GatherVerse AI Summit 2024
Schedule
| 8:00 AM PST | Opening: Christopher Lafayette Topic: “The reality and profound impact of artificial intelligence today and tomorrow” |
| 8:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: The AI Powered Metaverse: The Impact of Spatial Computing in the AI Era Moderator: Christopher Lafayette Panelists: Dr. Tom Furness, Louis Rosenberg |
| Topic: “AI and Quantum Computing: A tech marvel or a cybersecurity nightmare about to happen?” Speaker: Jeremy Prasetyo |
|
| Topic: “No ethics about me without me: Participatory ethics in the Metaverse” Speaker: Nathan Kinch |
|
| 9:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: Humanity Reloaded: AI’s Reinvention of Life in the Metaverse Moderator: Lubna Dajani Panelists: Lisi Linares, Debbie Deer, Tess McKinney, Claire Weingarten, Dana-Maria Faneker, Sasha Tityanko, Ippolito Caradonna, Matt Fischer |
| 10:00 AM PST | Fireside Chat: Grant McGaugh & Mariam Brian Topic: “The AI Symphony: Orchestrating Changes in the Global Society and its Ethical impact” |
| 10:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: Humanity at the Core: AI and the Future of Work Moderator: Grant McGaugh Panelists: Michael Goldrich, Hubertus Von Roenne, Aric Dromi, Liam Broza, Charlene Nichols, Vivian Gomes, Mariya Pallais |
| 11:00 AM PST | Fireside Chat: Christopher Lafayette & Eithne Kennedy Topic: “The Future of AI: Driving Innovation Without Compromising Human Values” |
| 11:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: The Rise of Generative AI: Decoding AI for Education Moderator: Christopher Lafayette Panelists: David Lockett, Eli Boahen, Jamaal Thomas, Dr. Ed Tse, Raul V Rodriguez, Allen Olson-Urtecho, Hemachandran Kannan |
| 12:00 PM PST | Closing: Day 1 To Be Continued… Explore More at Day 2: January 31, 2024 (8:00 AM PST) |
| 8:00 AM PST | Fireside chat: Christopher Lafayette & Adrian Rashad Driscoll Topic: “AI in the hands of everyone” |
| 8:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: Beyond Algorithms: The Deeper Impacts of AI on Global Society Moderator: Lubna Dajani Panelists: Nadja Bester, Eva Pascual, Hanan Merabi, Emily Wright, Cristina Imre, Dr. Shruti Choudhary, Sabina NB |
| 9:00 AM PST | Fireside Chat: Christopher Lafayette & Muhsinah Morris Topic: “Preparing for the Arrival of AGI In Education and what to do with today’s Narrow AI” |
| 9:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: Trust Reimagined: Web3 and AI’s Humanitarian Mission Moderator: Andrea Camargo Panelists: Sandra Helou, Jonas Surmann, Richard Bukowski, Daveed Benjamin, Anil Altas Brug, Daniel Andreev |
| 10:00 AM PST | Fireside Chat: Christopher Lafayette & Andrea Camargo Topic: “The Regenerative Earth” |
| 10:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: Crafting Authenticity: The Symbiotic Relationship between AI Artistry and Wellness Moderator: Russell Bundy Panelists: Stacy Whittle, Wish Born, Terence Leclere, Jared Arms, Lisa Atkinson, Mary Collins, Adam Yasmin, Kris Krüg |
| 11:00 AM PST | Fireside Chat: Christopher Lafayette & Stefan Youngblood Topic: “The Color of AI” |
| 11:10 AM PST | Roundtable Panel: The Money Matrix: AI and Blockchain’s Pinnacle in Financial Evolution Moderator: Grant McGaugh Panelists: Lynn Gitau, Deepankar Saxena, Phakama Sibanda, Moses Ochieng, Jason Gilbert, Alekh Johari, Luke Peterson |
| 12:00 PM PST | Closing: AI Summit 2024 |
Tickets
Engage with global thought leaders! Reserve your spot now and secure your place.
Apply to Speak
Share your insights on humanity’s journey in the AI age: Apply to Speak at the AI Summit 2024.
Partner with us
Partner with Us and Align with us for a conscious AI-centric future. Let’s create an impactful partnership.
Speakers
Mariam Brian: Bio
Mariam leads Holo Art, where art, science, technology, space, and consciousness converge.
Our global team of renowned artists, scientists, and technologists from quantum physicists to artificial intelligence pioneers to neuroscientists represent 30+ countries from 6 continents.
Our team holds over 330+ patents and has participated in 30+ space missions. Our vision is to reshape humanity’s future.
By merging art and science across six continents, we pioneer inclusive solutions for the common good through cultural co-authorship. Our achievements in less than one year of being founded include sending art via SpaceX NASA Mission to the ISS in March 2023, later returning in April 2023.
Currently, we’re trailblazing brain-computer interfaces and never-before-released neurotech, patented AI and a series of global firsts.
We launched with a talk from NASA about the JWST and held 20 global dialogues on topics such as copyright in ai, the standard model for creativity and quantum biology for longevity.
Dr. Thomas A. Furness III: Bio
Tom Furness is an amalgam of Professor, Inventor, Virtual Reality Pioneer and Entrepreneur in a professional career that spans 55 years. He has made notable contributions in photonics, electro-optics, human interface technology, and is considered the ‘grandfather’ of virtual reality and augmented reality. Tom earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke University and the Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from the University of Southampton, England. He is currently a professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, Washington, USA. He is the founder of the Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT Lab) at UW and founder and international director of the HIT Lab NZ at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and the HIT Lab Australia at the University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania.
Prior to joining the faculty at the UW, Tom served a combined 23 years as an U.S. Air Force officer and civilian scientist at the Armstrong Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he developed advanced cockpits and virtual interfaces for the Department of Defense. He is the author of the Super Cockpit program and served as the Chief of Visual Display Systems and Super Cockpit Director until he joined the University of Washington in 1989.
Since the beginning of his career Tom has continued to play an active role in virtual and augmented reality development and application. In 1998 he received the Discover Award for his invention of the virtual retinal display. Tom is co-inventor of the ChromaID technology licensed to Visualant Inc. and received the 2013 SPIE Prism Award for this work. In June 2015 he gave a keynote titled ‘Being the future’ at the Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara, California, where he received the first ‘Auggie’ lifetime achievement award for his 50-year contribution to the VR and AR Industries. In March 2016 Tom received the IEEE VR Career Award for his lifetime contributions to the fields of virtual and Augmented Reality and in October 2016 the Virtual Reality Foundation of Los Angeles Proto Award also for lifetime achievement. Most recently in November 2021 Tom was presented the Accenture Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of International Extended Reality.
Tom lectures widely and has appeared in many national and international network and syndicated television science and technology documentaries and news programs. He has testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. He is the inventor of the personal eyewear display, the virtual retinal display, the HALO display and holds 24 patents in advanced sensor, display and interface technologies. With his colleagues and students Dr. Furness has published over 400 papers and conference proceedings and started 27 companies, two of which are traded on NASDAQ at a market capitalization of > $ 12 B (USD). He is a Fellow in the IEEE and a member of the Computer Society and Photonics Society of the IEEE. He is the founder and chairman of the Virtual World Society, a non-profit for extending virtual reality as a learning system for families and other humanitarian applications.
Lubna Dajani: Bio
Curious, creative, conscious, systems thinker, and designer. A polymath cyborg and ubiquitous web OG.
A passionate change-maker inspiring the ethical application of STEAM innovations to regenerate the planet and enable sustainable prosperity and well-being with a focus on empathic AI, hardware security, Web3, and climate tech.
Louis Rosenberg: Bio
Louis Rosenberg, PhD is an early pioneer of virtual and augmented reality and a longtime AI researcher.
His work began over thirty years ago in VR labs at Stanford, NASA and the U.S. Air Force where he developed the first mixed reality system (Virtual Fixtures platform) enabling users to reach out and interact with a combined spatial reality of real and virtual objects.
In 1993, he founded the early VR company Immersion Corporation and brought it public on Nasdaq. In 2004 he founded Outland Research, an early developer of augmented reality and spatial media technology acquired by Google.
In 2014 he founded Unanimous AI, a company focused on amplifying the intelligence of networked human groups in pursuit of Collective Superintelligence.
He received his PhD from Stanford University, was a tenured professor at California State University, has published over 100 academic papers, and has been awarded over 300 patents for VR, AR, and AI technologies.
His latest book, Our Next Reality, comes out in March from Hachette.
