Derek Van Powell is a Vietnamese-born community leader, executive, and engineer whose work centers on documenting the history of Amerasians and pressing for their recognition. He is Executive Board Chair of The Amerasian Coalition, a nonprofit that advances identity, inclusion, inheritance, and justice for Amerasians and their families. He is also the producer of Homecoming: Unfinished, a documentary on the Amerasian experience funded by the California Arts Council. Told through Amerasians and their mothers, fathers, siblings, and children, the film looks at where the community stands decades after the 1987 Amerasian Homecoming Act.

Powell’s research focuses on the government record behind Amerasian immigration. He reviews the evidence on the 1982 Amerasian Immigration Act and the 1987 Homecoming Act to separate figures that can be documented from estimates that have been repeated until they read as fact. He brings this work to the public through community education programs at the Bowers Museum. He also serves as Executive Director of PeaceBuildingOC, which works toward reconciliation within Orange County’s Vietnamese community, and as Board Treasurer of Le Ly Hayslip’s Global Village Foundation.

The grandson of a South Vietnamese Air Force pilot and the son of a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Powell served as a U.S. Air Force officer in satellite integration. He then spent 30 years leading content supply chain operations at Warner Bros. and Sony and advising media companies as a strategy consultant at Deloitte and Altman Solon. Named an LA Times Business Visionary in Entertainment, he currently leads M&A integration at Cineverse. He holds a BS in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an MBA from UC Irvine, and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Derek Van Powell is a Vietnamese-born community leader, executive, and engineer whose work centers on documenting the history of Amerasians and pressing for their recognition. He is Executive Board Chair of The Amerasian Coalition, a nonprofit that a... Show more

I’m a second-year Strategic Communication student at the University of Abuja with a growing interest in storytelling, culture, media, and the ways people communicate with one another.

I enjoy writing, exploring ideas, and looking at everyday experiences from different perspectives. While I’m still discovering the areas of communication I’d like to pursue, I’m particularly interested in the intersection of creativity, culture, and young people’s experiences.

I’m open to learning, meeting people from different backgrounds, and exploring opportunities that allow me to share ideas and grow as a communicator.

I’m a second-year Strategic Communication student at the University of Abuja with a growing interest in storytelling, culture, media, and the ways people communicate with one another. I enjoy writing, exploring ideas, and looking at everyday exper... Show more

Studium der Geschichtswissenschaft (Passau, Potsdam)
Arbeitsorte:
ZDF (Redaktion Zeitgeschichte / ZDF History), Mainz
Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Halle
Lehrstuhl Neueste Geschichte, Universität Würzburg
Lehrstuhl Fränkische Landesgeschichte, Universität Würzburg
Stabsstelle Kompetenzentwicklung in Studium und Lehre, Universität Passau

Aktuell Instructional Designer, mediendidaktische Beratung zu digitaler Lehre, KI-Implementierungen in der Hochschullehre

Studium der Geschichtswissenschaft (Passau, Potsdam) Arbeitsorte: ZDF (Redaktion Zeitgeschichte / ZDF History), Mainz Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Halle Lehrstuhl Neueste Geschichte, Universität Würzburg Lehrstuhl Fränkische Landesgeschichte, Univ... Show more

I’m the Creative Director at Unitea, an app built by university students for university students. I focus on planning and creating content, combining technical skills with a creative mindset to communicate in a way that really connects with our audience.

I’m involved in the whole creative process, from coming up with ideas to bringing them to life, working closely with the team to shape the product and build a strong, recognizable identity.

I bring a fresh and dynamic perspective, with a strong interest in innovation, along with soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

I’m the Creative Director at Unitea, an app built by university students for university students. I focus on planning and creating content, combining technical skills with a creative mindset to communicate in a way that really connects with our audie... Show more

What happens when you mix a Mathematician’s logic with a Marketer’s creativity? You get strategic growth backed by real data.

I am a Business Development Lead & Strategic Analyst with a passion for turning complex problems into operational excellence. With a background in Mathematics and Operations Research, I don't just look at numbers; I see patterns, opportunities, and solutions that drive revenue.

Currently serving as Head of Core Business Operations at Value® Marketing Agency, I lead cross-functional teams and design custom strategies that have generated 70% of new client acquisitions across Greece and international markets (Switzerland, UAE, USA). My approach is simple: build strong relationships, optimize workflows, and let the data guide the decision-making.

