017, where he has led the technical direction since inception. In this executive role, Johnson has focused on initial team-building efforts and aligning the company's technological vision with sustainable AI goals aimed at addressing environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. Key leadership milestones under Johnson's tenure include overseeing the expansion of research and development (R&D) activities from 2018 onward, such as the company's joining of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce in February 2018 to foster industry collaborations and the development of innovative AI tools, including a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020. By 2021, his strategic guidance contributed to further R&D growth, exemplified by the creation of 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI in March 2021, the release of a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021, and the prototyping of an AI virtual being capable of real-time 3D art generation in August 2021 as part of TREE Industries' entry into The Culture DAO. These efforts highlight Johnson's role in hiring key engineers and forming partnerships with environmental and tech organizations to scale sustainable AI initiatives. Johnson's strategic initiatives have emphasized eco-friendly practices, including the implementation of sustainable operations in data centers and AI development processes, though specific budgets remain undisclosed in public records. His leadership has driven organizational growth, positioning TREE Industries as a leader in green AI technologies headquartered in Washington, Missouri.

Innovations in AI Sustainability

As CTO of TREE Industries, Joshua Johnson leads efforts to integrate sustainability principles into AI development, focusing on ethical and eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

Joshua Johnson has led several AI-driven projects at TREE Industries since joining as CTO in 2017, aligning with the company's vision for sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. One notable initiative is the development of Ultimate Disc Golf, a video game incorporating AI and machine learning elements, launched in December 2019. This project aimed to advance accessible gaming technologies while exploring AI applications in simulation and real-time environments, with Johnson discussing its integration of AI for enhanced user experiences during a 2020 podcast interview. The effort contributed to TREE Industries' broader portfolio in ethical AI for entertainment, though specific environmental impact metrics were not publicly detailed. In 2021, Johnson oversaw the creation of DeepSpeech-based automatic speech systems for games, focusing on open-source AI to enable voice interactions in virtual environments. This initiative sought to promote affordable and privacy-focused AI tools, developed as part of TREE's commitment to socially responsible technology, with outcomes including prototypes for real-time 3D art creation. The project underscored ethical considerations in AI deployment for gaming industries.[More recently, in 2024, Johnson collaborated with Fable on an AI project bringing the Sam Altman saga to life through advanced chatbots, emphasizing innovative storytelling via eco-friendly AI practices. According to a Forbes article, these chatbots represented non-traditional applications, highlighting TREE Industries' role in sustainable AI collaborations that minimize computational waste. The partnership demonstrated measurable advancements in ethical AI for narrative simulations. Additionally, under Johnson's leadership, TREE Industries advanced the Unreal Agent plugin in 2025, an open-source AI copilot for Unreal Engine 5 that automates tasks like level design and content generation to optimize development workflows. This tool aims to reduce energy-intensive manual processes, supporting green AI goals through efficient, real-time integrations, with its GitHub release fostering community-driven sustainable innovations.

Industry Influence:

Joshua Johnson has exerted influence in the sustainable AI sector through his thought leadership and participation in high-profile industry events. As CTO of TREE Industries, he spoke at the AI Film and Games Festival in San Francisco in 2023 and GatherVerse Summit 2025.This engagement underscores his role in promoting ethical AI practices that align with environmental goals, as TREE Industries emphasizes "Sustainability First" in its operations. In advisory capacities, Johnson serves as the Interoperability Committee Lead at The Culture DAO since April 2022, contributing to standards development in emerging technologies, including AI interoperability that supports sustainable applications. Johnson's contributions extend to open-source initiatives that advance sustainable AI tools. Under his technical guidance at TREE Industries, the company developed and released open-source projects such as 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI, a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI, and a desktop control skill for Mycroft, all launched between 2020 and 2021 to make advanced technologies more accessible and environmentally responsible. These efforts have been adopted in communities focused on conversational AI, promoting energy-efficient offline processing solutions that reduce computational waste. Additionally, TREE's early involvement in open-source speech systems like DeepSpeech has influenced game development and AI applications with lower environmental footprints.Through these activities, Johnson has shaped industry discussions on sustainable AI, as evidenced by his commentary in media outlets like Forbes, where he highlighted innovative AI collaborations that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly advancements. His work has contributed to TREE Industries' promotion of AI adoption among local businesses via chamber of commerce memberships, fostering wider sectoral shifts toward sustainability.