Muhsinah Morris: Bio
Metaversity Director, VR Enthusiast, Innovator, Chemist, Educator, Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author, Wife, Mom Meet the first ever Metaversity Director, Dr. Muhsinah Lateefah Morris. A BS chemistry graduate of the HBCU Clark Atlanta University.
She obtained an MS & PhD from the Harvard of the South, Emory University in Biomolecular Chemistry. Dr. Morris has been part of and leading Morehouse’s Metaversity project since the Spring of 2021.
She’s won awards for Teaching Excellence at Morehouse College, Best Emerging Technology and Innovation from CBRE, First Place Unconventional Innovation in Industry by T-Mobile, and Educator of the Year for 2022 by STEM Women Atlanta.
She resides in McDonough GA with her husband and five sons. One of her sons has autism and she advocates for the entire autism community as a member of the Community Advisory Council and advocacy Ambassadors for Autism Speaks.
She’s a VR pioneer in education and is transforming learning globally. She is affectionately known as Dr. M.O.M. (Molder of Minds) by all her students.
She continues to mold the minds of educators and students globally in the Metaverse. She is a member of the XR Advisory Council for the XR Association and Futurist Council for Jobs for the Future (JFF).
She was named a Top 100 Woman of the Future for 2023 by Women of the Future and has been featured on CNN International, The Next Frontier. Her goal is to authentically transform the educational system for our future leaders using immersive technologies in the Metaverse.
She currently trains both pre-service and in-service educators on how to create and optimize their own institutional Metaverse Culture.
More recently, she founded Metaverse United, LLC where she helps people find where they belong in the embodiment of the internet called the Metaverse.
Learn more at UnitetheMetaverse.com.
Christopher Lafayette: Bio
Christopher Lafayette is an emergent technologist and humanitarian deeply engaged in the sectors of the metaverse, AI, medtech, education, Web3, and applied sciences. His contributions and influence extend from Silicon Valley to the international stage, as he passionately advocates for a more equitable culture in technology.
Gatherverse, a brainchild of Christopher Lafayette, is an inspired response to an age of unprecedented technological growth. Christopher saw a critical need for going beyond the technical aspects of creating the metaverse and emerging technologies to include humanity itself in the conversation about the intertwining of technology and the human experience. In this ethos, every pixel and protocol is infused with the values, aspirations, and needs of the very individuals they aim to empower, positioning Gatherverse as a luminous guidepost in the terrain of our shared digital future.
Christopher Lafayette stands at the helm of the BTMP and C-TAP programs. He guides both served and underserved communities in offering their best contributions to innovation. He strongly adheres to the principle that everyone, irrespective of color or gender, should have the opportunity to shape the fabric of technology.
In addition to his many roles, Christopher founded HoloPractice, a medical immersive incubator, bridging the gap between healthcare and technology.
His advisory and collaborative roles span prestigious organizations, including Google, Meta, NFL, Merlin Entertainments, European Commission, Nikko Hotels, NBA, Linux Foundation, Cisco, Microsoft, Salesforce, Verizon, Stanford University, Duke University, San Jose College of Engineering, and UCLA, among others. Additionally, his influence has reached renowned chefs, musicians, and hundreds of startups.
Sitting on various advisory councils and boards, Christopher is actively shaping the future of the metaverse and emerging technologies. His mission is to bring thousands of communities and millions of people into this new frontier, ensuring that humanity remains at the core of technological advancement.
Claire Weingarten: Bio
Claire Weingarten is an immersive tech & experience consultant focused on empowering artists, creators, businesses and non-profits to harness emerging technologies to create experiences that have never existed before.
Claire began her career working in film, television and journalism as both a creator and executive and saw those mediums as the most exciting ways to engage, inform and entertain audiences, but as new media technologies evolve, she has recentered her focus on more interactive mediums that immerse audiences and invite them to become agents in their own experiences.
Advising on emerging technologies like XR, AI, Web3, Spatial Computing and the Metaverse, Claire has continued to focus on audience engagement by advising creators and businesses about the evolution, intersection and impact of new technologies as they evolve the way we live our lives. Ethical uses of technology are a through-line of all of her work.
Jeremy Prasetyo: Bio
Jeremy Prasetyo is more than an inspirational speaker – he’s a dynamic thought leader with a unique perspective.
With over 15 years of experience on global stages, Jeremy blends his diverse background as a world champion athlete, former corporate executive, and business owner into a multi-dimensional approach.
As a keynote speaker, Jeremy Prasetyo brings his expertise in Blockchain and AI strategy and emerging technologies to the forefront.
His engaging talks, crafted for each event, simplify complex concepts into actionable insights.
Sharing the stage with tech luminaries like Steve Wozniak showcases his influential role in shaping the future. What sets Jeremy apart is his knack for driving change.
He inspires audiences to embrace technological advancements, capitalize on competitive advantages, and steer organizational transformation.
Jeremy’s accomplishments speak volumes – from collaborating with renowned global brands to guiding organizations through the intricacies of emerging technologies.
His commitment to enabling businesses to thrive in the digital age is evident in every engagement.
Nadja Bester: Bio
Nadja Bester brings a wealth of diverse expertise to AdLunam as an entrepreneur, board member, advisor, award-winning startup mentor, speaker, author, and host of the podcast “The Future of NFTs.” Boasting nearly two decades of experience in marketing and communications and former owner of two marketing agencies, she has a proven track record that includes a role as a former Chief Digital Marketing Officer in the pharmaceutical industry.
Nadja’s impressive tenure in the blockchain sector since 2017 includes consulting and fractional CMO roles where she significantly contributed to fundraising efforts that collectively secured over $300 million for various companies.
In addition to her broad consulting and leadership roles, she has contributed as a journalist to several publications, including Bitcoin.com and Investing.com.
Nadja has been featured in media outlets like International Business Times, Benzinga, HackerNoon, Be in Crypto, L’Atelier BNP Paribas, The South African, DC News Now, and Viet Nam News.
David Lockett: Bio
David Lockett serves as the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for the SACS NASA Data Science Academy: Promoting Data Science with Robotics and NASA Geospatial and Extraterrestrial Big Data for Grades 9-12 and Collaborative Interactive Data Science Academy.
The project combines AI, robotics and data science, at the School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) The key objective of the program is to stimulate curiosity in the cross-cutting field of data science through data science-driven, hands-on, STEM activities deploying real-life application scenarios and industrial grade robotic systems.
Sasha Tityanko: Bio
Sasha Tityanko is Art Director and Deputy CEO for Art and Marketing at Sensorium Corporation.
With over 15 years of experience in the international entertainment industry, Sasha is behind the marvelous virtual creations and product marketing campaigns of Sensorium Galaxy — a next-generation social metaverse developed in collaboration with the world’s top artists, producers, and media companies.
With a proven record for representing some of top artists, including leading pop singer, Eurovision awarded Dima Bilan and the internationally renowned band t.A.T.u., Sasha plays a vital role in finding the right content partners and negotiating their participation at Sensorium Galaxy.
She also coordinates creative efforts with international agencies such as Hi Scream and The Night League, Ibiza, closely involved in the development of virtual worlds PRISM and MOTION.
Before life at Sensorium Corporation, Sasha worked for well-known record labels EMI Music and Interscope / Universal Music to bring chart-topping artists from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Latin America.
Dr. Ed Tse: Bio
Dr. Ed understands the emotional whirlwind of the digital age. Once lost in the world of early viral YouTube videos in 2005, he emerged with a mission: to help those overwhelmed by social media and online addiction.
As the founder of Ai Parenting, Dr. Ed empathizes with students struggling at school and online.
His work is more than tech; it’s a lifeline to students seeking balance in a world dominated by screens.
He’s touched the lives of over 5600 students in Alberta’s largest online school, guiding them to find joy and purpose beyond their digital bubbles.
Eithne Kennedy: Bio
Eithne Kennedy: An MBA with a difference. An engaging speaker and moderator at global business conferences, such as the World Economic Forum.
Co-Chair and moderator for the Asia-Pacific Inaugural Summit of the Global Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society.
Globally recognized expert in aligning talent and entrepreneurship with organizational strategy.
Specialized in accelerating buy-in in M&A situations. Mentor to start-ups. Author of: ‘Rebooting Humanity; A Call to Awareness’ (2017)
Aric Dromi: Bio
Rooted at the intersection of policymaking, technological innovation, and societal change, my work is both a reflection and catalyst of transformative shifts. In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving human behaviour, I provide guidance, ensuring organizations and policymakers grasp these shifts and position themselves strategically for sustainable rejuvenating growth.