Beyond the office, I am deeply involved in the global project management community as the Global Head of Marketing & Communication for IPMA Young Crew, coaching leaders across 7 countries.

I thrive in dynamic, startup environments where I can foster high-performance cultures and drive digital transformation. Let’s connect and discuss how we can drive growth together.

What happens when you mix a Mathematician’s logic with a Marketer’s creativity? You get strategic growth backed by real data. I am a Business Development Lead & Strategic Analyst with a passion for turning complex problems into operational excelle... Show more

I have much experience in many things

I have much experience in many things Show more

Opeyemi Adegboye (Yemi) l
Seasoned UI/UX Designer | Digital Experience Architect | Educator

With over three years of experience in UI/UX design, I specialize in creating user-centered solutions that merge functionality with aesthetics. From my early beginnings as a freelance designer to my current role as a lead UI/UX Designer at TASAfrica, I have helped businesses craft intuitive, user-driven experiences that resonate.

Previously, I worked as a UI/UX Engineer at Lights on Heights, where I spearheaded impactful projects like the My Limestone App redesign, enhancing features such as offline check-in and geolocation-enabled panic alerts. My expertise lives across design systems, usability testing, and crafting scalable solutions for web and mobile platforms.

Passionate about sharing knowledge, I've tutored over 50 aspiring designers within 25 different African countries, helping them launch careers in tech. Beyond work, I attend tech events and webinars, most recently speaking at Tech1M's webinar, "Creating Memorable Experiences through User-Centric Designs."

I believe design is more than visuals, it's about solving problems, crafting memorable experiences, and connecting people. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me learning German, playing call of duty mobile or brainstorming ideas to give back to the community through tech education.

Opeyemi Adegboye (Yemi) l Seasoned UI/UX Designer | Digital Experience Architect | Educator With over three years of experience in UI/UX design, I specialize in creating user-centered solutions that merge functionality with aesthetics. From my ea... Show more

Alfredo Corchado is the Executive Editor and Correspondent for the award-winning Puente News Collaborative. He is formerly the Mexico Border correspondent for The Dallas Morning News and author of Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter’s Journey Through a Country’s Descent into Darkness (Penguin Press) and Homelands: Four Friends, Two Countries, and the Fate of the Great Mexican-American Migration (Bloomsbury).

Corchado began his career in journalism at the El Paso Herald-Post, before working for the Wall Street Journal in 1987. He is a 2009 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Woodrow Wilson, Rockefeller, Lannan, USMEX, and IOP fellow. He’s also the winner of the Maria Moors Cabot Prize and Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism. In 2026, he received the I.F. Stone Award for independent journalism from the Nieman Foundation at Harvard.

Alfredo Corchado is the Executive Editor and Correspondent for the award-winning Puente News Collaborative. He is formerly the Mexico Border correspondent for The Dallas Morning News and author of Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter’s Journey Through a Co... Show more

Raphael Romero Ruiz is a graduate student and journalist from Tucson, Arizona. He recently covered the border beat for The Arizona Republic, reporting on the 2024 presidential election, the first 100 days and beyond of President Donald Trump’s second administration, and how U.S.-Mexico border communities have been impacted by American immigration policy.

Prior to that, Ruiz began his journalism career shortly before graduating from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, earning a B.A. in Journalism with minors in Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies and Digital Audiences.

For nearly five years, he focused his reporting on working-class Latine communities in metro Phoenix, spotlighting community activists, artists and everyday people shaping local culture. His journalism emphasizes the power of storytelling to uplift underrepresented communities like his own — the Rose neighborhood on Tucson’s southside.

He is excited to study data journalism to strengthen his reporting on immigration at a time when harmful narratives and disinformation heavily influence federal immigration policies. He aims to make complex and obscure data accessible to communities like his own, especially people like his parents — proud Mexican immigrants.

Raphael Romero Ruiz is a graduate student and journalist from Tucson, Arizona. He recently covered the border beat for The Arizona Republic, reporting on the 2024 presidential election, the first 100 days and beyond of President Donald Trump’s second... Show more

Cameron Magee is the Founder & CEO of avad3, a national production company known for helping planners deliver flawless, high-stakes events and conferences.
 
