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

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

Bobbie Carlton is the founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights and Innovation Women, or, as she calls them, the day job, the night job and the dream job. Carlton is an entertaining, tell-it-like-it-is speaker who speaks extensively (and passionately) about public speaking and how it can be the driving force behind career growth and business success. She's a TEDx speaker; an entertaining startup event host; she's spoken at the United Nations; she's shared the stage with storytelling legend (and NPR's Snap Judgment host) Glynn Washington; and she's been on the main stage for some of the world’s best-known conferences for technical and professional women. Carlton has been featured on CBS News, in the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, USA Today and other major media. She was previously the head of global PR at two different enterprise software companies and the head of marketing for a brand devoted to providing positive role models for preteen girls. She’s inspired thousands of technical, entrepreneurial and executive women to take control of their own speaking careers and has worked with event managers around the world to deliver diverse and inclusive events.

Bobbie Carlton is the founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights and Innovation Women, or, as she calls them, the day job, the night job and the dream job. Carlton is an entertaining, tell-it-like-it-is speaker who speaks extensively (and p... Show more

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing technologist based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and principal consultant of SDMRamirez, LLC, a micro-agency serving events, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems across North America. He is a subject matter expert, speaking about marketing and technology at top-tier conferences like Adweek Magazine's Social Media Week North America, the Hospitality and Finance Technology Professionals conference, and the Meeting Professionals International World Education Summit. He serves on the faculty for the National Event Management School and the Texas Event Management Institute. He is a board member of the International Festivals and Events Association Foundation. Mostly, he's a nerd; talk to him about anime, craft beer, and science fiction.

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing technologist based in San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and principal consultant of SDMRamirez, LLC, a micro-agency serving events, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems across North America. He is a ... Show more

Ximena is a Public Relations professional with over 10 years of experience collaborating with startups and scaleups across a wide range of areas. She has supported communities and is an organizer of mad_in_api, a Google Cloud community in collaboration with Google Spain. She has also worked on the organization, management, and execution of acceleration programs for startups such as "Google for Startups" in Latin America.

As a WTM ambassador, her goal is to be a supportive voice for the neurodiverse population in the IT industry, particularly for women. She draws on her personal experience of having a circle of neurodiverse family members working in the IT industry.

Ximena is a Public Relations professional with over 10 years of experience collaborating with startups and scaleups across a wide range of areas. She has supported communities and is an organizer of mad_in_api, a Google Cloud community in collaborati... Show more

After his careers in journalism and marketing, Samuel Scott is now a vaccinated professional keynote marketing speaker and member of Toastmasters International as well as the writer of The Promotion Fix column for The Drum. Born and raised in the United States, he now lives in Tel Aviv.

After his careers in journalism and marketing, Samuel Scott is now a vaccinated professional keynote marketing speaker and member of Toastmasters International as well as the writer of The Promotion Fix column for The Drum. Born and raised in the Uni... Show more

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide.

With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation, and creative storytelling, Ilya spearheaded ADB SAFEGATE’s collaboration with CBS News for the Economy 4.0 documentary — a landmark project that combined marketing, engineering, and purpose-driven communication.

He speaks on topics including B2B storytelling, brand innovation, marketing ROI, and the intersection of technology and creativity in industrial sectors.

Ilya Burkin is the Global Marketing Director at ADB SAFEGATE, leading the company’s transformation from a hardware provider to a connected solutions partner for airports worldwide. With a background spanning brand strategy, digital transformation,... Show more

Helping businesses of all shapes and sizes find and reach their vital audience. Brian is the founder and CEO of Black Raven, a full service marketing agency with a focus on helping firms working in private capital. Balancing the power of storytelling with the necessity of solid marketing operations, Brian brings his background in creative craftsmanship to the art of business.

Helping businesses of all shapes and sizes find and reach their vital audience. Brian is the founder and CEO of Black Raven, a full service marketing agency with a focus on helping firms working in private capital. Balancing the power of storytelling... Show more

Leandro is an advocate and content creator helping everyone to ramp up on their Performance, QA and in general IT practices.

He has over 20 years of experience in IT and over 10 in the performance testing practice where he served multiple S&P500 customers all over the USA, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, India, Austria, etc.

