2024 lineup

Jesse Cole, also known as “the guy in the yellow tuxedo” is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and the owner of the world-famous Savannah Bananas as well as the Party Animals and Firefighters.

With the mantra “Fans First. Entertain Always”, the Bananas are on a mission to Make Baseball Fun by creating the Greatest Show in Sports.

The team has sold out every game since their inaugural season in Savannah and has since grown a ticket waitlist of more than 2 million fans from all over the world.

With more than 15 million social media followers and features on such outlets as The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, HBO Real Sports and Access Hollywood in addition to Bananaland, a five-part documentary original series on ESPN+, the Savannah Bananas are just getting started.

Jesse is the proud inventor of the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball, Banana Ball. Banana Ball puts a fun twist on traditional baseball with new rules featuring a two-hour time limit, no walks, no bunting, no stepping out of the box, no mound visits and best of all, fans can catch a foul ball for an out.

He is the not-so-proud promoter of the Grandma Beauty Pageant, the Human Horse Race, the Living Pinata, and Flatulence Fun Night.

In addition to the wildly successful Banana Ball, Jesse continues to create raving fans all over the world as a best-selling author of “Fans First, Find Your Yellow Tux”, and as a highly sought-after international keynote speaker for some of the world’s largest and most respected organizations.

Most of all, Jesse is a raving fan of his wife, Emily, his 3 kids, and peerless promoters like Walt Disney and PT Barnum.

Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur and serves as theChairman of VaynerX, the CEO of VaynerMedia, and the Creator& CEO of VeeFriends. Gary is considered one of the leadingglobal minds on what’s next in culture, business, and theinternet.Known as “GaryVee,” he is described as one of the mostforward thinkers in business. He acutely recognizes trendsand patterns early to help others understand how shiftsin consumer attention impact the realities of the businessworld today. Gary’s approach sits at the intersection ofbusiness and pop culture. He keenly understands howto bring brand relevance to the forefront. He is a prolificangel investor with early investments in companies likeFacebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase,and Uber.Gary is an entrepreneur at heart – he builds businesses.Today, he helps Fortune 1000 brands leverageconsumer attention through his full-service advertisingagency, VaynerMedia, which has offices in New York,Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam,Sydney, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.VaynerMedia is part of the VaynerX holding company, whichalso includes Eva Nosidam Productions, Gallery Media Group,The Sasha Group, VaynerSpeakers, VaynerCommerce, andTingley Lane Trading. Gary is the Co-Founder of VaynerSports,VCR Group, VaynerWatt, ArtOfficial, Resy, and Empathy Wines.He guided Resy and Empathy to successful exits -- which he latersold to American Express and Constellation Brands, respectively.He also owns a Major League Pickleball team called the 5s, is partowner of a Big3 basketball team, and is an investor in the revivalof the SlamBall League.Gary is also the founder and creator of VeeCon – a contemporarysuper conference that converges business and pop culturewith innovation and technology. In addition to running multiplebusinesses, Gary documents his daily life as a CEO through hissocial media channels, which have more than 44 million followersand garner over 300 million monthly impressions/views across allplatforms. His podcast, “The GaryVee Audio Experience,” ranksamong the top podcasts globally

Johanna Faries was named President of Blizzard Entertainment in early 2024. In this role, Johanna oversees the company’s global portfolio, collaborating with a team of leaders from across Blizzard’s iconic game universes, as well as those leading development, strategy, technology, and story and franchise development.

Known for effectively building high-impact teams and driving scalable growth across a broad range of iconic franchises, Johanna brings deep commercial and brand leadership experience to some of the biggest franchises in entertainment. Prior to her current role, Johanna served as General Manager of Call of Duty, one of the biggest gamingand entertainment brands in the world and the number-one-selling console gaming franchise in the United States for more than a decade. Prior to joining Activision Blizzard, she began her career inthe sports industry, having served 12 years at the National Football League (NFL), holding various positions across marketing, league initiative strategy, fan and business development, and more. As Vice President of Club Business Development at the National Football League, Faries interfaced closely with NFL team owners and presidents to bolster their local businesses year-round.

A graduate of Harvard University, Faries was named one of Variety500 Business Leaders in 2023 and2022, Executive of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal for 2022, one of the Most PowerfulWomen in Sports by both Sports Illustrated and Adweek, and one of FORTUNE’s 40 Under 40 most influential business leaders. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Call of Duty Endowment as well Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission Advisory Board.

Throughout her career, Johanna has also held executive positions in a broad range of diversity and inclusion programs, as well as those focusing on career development and mentorship, and she continues to do so as Executive Champion of Activision Blizzard’s Black Employee Network.In her free time, Johanna participates in playing video games across multiple genre, daily yoga, supporting pro sports of all kinds, and spending time with loved ones.

Tracey Panek is the Historian for Levi Strauss & Co. and Director of Archives at the company’s world headquarters in San Francisco. She manages the day-to-day workings of the Levi Strauss & Co. Archives as a key corporate asset, answering historical questions, assisting designers, brand managers, executives and other employees whose work requires historical materials in the Archives. She regularly hunts for unique vintage Levi’s® garments and other unusual Levi’s® items to add to the Archives.

Tracey is a contributor to Unzipped, the company’s blog, writing about company history, vintage Levi’s® garments, and behind-the-scenes work in the Archives. She narrates the video series From the Levi’s® Archives on YouTube and From the Levi’s® Archives on TikTok. Tracey is the media spokesperson for Levi Strauss & Co. heritage.

‍

Bonin Bough is one of the foremost-awarded marketing executives in his field, the host of The Cleveland Hustles, and the author of Txt Me (646) 759-1837. Throughout his illustrious career as one of the youngest C-suite executives in a Fortune 50 company, Bonin has spearheaded some of the industry’s largest global marketing campaigns across digital, mobile, television, print, and experiential, including the premier of the first ever 3D printed food product, the customizable, real-time 3D printed Oreo at SXSW.

As the Chief Media & eCommerce Officer at Mondelēz International (formerly Kraft Foods), he created some of the first marketing programs across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Paramount Films, ABC, NBC, Fox, to name a few, and took precedence in fostering partnerships with startups including Instagram, Foursquare, and Buzzfeed. Prior to Mondelēz International, Bonin led digital marketing globally for PepsiCo, Weber Shandwick and Ruder Finn Interactive.

Laura Nestler has spent two decades transforming passionate fans into empowered growth-drivers. From Yelp to Duolingo to Reddit (where she's currently VP of Community), Laura has been behind some of tech’s most thriving communities and has cracked the code for cultivating communities that drive real value to the members and business. Laura has lived around the globe building teams and communities across diverse cultures and contexts, and now lives in the pacific northwest with her husband, three kids, and inveterate wanderlust.

‍

Amy Campbell, Chief Marketing Officer, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks, has played an instrumental role in MTV’s brand presence in her 20+ years at the company and now oversees marketing, creative, social and digital media across the entire SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios portfolio as well as Nickelodeon.

Amy sets the Marketing direction for all of these properties and brands, leading a team of cross-functional marketing – including social, production, planning and strategy – as well as creative talent to develop multi-platform campaigns that drive audience, subscriber growth and brand enrichment in partnership with divisions across the company. Additionally, she spearheads brand innovation for the group, driving consumer engagement across multiple platforms including continued experimentation with new methods for reaching young audiences.  

As CMO, Amy’s oversight leads the Brand Marketing operations across the portfolio, including scripted, unscripted, adult animation and late-night franchises including Yellowstone, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jersey Shore Family Vacation, South Park and The Daily Show. She also has driven the branding for iconic tentpoles VMAs and the MTV Movie & TV Awards.  

Amy has been an instrumental part of MTV’s legacy and award-winning social impact campaigns, from women's maternal health and social justice to civic action and mental health, including major recent initiatives such as "Mental Health Is Health," "Vote Early Day," "Mental Health Action Day" and "A.S.K."  

A mentor to many young people in the industry, Amy oversees Paramount's “ambassador program,” a diversity & inclusion initiative designed to recruit up and coming diverse talent in both the creative and production industry. Cablefax named Amy one of the Most Powerful Women in the industry in 2023, while Multichannel News honored her as one if its "Wonder Women of New York."

‍

James Lawrence is known as the Iron Cowboy. This is the nickname that he received from the public after he started to wear a cowboy hat during races to be recognized by his children. Originally from Calgary, Canada, he now lives in Utah with his wife Sunny, and their five children. With two Guinness world records under his belt, James and his family attempted to do something every person deemed impossible, the 50/50/50. But that didn’t fulfill him. As of June 8, 2021, James completed what the team likes to call the Conquer 100. 100 consecutive full distance triathlons. This journey was created to empower people around the world to do their own hard. Sports Illustrated ranked James in the top 50 fittest freaks with Lebron James and Connor McGregor, 2 of James' favorite athletes. RedBull declares that 'when it comes to endurance, he is unstoppable' and Success magazine named him 'The Most Enduring Man In The World'. He has redefined the definition of impossible, defied logic, and is here today to share his journey with you: ladies and gentlemen, James Lawrence, The Iron Cowboy.