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to addr... Show more

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and international tech events. He has trained and coached 500+ students in AI and Data Science, and focuses on making complex AI concepts accessible to Moroccan developers in Darija.

Mohannad Tazi is an AI/ML Engineer specializing in LLMs, RAG systems, and autonomous AI agents. He builds practical AI solutions for education and productivity, contributes to open-source model evaluations, and regularly speaks at national and intern... Show more

Rebecca is a hands-on, human-centered, collaborative organizational change leader interested in developing great teams and culture, co-creating large-scale strategic vision, driving value nimbly, and a believer in integrating change strategies to develop organizational resiliency and competitive edge. She has 5+ years in cross-industry OCM for ERP implementations and tech adoption, as well as over 10 years in strategic and business communications, including 6 years of bilingual business communication & advocacy.

Rebecca is a hands-on, human-centered, collaborative organizational change leader interested in developing great teams and culture, co-creating large-scale strategic vision, driving value nimbly, and a believer in integrating change strategies to dev... Show more

Molly Rupert-Sullivan was the Global Adoption Lead for one of the earliest and largest Microsoft Copilot deployments, starting with early access and rolling out over 100,000 licenses. She now leads Change and Adoption efforts for Guidehouse, powering an AI-enabled workforce and advanced innovations for clients. Molly advises clients across industries and geographies on how to strategically position AI to maximize value.

Molly Rupert-Sullivan was the Global Adoption Lead for one of the earliest and largest Microsoft Copilot deployments, starting with early access and rolling out over 100,000 licenses. She now leads Change and Adoption efforts for Guidehouse, powering... Show more

Ron Veen is a seasoned software engineer with extensive experience ranging from Microservices to mainframes. His passion for software engineering and architecture has been his guiding force throughout his career. With over 20 years of expertise in the JVM and the Java ecosystem, Ron is an Oracle Certified Java Programmer (OCP) and a certified Sun Business Component Developer (SCBCD/OCPBCD).

A dedicated Java enthusiast, Ron also has a keen interest in alternative JVM languages, particularly Kotlin. At Team Rockstars IT, he serves as a Special Agent and lead developer, frequently speaking at international conferences. Ron is the author of books on Java Cloud-native migrations with Jakarta EE and on Virtual Threads, Structured Concurrency, and Scoped Values. He has also co-written a book on Kotlin.

Ron Veen is a seasoned software engineer with extensive experience ranging from Microservices to mainframes. His passion for software engineering and architecture has been his guiding force throughout his career. With over 20 years of expertise in th... Show more

Mourtaza Fazlehoussen is a Microsoft MVP in Azure AI Foundry and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), driving AI-powered digital transformation with a focus on secure, responsible, and human-centric innovation.

He architects enterprise AI systems that blend automation, security, and measurable real-world impact. With a growing interest in Health in AI, Mourtaza aspires to shape solutions that improve human life, healthcare accessibility, and overall well-being.

He is a frequent speaker at global events such as aMP, Experts Live, CollabDays, and MVP Connect, where he shares insights on AI adoption, multi-agent systems, and applied intelligence.

Additionally, Mourtaza co-founded initiatives like Tech Talk Pune and the Microsoft 365 & Dynamics 365 User Group, promoting grassroots tech learning, as well as HiFi Library, an educational platform that helps children build confidence and communication skills.

His mission is simple: to make AI accessible, trustworthy, and meaningful—for people, for business, for health, and for the future.