For more than 20 years, Cameron has been behind the scenes of some of the most visible events in the country—producing conferences, summits, and galas for Walmart, the White House, and major national associations. But he’s best known not just for delivering flawless productions, but for teaching planners how to navigate AV budgets, rehearsals, and technology with ease.
 
His company, avad3, specializes in high-stakes event production with a service-first approach. Under Cameron’s leadership, the company thrives by:
- Serving planners managing six-figure AV budgets with clarity and trust.
- Providing end-to-end solutions—audio, video, lighting, staging, and hybrid events.
- Sharing education and resources that empower planners to succeed.
- Building a people-first culture where production pros are cared for as much as clients
 
Cameron sees himself as a teacher at heart. He’s written over 100 articles and spoken at industry events, helping planners gain confidence with AV—budgeting, rehearsals, RFPs, and new tech like LED walls. His sessions are less about showmanship and more about clarity, storytelling, and practical tools planners can use right away.
 
Grounded in Bentonville, Arkansas—with his wife, two kids, and golden retriever—Cameron brings humility and authenticity to every stage.
 
Whether backstage with a headset, leading a workshop, or speaking on the future of AV, Cameron helps people cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and deliver events that shine.

Cameron Magee is the Founder & CEO of avad3, a national production company known for helping planners deliver flawless, high-stakes events and conferences.   For more than 20 years, Cameron has been behind the scenes of some of the most visible eve... Show more

A middle school teacher turned web developer, Nasser Abouelazm has always embraced the art of building epic and engaging experiences that delight, educate, and enchant a broad audience of users. As a senior full-stack engineer working to support Bloomberg Media, he is focused on developing solutions and features that support the Bloomberg.com subscriber experience. His first heavy production use of GraphQL was at his previous company, Voice - a startup building an NFT marketplace for creators.

A middle school teacher turned web developer, Nasser Abouelazm has always embraced the art of building epic and engaging experiences that delight, educate, and enchant a broad audience of users. As a senior full-stack engineer working to support Bloo... Show more

Seasoned professional with expertise in communication, PR, innovation, China and Italy

Seasoned professional with expertise in communication, PR, innovation, China and Italy Show more

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

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

Rebecca Rayner is an explorer and journalist investigating what exploration means in real life — and who gets to claim it.

Her work treats exploration as a lived practice rather than a performance, shaped by place, identity, constraint, and care. Through long-form storytelling and sustained exploration projects, Rebecca examines how curiosity is built and sustained across real lives, including motherhood, neurodiversity, work, class, burnout, and access, and how these contexts quietly reshape ambition, risk, and belonging.

With a background in journalism and experience within the travel industry, Rebecca combines place-based research with lived inquiry, asking not just where we go, but how we move through the world and what stories we tell about who exploration is for. Her work is grounded in proximity, responsibility, and return — exploring familiar landscapes as seriously as distant ones, and valuing depth over spectacle.

Rebecca speaks on modern exploration, lived authority, neurodivergent ways of seeing, motherhood and identity, and exploration through constraint. Her talks invite audiences to rethink adventure, success, and expertise, and to recognise exploration as something practiced over time, within real, imperfect lives.

Rebecca Rayner is an explorer and journalist investigating what exploration means in real life — and who gets to claim it. Her work treats exploration as a lived practice rather than a performance, shaped by place, identity, constraint, and care. ... Show more

Michael Cinquino has spent his career studying what happens to people under pressure, and what allows trust, clarity, and real collaboration to emerge when outcomes matter.

He began in high stakes environments as a United States Navy Rescue Swimmer, where presence was not a mindset but a requirement for survival.

After his military service, he trained as an actor, earning a BA in Acting and Directing and an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University, where he studied with William Esper, a protégé of Sanford Meisner. That lineage instilled a deep respect for listening, embodiment, and unforced response, and a firsthand understanding of how performance collapses when it becomes self protective.

Michael’s work later moved beyond the stage into leadership and organizational life. He spent nearly a decade working behind closed doors with the founders of the CIO Strategy Exchange, an invitation only forum that convened senior Chief Information Officers from Fortune 70 organizations including Goldman Sachs, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, Disney, Lockheed Martin, and Target. These leaders met for extended, off the record conversations designed to surface real tensions, think forward together, and speak candidly without performance.