Harnessing the power of groundbreaking technologies like AI, IoT, and quantum computing, I delve into their vast potential for reshaping both businesses and societies. From streamlining operations to revolutionizing customer journeys, my role is to help decode and elucidate their transformative impact.
My keynotes are designed not just to share knowledge but to ignite curiosity, kindle inspiration, and illuminate future pathways. When you collaborate with me as an advisor, it’s not merely a transaction of insights; together, we embark on a meaningful journey towards a brighter, technologically enriched future.
Sandra Helou: Bio
Sandra Helou CEO and Co-Founder of MetaMinds, a Zilliqa Group Venture Sandra Helou is the CEO and Co-Founder of MetaMinds, a pioneering Metaverse and spatial web company.
She has emerged as one of the most prominent figures and public speakers in web3 and the Metaverse. In addition to her role at MetaMinds, Sandra holds the position of GCC lead and is part of the recently formed CEO Office at Zilliqa Group.
In her early career, she made significant achievements as head of the NFTs and Metaverse department at Zilliqa, a leading blockchain company. Where she was pivotal in the broader strategy and vision of the departments she led and the overall company.
Sandra’s influence extends beyond her role at MetaMinds. She is a sought-after media commentator and international speaker, frequently sharing her insights at global blockchain, web3, metaverse and future tech events. Her significant contributions have earned her a place among the influential “Women of the Future”, a ranking by Global Village Publishing of the top female change-makers in Web3 for the metaverse.
Sandra has also presented at Museum of the Future Dubai on the topic of Metaverse. Sandra’s multidisciplinary background spanning traditional and digital industries combined with her in-depth knowledge of metaverse and web3, and a commitment to human-centric development sees MetaMinds remain at the forefront of reshaping the metaverse landscape.
Her vision emphasizes user adoption by ensuring the rapidly-evolving technology remains accessible and relatable to all, insisting “the metaverse should be an addition of your day-today for a business.” Accolades and highlights; · August 2022 – Featured in Rolling Stone’s article on 6 Lessons From Women Leaders Shaping the Future of Web3 and is regarded as a force to be reckoned with in the blockchain space · March 2022 – Included in Tech Round’s Top 25 Future Players of the Metaverse
Nathan Kinch: Bio
Nathan (Nate) is a Sociotechnology Ethicist. For more than a decade he’s led major projects all around the world to help reimagine the ways in which technology might help bring us closer, solve some of our biggest problems, and most importantly, exist in healthy relationship to humanity and the rest of the natural world.
He is part of the Tethix founding team, a social enterprise dedicated to helping people (re)imagine and create technology that enables collective human flourishing.
Andrea Camargo: Bio
Andrea is a visionary at the intersection of biology and business.
With a background in veterinary medicine and a passion for innovation, she’s leading the charge in applying biomimicry principles to create sustainable and regenerative business models.
Join her to explore the exciting world of nature-inspired entrepreneurship.
Adrian Rashad Driscoll: Bio
From the small city of Barstow CA, (yeah, the pitstop on the way to Vegas) Adrian Rashad Driscoll followed his dream of becoming a professional actor and moved to Los Angeles.
Shortly after that, he was woken up. After 15 years of great weather and bad traffic, he now makes his living as a filmmaker and Immersive Media creative.
He has had the privilege of working with large companies such as CBS, NBC, KTLA, Facebook, Microsoft, United Way, and more to push the boundaries of immersive media whilst producing great XR titles and experiences.
Recently, Adrian has partnered with music legend Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton to form the immersive media production house, Collimation.
In addition, Adrian teaches in multiple education programs around the world to bring more people into immersive media.
He also teaches at the OYA & EAST education programs on multiple XR initiatives geared towards education, entertainment, and medical research.
He takes pride in the fact that he is able to help implement this technology into a wide range of toolkits.
His goal is to create opportunities for under-served communities and using said opportunities, to change their current trajectory.
“French fries” are the key to his heart.
Lynn Gitau: Bio
Lyn Gitau is an entrepreneur, Founder MetaVersations, an organization that evangelizes, educates and creates immersive Metaverse experiences through meaningful collaborations with Metaverse builders.
She is the COO of the first African Metaverse DAO that seeks to preserve and showcase African culture and heritage in the metaverse. Her educational background has gained her proficiency in PR and Mass Communications.
She is an advent aficionado of exploring global biodiversity and sustainability at the intersection of emerging technologies. Lynn has spoken in major conferences focused on DeFi, Metaverse and other Web 3 concepts.
Currently, she is one of the most sought-after experts in the realm of the Metaverse in Africa and has been featured in popular business articles and shows.
Jared Arms: Bio
Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Jared Arms is not just an entrepreneur but a beacon of hope for communities touched by adversity.
At the young age of 23, Jared established Kylar.io, a transformative technology platform designed to bridge communities and businesses.
His passion for technology was catalyzed by personal loss – having mourned the loss of over ten friends to gun violence, he harnessed his pain, teaching himself programming to create tools that commemorate victims and bring communities together.
As he gears up to speak at the Founders Summit, Jared brings with him a unique blend of innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to societal change.
His journey from personal tragedy to tech-driven community upliftment serves as a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Terence Leclere: Bio
Terence Leclere is the founder of #metaforyou, a company that provides immersive interactive services via talent, content, and consultation, including specializing in casting and creative direction for actor driven pop-up experiences.
#metaforyou has created work in conjunction with agencies such as Campfire, NVE, Giant Spoon, M ss ng P eces, and IHEARTCOMIX, on experiential events for brands such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Spotify, Paramount Pictures, Peacock, Freeform and more.
An actor, an immersive person, an entertainer lebenskünstler who communes by extemporaneous expression in moment to moment realities.
Imbued with his studies at presence-factories such as William Esper Studios NY and The Second City TCLA, and honed through many lives lived in performances around the world.
He became a staltwart of the immersive interactive theatrical scene having performed live, on screens, and in VR, in scores of immersive interactive shows, events and experiential activations.
As featured in Vice, LA Weekly, Stage Raw, VR Focus, CNet, The Verge, Variety, Broadway World, Backstage, Huffington Post, AV Club, Buzzfeed, and No Proscenium.
Eva Pascual: Bio
Eva Pascual is a visionary of futuristic solutions possible today, where inner peace and life force upliftment are commonly prioritised in a playful way.
She revealed the unconscious by mapping and color-coding the Structure of Thought, a science replicable as a universal language, which solves the perceptual error of separation.
After a lifetime of studying the source of creation and how to augment happiness and life force, she is motivated to integrate these powers into a conscious society that believes in impacting legacy.
She currently works on the dissemination of ancestral knowledge and new science creating immersive analog and digital experiences.
Eva designs evolutionary “paradigm shift” content to update holistically; entertainment, pedagogy, art, policy making, governance and architecture.
She has recently integrated her body of work about the impact of the invisible through an immersive installation in the building of the University of Industrial Design of Barcelona.
Her intention is to share knowledge in a playful and experiential way, to facilitate transcendental processes that cooperate with evolution and intelligent acts based in inseparability and recognition of teh energy unified field where we are all immersed.
To create a legacy of impact and generate a future for young people where kindness and awareness are the fuel of every relationship. And where creativity is in service of blooming of all life forms.
Safaa Alattar: Bio
With strong leadership skills, business acumen, and technical expertise, she is committed to driving success and growth in the companies she works with.
Daveed Benjamin: Bio
Daveed Benjamin is a technologist, patent holder, and author with a BS and MS in Engineering from Stanford.
As a “Shift Shaper,” his work focuses on altering systems of consciousness to catalyze the deep shifts that humanity urgently needs.
As a founder of Bridgit DAO, Presence Browser and the Web4 Foundation and author of the forthcoming book “The Metaweb: The Next Level of the Internet,” Daveed’s focus is decentralizing knowledge, protecting cognitive freedom, and building collective intelligence.
Lisa Atkinson: Bio
Lisa Atkinson ‘Filmmaker, Futurist-Storyteller, Artist-Technologist, Peacemaker’ Lisa started as a 2D animation artist in film opticals, in-camera visual effects, then analogue computer, then digital visual effects and live-action visual effects combined with animation. She worked in USA, Canada & Asia as a Visual Effects Supervisor, Second Unit Director, Pre-Production Assistant Director, and Post-Production Supervisor. International coproduction credits include: Heavy Metal, Tron, Star Wars, Inspector Gadget, Curious, Aladdin, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Philip Marlowe, Ray Bradbury Theater, Outer Limits and X-Files.