Author of the popular performance testing blog Señor Performo (www.srperf.com) where he curates a diverse set of learning material for performance testers and engineers.

He is the producer and host of the Spanish language version of the PerfBytes podcast and the Señor Performo learning YouTube channels.

He is an international public speaker participating in multiple conferences, events and webinars, with keynotes, workshops and multiple talks on his belt.

And last, author of "The Hitchhikers Guide To Load Testing Projects", a fun walkthrough that will guide you through the phases or levels of an IT load testing project.

Leandro is an advocate and content creator helping everyone to ramp up on their Performance, QA and in general IT practices. He has over 20 years of experience in IT and over 10 in the performance testing practice where he served multiple S&P500 c... Show more

Chewie is a dynamic force in the worlds of marketing, gaming, and blockchain innovation. As a seasoned marketing strategist, Chewie crafts compelling narratives that bridge traditional strategies with cutting-edge digital ecosystems. A veteran semi-pro gamer, Chewie has a deep history in gaming having managed e-sports teams and running a large gaming community in the past, dominating leaderboards or driving community growth.

Chewie is the co-founder of @OnChainBrits, a vibrant collective championing on-chain culture and British blockchain enthusiasts. In the kitchen of crypto creativity, he collaborate on @ChewieTech_xo whipping up innovative strategy solutions driving UX and functionality. Chewie is also a proud member of @AvaxTeam1 on the Avalanche network where he promotes decentralised finance and Web3 adoption.

With a knack for community-building and a passion for pixels-to-protocols, Chewie isn't just playing the game he is rewriting the rules.

Chewie is a dynamic force in the worlds of marketing, gaming, and blockchain innovation. As a seasoned marketing strategist, Chewie crafts compelling narratives that bridge traditional strategies with cutting-edge digital ecosystems. A veteran semi-p... Show more

Publisher of Keynote Magazine https://www.keynotemagazine.com
Publisher of Exposure Magazine https://www.iloveexposure.com

The vivacious Tam Lawrence has owned and operated several businesses for over three decades, driven by her determination to never let her dreams be deferred by corporate America. Her relentless spirit opened doors that no one could close.

Lawrence's educational journey began at a technical college, where she earned a degree in Human Services. She then double-majored at Marquette University, earning a BA in Communication with a minor in Psychology. Pursuing further education, she attended Kent University and obtained a Master’s degree in Journalism.

While in college, Lawrence traveled the world as a professional stand-up comedian, appearing on BET Comic View and touring with Jamie Foxx and Sommore. After graduating, she opened a public relations agency in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the Democratic National Convention. In 2011, she expanded the agency to Atlanta, Georgia, and in 2013, she launched Exposure Magazine. In 2020, during the pandemic, she added Exposure Plus TV and Keynote Magazine to her media empire. Advocating on the frontline for urban media, Lawrence founded the Urban Media Union to ensure diversity and inclusion, providing fair opportunities for boutique urban-owned media platforms during adWeek.

Lawrence's commitment to social causes extends beyond media. She is a former State of Wisconsin Lobbyist who fought to advance the protection and care of aging individuals living in private community residential facilities that are not monitored or supervised.

As a mother of two incredible college graduates who walk in the grace of success that mirrors her compassion, Lawrence is a wealth of knowledge and experience. Over the years, she has owned a daycare center, a nightclub, several retail stores, and a senior care online safety program called Kare Facts.

In addition to her extensive professional achievements, Lawrence is also an accomplished author with two books available on Amazon.

Tam Lawrence’s dynamic career and dedication to advocacy and diversity make her a powerful speaker and a true inspiration.

Publisher of Keynote Magazine https://www.keynotemagazine.com Publisher of Exposure Magazine https://www.iloveexposure.com The vivacious Tam Lawrence has owned and operated several businesses for over three decades, driven by her determination t... Show more

Richard Essangabasi, known as The Content Chef, he is the Marketing Lead & Growth Strategist at Bitsave Protocoll and also a Creative Director and Co-Founder of Orex Prime, an innovative onchain media company transforming Africa’s entertainment landscape through decentralized storytelling.