Tara Bosch made Canadian history by scaling her company to be the fastest growing CPG brand created by a solo female founder...ever. When a love affair with candy devolved into an unhealthy relationship with food, Tara became inspired by a conversation with her grandmother about the detrimental effects of sugar. She soon dropped out of college to fulfill her dream: to create the future of candy. With distribution in over 180,000 stores across North America and over 5.6 billion grams of sugar kicked, she landed a $360M majority acquisition just 4 years after launching the company from her basement. As a leader, Tara is wildly passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and believes their big impact-driven visions are needed more than ever before in the world, leading her to create a first-of-its-kind initiative- Bold Beginnings. In addition to fostering connection and tailored support for Canadian entrepreneurs, Tara is working to normalize the feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and insecurities that all entrepreneurs face, while putting funds back into the ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs to bring their visions and companies to scale. Publicly, Tara has been recognized for how she beat the statistics of women in entrepreneurship not only by being a solo founder, but maintaining ownership of her brand, keeping gender parity on her board and scaling a team that has always been 80% female-identifying. She is the recipient of several entrepreneurial awards, including being named Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award, Forbes 30 under 30, Inc 30 under 30, and EY Entrepreneur of the Year’s National Product Innovation awardee. In the media, Tara’s work has been profiled in Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes,The Today Show, Fortune, the Globe and Mail, CNBC, and Business Insider.

Joe Cano is the Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Zappos.com, the experiential e-commerce and customer service company. In his executive role, Cano leads business development initiatives and focuses on improving the customer experience within the e-tailer’s product offerings, 360 marketing efforts, social strategy and innovating the product category review process, splitting his time between Los Angeles and Zappos headquarters in Las Vegas.

Cano, who has over 20 years of experience in e-commerce,  merchandising and marketing, most recently served as the GM of menswear, womenswear and accessories at Walmart.com, where he worked with the Jet.com and Walmart.com teams in New York.

Prior to Walmart, Cano’s leadership journey began as a Senior Director of Planning for Saks Fifth Avenue, where he quickly grew into the role of VP, Chief Site Merchant, creating strategic roadmaps for the advancement of Saks.com in the digital space.

After attending college, Cano worked at a software company, real estate company, and several retail stores before finally deciding to give corporate retail a try. While onboarding through Hot Topic’s corporate training program, he immediately fell in love with the

process of marrying data and products. Cano’s first big break was pitching the movie Twilight to his Vice President of Merchandise, predicting ahead of time that the franchise would explode to the cultural phenomenon it is today. He credits vampires for kick- starting his career.

Cano understands the importance of continuing to build upon the strength of Zappos’ brand partner relationships, and to help authentically tell customer stories through Zappos’ amazing brand partners’ products. Having experience in teen, luxury, and mass- market retail, he was determined to find a company with an amazing culture which led him to Zappos. The rest as they say is history!

Michael Smith is the Head of Brand Marketing for Starry at PepsiCo, where he plays a pivotal role in the brand's rapid success through innovative partnerships and strategic marketing. Under his leadership, Starry has become a prominent figure on the sidelines of NBA and WNBA games, recognized by its vibrant yellow and green logo.

With extensive experience in marketing both established and emerging brands, Michael brings a unique perspective shaped by his diverse career. He is adept at navigating the complexities of modern marketing, particularly in leveraging the power of digital and social media to saturate the market with engaging content.

Michael is committed to building great brands and better teams by integrating consumer-first thinking, clear product differentiation, and compelling brand storytelling. His expertise includes curating teams with the optimal blend of in-house talent and partner agencies, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to brand marketing. Through his work, Michael demonstrates the power of marketing to generate sustainable competitive advantages for consumer brands.

Liz Maglione is Vice President of Integrated Marketing Communications at Mattel. In her current role, Liz leads the Brand Creative and Account Management teams creating and delivering integrated brand campaigns for Barbie and Dolls, Games, Action Figures, Preschool Entertainment and Mega brands within the Mattel portfolio.

Liz began her career on the agency side before joining Mattel in 2007 as part of their in-house agency team, where she has brought a blend of strategic perspective and creative expertise to each of her roles and teams.  She has been instrumental in leading, launching, relaunching and reigniting brands in partnership with an incredibly talented team.  Her passion and commitment to great work has awarded her several advertising recognitions from an Effies to Clio and more.

Liz believes in the power of storytelling through advertising and our brand experiences, which is an important responsibility to empower future generations, especially young girls. Her most important job to date has been as mom to her curious-minded and tenacious daughter, which led Liz to being actively involved as an inaugural board member for the Parents at Mattel employee resource group and now serving as an executive sponsor. 

Liz received a Bachelor of Science from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration from University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business.

‍

Brian Jennings, the Executive Vice President of Marketing at the National Hockey League (NHL), is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in sports marketing. Throughout his career, Jennings has played a pivotal role in enhancing the NHL's global presence and fan engagement.

Under his guidance, the NHL has seen unprecedented success in reaching new audiences and expanding its fan base through innovative marketing campaigns. Jennings' visionary approach has leveraged digital platforms and emerging technologies to revolutionize fan experiences, driving interaction to new heights.

Jennings' strategic acumen extends to forging impactful partnerships with leading brands and organizations, amplifying the NHL's global reach and influence. His ability to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships has resulted in collaborations that generate substantial value for both the league and its partners.

Beyond marketing, Jennings has championed social responsibility initiatives within the NHL community, implementing charitable programs that make a meaningful impact. His dedication to leveraging the league's platform for positive social change reflects his commitment to using sports as a force for good.

Prior to his role at the NHL, Jennings held key positions in sports and entertainment, refining his skills in marketing, branding, and business development. His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the sports landscape, enabling him to navigate challenges with agility and foresight.

Jennings' thought leadership in sports marketing has earned him recognition and respect within the industry. He is a passionate advocate for the power of sports to inspire and unite people, driving the NHL's success on a global scale.

Throughout his career, Jennings has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the sports industry. His unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation has garnered admiration from colleagues, peers, and fans alike.

As Executive Vice President of Marketing for the NHL, Brian Jennings remains committed to advancing the league's mission and vision, ensuring its continued growth and success. His leadership continues to shape the future of sports marketing, leaving an indelible mark on the NHL and the wider sports community.

‍

Proactive, visionary leader with proven track record of driving dynamic business results – from smaller, high risk portfolios to managing $600MM operations and strategy. Broad based experience in marketing, strategy, insights, digital, data and engineering roles resulting in a unique mix of analytic skills and strong consumer understanding. Energetic leader and mentor with entrepreneurial spirit; proven strength leading and developing 40+ member teams.

Industries: Consumer Packaged Goods, Technology, Automotive, Retail, QSR

Core Competencies: Marketing, Strategic Planning & Execution, Customer Experience, Data Driven Marketing, Unified Marketing Analytics, Zero Based Budgeting, Re-invention, Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Sales and Business Acquisition, Digital Transformation, New Channel and e-Commerce Development, Integrated Multi-Media Marketing, P&L / Budget Management, Talent Development & Recruiting

‍

Tyler Williams is currently a Development Officer (some call this role a Night Mayor) for the City of Las Vegas. A role in which he champions new and redevelopment projects for the cities Economic and Urban Development Department. This role supports the Mayor, City Council, and the City Managers office as they execute on behalf of their customers (the citizens of Las Vegas). Developing new and existing land, creating process improvements, and helping shape public policies that increase wealth and prosperity, provide needed services, entertain, feed, educate, keep safe, and inspire city residents.

Tyler developed the foundation for his current role over a 12 year tenure at Zappos. An online shoe retailer owned by Amazon famous for its employee culture and unmatched customer service. Starting in the call center, he quickly moved from New Hire Trainer to their very first Fungineer. Then heading up their Brand Marketing as Head of Brand Aura, and eventually resigning from Zappos as their Director of Brand Experience. Wowing employees, customers, community, and shareholders was his ultimate purpose.

Before joining Zappos, Tyler was a touring musician, drumming for various rock bands that toured the country. He brings his passion for music, fun, and creativity to everything he does. Tyler's mission is to help foster strong cultures of authentic belonging that enrich people's lives.

In his free time, Tyler keeps the good times rolling. With a love for all things Viking culture, his hobbies include ax throwing, archery, and oarsmanship (rafting). And of course, once a musician, always a musician, he loves writing and recording music. Beyond the drums, Tyler also plays guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, piano, and harmonica!

Married to his high school sweetheart for 18 years, Tyler and his wife are proud paw-rents to their rescue dogs, teacup Shih Tzu/Yorkie mixs named Petunia & Sunflower.

Known as a creative disruptor and strategic storyteller, Jess’ thirteen-year career with PepsiCo has taken a non-traditional approach to successfully grow some of Frito Lay’s and Quaker’s most iconic brands. Her passion for integrating purpose
in every fabric of her work, has led to championing breakthrough marketing campaigns and helping to reconnect brands with the consumers who love them most. She’s recently helped bring to light Canada’s unique soccer fandom through Frito Lay’s “Made for the Moment” campaign during the FIFA World Cup. She also launched the expansion of the Stacy’s Rise Program in Canada, for the first time ever.

Jess has been honoured and featured in industry and trade publications such as AdAge, Fast Company, Cannes Lion, Emmy’s, Strategy, REGGIE, ANDYs and One Show. She’s also received the Global PepsiCo Harvey C. Russell Diversity &
Inclusion award for the Stacy’s Rise Project and multiple BAM awards for Cheetos marketing and innovation. Her journey started in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in Strategic Communications. Jess is committed on using her scale and reach to create a path that enables future generations to thrive.