Lisa was the first Visual Effects Supervisor to use digital effects in a television series “The Twilight Zone” (1988-1989 – 30 episodes). She was recognized with Honorary Membership in Society of High Definition Arts & Sciences; and memberships in British Academy of Film and Television Arts; American Film Institute; British Kinematograph, Sound & Television Society; IEEE; SMPTE; ACM SIGGRAPH.
Invited to work at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, Lisa set up a ‘Radio, Film and Television Department’ to create content & technology pipelines for TV and long-distance education. Lisa left Embassy work to become the first Digital Visual Effects Supervisor in China, working on Chinese films at the Beijing Film Studio and Shanghai Studio. Later, Lisa worked for Sundance Film Institute to bring Sundance Film Festival to China, and Eastman Kodak as their China Strategist to Chinese filmmakers re: technology.
During the Hollywood and Silicon Valley digital cooperation phase, Lisa’s work included converting pipelines at studios (Rhythm & Hues, Dreamworks, Pacific Data Images, ILM) into digital pipelines capable of moving large shot count feature films (Batman, Star Trek, Speed, Mousehunt) and full digital CG animation feature film pipelines (Bugs Life 3D, Atlantis, Star Trek: Experience, Antz, Shrek, Frankenstein, Final Fantasy).
Lisa served on the Board of Directors for the Visual Effects Society (Global Committee start-up and Education Committee start-up), Women in Animation (Education Committee), and on the Board of Directors for the Directors Guild of America (Canada branch). As Technology Rep for the Director’s Guild, she created training for film directors to transition to computers. Lisa also sat on the Director’s Guild committee to draft the North American Free Trade Agreement for Entertainment & Technology (USA/Canada/Mexico); the International Co-Production Agreement (USA/Canada); and International Co-production Agreement (Canada/China).
Lisa took a hiatus from Hollywood to be a Co-Founder, and Chief Technology Officer, for the world’s first climate-change carbon-reduction technology fund (UK, USA, Canada, Asia). She returned to LA’s independent production focusing on storytelling, content creation and mentoring. In China, Lisa consults at their 1st Free Trade Zone: “Hainan Island Technology Park”; the Digital Civilization Conference; and Student Digital Bootcamp. Lisa also participates in the United Nations SciTech Digital Cooperation “No One Gets Left Behind” global technology development and digital education initiatives.
As a teenager Lisa interned summers at the National Film Board of Canada in the Optical Film Lab Department. She studied Fine Arts at Ottawa Collegiate Institute of Technology’s High School of Commerce, Computer Language Programming at Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology, Broadcast Engineering at Carleton University, Filmmaking at Beijing Film Academy.
Richard Bukowski: Bio
Richard`s Future(s) forecasting strategies comes from a consolidation of 15+ years of digital’s multifaceted sectors, best and worst of early Web 1 & 2 startups to today’s roller coaster of unimaginable platforms that will become the XAI, GAI, Web 3. 0, proto-Metaverse and Future(s) blockchain cultures.
My mission is to help organizations, communities, and leaders become future-ready.
I believe in the power of human imagination to envision futures that are better, fairer, and more sustainable.
And we know that using our systematic tools and methods can make a difference in inspiring hope and agency to tackle the complex, seemingly intractable issues facing society.
Liam Broza: Bio
Liam Broza, is a seasoned speaker, engineer, and entrepreneur with deep expertise in immersive computing and data analytics.
He’s the driving force behind Ethereal Engine, a groundbreaking spatial development platform that democratizes the creation of rich, social 3D web experiences.
As an RIT alumni, he conceived LifeScope.io, an open-source AI venture that captures personal digital memories, enhanced by a unique Time Machine feature for spiritual XR journeys.
Tess McKinney: Bio
Meet Tess McKinney, AAS, a trailblazing force in the technology arena with an illustrious 20-year journey that has unfolded at the forefront of innovation. Over the last decade, Tess has been a driving force in the realm of educational technologies, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
As the proud proprietor of Firework Media Studio, LLC for the past 18 years, Tess has seamlessly navigated various roles, donning hats as a technology consultant, trainer, instructional designer, and website architect.
Tess’s insatiable passion for innovation has propelled her through the ever-evolving tech landscape, earning her the reputation of a perpetual learner. Seven years ago, she embarked on a captivating journey into immersive technologies, skillfully incorporating XR, AR, and VR into her expansive skill set.
Her dedication to staying abreast of the latest technological advancements has not only kept her at the forefront but has also positioned her as a vanguard in the field. Notably, Tess is currently spearheading the development of VR labs in collaboration with the University of Texas San Antonio College of Nursing and Dentistry, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersive learning.
Her previous engagements include impactful collaborations with esteemed institutions such as The Ohio State University and Brazosport College, where she left an indelible mark on the landscape of educational technologies.
Tess’s influence extends far beyond her role as a technology maven. She has cultivated a robust network of connections with experts and designers specializing in Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning.
Her involvement in the realms of XR, AR, and VR within healthcare and education has solidified her as a respected figure in the industry. A quick glance at her LinkedIn profile reveals an extensive network, boasting an impressive 10,200+ followers and connections—a testament to her influence and reach.
In essence, Tess McKinney is not just a tech enthusiast; she is a visionary, a pioneer, and a catalyst for change in the dynamic intersection of technology and education. With a legacy spanning two decades, Tess continues to shape the future of immersive learning, leaving an indelible imprint on the ever-evolving landscape of educational technologies.
Her current undertaking with the University of Texas San Antonio College of Nursing and Dentistry underscores her commitment to pioneering transformative advancements in the field.
Jason Gilbert: Bio
Founder of TV Feeder and inventor of supercomputing telecommunications. TV Feeder is the new mobile smart tv system for apps, websites, streaming, and video games for phones, tablets, computers, tvs, smart glasses, and vehicles. The future will be maxiweb3 where phones, computers, and power plants are obsolete and the internet will be a source of unlimited renewable energy and fresh water.
Ed sees modern digital domes as “digital temples of transformation” for their ability to deliver compelling immersive journeys, live performances and art experiences with positive impact while serving as local creative placemaking centers.
Cristina Imre: Bio
Dr. Cristina Imre – Amplifying Impact: Empowering Visionary Leaders to Shape a Better Future as a Holistic Executive Coach & Business Strategist With two decades of experience as a seasoned professional, studying human nature, success, and business combined, Dr. Cristina Imre is on a mission to guide tech disruptors toward a brighter future.
Her passion lies in empowering founders and CEOs, serving as their trusted secret weapon in navigating the ever-evolving business landscape.
Cristina works all across North America, and regularly in Europe and Asia. Whether it’s vision alignment, strategic planning, or adept team management, she possesses the knowledge and acumen to steer her clients toward sustained success.
With a background that spans from serial entrepreneurship to biohacking, Cristina is more than an executive coach; she’s a holistic growth partner.
Cristina’s values – Knowledge, Empathy, Respect, Candor, Fairness, Vision, and Purpose – guide her in this transformative journey. However, Cristina’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of typical business acumen and financial expectations.
She’s a holistic growth partner who addresses mental health and personal life matters, making her impact profound and far-reaching.
She just founded Tech Leadership Lab, a movement with an audacious purpose of uniting visionary and good-hearted tech leaders to solve Earth’s biggest problems and build a better future for all.
In short: Tech for good, led by good hearts. Beyond the professional sphere, Cristina is a reader, sports enthusiast, coffee lover, and forensic science enthusiast. Her multifaceted interests have earned her nicknames like People Reader, Sherlock Holmes, Secret Weapon, and The No-BS Coach.
She authored and co-authored several books, and her powerful quotes surrounding the internet.
Concluding with what her clients say, working with her is a deep dive journey you don’t expect but you get hooked instantly because, on the other end, you’ll get out a different person, a better one.
Deepankar Saxena: Bio
Seasoned HR Professional with extensive 5+ year of expertise in Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, and Campus Hirings.
Proficient in recruiting for tech, non-tech, and creative profiles, including successful campus hiring initiatives.
Adept in HR Operations and demonstrated leadership by managing HR teams.
Extensive experience in the startup ecosystem and a strong track record of over 2+ year in the emerging Web3 industry, encompassing Blockchain and Metaverse domains.
Debbie Deer: Bio
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Debbie is a Creative Technologist, living in Toronto Canada. As the CEO/Founder of her multi-media companies Debbie Deer Productions and Orion Digital Innovations and Creations Inc., she collaborates as a Producer, Performer and Educator.
She studied Psychology at The University of The West Indies (Jamaica) and Radio and TV Production at Toronto Metro University formerly Ryerson University (Toronto).