As Content Lead at Sandbox Africa and Creator at Base West-Africa, he drives compelling narratives with global impact. A four-time award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, He serves as the 2024 Uyo Theatre and Film Festival Curator/Director.

He previously spearheaded marketing at ILabs, advancing AI chatbot adoption for SMEs, and led the For the Love of DeFi community at Akwa Ibom State University, where he studies computer science and graduated from KAP Film Academy a Nigerian film brand popular for their master piece (Anikulapo).

He has spoken at Figma Config, DevFest Eket, Base Onchain Summer Lagos, ETH-Enugu, and Web3 Lagos Conference will Facilitating and being in attendance of many more like Onchain festival, Oncahin Summer by TheFow, ETH-Accra, etc. Passionate about cinematography and motion graphics, he inspires African creators to shine globally.

Richard Essangabasi, known as The Content Chef, he is the Marketing Lead & Growth Strategist at Bitsave Protocoll and also a Creative Director and Co-Founder of Orex Prime, an innovative onchain media company transforming Africa’s entertainment lands... Show more

Previously the founder of a successful digital marketing agency in London, UK, Angus has been building in the space since 2018. Angus has led marketing and communications across a range of sectors in the crypto space, including Layer 1 (Telos), DeFi (MakerDAO), and Oracles (Chronicle). Head of Marketing & Communications - Previously the founder of a successful digital marketing agency in London, UK, Angus has been building in the space since 2018. Angus has led marketing and communications across a range of sectors in the crypto space, including Layer 1 (Telos), DeFi (MakerDAO), and Oracles (Chronicle).

Previously the founder of a successful digital marketing agency in London, UK, Angus has been building in the space since 2018. Angus has led marketing and communications across a range of sectors in the crypto space, including Layer 1 (Telos), DeFi ... Show more

Christiana Edeanya Ogaba is a results-oriented Brand Manager and Designer with a passion for helping brands build a strong online presence and authentic identity. With 5+ years of hands-on experience, she brings a unique blend of creative and analytical skills to every project, ensuring that each brand story resonates powerfully with its target audience.

Her expertise lies in using design & storytelling as a strategic tool to create engaging and effective marketing campaigns that drive real results. From concept to execution, she specializes in translating ideas into visually compelling and impactful content that connects deeply with people.

Throughout her career, she has successfully led rebranding projects, launched high-impact digital campaigns, and supported organizations in expanding their visibility both locally and globally. She enjoys working at the intersection of creativity and strategy, translating business goals into clear, compelling messaging that resonates.

Her experience spans diverse industries such as tech, startup incubation, real estate, healthcare, NGOs, and finance, giving her a versatile perspective on brand and marketing challenges. Some of her skills include Visual Design, UI UX design, Search Engine Optimization, Digital Marketing, Website Design, and Social Media Marketing.

She is driven by a genuine love for storytelling and a commitment to helping brands and individuals realize their full potential. Beyond her professional work, she is passionate about mentoring, empowering young creatives, and exploring new ways to use communication as a tool for positive change.

As a creative problem solver and collaborative team player, she is committed to understanding each client’s unique needs and delivering exceptional results. She is also passionate about finding innovative ways to connect with audiences and crafting content that truly makes an impact.

She has trained over 200 lecturers from Nigerian universities on innovation pitching, and some of them have won grants for their innovations.

She spearheaded the digital campaign for TETFAIR (Tetfund Alliance for Innovative Research) an initiative of TETFund in collaboration with Innov8 Hub & i-FAIR Israel Nigeria (Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Innovators & Researchers) an initiative of the Embassy of Israel in partnership with Hub Innov8.

She is the Brand Manager at Innov8 Hub.

Follow her on her digital platform at www.ceogaba.com

Christiana Edeanya Ogaba is a results-oriented Brand Manager and Designer with a passion for helping brands build a strong online presence and authentic identity. With 5+ years of hands-on experience, she brings a unique blend of creative and analyti... Show more

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include Everyone Program, Digital Impact Awards Africa, Women in FinTech Hackathon & Summit, 40 Days 40 FinTechs, and the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit, I have worked to empower women, youth, cross-border traders, and grassroots communities.
HiPipo’s work has been strengthened and blessed with a long-term partnership with the Gates Foundation and collaborations with high-impact partners such as COMESA, helping us drive interoperability, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive trade across the region. I was honoured to receive Uganda’s National Independence Medal from His Excellency the President of Uganda and to be named FinTech CEO of the Year 2024 & 2025 (MEA Awards) for this work. Alongside finance, I am also a filmmaker and entrepreneur, committed to building Africa’s digital, cultural, and economic future. I previously served as Co-chair of the Mojaloop Community Council for two terms!