Those rooms made something unmistakably clear: innovation and trust do not emerge from politeness or impression management. They emerge from environments where productive tension is allowed to exist and people are not punished for thinking out loud. As Edwin Land observed, politeness can be the poison of collaboration. Michael saw that principle lived, not theorized.

He later brought these insights into academic and applied settings, teaching at the University of New Hampshire’s Paul College of Business and Economics and building psychologically safe practice environments where people could rehearse human interaction without the cost of performance.

Today, Michael continues to develop Drop the Act through writing, speaking, and applied organizational work. He is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Applied Psychology at Northwestern University, deepening the integration between communication science, nervous system regulation, and leadership behavior.

Michael Cinquino has spent his career studying what happens to people under pressure, and what allows trust, clarity, and real collaboration to emerge when outcomes matter. He began in high stakes environments as a United States Navy Rescue Swimme... Show more

Stefanie Magness is a visibility strategist, PR expert, and passionate educator with 28+ years of corporate leadership experience, including COO-level roles. She’s the creator of The Visibility Stack™ framework and founder of The Elevate Desk, a $49/month subscription platform that curates 130+ monthly visibility opportunities—awards, speaking gigs, podcasts, and media features—for service professionals like coaches, consultants, realtors, and attorneys.
After her own visibility win with the Pine-Sol Award for Women Making a Difference led to features in Essence and Ebony magazines and paid speaking opportunities, Stefanie realized that most professionals can’t afford $5K-$10K PR retainers. So she built an affordable alternative that teaches them how to elevate themselves.
With a background as a former lobbyist, political candidate, and SBDC counselor who’s trained over 1,500 entrepreneurs, Stefanie brings real-world expertise to every stage she steps on. She’s also an Expert Instructor & Advisor with NCRC, teaching digital identity, online visibility, public relations, and sales & marketing strategies.
Stefanie’s approach? Sassy, direct, and unapologetically authentic. She’s not here to gatekeep—she’s here to teach you how to get visible, get recognized, and get paid.

Stefanie Magness is a visibility strategist, PR expert, and passionate educator with 28+ years of corporate leadership experience, including COO-level roles. She’s the creator of The Visibility Stack™ framework and founder of The Elevate Desk, a $49/... Show more

Jack Sheehan is a journalist, author, and storyteller who has spent decades documenting the people and moments that shaped Las Vegas and American culture. Rather than focusing on headlines alone, Jack is known for uncovering the stories behind the city, the personalities, power dynamics, and turning points that helped define an iconic place.

Over his career, Jack has written more than 30 books, authored over 2,000 magazine articles, and contributed countless newspaper columns exploring culture, community development, entertainment, and notable crime stories across the country. His reporting has included interviews with serial killers, conversations with men on death row, and work that has helped bring attention to unresolved and emerging murder cases.

His work draws on extensive interviews with casino owners, performers, producers, law enforcement officials, and influential figures who helped shape Las Vegas and, at times, the darker chapters of American history from the inside.

Jack is a sought-after speaker for conferences and corporate events, known for blending firsthand insight with compelling, accessible storytelling. He is also currently developing a multi part presentation series with The Mob Museum, drawing from his long history of documenting the city’s evolution.

Jack Sheehan is a journalist, author, and storyteller who has spent decades documenting the people and moments that shaped Las Vegas and American culture. Rather than focusing on headlines alone, Jack is known for uncovering the stories behind the ci... Show more

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work.

I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out of a car on the streets of NYC and at a lighthouse on the California coast, I have navigated the elite corridors of South West London, and I have stood in the halls of power coaching the Director of the United States Mint on how to command a room. I have built punk venues from the ground up and managed talent for the world’s biggest film franchises.

My non-linear path wasn't a detour. It was an elite training ground. It taught me how to spot the operational leaks that 99% of people miss. It taught me how to scale a movement by 400% with zero financial backing and how to engineer a 3,675% growth spike in a week with just $20 for strategic advertising.

I am an expert in zero-waste scaling, engineering systemic overhauls, and extreme lean operations. I don’t need a $1M budget to find a $1M solution. My experience building venues, brands, events, and organizations from nothing means that I see efficiency leaks that traditional consultants are trained to ignore.