Debbie’s work has been featured at The Next Stage Summit Los Angeles, VRTO, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Toronto International Film Festival (Deep Focus), Luminato Festival, and selected for the Toronto Fringe Festival.
She is currently the Director for the Performance and XR Conference IBPOC XR Fellowship, championing the program’s curriculum and visibility.
She is an ambassador and advocate for the conscientious advancement of humanity.
Michael Goldrich: Bio
As the founder and chief advisor of Vivander Advisors, Michael J. Goldrich excels in crafting digital and AI strategies that drive transformative growth and enhance overall business value.
As the author of “Too Many Hats, Too Little Time,” Michael brings his extensive expertise in leveraging AI technologies in the professional sphere, providing readers with invaluable insights and practical strategies for enhancing efficiency and decision-making in their careers. But his skills go beyond mere writing and consultancy.
A recent standout feature of Goldrich’s career is his emphasis on generative AI. As demand for this knowledge soars, he assumes a leading role in educating and training teams in best practices. He developed a five-step blueprint for companies to follow as they start their AI transformation. The goal of this process is to utilize this powerful technology to boost productivity, increase revenue, and lower costs.
At the heart of this five-step process is the individual within the company. The main objective is to equip these individuals, enabling them to use this technology efficiently to enhance their success and foster a sense of empowerment.
Serving as Chief Experience Officer at The Hotels Network, an organization driven by AI and data, Goldrich further extends his influence.
Goldrich’s expertise in “predictive personalization” has not only established him as a sought-after consultant but also as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of customer engagement within the hospitality sector. With this innovative company, he works with hotels to anticipate the needs and preferences of their guests, thereby elevating the customer experience and, by extension, boosting conversion rates.
As a program leader at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School, Goldrich conducts interactive discussions for the Data Strategy for Generative AI Platforms course, offering clarity on complex course material.
Innovation is not a recent addition to Goldrich’s skillset. During his time as head of global marketing at Club Quarters Hotels, he skillfully adapted the business model in the wake of the pandemic to appeal to a younger, local audience. This strategic shift significantly enhanced the brand’s market presence. Furthermore, his proficiency isn’t limited to hospitality; he has also contributed his know-how to international powerhouses like Accenture, Starwood, Monster Worldwide, and Wyndham, refining their e-commerce and digital capabilities. Goldrich’s achievements have garnered him high-profile awards, including the Platinum Adrian Award for an outstanding social media campaign and the Gold Adrian Award for a creative website.
In 2020, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized him as one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization. On the educational front, Goldrich holds a BA in literature from the University of Michigan and an MA in business communications from Northwestern University.
These academic qualifications, coupled with his passion for technology and innovation, render him a committed leader in driving productivity.
Whether it’s a project seeking a novel approach or an organization striving to improve its performance, Michael Goldrich stands as the authoritative figure for transformative solutions.
Charlene Nichols: Bio
Creating the Future of Eyewear Dispensing with Omniverse City With 26 years of experience in the optical industry, I have always been passionate about finding innovative solutions to the challenges faced by independent eyecare professionals and businesses.
As the Chief Imagineer at Omniverse City, I lead the development of the first metaverse platform designed for an entire industry to reimagine how they do business together.
I have a proven track record of launching successful online ordering portals, virtual try-on and measuring apps, and virtual trade shows that have transformed the optical landscape.
My Vision Show, which I founded in 2019, was recognized as one of the most influential innovations in optical by Vision Monday, and Optical Near ME, which I founded in 2017, is the world’s first omnichannel ecosystem for independent opticians and optometrists.
My vision and mission is to empower optical businesses with cutting-edge tools and technologies that enable them to thrive in the digital era.
Grant McGaugh: Bio
Grant McGaugh, the distinguished Owner and Founder of 5 STAR BDM, is globally celebrated as a visionary thought leader and a pivotal super-connector in the healthcare industry.
His reputation as an influential speaker resonates worldwide, marked by his remarkable achievements and recognitions.
At the forefront of his accolades is the establishment of a groundbreaking statewide organization for the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) in Florida, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to healthcare advancement.
As the immediate past president and a current Regent National Board member of NAHSE, Grant’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare services.
His role as the Program Chair for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) further underscores his dedication to healthcare innovation.
In this capacity, Grant has been instrumental in orchestrating knowledge share programs that empower Health Information Technology professionals in South Florida.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him the prestigious title of South Florida’s Top Black Healthcare Professional of 2019 by Miami Legacy Magazine and the African American Achiever award by JM Family in 2020.
Grant’s impact extends beyond organizational boundaries, having established a socially conscious digital presence that continuously inspires and engages the healthcare community.
In 2021, his influential work was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare Review and lauded by best-selling author and Brand Master Martin Lindstrom.
With a robust following of over 20,000 across various platforms, Grant McGaugh has become a beacon of inspiration and guidance for a diverse array of individuals, including entrepreneurs, students, and aspiring professionals.
He empowers them to dream ambitiously and equips them with practical strategies to turn those dreams into tangible results.
Grant’s acclaimed personal branding program and his innovative business development strategies for small enterprises have been featured in esteemed publications such as NAHSE News, the Miami Herald, and the Sun-Sentinel.
These initiatives reflect his deep commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the healthcare sector, making him a world-class speaker and a true pioneer in his field.
Emily Wright: Bio
Emily Wright is a rising voice of their generation, with an eclectic background encompassing child care, education, marketing, and management, to name a few, and they have assisted in the establishment and growth of multiple small businesses.
As a writer, their first book, ‘The 100 Days of Colour: Celebrating Frequetic Beauty,’ is a firm look at the connection between algorithmic and subconscious bias, and discusses the psychology behind discrimination and how we can make positive progress in light of our biases.
Their second book, ‘My Brain: Explained, A Modern Conversation of the Mind,’ explores the relationship between the Conscious and Subconscious Minds in more detail, as well as Mind Management and Thought Organisation to facilitate a happier and more productive Life.
Emily’s brand, It’ll be alwright®, is the foundation of their multifaceted endeavours that focus on cultivating individual potential to facilitate collective healing.
Hanan Merabi: Bio
Hanan is a mother, nurse leader, certified nurse case manager, author, and founder of Earth’s Angels non profit organization. Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, and orphaned at a very young age due to the lack of good healthcare, Hanan always knew that she wanted to help others that were in such desperate need in Ghana.
At age 15, she moved to the Unites States and became a U.S citizen, still knowing that she would somehow go back to Ghana and give back to those who need it most.
In 2012, she founded Earth’s Angels with the dream that she could make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies all over the world. Hanan is called on to share her story around the country, as an inspirational speaker.
She has been asked to speak at nursing events, including nursing school presentations, charitable functions, and many other speaking engagements.
Hanan coined the term The Legacy Is Me® when she had a cathartic moment in 2013, realizing she could use her life’s many struggles and painful experiences, as catalysts for greatness.
She believes that we can all write our own legacy, and does her best to live to her fullest expression of herself in each role she takes on.
Hubertus von Roenne: Bio
Managing Partner Data Sharing Solutions – Advising corporations, SMEs, public services and governments on value-creation through data-sharing in compliance with European regulation 20 years Tech-sector experience as VP at British Telecom and AOL and as CDO in large family-owned businesses PhD in Law, involvement in EU Digital Single Market and EU Data Act
Lisi Linares: Bio
About Lisi Linares: Lisi Linares is an industry-leading publicist at the forefront of the XR revolution.
With a rich background in crypto/blockchain publicity and a lifelong love affair with virtual reality, Lisi’s expertise and passion for the Metaverse have propelled her to the top of the industry.
As the Megalodon Publicist behind PR SHRKS, she combines her boundless creativity and strategic prowess to redefine the narrative of XR and elevate her esteemed client roster to new heights.
Allen Olson-Urtecho: Bio
Allen Olson-Urtecho, the founder of Studio Bahia, established this 501c3 nonprofit in response to children as young as 9 years old committing suicide and self harm in refugee camps.
This heartbreaking reality fueled his unwavering commitment to offering accessible and affordable world-class therapies.
Allen’s innovative contribution includes the creation of Lili, a mobile virtual reality headset now in production.
With a background of living in 10 countries and backpacking through 80, he assembled a diverse team, ranging from 7 PhDs in virtual reality to 15 high school interns, to make a lasting impact on the world of therapy and support.
Eli Boahen: Bio
Excited | Curious | Problem-solver Eli is a cross-disciplinary communicator and researcher in design, data, ethics, and autonomy. They believe our techno-future is already here, and that it is past time to ask the questions so we can discuss the uncomfortable answers.