Mourtaza Fazlehoussen is a Microsoft MVP in Azure AI Foundry and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), driving AI-powered digital transformation with a focus on secure, responsible, and human-centric innovation. He architects enterprise AI systems ... Show more

Data Science Team Lead @ LSports, ML products expert.
Senior Lecturer at the Hebrew University AI & Data Programs.
Woman in Data Science Israel Community lead and Mentor.
B.Sc, M.Sc. Engineering from Ben Gurion university, Israel.

Data Science Team Lead @ LSports, ML products expert. Senior Lecturer at the Hebrew University AI & Data Programs. Woman in Data Science Israel Community lead and Mentor. B.Sc, M.Sc. Engineering from Ben Gurion university, Israel. Show more

Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina, M.A., is a Mexican and internationally recognized speaker known for her ability to translate complex topics in technology and artificial intelligence into clear, practical, and motivating ideas.

She is a mentor/trainer for the BécALAS program and the Lorna Rojas Foundation, united with heart; an associate, volunteer, and speaker at WOMCY; a speaker at Talent Land 2025 and 2023; a panelist for the International Women Who Inspire Forum 2024 and 2025 and ITGAM, among others; and a judge at entrepreneurship events at AUEH. She holds a degree in Administrative Informatics, a master's degree in Business Administration, a diploma in women leaders, and several certifications in marketing, artificial intelligence, and emotional intelligence. With over 25 years of experience as a strategist, mentor, and creator of educational content, her most recent project is Sabiduría en Línea (a program airing Mondays at 7:00 pm on Radio Canacope). Constantly updating her skills, she recently participated in the 1st [event/conference/etc.]. Generation of the “Back to Lead” Program of Santander, Momlancers and Victoria 147 (Agile methodology training).

Her most recent conference was: "Freedom Begins When We Think" at the Honorable Congress of Tlaxcala (2026).

Passionate about the human impact of technology, she demonstrates that innovation is most powerful when it integrates generations and talent. As a mentor to women in technology and entrepreneurship. Elizabeth is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap through hands-on training and support in the use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and sustainable business models.

Through her venture, Venta Casa México, where she serves as Director of Business Development, she integrates technology with human development, offering both traditional and digital real estate services. She provides comprehensive 360° services, implementing digital tools to accelerate property sales and rental transactions.

💫 Mtra. Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina -
Mexicana y conferencista internacional reconocida por su capacidad de traducir temas complejos de tecnología e inteligencia artificial en ideas claras, prácticas y motivadoras.
Mentora/Capacitadora para el programa BécALAS y la Fundación Lorna Rojas unidos con el corazón, asociada, voluntaria y speaker en WOMCY, conferencista en Talent Land 2025 y 2023, panelista para el Foro Internacional Mujeres que Inspiran 2024 y 2025 e ITGAM, entre otros, jurado en eventos de emprendimiento en AUEH. Licenciada en Informática Administrativa con maestría en Administración de Negocios, Diplomado en mujeres líderes y varias certificaciones en mercadotecnia, inteligencia artificial e inteligencia emocional, más de 25 años de trayectoria como estratega, mentora y creadora de contenidos educativos en su proyecto más reciente: Sabiduría en Línea (programa lunes 7:00 pm a través de Radio Canacope) y en constante actualización acaba de formar parte de la 1ra. Generación del Programa “Back to Lead” de Santander, Momlancers y Victoria 147 (formación en metodología Ágil).

Más reciente conferencia es: "La Liberta empieza cuando pensamos" en el H. Congreso de Tlaxcala. (2026)

Apasionada por el impacto humano de la tecnología, demostrando que la innovación es más poderosa cuando integra generaciones y talento. Como mentora de mujeres en tecnología y emprendimiento, Elizabeth se dedica a cerrar la brecha de oportunidades a través de capacitación práctica y acompañamiento en el uso de inteligencia artificial, herramientas digitales y modelos de negocio sostenibles.