My credits include:

The United States Mint | Coached the 38th Director on executive presence & rhetorical logic at Voice Academy NYC

The New York Times | Featured contributor

The Julliard School | Provided private coaching to dual-enrolled Julliard students

Josh Groban / Madison Square Garden Support: Headliner | Headlined a performance at the Delancey, featuring Iain S. Forrest (Eyeglasses), cellist known for accompanying Josh Groban at Madison Square Garden

Mariah Carey / Star Wars / Avengers: Composer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Jonathan Bartz, composer with credits including Mariah Carey, Star Wars and Avengers.

Ed Sheeran Team: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Mark Pusey, drummer for Ed Sheeran.

Foo Fighters / Neil Young: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Bradley Kohn, producer with credits including Foo Fighters and Neil Young.

The Recording Academy: Booking | Created Unity Fest, Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition, and The New York Music Awards (Rockwood Music Hall). Booked Recording Academy member Ryan Cassata to headline Unity Fest and booked Recording Academy member Apollo Flowerchild to co-headline Femme Fatale Fest: NYC Edition and The New York Music Awards.

American Idol: Talent Roster Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Clark Beckham, American Idol runner-up.

The Voice: Collaborations | Collaborated with finalist Jamal Corrie (Season 18, Team Blake Shelton) at The Bowery Electric and headlined Queerchella, a festival founded by finalist Dan Kiernan (Season 27, Team Kelsea Ballerini).

Chaka Khan / Brandy / Todrick Hall: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included Kofi Agyei, producer with credits including Chaka Khan, Brandy, and Todrick Hall.

Logic: Featured Artist | My song "Nothing Lasts Forever" was highlighted and featured by Logic on his personal Discord server.

Met Gala / Gossip Girl / Coldplay: Co-Feature | Co-featured in NYC_Storytime media highlights as a recurring collaborator and featured artist within the NYC arts and culture scene.

Matty Beats: Collaboration | Studio collaboration at Rec Philly.

VIAL: Opening Act | Opened for VIAL at Femme Fatale Fest.

Maria Elisabeth von Trapp: Opening Act | Opened for Ms. von Trapp at the F.M. Kirby Center.

The Apollo Theater: Recurring Performer | Performed at The Apollo Theater three times.

Sinfonia Smith Square: Performer | Performed at London’s Sinfonia Smith Square.

Carnegie Hall: Coaching | Achieved placement for Voice Academy NYC student at Carnegie Hall.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Coaching | Coached contracted touring keyboardist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Voice Academy NYC.

Vans Warped Tour: Marketing | Represented Gypsy Warrior as a high-visibility brand ambassador and model during the Vans Warped Tour.

Beach Weather / A Rocket to the Moon: Marketing | Led street-team initiatives and grassroots marketing for former lead singer of A Rocket to the Moon and current lead singer of Beach Weather, Nick Santino, at the Vans Warped Tour.

Never Shout Never: Collaboration | Performed with Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never at a backstage performance at the Vans Warped Tour.

Kelly Osbourne: Talent Operations | Managed on-site logistics and talent flow during NYC World Pride.

BroadwayWorld: Featured Contributor | Featured three times in BroadwayWorld.

Digital Growth Architecture: 3,675% Viral Surge | Engineered a high-conversion digital marketing strategy that yielded a 1,361% increase in 24 hours and 3,675% growth within 7 days. Utilized advanced demographic and psychographic research to deploy a high-efficiency, low-spend ($20) ad campaign, proving the power of data-driven targeting over traditional high-budget spend.

Bloomsbury Arts Festival: Operations and Marketing | Contributed to logistics and promotion at London's Bloomsbury Arts Festival.

International Ambassador | Represented Klein College of Media and Communications at an international recruitment event while studying at Imperial College in London through Foundation for International Education.

Foundation House: Original Rhetorical Performance | Authored and premiered an original monologue at Foundation House in London.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Choir Director | Directed a specialized vocal ensemble focused on mental health advocacy and therapeutic music engagement. Developed choral programming to support community wellness and provided creative leadership for a national-tier advocacy organization.

Z Poetry Series: Internationally Published Poet | Featured in the Z-Poetry: An Anthology of International Indie Poetry.

VH1: Collaboration | Co-headlined Harrisburg's Stop The Violence Talent Festival with Yvng Swag from VH1's Wild N' Out.

FRIGID New York: Featured Playwright and Performer | Co-authored and co-starred in the original musical revue "Dead Superstars," featured in the FRIGID New York "Days of the Dead" Festival.