Currently, Eli is completing their master’s degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science ( DACSS ) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
At UMass, their work focuses on technology policy and technoliteracy as a means of power and its impact on our understanding of the technology around us, thus our ability to consent or self-advocate.
Their theories intersect with ethnography, cyborg anthropology, biomedicine, education, robotics, and Society 5.0. Mostly recently, Eli led an project analyzing sentiments towards what they call the “technological-other”.
Eli is ready and excited to continue exploring and conducting research in this fascinating field.
Class of 2020 Smithie | Posse Alum | HEAF Alum | SDXD board | UMass RTC
Phakama Sibanda: Bio
Phakama Sibanda, a visionary entrepreneur hailing from Zimbabwe, embarked on a groundbreaking journey with NFTsAfrica, redefining Africa’s creative landscape. With a background in stock trading and crypto, he ventured into the NFT space, driven by a passion for digital art and blockchain technology.
Guided by global industry leaders like NFTs.tips, speaker and Multidisciplinary NFT Artist at NFT.NYC / London, African Metaverse & AI summit Kenya also being on NFT Africa community on Club house, NFTs For social good and Humanity , Phakama navigated complex platforms like Foundation, OpenSea and HEN, swiftly becoming an early adopter of projects like Africarare.io the first African metaverse to the Afrodriods, Ubuntuland Africarare.io and Crypto Pills and the paladinpunks.
In 2020, he founded NFTsAfrica, a platform emphasizing “For Africa By Africans,” fostering a vibrant NFT ecosystem in Africa. Collaborating with artists, NGOs, and influencers, he pioneered initiatives like Proof of Good DAO, amplifying altruism through blockchain. Under his leadership, NFTsAfrica became a hub at the sathoshicentre.tech for education, bridging the gap between traditional African art and the digital realm.
Phakama Sibanda’s relentless spirit and innovative vision continue to shape NFTsAfrica, inspiring a new wave of African creativity. Pan African Social entrepreneur & NFT enthusiast currently based in Botswana. Co-Founder of a Innovative Data , Web3 & Design startup Dawu Tech & Co- founder of NFTsAfrica.com Underconstruction.
I’m a social entrepreneur with a dream to educate, empower and develop African communities through sustainable Fintech & blockchain projects and bridge the gap helping Africa leapfrogg into new technologies, currently focused on SADC region and beyond. I have been taking part in empowerment projects for over 18 years ranging from Hip hop art and culture movements in South Africa to facilitating beadwork Culture & Tourism projects for and by women in need in Zimbabwe.
Art has been a form of self-expression especially where words have failed me. Also part of Africarare.io, Pizzadao, and @ancurated nft africancommunity. Among various others Beyond the borders of NFTsAfrica, Phakama is a distinguished alumna speaker at NFT.NYC and London, a nominee for the World Metaverse 2023 Awards in the Community Builder category, and a dynamic speaker at the African Metaverse Summit.
Witness her influential presence at ETH Safari, a Metameta Club initiative in Kenya, where she holds a speakership for MzansiICP and Spaces.
Phakama’s influence extends to global platforms as she participates in the CryptoFest 2023 in Cape Town, showcasing African art and amplifying voices in the worldwide NFT arena.
Her journey is adorned with a commitment to education, development, and empowerment for Africans by Africans (4ABA).
Dana-Maria Faneker: Bio
Dana-Maria Faneker is a former sailing ship crew member turned captain, who now empowers individuals to become the captains of their own lives.
In 2013 Dana-Maria started working for herself as a Life coach, she was looking for new and inspiring ways to make her coaching more fun and effective, and in VR she found the answer.
Dana-Maria was the first coach in the Netherlands to work with Virtual Reality, there were no VR Apps for coaching at the time, so she had to develop her own VR Apps.
In 2016 Dana-Maria won the prize for the best VR idea in the Netherlands, ”the Samsung VR Challenge”. She founded CaptainVR, with the mission to develop XR & Digital Health tools to empower people to practice, learn & develop in a safe environment.
They have increasingly focused on organizational well-being & and stress management. CaptainVR is currently developing ” The Captain App”, a smartphone App with an AI, Avatar Coach that provides 24/7 personalized guidance & support to help individuals regain control over their work-life balance & prevent burnout.
Jamaal Thomas: Bio
Ippolito Caradonna: Bio
Ippolito Imani Caradonna is molecular biologist and biotechnologist with over a decade of laboratory experience.
He is also an innovator and entrepreneur in the field of extended reality.
Him and his team are building an AR software interface for laboratory production called Aug Lab.
Aug Lab helps laboratory users navigate any given laboratory space with a spatially projected interactive environment.
Stacy Whittle: Bio
Stacy Whittle is not just a professional; she’s a storytelling maestro, a digital sorceress, and an architect of impactful experiences.
With over three decades of weaving narratives at the senior level, Stacy’s repertoire spans the roles of producer, director, public speaker, and event maestro, complemented by her accolades as an award-winning stage actor.
At the helm of Block of Love, LLC as CEO, she masterfully blends the art of storytelling with the wizardry of technology, crafting immersive 360 videos that transport viewers to other worlds.
Her leadership at Front Page Live as President and CEO is a testament to her crusade against disinformation, championing the cause of truth in a post-truth world.
Stacy’s flair for orchestrating large-scale events is evident in her groundbreaking work – from pioneering the USDA Forest Service’s first 360 videos to directing a culturally rich and award-winning video series spanning LA to the Pacific Northwest, all under the banner of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
In 2019, Stacy co-produced a globally celebrated Earth Day extravaganza alongside Marc Scarpa, featuring Pope Francis, showcasing her ability to unite the globe in a single, harmonious narrative.
Her globe-trotting adventures have seen her manage multicultural teams across the U.S., the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, infusing her work with the richness of diverse perspectives.
Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Arabic, she’s not just speaking languages; she’s talking to hearts, connecting cultures in her international odyssey.
Stacy’s magic lies in her unique ability to forge alliances with an array of global entities – from academics and governments to the private sector and grassroots organizations.
Amidst this backdrop of professional achievements, Stacy stands proudly as a mother to two sons, balancing the high-wire act of a demanding career with the anchor of family life.
In Stacy Whittle’s world, creativity meets strategy, technology dances with storytelling, and every initiative is a step towards changing the world, one story at a time.
Raul V Rodriguez: Bio
Dr. Raul Villamarin Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, is a distinguished Cognitive Technologist and Adjunct Professor at Universidad del Externado, Colombia.
He serves as a member of the International Advisory Board at IBS Ranepa, Russian Federation, and holds positions on the Advisory Boards of PUCPR, Johannesburg Business School, SA, Milpark Business School, South Africa, PetThinQ Inc, and SpaceBasic, Inc. Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez is a Visiting Professor at Uni. del Rosario and an Expert at UNESCO.
As a Steering Committee Member for the Annual Conference at EFMD Global, Dr. Raul is deeply involved in shaping the future of education. He is honored with a scholarship in his name at ZIBS, China, and represents India in the PRME i5 Expert Pedagogy Group. Further, he holds two prestigious titles: Steven Pinker Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Classavo Chair Professorship in Integrative Research and Digital Learning.
Dr. Rodriguez specializes in the convergence of cognitive psychology with cutting-edge technologies such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotic Process Automation, Multi-agent Systems, Knowledge Engineering, and Quantum Artificial Intelligence. Registered as an expert in Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Systems, and Multi-agent Systems at the European Commission, he has been nominated for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2020 list and recognized as a Europe India 40 under 40 Leader.
A sought-after keynote speaker and panel moderator, Dr. Raul contributes significantly to national and international conferences, including the ML Conference (Singapore). He actively participates in the ETS Business School Advisory Council (BSAC) in India and the Institute for Robotics Process Automation & Artificial Intelligence.
Committed to responsible research, he aligns his efforts with RRBM, GRLI, and PRME. Dr. Rodriguez’s influence extends to the literary realm, co-authoring reference books in Psychology and Human-Tech interface available in Taylor and Francis and IGI Global.
As a weekly contributing writer to various magazines focusing on analytics and emerging technologies, he continues to shape the discourse in these fields.
Russell Bundy: Bio
He was previously in the radio industry, where his passion for music drew him into radio.
For Russell, radio was all about presenting music in a certain way and bringing up creative discussions around the music.
After doing radio for many years where he owned his own radio station, and being a creative himself, he wondered how NFTs could be used for other creatives in 2020.
He always understood that women creators in the music industry had multiple hurdles and problems to overcome.
Russell wanted to do something about this, which allowed women creators to get a fairer pay and more opportunities in the industry.