She is a proud aunt to 10 nieces and nephews, a supporter of Arsenal FC and an avid sneaker head.

Xanthe’s sweet spot is transforming brandside internal creative teams from under-leveraged creative services departments into world-class internal agencies capable of delivering the same level of work as the world’s best agencies. She is leading her third brandside transformation now at Pinterest as VP of Global Creative under CMO Andrea Mallard.

Since arriving at Pinterest, Xanthe has been driving the brand's creative reinvention through work ranging from widely-recognized events & experiences, including the Cannes Manifestival, to the the launch of the new global platform “It’s Possible” in 2023, followed by the release of the company’s beloved brand campaign in 2024. To anyone familiar with Pinterest’s work, her leadership of the creative has signaled a  major step change to the industry, not only in creative quality, but results, beating all previous benchmarks and delivering unprecedented ROI.

She took on a similar challenge at Google prior to coming to Pinterest. When she took over the Google Devices and Services creative team as Global ECD in March 2018, she worked to build out the team’s capabilities, uplevel the creative quality and earn the trust of her marketing stakeholders, leading to the decision to bring most of the work in-house, saving the company millions of dollars over the 5 years of her tenure. Xanthe and her team were responsible for delivering the global creative work across 8 markets and 5 categories for every hardware and service launch for the following brands: Google Pixel, Google Nest, Stadia, Google Fi and Google One.

Her team’s hard work culminated in the Brand Side Agency of the Year, in both the One Show and Art Directors Club award shows in 2022 as well as a Grand Prix in Cannes for Real Tone on Google Pixel.

The team also earned Google the Brand of the Year award in both One Show and ADC, the CMO Pencil for One Show, Best of Discipline at One Show and the coveted D&AD Black Pencil. Before becoming ECD of Google Devices & Services, Xanthe served as Global Creative Director at Nest, where she helped earn the brand several national accolades in major award shows while transforming the internal team’s position within the company and the industry.

Xanthe spent the formative part of her career at TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles 2006-2013 where she spent seven years learning from legendary creative director Lee Clow. At Chiat, Xanthe had the opportunity to work on Pepsi, PlayStation, WaMu, Diet Pepsi, Kraft and Pinkberry, where she started as an art director and left as a creative director. Before making the leap to brandside creative, Xanthe served as Partner &  Chief Creative Officer of Pitch, a boutique agency in LA, an agency she helped boost into the national spotlight leading to the agency’s acquisition by Project Worldwide in 2014.

Xanthe has been recognized as an AdAge "Woman to Watch," AdAge "40 Under 40” in 2015 and Business Insider’s  "30 Most Creative Women in Advertising." Outside of her job, Xanthe is co-founder of Whipshots by Cardi B. An art director by trade, she was born and raised in the heart of San Francisco and is now a single mom living in Los Altos with her two kids.

Bill Neff is the Head of Marketing at YETI, where he leads the company's global marketing strategies and initiatives. His innovative approach to brand development has significantly enhanced YETI's market presence and community engagement.

Bill joined YETI in 2015 and has since held various critical roles, including Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Customer Experience, Vice President of Marketing for EMEA, and Vice President of Consumer Marketing. These roles have allowed him to drive YETI’s brand growth and reputation for high-quality outdoor lifestyle products​.

One of Bill's notable contributions is the "YETI Presents" film series, which emphasizes the brand's commitment to storytelling and community. This initiative has helped YETI connect deeply with its audience by celebrating outdoor adventures and the communities that thrive within them.

Before joining YETI, Bill gained extensive marketing experience at SITKA Gear, 901 Tequila, and Under Armour. His career began as an Assistant Buyer at May Department Stores, highlighting his long-standing dedication to the field of marketing.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Truman State University. His passion for the outdoors and deep understanding of consumer behavior make him a key figure in YETI’s ongoing success and growth

Chris has 16 years of marketing experience in CPG, sports and start-ups and is a graduate of UCLA's Anderson School of Management. He began his career leading media strategy and advertising for the Houston Astros and spent a year at an early-stage sports-tech start-up during his time in Houston. After getting his MBA at UCLA, he worked at General Mills in Minneapolis, MN for 5 years where he had brand management roles working on Yoplait, Nature Valley and the snacks portfolio in innovation, customer strategy and base business/P&L roles.

He has been with The Coca-Cola Company for three years, first leading portfolio strategy on the Sparkling flavors business (Sprite, Fanta) and has been the Sr Brand Director, Coca-Cola portfolio strategy for the last year and a half.

Melissa Rosenthal is a media and tech executive dedicated to building a platform that addresses the challenges she's encountered throughout her career.

Melissa has held significant leadership roles, including Chief Creative Officer at ClickUp, Chief Marketing Officer at Insight Timer, Chief Revenue Officer at Cheddar, and Vice President of Creative at BuzzFeed. Her achievements have been recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Business Insider’s 30 Most Creative People Under 30, and Digiday’s "Changemakers."

With a deep passion for net new value creation, Melissa is driven by the mission to empower brands to own the conversations that matter most to them while effectively reaching their ideal customers. This passion led her to co-found Outlever, a company that transforms brands into the #1 news source in their industry. Through Outlever, Melissa enables brands to own critical conversations at an unprecedented scale, establish true authority, and connect with key audiences in meaningful ways.

Simply put, Melissa Rosenthal opens a net-new marketing and sales channel for ROI-focused B2B and B2C brands.

Chris Kneeland is an advisor, brand builder, marketer, revenue generator, profit producer, and thought provoker. He is an enabler of big ideas and ideal experiences and a dedicated enthusiast of cult brands. At his core, Kneeland is a teacher who finds his greatest joy in learning and helping others apply new principles or concepts.

Co-founder of Cult, Kneeland established the company to assist business owners and brand leaders in elevating their thinking about the possibilities for their companies and careers. This mission is rooted in his extensive research into the world's most cult-like brands. Kneeland is driven by a daily commitment to making businesses more deserving of brand advocates who not only purchase more but also buy into the brand’s ethos.

Kneeland combines a unique blend of data-driven insights and instincts to enhance customer and employee experiences, ultimately fostering stronger brand attachment. His professional purpose centers on helping businesses become more successful and significant by engaging customers, prospects, and staff on a deeper emotional level. Through empathy and expertise, Kneeland and his team assist organizations in creating better products, programs, and value propositions that boost brand relevance and make their offerings irresistible.

Kneeland’s approach emphasizes not just communication but meaningful interaction, striving for clear and compelling engagement that leads to category dominance. He finds fulfillment in significantly improving the trajectory of companies and elevating people's understanding of their true potential.

In summary, Chris Kneeland is a strategic leader dedicated to helping businesses achieve greater success and significance through enhanced brand engagement and customer experiences. His passion for teaching and his expertise in building cult-like brands make him a valuable asset in the marketing community.

Jennifer Rooney is an award-winning innovator, curator, and connector among the world’s leading CMOs and beyond. She has built a professional reputation as a trusted, unbiased thought leader, trend-tracker, and visionary. With over 25 years of experience as a business journalist covering the advertising, marketing, and branding industries, as well as executive-level marketing decision-makers, she possesses a deep understanding of the marketing industry's dynamics and leadership.

Jennifer has successfully launched multiple initiatives, platforms, series, and events for CMOs, other C-suite executives, and the broader advertising and marketing community. Through interviews with hundreds of marketing leaders, participation in the marketing industry's foremost alliances, summits, and organizations, and collaboration with premier business schools nationwide, she has cultivated an extensive and valuable network of relationships with the most influential global chief marketers, business leaders, educators, and futurists.

Currently serving as the Chief Experience Officer at Adweek, Jennifer is tasked with bringing a community-first lens to all of Adweek's activities. She creates new initiatives, resources, and experiential offerings to better connect with and serve marketing decision-makers and the overall marketing ecosystem, building consistency and value across all touchpoints.

Previously, Jennifer served as Managing Director and Cofounder of CMO House at Black Glass, an IPG marketing consultancy, where she advised CMOs and provided them with essential resources and access to excel. Prior to that, she spent 10 years at Forbes as Communities Director, Assistant Managing Editor, and Editor and Chair of the CMO Network. In these roles, she managed content and events critical to executive-level marketing decision-makers, particularly the annual Forbes CMO Summit. She also led the Forbes CMO Video Interview Series, the World’s Most Influential CMOs list, the Forbes CMO University Alumni Series, and conceived and launched Forbes CMO Next, an annual list of 50 game-changing CMOs, as well as the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Marketing and Advertising list.

As Editorial Communities Director, Jennifer created and launched the Forbes CxO practice, spotlighting C-suite executive collaboration. She also co-hosted Wharton Business Radio’s monthly “CMO Spotlight” show on SiriusXM for seven years and consults with universities on marketing-curriculum development. Jennifer is a recipient of the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award.