Founder & Executive Director: Unity Fest NYC | Conceptualized and executed a large-scale annual music festival in New York City, built from the ground up with zero initial capital. Leveraged strategic partnerships and community grassroots organizing to raise thousands of dollars for global and national charities, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), NAMI, and anti-gun violence initiatives.

Wolven: Executive Presence Coaching | Provided strategic performance and narrative coaching to the Founder of Wolven.

Founder & Executive Director: The Atlantis Movement | Engineered a bicoastal cultural movement and multi-week festival circuit (The Atlantis Movement) starting from grassroots DIY venues in Philadelphia to 10-day takeovers in New York City. Operating with $0 initial capital, generated thousands in philanthropic revenue for the ACLU, St. Baldrick’s, and local LGBTQ+ shelters. Featured in Rock the Pigeon for pioneering a sustainable, artist-led model of social advocacy and live production.

300+ Original Compositions | Executed a high-intensity creative sprint, authoring 300 original songs in a single year, resulting in the release of 24 EPs and 2 LPs. Achieved global distribution across 101 countries and secured international radio play.

David Guetta: Producer Management | Managed the professional roster at PIVODIO, which included James Grover (YCONN), producer with credits including David Guetta.

Cassandra Jenkins: Headliner | Headlined a Trans Day of Visibility Ball; opened for by Cassandra Jenkins

My educational background includes Imperial College London, Berklee College of Music, and Temple University.

I spent my 20s building things people said were impossible. I didn't have a trust fund or a traditional roadmap; I had a non-linear brain and a relentless obsession with how systems work. I’ve lived the full spectrum of influence. I have lived out... Show more

Hailing from the Maldives, Yaamin has been working in multiple fields for the past 10 years, ranging from UIUX Design, motion design & strategic marketing. He is currently working with LottieFiles, a global platform to discover and create animations, collaborate, testing among designers, stakeholders, and developers, as there Global Partnerships lead, working on there education and awareness initiatives across the globe.

In his free time, he works on his own startup called Sparkhub (https://www.sparkhub.mv), a company working on empowering the Maldives startup culture.

Hailing from the Maldives, Yaamin has been working in multiple fields for the past 10 years, ranging from UIUX Design, motion design & strategic marketing. He is currently working with LottieFiles, a global platform to discover and create animations,... Show more

Ashira Prossack is an Internationally recognized Communication coach, trainer, and speaker. She helps professionals of all levels become better communicators in the workplace.

Ashira is an experienced coach, teacher, and leader with 17 years of coaching experience, 14 years of teaching experience, and 15 years in leadership. She is also a certified English as a Second Language teacher specializing in adult education. She brings this teaching experience to her communication coaching and training, combining best practices in both education and coaching to deliver a transformative experience to her clients.

Ashira has worked with individuals and organizations of all sizes ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies including Microsoft, ABC, Samsung, IBM, PepsiCo, PwC, DHL, and NYPD. She was a regular contributor for Forbes and is a sought after thought leader featured in multiple industry publications. Ashira was named one of the top communication coaches in 2022 and 2023 by Coach Foundation.

Ashira Prossack is an Internationally recognized Communication coach, trainer, and speaker. She helps professionals of all levels become better communicators in the workplace. Ashira is an experienced coach, teacher, and leader with 17 years of c... Show more

Even before graduating from college, João Victor has been an aficionado for media streaming and transmission protocols. One of them is connecting mobile devices and TVs by his own sound-based protocol. Working at Globo, many of his dreams have been propelled, and a new one emerged, Android development.

Even before graduating from college, João Victor has been an aficionado for media streaming and transmission protocols. One of them is connecting mobile devices and TVs by his own sound-based protocol. Working at Globo, many of his dreams have been p... Show more

Tetiana is a Senior UX Designer at BIMcollab in the Netherlands. Starting her career as an engineer, she developed a passion for user-centric and accessible design, together with an interest for technology and innovation. Her work emphasizes ethical design and sustainability, creating products that make a positive impact.

She also shares her UX expertise through conference talks and LinkedIn Learning courses on various UX topics, reaching over 35,000 students worldwide.