Desde su emprendimiento Venta Casa México como directora en Desarrollo de Negocios, integrando el uso de la tecnología con el desarrollo humano, inmobiliaria tradicional y digital que ofrece servicios 360° implementando servicios digitales para acelerar los cierres de negocio en venta y renta de propiedades.

Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina, M.A., is a Mexican and internationally recognized speaker known for her ability to translate complex topics in technology and artificial intelligence into clear, practical, and motivating ideas. She is a mentor/t... Show more

Warren solves application security problems in distributed architectures. He has journeyed through many different locations, technologies, and industries from Health Care IT in Wisconsin to E-Commerce in Switzerland. Now, he is the AppSec specialist and CTO at Authress, building tools for seamless security, authentication, and authorization with a focus on the intersection of business and technology.

Warren solves application security problems in distributed architectures. He has journeyed through many different locations, technologies, and industries from Health Care IT in Wisconsin to E-Commerce in Switzerland. Now, he is the AppSec specialist ... Show more

Toddy has over 25 years of experience in software engineering and design, consulting, and product management for companies like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and SAP. He started his cloud journey 14 years ago as part of the Azure team. Since then, Toddy worked on large-scale cloud implementations using Azure and AWS by utilizing cloud-native technologies. Now, he is part of the Azure Cloud Native and Ecosystem team and is responsible for container supply chain security for Azure services and customers.

Toddy has over 25 years of experience in software engineering and design, consulting, and product management for companies like Microsoft, T-Mobile, and SAP. He started his cloud journey 14 years ago as part of the Azure team. Since then, Toddy worke... Show more

Seasoned technologist with over 18 years of profound expertise in crafting scalable and resilient distributed systems that handle petabytes of unstructured data daily. Spearheaded the architecture and design of various cloud-native SaaS solutions. His diverse industry exposure encompasses E-commerce, Embedded systems, and Telecom sectors.

Sudeep has taken the stage at several international conferences in countries including Japan, the USA, the UK, and India. He is a primary author of various papers featured in IEEE and other international conferences. Sudeep also holds multiple patents in the realms of payments, e-commerce, and distributed systems.

Sudeep's technical forte lies in addressing Big data challenges, Monitoring/Telemetry, developing cloud-native platforms and frameworks, client-side programming, and creating scalable server-side backends.

Seasoned technologist with over 18 years of profound expertise in crafting scalable and resilient distributed systems that handle petabytes of unstructured data daily. Spearheaded the architecture and design of various cloud-native SaaS solutions. Hi... Show more

Nils is a Chief Technology Officer with extensive experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions in cloud and SaaS environments. He possesses expertise in AWS and serverless technologies, with a strong understanding of cloud computing, streamlining processes, and increasing efficiency for clients. Nils has an huge background leading multiple global teams and excels in technology strategy, solution engineering, and agile product management. Nils has a successful track record of delivering Go-Lives for SaaS applications and has led several organizational and technology transformation programs.

Nils is a Chief Technology Officer with extensive experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions in cloud and SaaS environments. He possesses expertise in AWS and serverless technologies, wi... Show more

Rich currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries, where he leads a global technology organization spanning platforms, infrastructure, data, architecture, development, and emerging technologies. In this role, he sets enterprise-wide technology vision and execution across international operations, aligning AI, data, and digital platforms with manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, warehouse, retail, and customer experience at global scale. His focus is on building resilient, scalable systems and high-performing teams that translate advanced technology into durable business advantage.

Previously, Rich served as Chief Technology Officer at El Toro, where his work contributed to multiple patented, 100% cookie-free advertising technologies, including IP Targeting and Mobile Ad ID Targeting—innovations that helped define a new category of privacy-forward, data-driven advertising.