Ian Trombetta serves as Senior Vice President of Social, Influencer, and Content Marketing for the NFL. In this role, Ian oversees the integration of social strategies and content development across all social platforms for the League, Player, Collegiate, and Club handles. He is also responsible for developing an entirely new Influencer Marketing Department with a mission of creating authentic initiatives which leverage the platform of the NFL to reach priority audiences. Over the past three years, the NFL has continued to modernize their approach particularly against GenZ, GenA, and diverse audience segments through enhanced use of their ecosystem. In addition, Ian’s Content Marketing Group is responsible for creating promotional assets that span across broadcast, digital, social, sponsorship, and more. 

Ian joined the NFL from Activision Blizzard Inc., where he served as the Global Vice President of Consumer Marketing under the now NFL CMO, Tim Ellis. Considered the “jack of all trades”, Ian was responsible for overseeing consumer marketing, digital/social, events, and strategic brand/influencer partnerships. Under Ian’s leadership at Activision, they launched the #1 and #2 global console titles in 2017 Call of Duty WWII and Destiny 2.

Prior to joining Activision, Ian was the Head of Brand Marketing at Red Bull North America during record years in total volume and revenue growth. In that role he oversaw all brand, paid media, sampling, collegiate, product, and consumer insights while achieving record growth for the company throughout his tenure.

Ian spent the early portion of his career on the agency side at agencies such as TBWA Chiat / Day working with brands that included Taco Bell and XM Satellite Radio. He is a passionate marketer who infuses his love for the NFL with his strong desire to continue modernizing the league as it enters the next 100 years of football.

Over her 20 year trajectory, Jillian has become one of North America’s leading brand strategists in the rapidly evolving sport and entertainment industry. With an entrepreneurial and creative mindset, she has worked with leading brands such as the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center, Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders, Calgary2026 Olympic Bid, and Nike Canada to amplify fan engagement and build enterprise value.

In her current role as Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, Jillian has led a highly successful transformation agenda over the past six seasons with record growth in ticket sales, retail revenue, and sponsorship value. Situated in one of the most highly competitive sports and entertainment markets in North America, Jillian’s creative and production teams have consistently developed and executed award-winning brand and content strategies, recognized as a best-in-class across the National Hockey League.

Jillian’s brand leadership in the sport and entertainment industry exemplifies the power of true integration across platforms: from grassroots community initiatives, venue assets, and sponsorship activation to influencer engagement, in-game experiences and digital storytelling. She has led accelerated pivots to digital value creation for NHL teams and entertainment venues through richly integrated layers that drive the evolution of live and virtual fan experiences.

With a lifelong passion for community service, Jillian brings the same focus and purpose to align brand engagement objectives with corporate social purpose initiatives to drive impact and connection, with a dedication to female-empowerment through sport. Her leadership in supporting expansion of youth hockey and growth initiatives throughout New Jersey has delivered unprecedented investment in e-gaming, rink refurbishments, and minor hockey partnerships including a new U12 girls hockey club.

‍

Veronica Romney is a 16+ year marketing leadership expert, international speaker, podcast host, and the proud creator of the Rainmaker Residency™ programs. As a former Speaker and Trainer for Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi, Chief of Staff at BossBabe, Director of Marketing Suite Products for a $2B evaluated software company, and former Marketing Agency Owner, she’s had the privilege of witnessing the marketing industry's evolution firsthand from every angle possible.

Whether through keynotes, workshops, or strategic consultations, Veronica’s mission is to empower marketing teams not only to perform better and generate record-breaking revenue results but also reignite their passion for their work, fostering a culture of proactivity and long-term commitment within their companies.

When not helping her members and private clients “make it rain”, you can find her hosting the Rainmaker Podcast, writing her upcoming marketing + leadership book, and wrangling her two man cubs in the beautiful oak trees of North Carolina.

‍

IN-Q is a professional spoken word artist, Emmy nominated lyricist, multi-platinum songwriter, world renowned keynote speaker, and the best-selling author of the poetry book “Inquire Within”. His career started in Los Angeles, over 25 years ago, where he was one of the original members of the historic open-mic Da Poetry Lounge. He has also been featured on HBO's Def Poetry Jam and won the National Poetry Slam Championships along with his team in 2004.

Other notable achievements include being named to Oprah's SuperSoul 100 list of the world's most influential thought leaders, being the first spoken word artist to perform with Cirque du Soleil, and being featured on A&E, ESPN and Verses & Flow.

Countless audiences around the world have been inspired through his performances and storytelling workshops. Many of his poetry videos have gone viral with over 60 million views combined, and his stand-up poetry special, IN-Q - Live at the Ace Theatre, streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

The Never Ending Now, his recent spoken word album and poetry journal, explore the importance of creativity for emotional and mental wellbeing.

Rodney Rambo is the Global Chief Marketing Officer of Converse, where he leads the brand's worldwide marketing strategy. Known for his innovative approach, Rodney has spearheaded several high-profile campaigns, including the "Sneakers Would" campaign, which successfully brought the Converse brand to a broader European audience through creative collaborations​​.

Before becoming the Global CMO, Rodney served as Vice President of North America Brand Marketing. His leadership has been crucial in reinforcing Converse's image as an iconic and youthful brand, continuing the legacy of the Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker​.

Rodney's work emphasizes authentic storytelling and engaging consumer experiences, helping Converse maintain its position as a leading brand in the global market. His strategic vision and dedication to brand development make him a key figure in the company's ongoing success.

Evin Shutt is the Global CEO of 72andSunny, where she leads the agency's sports clients, primarily focusing on the NFL. She co-pilots the innovative Sports Brand Strategy service and played a key role in the creation of Sport Beach at Cannes 2024. Evin also co-produced one of the most iconic Nike Soccer ads of all time. As a business leader, she helped bring in 72’s first sports clients, including Nike, Quiksilver/Roxy, and 2K Sports. A former Division 1 volleyball player at Drake University, Evin stays connected to sports by coaching youth flag football. Her achievements have earned her a place in the Advertising Hall of Achievement.

‍

Jason White is the President of Wieden+Kennedy, a globally renowned advertising agency known for its innovative and impactful campaigns. With a rich background in creative leadership, Jason drives the agency's strategic vision, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence. Before joining Wieden+Kennedy, Jason served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Beats by Dre, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's identity and global presence. His dynamic approach and keen understanding of the industry have propelled Wieden+Kennedy to new heights, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the advertising world. Under Jason's stewardship, the agency continues to deliver groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences and sets the benchmark for creativity in advertising.

As President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Artis Stevens takes the helm of the organization at a critical moment for our nation’s youth. The youngest in a large family with limited resources, Artis was surrounded with positive relationships that inspired his potential. The son and grandson of preachers, he often shares, his calling for the past 25 years has focused on empowering young people.

As the first Black CEO in BBBSA’s 100+ year history, Artis sees this historic announcement as fuel to break more barriers. He previously served as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer for National 4-H Council, and the National Vice President, Marketing, Strategy & Operations at Boys & Girls Club of America. An award-winning non-profit marketing leader with a passion for building purpose-driven brands, boards, and teams, Artis’ experience has also led to transformational outcomes in fundraising and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Michelle is a marketing and strategy leader with over 30 years of experience developing and inspiring financial institutions and organizations to put clients at the center, grow market share, reinforce brand leadership, build customer and stakeholder loyalty and cross-sell products and services. At First Citizens Bank, she orchestrates marketing and client experience functions to effectively serve the bank's clients and generate tangible business outcomes.

Previously,Michelle served as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for Silicon Valley Bank for the last 11 years, steering initiatives to advance SVB’s mission to increase the probability of its innovative clients’ success. Understanding the unique needs of the global innovation economy, Michelle strengthened SVB’s client experience capabilities by building teams focused on strategy alignment, experience design and customer insights. Under Michelle’s leadership, SVB launched its “Make Next Happen Now” campaign to tell the stories of the entrepreneurs behind SVB’s clients and its “Yes, SVB” campaign to reestablish trust in the brand after its acquisition by First Citizens Bank.  

Before joining SVB, Michelle spent nearly two decades at Charles Schwab as the company grew from 3,000 to 14,000 employees. As a member of the senior management team responsible for business-to-business enterprises, she oversaw a range of functions from advertising to brand management and client communications.Michelle also served as a director of investor services segment marketing, and vice president of advisor services marketing programs, developing marketing strategies for both the retail and institutional sides of the business.

Jason Dillon is a highly strategic and entrepreneurial professional with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing, advertising, and business development. Currently serving as the Head of Business Expansion at Knorex, Jason leads initiatives to drive the company's growth in the digital advertising and marketing technology space. His expertise spans various domains including, AdTech, strategic planning, and analytics. Jason has a proven track record of driving growth, improving campaign performance, and expanding client portfolios. He has developed and implemented strategic plans that resulted in double-digit revenue increases, improved lead generation, and higher win rates in RFP processes.

Before his tenure at Knorex, Jason held senior leadership positions at prominent organizations such as The New York Times, EAB Global, Berkshire Hathaway Media, and Scripps Media. His career is marked by his ability to mentor and motivate teams, develop comprehensive business strategies, and utilize data-driven approaches to achieve outstanding results. With a wealth of experience in B2B and B2C communications, CRM, and digital marketing, Jason is a critical asset to any organization seeking to drive growth and innovation in digital marketing.

With over 15 years of experience as a wellness professional, Randelle Lusk brings a rich blend of expertise as a yoga teacher, meditation guide, conscious leadership coach, and somatics educator. Drawing from her extensive studies and personal journey, she founded Rare Method, a somatic-informed approach that weaves together movement, meditation, and self-inquiry to support nervous system health and foster lasting transformation, both personally and professionally.