Tetiana is a Senior UX Designer at BIMcollab in the Netherlands. Starting her career as an engineer, she developed a passion for user-centric and accessible design, together with an interest for technology and innovation. Her work emphasizes ethical ... Show more

Shannon Peel helps professionals define what they want to be known for and guides them to tell their stories to the marketplace. She is the creative force behind the MarketAPeel Brand Storytelling agency and Digital Publisher

Shannon Peel helps professionals define what they want to be known for and guides them to tell their stories to the marketplace. She is the creative force behind the MarketAPeel Brand Storytelling agency and Digital Publisher Show more

MK Granados is an event strategist and sponsorship expert with 15+ years of experience transforming brand experiences through innovative engagement strategies and experiential marketing.

At Informa Markets North America, MK collaboratively develops sponsorship opportunities that deliver measurable value for organizers, exhibitors, and attendees alike. Her unique approach blends creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, resulting in memorable experiences that drive business results.

Expertise & Speaking Topics
Sponsorship Innovation: Practical strategies for creating high-value sponsorship packages
Revenue Optimization: Transforming event touchpoints into revenue-generating opportunities
Experiential Marketing: Crafting immersive brand activations that resonate with audiences
Event Technology: Leveraging AI, AR, VR and emerging tech for enhanced event experiences
Gamification: Implementing engagement strategies that boost event ROI

Professional Background
MK's career journey through theatrical production, entertainment, and technology has equipped her with a unique perspective on event strategy. Prior to Informa Markets, she served as Experiential Marketing Manager at Gartner, where she developed global B2B event marketing strategies focused on c-suite engagement and lead generation.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Gen City Labs, a creative experience studio building engaged communities through brand activations and experiential marketing.

Speaking Experience
MK is a sought-after industry voice who has presented at prestigious events including:
Advertising Week
XLive
The Event Planner Expo
Toy Fair
NFT.NYC
SISO Leadership Conference
She regularly shares her insights through her acclaimed LinkedIn newsletter, "The Sponsorship Playbook," and has been featured on the Trade Show Insights podcast and in BizBash.

Education
MBA, University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School
BS, Theater Arts Management, Ithaca College

"MK challenges the status quo and encourages everyone she interacts with to think bigger. She has drastically improved experiences through innovations in technology and continues to keep us on the cutting edge." – Former colleague at ReedPOP

MK Granados is an event strategist and sponsorship expert with 15+ years of experience transforming brand experiences through innovative engagement strategies and experiential marketing. At Informa Markets North America, MK collaboratively develop... Show more

Mohammad Al Baker Zaytoun - Inspiring Minds, Transforming Perspectives

As an accomplished Full Stack Developer, Mohammad blends the realms of technology and innovation seamlessly. With a relentless curiosity, he's currently pursuing a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence to harness the power of AI for groundbreaking solutions.

Mohammad's passion for knowledge-sharing extends beyond coding. A charismatic and engaging public speaker, they have graced numerous stages, captivating audiences with their ability to distill complex concepts into relatable insights. Their talks are a journey through the realms of technology, shedding light on the potential and societal impact of AI.

Behind the scenes, Mohammad is a problem solver extraordinaire. From meticulously fixing computers and laptops to safeguarding digital landscapes, their expertise encompasses both the tangible and the virtual. They also possess a creative flair, adept at crafting animations that mesmerize and advertisements that leave a lasting impression.

Join Mohammad in exploring the intersection of technology and imagination. With a mission to share marvel ideas that ignite innovation, they are a dynamic speaker who leaves audiences informed, inspired, and ready to embrace the future.

Mohammad Al Baker Zaytoun - Inspiring Minds, Transforming Perspectives As an accomplished Full Stack Developer, Mohammad blends the realms of technology and innovation seamlessly. With a relentless curiosity, he's currently pursuing a Master's deg... Show more

With over 13 years of experience at companies like Le Parisien, The Guardian, and Back Market, I specialize in customer monetization and revenue growth. My approach is driven by strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to measurable impact.

As a non-engineer and early female pioneer in tech, I've built my career on self-confidence, intuition, and continuous learning.

I am passionate about mission-driven initiatives and believe in the power of diversity and empowerment to drive organizational success.