That why he started his company called MadBop, which is a NFT music platform where women creatives are empowered to make a fairer income, while building deeper connections with their fans.
It is no secret that the music industry has been broken for a very long time, but Russell believes that with the right education, community, and support, blockchain technology can be beneficial for women creatives and can be used to help women across the world inside the music industry.
Dr Shruti Choudhary: Bio
Dr. Shruti Choudhary is an accomplished professional serving as an Professor, COE-Digital Transformation & Customer Experience specializing in Marketing and Branding at Woxsen University in Hyderabad, India.
With over 18 years of extensive experience in teaching, training development, and research, Dr. Choudhary holds a Doctorate Degree obtained in 2015, focusing on innovative marketing strategies.
Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Computer Application, and an M.Sc in Information Technology.
Dr. Choudhary’s expertise extends to the realms of Marketing and Technology, where she has made significant contributions to the research field.
Her work is evidenced by numerous international and national publications, featuring in reputable ABDC/Scopus Journals, as well as numerous edited book chapters.
Acknowledged for her scholarly achievements, Dr. Choudhary has received the Best Paper Award for two international papers. In addition to her research contributions, she has authored two books on Management Information System and Packaging Innovation.
Dr. Choudhary has been invited as a keynote speaker to numerous international conferences, where she has presented her research papers.
Her influence also extends to faculty exchange programs, where she has delivered lectures at various international universities in the USA, Canada, and Europe.
In recognition of her leadership, Dr. Choudhary holds the position of Chair of COE-Digital Transformation & Customer Experience, further solidifying her commitment to driving excellence in the realms of digital transformation and enhancing customer experiences.
Beyond academia, Dr. Choudhary has played a pivotal role in conducting Management Development Programs (MDP), Faculty Development Programs (FDP), and training sessions for multinational companies, showcasing her commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Hemachandran Kannan: Bio
Dr Hemachandran Kannan is the Director of the AI Research Centre, Associate Dean of the School of Business, and Area Chair of the Analytics Department at Woxsen University.
He is an ambassador of the AI Accelerator Institute and an Advisory Board member in many international and national companies such as AptAI Labs, USA, Agzitence Pvt, Ltd, and many more.
He served as an effective resource person at various national and international scientific conferences and also gave lectures on topics related to Artificial Intelligence.
Currently serving as Expert at UNESCO and ATL Mentor of Change.
Mariya Pallais: Bio
Mariya is a multifaceted professional known for her roles as a Tech & Entertainment Publicist, Scuba Diver, World Traveler, and Personal Branding expert.
Starting in AirBnB’s Marketing department, she developed her PR skills and founded Mariya Pallais PR.
Known for her Millennial humor and love for animals, particularly her chinchilla Bernard, Mariya focuses on authentic, intentional PR, choosing clients who are societal innovators and emerging technologists.
World travel enhanced her career, adding new perspectives and energy to her work.
Mariya balances professional success with personal growth, impacting the PR and marketing world while pursuing a fulfilling life.
Francisco Espinoza: Bio
Francisco Espinoza is a serial entrepreneur and has created more than 5 successful companies linked to the areas of health, education, architecture, metaverses and Artificial Intelligence.
He is currently leading the company Elearningmedico.com where he seeks to develop the new generation of courses to develop medical skills through simulation with VR / AR glasses within digital twins.
Stefan Youngblood: Bio
Stefan Youngblood is a distinguished Founder, CEO, and entrepreneur, expertly melding DEI, innovation, and AI for social impact.
With a storied 40-year history in global connection, he stands as a foremost authority in creative digital networking architecture.
Stefan is more than just a technologist; he’s a bridge-builder, ardently working to close socioeconomic divides with a mix of compassion, faith, and forward-thinking.
Earning recognition as a leading “Metafluencer” – a term denoting influential figures in the digital realm – Stefan’s expertise breaks conventional confines.
His global leadership spans from Myanmar and Tunisia to Ukraine, Haiti, and Nepal. Stefan’s profound insights into AI have adorned numerous publications, sparking rich discussions about the challenges and promises AI holds for contemporary society.
As the visionary Founder and CEO of HireBlack.com, in collaboration with [corrected name/Veritone], Stefan ardently advocates for unbiased partnerships, linking companies with candidates through more than 200,000 daily career opportunities.
His other ventures, such as HBCU AI and DataSpy™ – a unique data and privacy platform – further emphasize his dedication to fostering cooperative and educational minority-owned businesses.
A proud father of three, an enthusiastic explorer and hiker, and the honored recipient of the Shenandoah University Presidential Award, Stefan frequently graces stages as a keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness in tech.
Stefan Youngblood shines in his efforts to integrate marginalized communities into the AI realm, always championing the principled and community-centric progression of ideas.
Luke Peterson: Bio
3x founder with 2 exits, Luke is a Creative Technologist and Operator with expertise in commercializing Spatial Web and Realtime Web Applications.
He brings a unique blend of technology and finance experience to the Digital.Thing(s) team as President of Geenee inc and BuzzCast, Inc.
Alongside his creative and technical endeavors, Luke has a strong background in finance and banking, having held key positions such as Managing Director at Wells Fargo and First Republic Bank.
Vivian Gomes: Bio
Vivian is a hands-on, passionate, Human-Centered Design leader with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple aspects of the business of Strategy, Product & Service Design focused on making technology more human.
He loves building simple, intuitive, human-Centered products which enable delightful experiences for everyone in the real world.
Vivian Gomes is the Co-founder and Chief Design Officer at Human Factors Research and Design and SHNORH LLC a studio based in San Francisco.
He is an internationally respected Design leader, mentor and innovation evangelist.
Vivian believes that insights at the intersection of user needs, technology and business helps create highly effective and innovative products and solutions on the foundation of DESIGN. He exhibits extremely sharp natural curiosity and laser instincts in understanding human behaviour, helps in predicting outcomes with metric driven accuracy.
His work has impacts million of lives everyday. Products or solutions he has delivered are used every day around the world with delightful addictive experiences by users and customers across cultures, regions and people of all ages.
He is a regular speaker, mentor, juror and workshop facilitator at events around the world.
He is on boards of Academia, non-profit and enterprise boards to help create Human-Centered focus, a high priority, increase good design experience awareness, implement design strategies and help organizations build joyful experiences for their customers and users. He empowers teams to craft compelling stories and develops a solution’s design ecosystems across multiple mediums and devices for a connected, seamless joyful-user experience.
He is a highly experienced and practical hands-on Design professional who seamlessly works on digital, industrial and hybrid design solutions.
He drives creation of compelling product and solution portfolios for customers that include healthcare, Social innovation in community uplifting program design and application, AI, Retail, Oil & Gas, Smart Cities, Analytics, IT Security, data Science, GIS, payments/finance, social, search, eComm, startups, Cloud applications, Portals, IOT, mobile/telecom, wearables, AR/VR, voice and the engineering / automotive industry.
He works as a core member of the management teams to Institutionalize Design, focused on future of design driven needs, helping digital transformation through applicable design thinking, mentoring design managers/ leaders, setting up global design centers & design research labs in India, EUROPE, Asia, UK, Middle East and USA.
He has deep know how of cutting edge technology trends through his consistent work with communities, teaching initiatives and alliances. This enables him to bring innovative and disruptive design ideas to life while helping create a vision for organizations that delights users and profits their customers.
He is a Member of board of directors of the UXQCC, Austria, Cal Tech East Bay, Garranto Academy Singapore, UXPA Austria Accredited Professional, and on global forums and boards such as Google for Start-ups, Art Bridging Gap (ABG), LA, Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship at CMU, Designed.Org, and ADP list.
Alekh Johari: Bio
Alekh is a Designer, Technologist and an award winning short film maker who has always believed that Design and Technology combined can solve most of the problems in the world.
He is the founder of Anemoi Solution, a web3 focused, Design & Development services Organisation. Anemoi Solution helps companies and Institutions transition to web3 through Education and building apps on blockchain including Metaverses, NFT Marketplaces, AR/VR among other things.
He is creator of the show ‘The Future of WEB’ where he invites WEB3 Founders, Investors, Designers, Developers, community managers etc to talk about their product or services and how are they are impacting this space. He has been fortunate to have travelled to around 25 countries and work with the best in business around the world He has led projects for Events like London Olympics and Fifa World Cup for different broadcasters.
He is an advisor in 2 startups, one is working in Enhancing Mental Health and other is working towards making Mentorship available to Senior College students in Tier2 & Tier3 Cities.
He is a guest faculty in India’s pioneering institute of fashion education, NIFT, DELHI. He started working in VR / AR in 2007 in broadcast industry.