Adam Garone is a seasoned leader with a diverse background spanning military service, technology, and philanthropy. His journey began with a distinguished career in the Australian Army, where he honed his leadership skills and gained invaluable experience in operations management within the Australian special forces. Transitioning to the tech industry, Adam immersed himself in roles focused on the development, management, and marketing of emerging web and mobile technologies. It was during this time that he developed a passion for harnessing technology to create innovative and profitable business models.

In 2003, Adam's life took a transformative turn when his brother challenged him to grow a mustache for the inaugural Movember campaign. This seemingly simple challenge inspired Adam and his co-founders to establish Movember as a global men's health movement, foundation, and initiative. Since its inception, Movember has had a profound impact, raising awareness and funds for men's health issues worldwide.

As CEO of Movember from its inception, Adam played a pivotal role in shaping the organization into one of the most innovative and impactful charities of the millennium. Under his leadership, Movember revolutionized the philanthropic sector by infusing fundraising efforts with creativity and fun, cultivating a cult brand that mobilized a global movement for men's health. Adam's strategic vision also transformed cancer research by fostering unprecedented levels of collaboration on a global scale.

Adam's leadership and contributions were recognized when Movember was named one of the Top 100 Best NGOs in the world by the Global Journal since 2013, a testament to the organization's remarkable achievements under his guidance. In June 2016, after thirteen years as CEO, Adam made the decision to step down from his role, leaving behind a lasting legacy of impact and innovation.

Today, Adam's passion lies in collaborating with organizations at the intersection of profit and purpose, leveraging his expertise to drive transformative global movements. Through his continued dedication to making a difference, Adam Garone remains a driving force for positive change in the world.

‍

With over 14 years of experience in the natural food industry, James Boettcher is dedicated to fostering a culture and community that supports and empowers his team, customers, and partners. As the Chief Empowerment Officer and Custodian of Culture at Righteous Gelato, James leads with a compelling vision, clear communication, and unwavering determination, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence.

James has a proven track record of success in business planning, marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship, highlighted by his numerous awards, including the 2018 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, the ATB We Grow Alberta Award, and the Cut Red Tape Award. As a leader within a certified B Corporation, he is committed to social and environmental responsibility, believing that shared food experiences have the power to build communities, support small businesses, and transform spaces. This belief also led him to co-found Taiko Canteen and YYCFoodTrucks, two innovative ventures that celebrate the diversity and creativity of the local food scene.

‍

Get ready to experience comedy like never before with John Heffron, the sought-after corporate comedian who turns everyday life into a hilarious and relatable narrative. As a seasoned stand-up performer with a keen eye for the nuances of human behaviour, John’s humour resonates deeply, making him a perfect fit for The Gathering in Banff, Canada.

John’s comedic journey is a testament to his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. Having appeared on virtually everything you can be on—from major television networks to top-tier comedy specials—John has become a familiar face in the comedy world. His performances are more than just a series of jokes—they are a masterclass in storytelling, where each punchline is a thread that ties together the shared experiences of his audience.

As a highly sought-after comedian in the corporate world, John has performed at thousands of events, consistently finding the light in life to laugh about. His unique approach not only entertains but also brings people together, making him a top choice for companies looking to inspire and engage their teams. His knack for turning universal experiences into moments of shared humor makes him a perfect addition to The Gathering, where the power of connection and brand loyalty is celebrated.

At The Gathering, John will bring his unique brand of humour to an audience of innovators, leaders, and creatives, providing a fresh perspective on the power of connection through laughter. Just as The Gathering celebrates brands that cultivate deep loyalty, John’s comedy fosters a sense of community, making people feel seen, understood, and, most importantly, entertained.

Whether you’re a brand builder looking for new ways to engage your audience or a creative soul seeking inspiration, John Heffron’s performance is not to be missed. Join us for an evening of laughter and insight as John brings his comedic brilliance to the heart of Banff.

‍

As the US Chief Marketing Officer at JLR North America, Charlotte combines her background in psychology with a passion for understanding and influencing consumer behaviour. Joining JLR in 2022 as the Director of Transformation and Analytics, she spearheaded a movement to create personalized, omnichannel shopping journeys for the company’s modern luxury clients, before being promoted to US CMO within the same year.

Prior to her tenure at JLR, Charlotte devoted 15 years to driving consumer psychology initiatives and global branding programs in the media and automotive industries, holding several global marketing positions at General Motors and new product innovation at Turner Broadcasting. She then served as of one of the world's first "Chief Behavioural Officers" at Maritz, where she played a crucial role in designing incentive systems for Fortune 500 companies. Recognized for her thought leadership and field research, she was honoured as a Visionary by Incentive Magazine and acknowledged as one of the 25 Most Influential People in the incentive industry in 2016. Her dedication to field research is further showcased in her TEDx talk, 'Lead Like a Scientist,' advocating for experimentation to enhance workforce incentives and motivation.

Charlotte holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. She recently happily relocated with her husband and two young daughters to her cherished and spooky hometown of Sleepy Hollow, NY.

Dr. Marie Claire Bourque guides seekers, achievers and high-performers to uncover what’s possible and reach their true potential. An accredited psychiatrist and internationally acclaimed speaker and educator, she blends her expertise in human behaviour with an energetic presence to deliver her work.

A champion for authenticity, Dr. MCB’s vocation is leading others toward values-aligned living. First, through her own inner-work and then as a mental health consultant for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine, and as a Clinical Instructor at UBC's School of Medicine, she uncovered a passion for helping others move through fear to flow. 

‍

She was previously President of one of  Medical Staff of Canada’s largest teaching hospitals, and corporate medical director of Cleveland Clinic Canada.  She’s worked with leaders in companies such as the National Ballet of Canada, Amazon, EY, TC Energy, Purolator, TD, RBC and Scotiabank. 

‍

Nic Beique is the CEO and Founder of Helcim, a company dedicated to revolutionizing payment experiences for merchants. With a deep-seated passion for his work, Nic leads an extraordinary team committed to innovation and excellence. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in Helcim's growth and success, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that simplify and enhance payment processes for businesses of all sizes. Under Nic's guidance, Helcim continues to set new standards in the industry, consistently delivering outstanding service and value to its clients.

Jordyn Poulter is an American professional volleyball player. A graduate of the University of Illinois, she set her team to a Final Four appearance in 2018 and received Big Ten and All American honors all four years of her collegiate career. As a pro, she had played five seasons in the Italian League Serie A1 with multiple Champions League appearances. She has represented the United States on the international stage, contributing to her team's success in various competitions, including multiple podium finishes in FIVB Volleyball Nations League, World Cup and the Olympic Games. Jordyn was the youngest player on the roster and starting setter for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the USA women won their first gold medal in program history, and was named Best Setter. In December of 2022 she had a significant knee injury, tearing her ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus. After being sidelined for eighteen months, she worked her way back to earn a spot on the 2024 Paris Olympic team where she led the team as the starting setter and captain, to a silver medal.

She is a founding athlete and investor for League One Volleyball. Jordyn will play in the league’s inaugural season for the LOVB Salt Lake City team in January of 2025.

‍

Carlton Braithwaite serves as the Senior Director of Business Growth at GoodLife Fitness Clubs, where he leads the development of sales, service, and retention strategies across Canada. With a keen focus on data-driven methodologies, Braithwaite continuously refines and enriches the experience for both associates and members alike.

His overarching mission is to create unparalleled experiences that not only meet but exceed expectations, thereby further solidifying GoodLife's brand, image, and reputation as a leading fitness provider in Canada. Through innovative approaches and strategic initiatives, Braithwaite strives to enhance the overall value proposition offered by GoodLife Fitness Clubs, ensuring sustained growth and customer satisfaction.

With a wealth of experience in sales, service, and business development, Braithwaite brings a unique blend of expertise to his role. His commitment to excellence and dedication to leveraging data insights to drive business success have positioned him as a trusted leader within the organization.

Braithwaite's strategic vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within GoodLife Fitness Clubs. His leadership and collaborative spirit inspire teams to achieve their full potential, resulting in tangible outcomes that propel the company forward.

As Senior Director of Business Growth, Carlton Braithwaite remains steadfast in his commitment to driving innovation and delivering exceptional experiences that elevate GoodLife Fitness Clubs to new heights of success. His unwavering dedication to excellence and passion for enhancing the customer experience continue to set the standard for excellence within the fitness industry.

‍

DIANA FLORES is the Captain and Quarterback of Mexico’s World Champion National Flag Football team. Flores also serves as a highly sought after game analyst and sports broadcaster for major networks like FOX Deportes and Univision, including coverage of Super Bowl LVIII. Working alongside the NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) as the sport’s Global Ambassador, Flores seeks to advance Flag’s reach internationally.

A flag football superstar, Flores has competed in numerous national and international tournaments, representing Mexico on the world stage. She has won several awards and accolades throughout her career, including four National Titles since 2017, a Bronze World Cup Medal in 2016, a Silver Medal in 2021, Best Offensive Player at the World Flag Football Championship in Panama in 2018, and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2022 World Games where she led her team to a Gold Medal.