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include E... Show more

Multidisciplinary Creator & NFTNYC Alumni

Corey "Jayohcee" Jocko is a visionary artist, musician, filmmaker, and digital innovator.

NFTNYC Alumni :
VIP Speaker on first ever indigenous panel, musical performance and digital art selected for showcase 2023.
VIP solo talk and art selected for showcase 2024.

Host & Performed at NYC Takeover 2024

Jayohcee - Dreams (2024)

Jayohcee - End of an Era (December 2024)

Yintah (2024): Corey is featured in this poignant documentary that follows Indigenous land defenders' efforts to protect the land and water, now streaming on Netflix.

Currently in landmark Indigenous rights cases, including significant trial in early 2024.

Other Achievements:

- Accepted into HUG.xyz, Also Collab with SearchlightNFTs, Special Badges
- Nominated in multiple categories for International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards. Winnipeg
- Awarded Film Maker of the Year by PBS TVFILM Season 13
- Nominated at 4 film festivals for collaboration with 'Echoes from Lock One'
- Hosted Jayohcee Vegas Meet & Greet - Ceaser's Palace Forum during National Indian Gaming
- Created and Premiered an Phygital NFT at a city art event 'Cornwall Artwalk'
- Member of SearchlightNFTs since 2021

From commanding the stage with mesmerizing performances to seamlessly integrating physical art with the digital world, Jayohcee's unique approach captivates audiences. Explore his diverse works at Jayohcee.com and discover exclusive NFTs at withkoji.com/@Jayohcee, also available on respected marketplaces under Jayohcee. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

🔗 Connect with me: Jayohcee.com 🌟

Multidisciplinary Creator & NFTNYC Alumni Corey "Jayohcee" Jocko is a visionary artist, musician, filmmaker, and digital innovator. NFTNYC Alumni : VIP Speaker on first ever indigenous panel, musical performance and digital art selected for sh... Show more

Michael Ronen is a leader in immersive design and creator of the Play Economy Framework, helping companies blend technology, empathy, and play to innovate faster and more effectively. With over 20 years of experience, Michael’s engaging, fun, and comedic speaking style has made him a favorite among executives and startups alike, driving real-world success from 0 to 1 through rapid product development and team alignment.

Michael Ronen is a leader in immersive design and creator of the Play Economy Framework, helping companies blend technology, empathy, and play to innovate faster and more effectively. With over 20 years of experience, Michael’s engaging, fun, and com... Show more

Alireza Ghaderi is a PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in smart drones, drone swarms, and AI-driven systems for real-time pilot fatigue and awareness analysis. He is actively involved in multiple global drone projects, ranging from drone shows to IoT-based surveillance systems. Additionally, Alireza is working on his startup, Aware AI, supported by Funding-team, based in San Francisco, where he develops real-time awareness analysis using smartphones and wearables.

Alireza Ghaderi is a PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering, specializing in smart drones, drone swarms, and AI-driven systems for real-time pilot fatigue and awareness analysis. He is actively involved in multiple global drone projects, ranging from... Show more

I'm a Bilingual Management Consultant, Business, and Executive Coach, with 20+ years of experience in the fields of Information Technology, Operations, and Marketing.
I help companies have successful projects, professionals with their personal brands, Millennials with their social communication, and Women in discovering their full potential.
I have extensive experience in building professional networks, I am known for the identification of opportunities, analyzing operations, and developing winning solutions.