Rich brings over 30 years of experience across a wide spectrum of technical disciplines, with deep expertise in software engineering, data platforms, distributed systems, and applied AI. He has worked in more than a dozen programming languages, across nearly all major database technologies, and in environments ranging from early-stage innovation to highly regulated, enterprise-scale ecosystems... In short: A problem solver. His years of experience with AI has transformed operations from KTLO to Automations with Agentic capabilities. He is known as a hands-on technology leader, working directly with engineers while maintaining responsibility for long-term strategy, governance, and execution.

A defining theme of Rich’s career is the intelligent connection of data, processes, and people. He has led initiatives that embed AI and machine learning into core business workflows—enabling predictive insight, automation, and adaptive systems that operate across organizational and geographic boundaries. His approach emphasizes practical, scalable AI focused on real-world outcomes.

Beyond enterprise technology, Rich has founded, operated, and advised multiple businesses across diverse industries including manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, and large-scale infrastructure operations. He has contributed to multiple patents and serves in advisory and board roles, applying systems thinking well beyond traditional software environments.

Rich is known for his energy, curiosity, and ability to translate technical complexity into real-world outcomes, combining deep technical credibility with executive leadership and a bias toward execution.

Rich currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries, where he leads a global technology organization spanning platforms, infrastructure, data, architecture, development, and emerging technologies. In this role, he sets en... Show more

Andrew leads a small analytics team for a mid-sized automotive manufacturer, responsible for data integration, engineering, modeling, and visualization. The products in his team's stack include Azure Synapse Analytics, Fabric, and Power BI. He lives and works in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Andrew leads a small analytics team for a mid-sized automotive manufacturer, responsible for data integration, engineering, modeling, and visualization. The products in his team's stack include Azure Synapse Analytics, Fabric, and Power BI. He lives ... Show more

Clifford Agius, Freelance .NET Developer and also blogs from time to time, is currently a three-time Developer Technologies & IoT MVP, specialising in Xamarin/.NET MAUI and IoT. By day, an airline pilot flying Airbus A320 aircraft around Europe and when not doing that, Clifford freelances as a .NET developer. An active member of the .NET community, he is a regular speaker at conferences and meet-ups around the world.

Clifford graduated as an engineer from the Ford Technical Training Centre in 1995. After 11 years as an electrical/mechanical engineer working with Robotics and PLC Programming, he trained to become an Airline Pilot in 2001. Clifford became a Microsoft Valued Professional (MVP) in 2020.

Clifford Agius, Freelance .NET Developer and also blogs from time to time, is currently a three-time Developer Technologies & IoT MVP, specialising in Xamarin/.NET MAUI and IoT. By day, an airline pilot flying Airbus A320 aircraft around Europe and w... Show more

I’m an engineer with a passion for the outdoors. I bridge the gap between complex technical architecture and high-level business strategy. My professional approach is shaped by the endurance and real-time decision-making required to live and thrive in Alaska—from summiting remote peaks and running marathons to scuba diving with sharks. I specialize in managing the design of resilient, "reflexive" systems that thrive under pressure, applying the same grit used in extreme environments to architecting solutions for the enterprise’s toughest AI and observability challenges.

I’m an engineer with a passion for the outdoors. I bridge the gap between complex technical architecture and high-level business strategy. My professional approach is shaped by the endurance and real-time decision-making required to live and thrive i... Show more

Senior Microsoft Data Platform Professional with a masters in business analytics, and multiple Microsoft/AWS certifications. Kristina has provided Leadership and Data Solutions for over 20 years for domestic and global organizations with a special passion in health informatics, finance, and manufacturing. Nicknamed "Data Generalist" for her ability to quickly pivot, Kristina has held data roles across the spectrum including Data Architect, Data Engineer, DBA, Developer, Consultant, Data Analyst, Manager, Coach, and more. Her current role is Lead Data Architect for Kent Worldwide's Data and the Analytics & Data Management Team, as well as serving on their Center of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) board. Her current technical passion is Microsoft Fabric and Machine Learning Technologies.