He has made some short films and won awards at fests of prestigious institutes like IIT Bombay.
He believes that the best way forward is through Education, community, trust & sustainable practices. He loves doing sessions on WEB3 and Growth Mindset for organizations and educational institutions.
Anil Altas Brug: Bio
Anil Altas Brug, Co-founder of Turboslow Web3 Agency Anil is a high-end Web3 consultant, mindful tech expert and Digital Artist.
She is someone who loves to combine the data story and the human story and is interested in making artwork that connects to the human spirit.
Her digital artworks have been exhibited at selected Exhibitions in Cannes Lions, Brussels Blockchain Week, She NFT Netherlands, Metaverse Fashion Week, World’s 1st International NFT Biennial, Tech.eu Summit, Future Go Tech Conference, London Shoreditch Art Gallery and Online Wellverse Summit.
She creates Web3 formats with an interdisciplinary approach focusing on the realm of real and digital worlds’ source codes to generate genuine projects for now and the future in Digital Fashion Design, Gaming, Entertainment Business, Science, Arts, Culture, Well-being, Blockchain and Immersive Technologies collaboration with innovative brands.
Her personal artworks have also been used as visuals at music festivals and concerts around Europe. As the co-founder of Turboslow Web3 Agency, Anil and her team support the female artists, giving more spaces to women artworks in curations, global digital and AI exhibitions and in prestigious events.
Additionaly, she supports the female artists to create and produce multidisciplinary digital art projects to believe the motto that, ‘We are Stronger Together’. She is a DLT Talent Mentor and NFT Talent at Frankfurt School Blockchain Center, mentor of SistersLab Young Women in Tech Program, the founder member of Crypto Female Germany, and a long-lasting member of International Breathwork Foundation.
She has been selected as the TOP Web3 Women in Central and Eastern Europe in 2023.
More about Anil’s AI artworks about womeninweb3 https://turboslownft.com/anil-altas-brug
Daniel Andreev: Bio
With a dynamic career spanning six years, I’ve honed my expertise in Product Management and emerged as a visionary leader in the field of Virtual Reality (VR).
My journey has been characterized by a relentless commitment to innovation and pursuing transformative solutions.
As a Product Manager, my vision is to develop transformational virtual experiences that deliver exceptional value to end users.
Fulfilling the promise of immersive technology to transform daily activities into compelling, memorable experiences.
My tenure at PsyTech VR as CPO has propelled me into the forefront of VR innovation.
I’ve spearheaded the development of self-guided mental health training in VR/MR, alongside groundbreaking VR telemedicine consultations.
This venture has not only garnered recognition as one of Frederick MD County’s Top 50 innovative businesses but has also forged partnerships with industry giants like PwC, Stanford University, and Sanofi.
My extensive global travels have further solidified my dedication to advancing the potential of VR technology in addressing critical mental health challenges.
Matt Fischer: Bio
As a seasoned Founder and skilled Business, Brand, and Innovation Strategist, I bring over 20 years of experience in starting, growing, and selling businesses, as well as coaching and consulting with hundreds of companies across diverse industries.
My journey in emerging technologies began in 2016 when I joined a cutting-edge XR firm, led by a renowned VFX leader known for his work on Hollywood blockbusters like Avatar, The Avengers, and The Hobbit.
At this firm, we spearheaded projects for major clients such as McDonald’s, Kellogg’s, and Walmart, establishing ourselves as early leaders in game design. Currently, as the CEO of AI Revolution Labs, I am excited about the fusion of AI and XR, particularly in the realm of text-to-world creation and enhancing NPC interaction in games.
My expertise extends to connected devices, virtual reality, augmented reality, AI, metaverse training, and Blockchain.
I have leveraged this knowledge to drive innovation and success for clients in construction, engineering, software, smart devices, aviation, automotive, electronics, real estate, and healthcare.
I hold a Master’s degree in Communications Strategy from Virginia Commonwealth University and have trained with some of the advertising industry’s luminaries, including the creators of the iconic Geico commercials.
My approach is fresh and dynamic, blending my extensive practical experience with a solid academic background to deliver unparalleled results.
I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on modern life, continually exploring new ways to revolutionize various sectors through technological innovation.
Kris Krüg: Bio
Hello there! I’m [Kris Krüg](https://www.kriskrug.co/), a digital pioneer, acclaimed photographer, creative technologist, author, and educator.
My journey has taken me from the sunny shores of California to the vibrant cityscape of Vancouver, where I share my life with my faithful companion, Baby Jesus. My mantra? “Technology is best when it brings people together,” and I strive to embody this ethos in every facet of my life.
My camera has been my passport to the world, capturing everything from the enchanting microcosm of salamanders, nudibranchs, and mushrooms to the grandeur of global icons like [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama), [Bill Clinton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Clinton), [Richard Branson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Branson), [Mikhail Gorbachev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Gorbachev), and [Shaquille O’Neal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaquille_ONeal). I have a particular fondness for the [biodiversity of Galiano](https://galianoconservancy.ca/), where I’ve documented a wide array of lifeforms, from plants and amphibians to mammals and birds, as well as numerous marine species found near my home on Active Pass. My work has been featured in a wide array of publications, including [National Geographic](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/), [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/), [Business Week](https://www.bloomberg.com/businessweek), [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/), the [LA Times](https://www.latimes.com/), [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/international), [The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/), [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/), [Fortune](https://fortune.com/), [WIRED](https://www.wired.com/), and many more. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a Photographer and Photo Editor at the [Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA)](https://www.seattlecca.org/), where I used my skills to document the organization’s journey, from the construction of new facilities to the pioneering work of doctors. In addition to my work with SCCA, I’ve been hired by and created photography for a diverse range of companies and projects, including [Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/), [American Express](https://www.americanexpress.com/), [Lululemon](https://shop.lululemon.com/), [Samsung](https://www.samsung.com/), [Red Bull](https://www.redbull.com/), [Johnson & Johnson](https://www.jnj.com/), [Getty Images](https://www.gettyimages.com/), the [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation](https://www.cbc.ca/), the [United Nations](https://www.un.org/), the [International Olympic Committee](https://www.olympic.org/), and many more. This extensive experience has allowed me to hone my skills and adapt to a variety of creative challenges, further enriching my portfolio and expanding my understanding of visual storytelling. As an author, I’ve penned two books: [“BitTorrent for Dummies”](https://www.amazon.com/BitTorrent-Dummies-Susannah-Gardner/dp/0470096004) and [“Killer Photos With Your iPhone”](https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Photos-Your-iPhone-Matthias/dp/0321771611), both of which are available on Amazon. These works reflect my commitment to using art and technology to tell stories, build communities, and drive change. In recent years, I’ve been exploring the intersection of art and artificial intelligence, hosting and facilitating several workshops exploring the power of generative AI in creative processes. I’ve also served as the Assistant Director for [Hornby Arts’ 10-episode Hornby Island documentary series](https://www.hornbyisland.com/), taking a deep dive into the importance of art and its power to affect us all. As a community manager at [Future in Review](https://www.futureinreview.com/), an advisory board member at [SXSW](https://www.sxsw.com/), and a mentor at [Reel Youth](https://reelyouth.ca/), I’ve had the opportunity to shape and influence the creative and technological communities. I’ve also shared my knowledge and expertise as an instructor at [Emily Carr University of Art and Design](https://www.ecuad.ca/) and as a professor at [Vancouver Film School](https://vfs.edu/).
I’ve amassed a portfolio of over 130,000 high-resolution photos, freely available under a [Creative Commons license](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/) for artists and non-profits to use, while still retaining the rights to sell these images to companies and corporations.
Welcome to my journey. Let’s explore together. And don’t forget to check out my website at [www.kriskrug.co](http://www.kriskrug.co/) for more of my work and projects.
Sabina NB: Bio
Sabina is a globally respected leader in strategic design and a well known HCD-UX specialist having played various roles while heading humanity impacting turnkey global projects across industries, technology, domains and a wide business environments.
Sabina teaches humanity-centered design research and is an expert at the delivery of business strategies, planning, budgeting, customer & consumer relations/retention, global liaisons with organizations, institutions and domain experts.
She has hands on experience in delivering on ground research in EMEA, APAC and US markets for over 20 years. Sabina has co-authored numerous courses on HCD-UX processes and methodologies.
She is a board member of 3 international studios and an acclaimed speaker, Google for Startups mentor and Advanced Design Thinking facilitator. Sabina is passionate about digital declutter and mindfulness.
She is a strong advocate of a balanced lifestyle while the world is moving everything to an AI centered living.