I'm a Bilingual Management Consultant, Business, and Executive Coach, with 20+ years of experience in the fields of Information Technology, Operations, and Marketing. I help companies have successful projects, professionals with their personal brand... 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

I'm an Experience Design Architect working on the user experience of Autodesk APIs. We call this APIX. I've been a designer and coder for over 25 years, and have always believed strongly that designers can design and build anything they put their curious minds to. Curiosity has lead me through many design adventures designing online games, operating systems, medical devices, cloud APIs, virtual reality experiences, and several indoor theme parks. Throughout my career, I've enjoyed combining my love of design and code to make things come to life - whether on the screen, in your hand, or as a spatial experience all around you. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an amazing organization helping to create delightful experiences for developers inside and outside of Autodesk.

I'm an Experience Design Architect working on the user experience of Autodesk APIs. We call this APIX. I've been a designer and coder for over 25 years, and have always believed strongly that designers can design and build anything they put their cur... Show more

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations. My passion for enhancing user experiences and optimizing processes through rigorous product research and business analysis has driven my career. I possess a proven track record in digital transformation, requirements engineering, data management, and process improvement across various industries and countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. My expertise extends to requirements engineering, business process improvement, SAAS, CRM, ERP systems, and driving organizational change within the retail, finance, education, e-commerce, healthcare, and information technology sectors.
As the Founder of the David Odepidan Business Analysis Community (DOBAC), a non-profit organization, I have fostered a global network of business analysis professionals. Our community comprises members from Canada, Ireland, Malawi, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States, and other countries.
In addition to my community leadership, I have served as a peer reviewer for the IIBA Head Office.
He is a full member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a Member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) The Chartered Institute for IT, and He is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

I am a seasoned and certified Business Analyst with a distinguished career spanning numerous industries and countries. I have successfully spearheaded complex technical projects and delivered full project lifecycles for diverse system implementations... 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

Holà, je suis Chloé. Je fais du Product Marketing depuis 2021. Et travaille en Freelance pour les start-up et scale-up de la tech.

Fière bordelaise, je vis à Toulouse. Et quoi qu’il arrive on dit chocolatine ! Je crée du du contenu product marketing et produit sur Linkedin et ma newsletter. Et je mets en avant les femmes et minorités de genre dans la tech avec mon podcast Les Meneuses.

Holà, je suis Chloé. Je fais du Product Marketing depuis 2021. Et travaille en Freelance pour les start-up et scale-up de la tech. Fière bordelaise, je vis à Toulouse. Et quoi qu’il arrive on dit chocolatine ! Je crée du du contenu product marketi... Show more

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, including branding, innovation, and digital transformation. As an executive, she also has an extensive background in business acumen, value creation, and strategy for small to medium-sized businesses. Cate’s business success earned her a 2024 spot as one of 100 Titans of Industry for the state of Wisconsin. She is a 2024 TEDx Speaker and created the F.E.A.R. Framework™ for Selfless Leadership. She is also the author of Confidence Counts, and Mastering the Game of Office Politics and is an adjunct professor in digital marketing.

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, includi... 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

Amy Quale (she/her) is a seasoned professional in publishing and media, bringing nearly two decades of experience to her work.
In 2012, Amy co-founded Wise Ink Media, a publisher dedicated to supporting authors to write, publish, and market books that aim to create a positive impact in the world. Under her leadership, Wise Ink has carved out a unique niche in the industry, building custom books and championing authors whose stories contribute to meaningful conversations. She was a 40 under 40 honoree in 2022 and Wise Ink was also named one of the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Twin Cities by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal in 2023. Amy has been a member of the Women's Presidents Association since 2021. She holds a BA from Concordia College, an MA in English from Minnesota State University - Mankato, and is a proud graduate of the Yale School of Management’s Leadership Strategies in Book Publishing program. Learn more about her work at wiseink.com.

Amy Quale (she/her) is a seasoned professional in publishing and media, bringing nearly two decades of experience to her work. In 2012, Amy co-founded Wise Ink Media, a publisher dedicated to supporting authors to write, publish, and market books t... Show more

An eternal learner and futurist. Lover of travel and discussions about all things related to technology and communication. Engaging in writing, speaking, and advocating for a quality culture and sustainable development. She can be found on the sky app, linkedin and substack @melthetechie

An eternal learner and futurist. Lover of travel and discussions about all things related to technology and communication. Engaging in writing, speaking, and advocating for a quality culture and sustainable development. She can be found on the sky ap... Show more