Flores was also recently recognized by FORBES MAGAZINE in their prestigious "30 Under 30" List for the Class of 2024. She also served as the Offensive Coordinator for the AFC at the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games – alongside head coach, Peyton Manning— and was the featured star in the NFL’s Super Bowl LVII advertisement, “Run With It," which won an Emmy in 2023.

‍

Simon Cazelais is Vice-President of Global Brand Strategy and Innovation at BRP. He manages a global portfolio of brands such as Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Can-Am, and Lynx, overseeing Global CX Strategy, Brand Strategy and Consumer Engagement. In 2019, he launched the BRP’s commercial innovation lab, BRP-X, and its first incubated venture, Uncharted Society, a global powersports adventure service.

He has been working in the field of marketing and communication for over 15 years. For nearly a decade he worked at Bleublancrouge, one of the largest Canadian independent advertising agency, where he held the role of VP Strategy and Development and of President and Partner. During his 9 years at Bleublancrouge, he supported companies in their strategic development, growth and transformation. In 2018 he became Head of Growth and Business Development at Lune Rouge Venture Fund before joining BRP in April 2019.

Simon has also taught the performance of sponsorship programs at HEC Montreal as well as at the University of Montreal for several years in his capacity.

His work has been recognized on numerous occasions such as the Cassies, Créa, Boomerang, Strat and Marketing Awards. In 2017, he won the prestigious Marketer on the Rise award from the American Marketing Association. Since 2018, he sits on the Board of Directors of Collège Notre-Dame.

Kathryn Dobbs is the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Dobbs leads the club's efforts to grow the Blue Jackets brand, broaden the fan base, and integrate the club's collective marketing initiatives, including branding, promotions, event presentation, broadcasting, communications, community and fan development. Dobbs was promoted to the position in December 2018 after serving as the club's vice president of community development and executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for three years.

In 2017, Dobbs was named to the 40 Under 40 list by Columbus Business First and was recognized again in 2020 as a most admired executive.

Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Dobbs spent more than a dozen years as a senior-level executive with the YMCA organization in multiple locations around the United States. The Northern Ontario native is a graduate of the University of North Georgia and currently lives in suburban Columbus with her daughter, Myah.

‍

Brett Marchand assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and Director of Plus Company as of its incorporation date on September 1, 2021. Brett has been with Plus Company’s predecessors for 16 years. Before becoming CEO, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision7, the Canadian-based marketing services company and owner of 16 agencies, including Canada’s market leader, Cossette, which he led as CEO for 6 years. Brett has distinguished himself in the North American marketing and advertising community as a champion of great advertising and an ardent believer in the power of creative communications, combined with technology and data, to build business. Brett has been closely involved in breakthrough business-building marketing campaigns as both a client and ad agency executive. In addition to his duties as an officer and board member of Plus Company, Brett is involved on the boards of many cause-related organizations, including Pathways for Education (Board Member and Chair of its Impact & Innovation Committee), NewCo Toronto (Founder & Chairman), SickKids Foundation (Campaign Committee), The Ontario Science Centre (former Board Member and Chair of the RBC’s Innovators Ball), University of Alberta's School of Business (Advisory Board), Habitat for Humanity (Chair of the 2017 Carter Work Project), and former Chairman of the Institute of Canadian Agencies. Brett holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing from the University of Alberta.

Tim Weinheimer is the Managing Partner and Chief Innovations Officer at Hahn/Hahn Labs, an agency providing a competitive advantage to brands across energy + essentials and food & beverage industries through the use of predictive marketing services and data intelligence. There Tim ensures the continuous innovation of the company’s full-service offering of brand marketing, digital + social media marketing, data analytics, and award-winning web development.

With over 20 years of experience in brand marketing strategy, Tim has witnessed the digital transformation in the field overtime. His firsthand exposure underscores the profound impact of AI in native culture creation, predictive data tracking, and various other facets of contemporary marketing endeavors.

His integrated marketing experience covers a broad range of Fortune 500 companies, associations, government and nonprofit clientele including IBM, Cleveland Clinic, El Paso Electric, ERCOT, Virtual Care for Kids, Lifesize, Hershey's, ConAgra Foods, The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.

Tim is the author of the eBook 'How Brands Can Survive and Thrive in the Age of AI and also the creator of the AI-authored book 'The Giving Will.'

Nadia Niccoli is an award-winning omnichannel marketer with over fifteen years of success in developing and implementing innovative and strategic campaigns, partnerships, and sponsorships for leading consumer, entertainment, and tech brands in North America. From Smirnoff to Johnnie Walker, Baileys, TikTok, Complex, Global TV, Food Network, HGTV, or the GlobalTV app, Niccoli is a revered leader who consistently delivers measurable results and embraces unconventional thinking at both personal and corporate levels to drive impact.

Recognized by partners and colleagues alike, Niccoli is known for her strategic, dynamic, and innovative approach to marketing. Her ability to navigate diverse industries and platforms while maintaining a keen focus on achieving tangible results sets her apart as a leader in her field.

In her role, Niccoli continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms, driving her brands to new heights of success and influence. Her dedication to delivering impactful campaigns and her commitment to innovation make her a valuable asset to any team or organization she is a part of.

‍

A unique cross-platform thinker, he continues to push the boundaries of his leadership mindset facilitating collaboration from all silos of the industry.

An entrepreneur at heart, he is the co-founder of 3 successful businesses, introducing not only unique operational solutions but also leading their brands to conquer influential and purposeful positioning.

Today, he’s the sole owner of King Ursa, a 50+ person-strong full service advertising agency. With a focus on end-to-end service, King Ursa brings research and analysis, strategy, creative, content production and media all under one roof.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Paulo continues to share his learnings by speaking at marketing conferences, presenting his thought provoking theses and running workshops at colleges and universities.

As the Senior Vice President of Marketing, Partnerships & External Relations at GoodLife Fitness, Tammy leads a dedicated team of professionals committed to expanding the brand and nurturing valuable relationships with partners across diverse industries. With over 20 years of comprehensive experience spanning sales, marketing, and operations, Tammy boasts a proven track record of driving new business, elevating partner revenues, and executing initiatives that directly impact the company's bottom line while remaining aligned with its overarching purpose and vision.

Tammy's deep understanding of the health and wellness sector stems from her tenure in organizations supporting both reactive and proactive approaches to healthcare. Recognized as a keynote speaker and thought leader in corporate wellness, she actively shares her insights and expertise with varied audiences. Tammy's overarching mission is to catalyze positive change in the health and well-being of Canadians while inspiring associates at all levels to unlock their full potential, fostering a culture of success, engagement, and tangible results.

Bassem El-Rahimy is the Head of Canada at Turo. Since its launch in 2016, Turo has quickly become Canada’s largest car-sharing network. He was the first hire for Turo's Toronto office, allowing him to be at the forefront of scaling a marketplace business and mobility solution over the past eight years.

Before joining Turo, Bassem was the third employee and co-founder at GVE Online Education. This ed-tech platform enables children in China to access an international elementary school education virtually. GVE provides one-on-one tutoring, ESL curricula, and an immersive online classroom experience. The platform has connected thousands of students to hundreds of tutors across 27 Chinese provinces and five countries.

Prior to GVE, Bassem joined BFL Canada’s rotational program, where he learned the fundamentals of commercial insurance, particularly for real estate, entertainment, farming, and transportation.

Bassem's first entrepreneurial venture was developing the Young Professionals Development Network (YPDN) community. This experience allowed him to launch and scale a business, providing a strong foundation early in his career.

Matt Gagnon was Born and raised in the woods of Maine, with a 15 year period in Austin, TX. He has since returned to Maine in 2021. Matt is the founder of Atomic Mornings and Matt Gagnon Coaching.  Once a hardcore night person who spent every last second he could under comfort and safety of his blankets, he made the drastic change into becoming a morning person. To say it changed is life is an under statement, as it also became an unexpected and life changing program for others. As the founder of Atomic Mornings he works with C-suite leaders, Entrepreneurs, and high performers who feel like their is never enough time in the day for family, friends, self care and work. These individuals feel like the calendar is holding them hostage from living a fulfilling life. Matt focuses on the five things most people have total control over which Matt defines as Supply Lines: Sleep, Prayer/Mediation Time, Fitness, Nutrition, and Connection Time With Positive Family and Friends.  He guides his clients through a customized 30 day one on one program, creating a sustainable morning routines that proves anyone is capable of becoming a morning person and how to regain control of their calendar.

Matt is also certified professional executive performance/life coach, TEDx speaker, and virtual professor for Austin Community College teaching LinkedIn skills. In the fall of 2023, Matt took what was once a hobby, and became local performing paid musician throughout the state of Maine using his love for music and skillset with vocals, guitar, piano, and story telling to not only entertain, but to create connection and community. Prior to his current roles, Matt spent 15 years in retail arena with Staples, Cole Haan, Under Armour, and Carters/Osh Kosh. He was known for developing high performing store teams using a servant leadership style approach with a direct focus on a coaching strategy while covering cross country territory.