With over 13 years of experience at companies like Le Parisien, The Guardian, and Back Market, I specialize in customer monetization and revenue growth. My approach is driven by strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to measurable i... Show more

Ritesh Modi is Principal AI Engineer at Microsoft. He was awarded with Microsoft Regional Director Badge and Regional lead for Microsoft Certified Trainers. He is an Architect, Evangelist, published author, speaker, and a known leader for his contributions towards Blockchain, Ethereum, Datacenter, Azure,, Blockchain, GenAI, MLOps, LLMOps, GenAIOps, Artificial Intelligence, and automation. He is the author of 10 books best selling technology books.

He has spoken at more than 25 conferences including Microsoft BUILD, TechEd and PowerShell Asia conference and is a published author on multiple platform including thefullstack, hackernoon, MSDN magazine. He has close to 2 decade of experience in building and deploying enterprise solutions for customers.

You should checkout his github repo where he has published more than 6 repo as lead developer and maintainer on Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI churning millions of dollars in revenue.

Ritesh Modi is Principal AI Engineer at Microsoft. He was awarded with Microsoft Regional Director Badge and Regional lead for Microsoft Certified Trainers. He is an Architect, Evangelist, published author, speaker, and a known leader for his contrib... Show more

As the former VP of Technology at Activision, William Volk played a key role in advancing the company's technology initiatives, including the development of "Return to Zork." With over 40 years of experience in game production and management, he has led projects ranging from early Mac games to the successful IPO of Lightspan. His recent ventures, including Shiba Inu Games and Deep State Games, continue to push the boundaries of gaming innovation.

As the former VP of Technology at Activision, William Volk played a key role in advancing the company's technology initiatives, including the development of "Return to Zork." With over 40 years of experience in game production and management, he has ... Show more

Nicole "Pixel Vixen" Smith is a creative agile production & team development leader with 15+ years speaking, training, and coaching global tech and game teams through the evolving landscape of hybrid delivery and design thinking in games applied anywhere. With roots in AAA multiplayer games publishing, enterprise agile coaching, and live-service operations, Nicole specializes in hands-on partnerships to create customized Agile approaches aligning creative, technical, and organizational goals.

Her work focusing on frequent delivery for user feedback, neuro-inclusive facilitation, and leadership psychological safety has scaled teams' product goals into pixel-sized improvements while building strong team-to-leader feedback loops. Whether facilitating cross-functional alignment or mentoring producers and product managers through ambiguity, Nicole brings clarity, empathy, and a deep belief in meeting teams where they are around the globe...all with some fun nerdy jokes and visualization techniques mixed in.

Nicole holds several IC-Agile and Scrum certifications and is currently completing her Expert-level coaching certification from IC-Agile. Nicole has spoken at several Agile20xx conferences, LEAN Agile Scotland, Global Scrum Gathering Cape Town South Africa, and beyond, receiving high reviews each time.

Nicole mentors aspiring video game producers, artists, product managers, and program managers in her spare time while teaching game, publishing, and creative production strategies in the evenings.

Nicole "Pixel Vixen" Smith is a creative agile production & team development leader with 15+ years speaking, training, and coaching global tech and game teams through the evolving landscape of hybrid delivery and design thinking in games applied anyw... Show more

Briana Holmes is a marketing executive and trusted strategist known for building brands and communities that resonate. With over a decade of experience leading large-scale marketing campaigns and community initiatives, she blends strategy, storytelling, and cultural insight to drive both connection and impact.

As Head of Global Community Operations at Torc, Briana has helped grow the platform past one million global users, turning it into a leading destination for developers seeking remote work and career growth. She also serves as the Marketing Director for RenderATL, one of the nation’s largest software engineering conference, where she has helped generate more than $30 million in economic impact by creating experiences that bridge technology, culture, and community.

Briana additionally leads the personal brand and social media presence for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, shaping his digital narrative and helping connect with residents through transparent, engaging communication. Her work ensures that the mayor’s message stays both accessible and impactful, on and offline.

She is also the Co-Founder of The Network of Atlanta, a 30,000+ member organization that provides Atlantans an opportunity to connect through free and low-cost social, educational, and service-based experiences.

As a speaker, Briana brings a clear and relatable voice to topics like brand storytelling, digital strategy, audience building, and intentional growth. Whether working with public figures, tech platforms, or local communities, she leads with authenticity, clarity, and heart, making every message matter.

Briana Holmes is a marketing executive and trusted strategist known for building brands and communities that resonate. With over a decade of experience leading large-scale marketing campaigns and community initiatives, she blends strategy, storytelli... Show more