In her free time, Kristina organizes/co-organizes several user groups, travels globally, sometimes blogs, rambles on various social media, takes pics of her dog, and runs around to her kids' events. She has spoken at large conferences and small user groups both internationally and here in the US on topics including AI, the Microsoft Data Platform, and neurodiversity. She has a special passion for WIT and co-leads the DATAWIT group.

Senior Microsoft Data Platform Professional with a masters in business analytics, and multiple Microsoft/AWS certifications. Kristina has provided Leadership and Data Solutions for over 20 years for domestic and global organizations with a special pa... Show more

Inge Boubez is Chief Marketing and Growth Strategist at Neural Impact and a recognized authority and speaker on how AI is quietly rewriting the rules of buyer trust, visibility, and vendor selection.

For more than twenty years, Inge has driven growth at the intersection of technology, data, and human behavior. She has held senior leadership roles at global technology companies including SAP, where she served as Global Partner Marketing Leader and delivered a 130% increase in pipeline by modernizing partner go-to-market strategy. As Head of Growth at Moz and Ziff Davis, she transformed performance-driven marketing through advanced analytics, achieving a ninefold increase in qualified leads.

Inge has also served as CMO for AI and machine learning–driven companies such as Layer 7 Technologies, later acquired by CA Technologies, advising executive teams on AI-native positioning, growth architecture, and market expansion across North America and EMEA.

Today, Inge focuses on a shift most organizations underestimate: buyers now form opinions, assumptions, and shortlists through AI long before human interaction occurs. Her work moves beyond traditional marketing and business strategy, introducing modern frameworks such as signal engineering to help Microsoft partners remain visible, credible, and chosen in AI-mediated buying journeys. Known for her direct, practical, and thought-provoking style, Inge helps leaders and marketing professionals understand not just how AI works, but how it decides.

Inge Boubez is Chief Marketing and Growth Strategist at Neural Impact and a recognized authority and speaker on how AI is quietly rewriting the rules of buyer trust, visibility, and vendor selection. For more than twenty years, Inge has driven gro... Show more

Mariusz is an experienced Architect and Data Engineer who specializes in creating Data Platforms for projects focused on Data Warehouses, Data Lakes, and Machine Learning. He's skilled in popular cloud systems like Azure, GCP, and AWS and has over 14 years of experience in the data processing industry in Finance, FMCG, Pharma, and Telecommunication. Mariusz works on innovative projects for clients in Poland and beyond. He's certified in data engineering from both Azure and GCP. Beyond his technical expertise, Mariusz is a big fan of history, books, drawing, data engineering, and the Python language. He enjoys sharing his knowledge, and you can find his articles on Medium.

Mariusz is an experienced Architect and Data Engineer who specializes in creating Data Platforms for projects focused on Data Warehouses, Data Lakes, and Machine Learning. He's skilled in popular cloud systems like Azure, GCP, and AWS and has over 14... Show more

A frequent speaker at events, Tam Hanna has seen both engineering and mobile development spaces in and out. His instagram account on electronics has more than 20000 followers.

A frequent speaker at events, Tam Hanna has seen both engineering and mobile development spaces in and out. His instagram account on electronics has more than 20000 followers. Show more

Dr. Angela Trego, PE, PMP inspires, creates, and fosters confidence through her speaking and training, focusing on imposter syndrome and soft-skills development. As a highly successful engineer, Angela held technical and senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries and around the globe. An award-winning teacher and mentor, Dr. Trego serves on several technical, non-profit, and executive boards. Angela’s technical expertise combined with leadership experiences offer unique insights to enhance your organization's potential. Above all, Angela is passionate about empowering others with vital skills to help them become more successful. Discover more at: angelatrego.com.

Dr. Angela Trego, PE, PMP inspires, creates, and fosters confidence through her speaking and training, focusing on imposter syndrome and soft-skills development. As a highly successful engineer, Angela held technical and senior leadership roles at Fo... Show more