In his free time Matt enjoys road trips, camping, hiking, ax and knife throwing, vinyl records, super hero movies, collecting non-sports cards, and all things pop culture.  His biggest passion is sharing many of these hobbies with his 11 year old son, who has also become a locally paid musician in Maine. Matt lives by the mindset that life is better when it has its own soundtrack.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mattgagnon1

Instagram: @IamMattGagnon and @AtomicMornings.io

Kate Torrance joined SickKids Foundation in 2015, an organization dedicated to driving awareness and raising funds to support the groundbreaking work of the number 2 pediatric hospital in the world – The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. As Vice President and Head of Brand, Content & Communications, Kate is responsible for ensuring SickKids remains the number one charity brand (and continues to be one of the top overall brands) in Canada. Kate was an integral part of the team that launched our globally recognized and award-winning VS brand platform for SickKids, and most recently led the launch of Precision Child Health, a game-changing approach to medicine driven by SickKids. In addition, she collaborates with all the fundraising portfolios at the Foundation to provide communications strategies that drive business results while ensuring alignment with the brand platform. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kate spent 20 years working for top-tier advertising agencies and led national integrated advertising campaigns for leading brands including Budweiser, Bell, Campbells, Corona, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Quaker. Outside of the office, Kate is an active volunteer, having served for several terms as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for nabs Canada, a not-for-profit that supports the health & well-being of the people in the marketing and communications industry.

Greg Kihlstrom is a leading figure in the marketing and communications industry, recognized as the #1 marketing thought leader by Thinkers360. With a focus on action, Kihlstrom is dedicated to helping brands create more value for customers, thereby enhancing customer lifetime value. His belief in this win-win scenario is fundamental to organizational success.

Kihlstrom collaborates with Fortune 1000 brands to turn big ideas and complex challenges into sustainable, impactful results. As an advisor and consultant, he guides organizations through change, fostering agility in their approaches. His expertise lies in connecting strategy to people, process, and platforms within marketing technology, customer experience, and digital transformation. His work has earned accolades with top brands like Adidas, Choice Hotels, Coca-Cola, FedEx, HP, Marriott, Toyota, and VMware.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Kihlstrom has co-founded and led multiple companies to successful exits. His digital experience agency was acquired in 2017, an HR technology platform provider in 2020, and a SaaS startup in 2021. He currently advises and serves on the board of a MarTech startup.

Kihlstrom’s analytical and strategic approach is supported by his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Business Agility certifications. He is a prolific author, with eleven best-selling books on customer experience, agile business practices, and marketing. His latest work, "House of the Customer," discusses how brands can create future-focused, personalized customer experiences. He also contributes to MarTech, CMSWire, and other industry publications.

As a member of the ANA School of Marketing Faculty, Kihlstrom teaches courses on Customer Experience Measurement and Agile Marketing. He co-founded the American Advertising Federation's National Innovation Committee and serves on various boards, including the University of Richmond's CX Advisory Board and the Workhouse Arts Foundation.

Kihlstrom is a sought-after speaker, presenting at major industry events such as MarTech, Internet Week New York, SMX Social Media, EventTech, Internet Summit, Social Media Week, and VMWorld. His insights have been featured in Advertising Age, Communication Arts, The Kojo Nnamdi Show, and The Washington Post. He has also guest lectured at institutions including Georgetown University, American University, Virginia Tech, Howard University, and the University of Maryland.

Greg Kihlstrom’s expertise and dedication to enhancing customer value make him a pivotal figure in the marketing and digital transformation landscape. His leadership and innovative approach continue to drive significant advancements for brands worldwide.

‍

Dan Hindin is a seasoned marketing and communications expert with extensive experience in campaign planning and execution, research and intelligence, and analytics and insights for numerous Fortune 500 corporations. 

A pioneer in social listening and measurement, his career spans agency, consulting, and highly matrixed in-house environments, where he has consistently delivered measurable accomplishments. Industry leaders seek out Dan for his expertise in architecting and overhauling global teams, capabilities, and processes to ensure peak performance. He excels at balancing big-picture ideation with meticulous attention to detail.

Dan's passion for culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices is evident in his commitment to diverse hiring practices and mentoring junior colleagues. As a role model, trainer, and ally of multiple diversity-focused business resource groups, he actively promotes an inclusive workplace environment.

Dan is driven by a desire to continually learn new skills and explore new markets, constantly seeking opportunities to expand his expertise and impact. His professional journey reflects a dedication to both personal growth and the advancement of the teams and organizations he leads.

Dan lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two children, ages 9 and 11. In his free time, he enjoys getting outdoors and staying physically active including running, cycling, hiking, kayaking and pickleball. He also has a passion for travel, food, science and history.

As Founder and Owner of Tabl’eau Filtered Water, Deb believes drinking water shouldn't have to travel farther than from the nearest tap to get to your table. In 2011 she founded and created the brand Tabl’eau Filtered Water, a leading on-premises water solution that eliminates the added transport, storage and recycling of traditional bottled, packaged and delivered waters. Elegant aesthetics, eco-forward functionality and superior taste position Tabl’eau as an enviable hydration experience serving premium chilled sparkling and still filtered water. 

Previously, Deb along with Cheryl Benson-Guanci, Co-Founded DCB Productions (The DCB Group). Deb was Principal and Executive Producer. As pioneers developing the sports entertainment industry, they were in charge of building professional sport team brands through creating their in-game entertainment experience. Having worked with 30+ sport franchises throughout North America, Deb has proven her ability to integrate, communicate and combine strategic solution-based thinking, creative concept design, and operational budget development. She has a passion for creative thinking, brand storytelling and building authentic brand affinity.

Working with some of the most prestigious leagues and ownerships in professional sport, Deb has built industry relationships with some of the most revered leaders and accomplished athletes. Recognized for her work in the Sports and Entertainment Industry, she has received both AVA and Telly Awards. After producing the 2008 World Series In-Game alongside FOX and ESPN, she was named one the 100 Most Influential Canadians in Baseball. Deb has been awarded Female Entrepreneur of the Year and has been a part of numerous charitable boards and committees in every city she has lived and worked in.

‍

An accomplished creative audio and sonic branding leader, Rah brings over 15 years of experience working with major agencies, brands and entertainment companies. 

His repertoire includes an eclectic mix of branded content, long-form, animation and interactive projects. From orchestrating a team of creatives to freelancing as a composer / music producer, he has worn different hats within the vast domains of Audio, Advertising and Entertainment. 

To name some of the notable clients or brands he has collaborated with / worked on:

• AGENCIES: McCann, Publicis, Ogilvy, JWT, DDB, BBDO, FCB 
• BRANDS: Disney, Jockey, Nestle, Hotwheels, Seatgeek, Nokia, Haier, Destination Toronto
• NETWORKS: Disney XD, Disney Star, History Channel, Nat Geo, Global News

Since joining MassiveMusic North America, Rah has led creative strategy and production for several brands ranging from dynamic startups to industry giants in retail, tech, automotive, personal care, and more.

‍

From growing up on the stunning coast of Nova Scotia to forging his career in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Brendon Arnold (BA) has become a Brand/Marketing powerhouse in the sporting goods arena.

 Over the course of BA’s career, he has worked with some of the biggest and baddest sporting goods brands in the world, including Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Fitbit and Apple.

In 2018, a unique opportunity arose to takeover and lead the Sherwood Hockey brand out of Calgary, Alberta. Since that day, BA has been at the helm of the Sherwood brand – helping guide Sherwood in the direction of disruption – purposely steering the ship into uncharted waters to find the ‘white space’ within the sport of hockey. Under his leadership, BA has been able to resuscitate a dusty, irrelevant brand, and transform it into the hottest, fastest growing hockey brand in North America, while attracting and signing some of the biggest names in the sport.

Nick Bond is a visionary leader in marketing and customer experience, known for redefining how brands connect with their audiences. As the CXO and founding partner of Apex, an AI-powered platform that uncovers and quantifies customer desires, Nick transforms insights into actionable business strategies that propel brands to new heights. Trusted by global giants like WestJet, ATCO, Subway, and Deloitte, Apex is revolutionizing customer experience, helping companies accelerate growth by aligning with their customers’ true needs.

‍

With over a decade of leadership expertise, Nick has led transformative initiatives for industry heavyweights like Canadian Tire and Ipsos. He’s pioneered cutting-edge strategies that have driven double-digit growth and reshaped marketing efforts across sectors. Whether it’s through advanced analytics, loyalty programs, or digital innovation, Nick’s ability to translate complex data into meaningful actions has made him an indispensable advisor to top CX and marketing professionals.

‍

Beyond the boardroom, Nick captivates audiences with his dynamic speaking style and deep passion for customer-centric solutions. Expect an invigorating session where Nick unpacks the future of customer experience, sharing groundbreaking insights that will challenge and inspire. This is the moment to ignite your brand's potential and transform how you think about CX.

‍

Stephanie is the Co-Founder and CEO at Daughter, one of Canada’s top creative and design agencies. Daughter has been widely recognized by many major industry awards, including Strategy Magazine’s Small and Design Agency of the Year Awards, Strategy Magazine’s 2023 Creative Report Card and Institute of Canadian Agencies Creative Power List. Daughter’s client list includes many of Calgary’s most notable organizations, including Calgary Economic Development, Benevity, University of Victoria, The Calgary Cancer Centre, Transalta, and SAIT. She is also on the Board of Directors for Long View, one of North America’s largest privately-owned IT companies, and the Ssubi Foundation, a not-for-profit that supports the education of children in Uganda. 

Want to know what makes me a brander like no other? I’m tall and terrible at sports

Seriously, when you grow up tall, you start life believing you’re a star athlete until you actually try em. Your parents will tell you it builds character, but if I wanted to avoid being thrown in lockers, I knew I needed to tell my story a different way, which meant I had to see it differently too. 

This might explain my over 25-year obsession with brands. I see the true story they’re not always able or prepared to see. Does this make me a misfit? hell ya. Sixteen years ago I started an agency full of em and since then we’ve had the joy of helping brands big and small find their own truth by embracing their own shitty athletes - in whatever ways apply to them. To name a few, my team and I helped Barbie turn 50, make a Microsoft enterprise product cool and helped Canadians fall in love with a 115+ year old brand all over again. 

Over time my team @ Brand Heroes got tired of hearing my opinions, so I spread them to the airwaves as the brand expert on Global Radio and TV and in the classroom as an Adjunct Professor of Branding.  

Oh and I write musicals. Ask me about that sometime. 

Noelle Perillo is a seasoned public relations leader with over 20 years of experience. She excels in strategy development and the integrated planning and execution of results-oriented communications programs. Perillo is skilled in managing clients, partners, and cross-functional teams across private and non-profit sectors, often overseeing multi-million-dollar investments.

A passionate and persuasive communicator, Perillo is particularly drawn to cause-related programs and purpose work. Her diverse skill set includes expertise in integrated communications strategy, media relations, partner and stakeholder management, brand storytelling, issues management, team and budget management, as well as PR measurement.

‍

Chris Ruder is the CEO and founder of Spikeball, a company that has transformed a backyard game into a nationwide phenomenon. As the driving force behind Spikeball, Chris combines his entrepreneurial spirit with a deep passion for the sport, leading the company from a niche hobby to a mainstream activity enjoyed by millions. His innovative vision and hands-on leadership have been pivotal in Spikeball's rapid growth and success. Under Chris's guidance, the company continues to expand its reach and influence, fostering a vibrant community of players and enthusiasts. With a commitment to excellence and a keen eye for opportunities, Chris Ruder ensures that Spikeball remains at the forefront of the sports and recreation industry.

‍

Cameron Wagner is the Chief Client Officer at Elevate, an award-winning, full-service consulting firm supporting high-performing organizations in sports and beyond. In her role leading the agency’s global brand consulting and activation practice, Wagner utilizes Elevate’s powerful data and insights engine to create convention-defying partnerships and activations for brands. She believes in the unique power of sports and live events to forge meaningful connections between consumers and brands and has played a key role in crafting some of the most iconic brand programs in sports history.

Elevate’s global client roster includes world-class brands such as Procter & Gamble, Duracell, UKG, Moderna, Globant, BCBS, FM, Rapid 7 and Santander Bank. Elevate has executed campaigns and activations across major sports properties, teams and events including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, PGA, LPGA and the NWSL, among others.

Before joining Elevate, Wagner served as the Chief Client Officer at GMR Marketing, where she oversaw US-based offices in New York, San Francisco and Charlotte, as well as teams in the UK, Brazil and Tokyo. Prior to her tenure at GMR, Wagner held a key leadership role at IMGwhere she led significant programs for major brands including Coca-Cola, Visa and Hasbro.

In 2023, Wagner, alongside Elevate’s senior leadership team, accepted the “Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services” award at the Sports Business Journal Awards. Additionally, she was individually as one of Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” in 2010 and has consistently led her teams in delivering outstanding work for clients on a global scale. Under her leadership, notable client programs have earned accolades such as the Event Marketer Silver Ex Award in 2013 for Procter & Gamble’s Family Home at the 2012 Olympic Games and the Event Marketer Silver Ex Award in 2017 for Humana’s “Bring the Parks to You” Tour.

Among her industry accolades, Wagner considers the client programs her team developed and activated across eight Olympic Games as some of the most significant and meaningful of her career. This includes work for clients, such as Procter & Gamble, Visa, Intel, General Electric (GE), Bridgestone, and many others.

Wagner earned her B.S. in Communications from Appalachian State University. A casual runner and determined golfer, she resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband and two sons. She is an active member of the community, serving on the board of Charlotte’s Crisis Assistance Ministry and previously on boards for the Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship Fund and the Bethlehem Center, where she also served as a CHAMPS mentor.

‍

Jo leads Whalar, part of The Whalar Group, with a visionary approach, forging pivotal relationships with brands, Creators, platforms and strategic partners to drive innovative growth.

‍

She has led core partnerships across some of the world’s leading brands, including: Amazon, Estee Lauder Companies, Google, the NFL and Spotify, and forged global marketing collaborations with LinkedIn, Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter/X and YouTube.

‍

Jo champions Creators and, in 2023, co-founded Whalar Group’s Creator venture studio, Moby Ventures, developing products and brands with and for Creators.

‍

Jo joined Whalar with over 16 years of media experience. Splitting her career between London and NYC, she brings a unique bi-global perspective to her current role in NYC.

‍

For over 10 years, Brian Scherman has worked as an expert in the field of Sonic Branding and Sonic Experience Design, crafting elegant systems of sounds for some of the largest brands in the world including Walmart, Lexus, American Express, and Netflix.

Brian brings deep creativity together with technical expertise, designing interaction sounds for autonomous vehicles, critical alerts and alarms for medical devices, and entertainment ambiences for sound in wellness experiences.

He brings all his experience to Songtradr as Head of Creative Production, overseeing the bespoke composition work out of the Americas.

‍

Geraldine (Geri) Anderson is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Strategy & Strategic Alliances | Calgary Economic Development. 

‍

Over her 15-year career, Geri has earned a reputation for excellence in communications and policy advocacy in both the private and public sector. Most recently, she was with the Government of Canada as Director, Communications for the Office of the Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, where she advocated for Alberta and ensured its perspective had a seat at the national table.

Geri was Director, Policy & Communications for the Calgary Chamber from 2019 to 2021. Prior to the Chamber, she held senior roles in communications, government and stakeholder relations and public affairs with TD Bank Group, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Navigator Ltd. 

Geri earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). 

After growing up in the Middle East and Toronto, Geri chose to make Calgary home in 2010. She is passionate about championing women in both the workplace and politics and wants to ensure her city is the kind of place that welcomes new perspectives and the people who bring them to the table.

‍

Stephen Seo is the Senior Director of Global Brand Marketing for Barbie at Mattel, where he leads the global marketing strategy to shape the brand's vision and ensure it resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. He began his career in digital and social media marketing, developing a strong foundation in engaging audiences online. This expertise, combined with his background in the retail and hospitality sectors, enables Stephen to create impactful marketing initiatives.

Stephen has been dedicated to elevating the Barbie brand through global strategies that celebrate inclusivity and diversity, further solidifying Barbie’s cultural impact around the world with fans of all ages and backgrounds.

His collaborative leadership and creative problem-solving have been instrumental in executing major brand launches, including the award-winning global relaunch of Monster High and the relaunches of Disney Princess and Frozen dolls at Mattel.

Known for his ability to lead cross-functional teams, Stephen drives impactful marketing initiatives and inspires excellence across the organization. He cultivates an environment that encourages open communication and a shared commitment to bringing Mattel's iconic brands to life in new and engaging ways.

Stephen received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from University of California, Los Angeles.

‍

Erin O’Connor is the Sr. Manager, Creative Economy and Programming at Calgary Economic Development.  Primary responsibilities include strategy development and implementation of programs and initiatives to advance the creative economy in Calgary and region. Currently, Erin oversees initiatives such as the Labour Market Survey and Workforce Action Plan for talent acceleration and training in the film and television industry in Alberta. Ongoing programs include protocol development for DEI/A, the Alberta Producer Accelerator program, training and access initiatives for Indigenous and underrepresented communities, website development for recruitment and retention, and business development campaigns for the creative economy. 

 Prior to this position, Erin was Business Development Manager and Programming for the Calgary Film Centre attending global in-market missions to Berlin, Cannes, TIFF, AFM, and multiple missions to Los Angeles on an annual basis. Erin was also a high-level strategic advisor for organizations seeking to develop solutions to their operational challenges. She has consulted in all areas of the creative industries including business and program development within film and television, visual arts, theatre, music and dance.

Mariam Wilton is Senior Manager of Brand Strategy & Activation at WestJet, bringing nearly 20 years of experience from both agency and client-side roles. She has been instrumental in shaping one of Canada’s most loved brands. During her tenure at WestJet, Mariam has played a pivotal role in repositioning the brand as it evolved into a global carrier and, more recently, in steering its positioning back to its leisure-focused roots. Under her leadership, Mariam and her team drive brand strategy and marketing initiatives, collaborating across the organization to ensure WestJet’s signature charm is delivered across all experiences.

Matthew Cowling has spent the last 25 years marketing some of the biggest brands in entertainment around the world. At Universal Music he developed the Australian marketing strategy for legends like U2, Metallica, Rihanna, The Black Eyed Peas and INXS. After moving to Canada, he took on a new category, working at Bell Media where he led the marketing team across CTV, TSN and multiple specialty channels. He built the award-winning Crave brand and established it as a must-have streaming service with Game of Thrones and launched the hit series Letterkenny. Moving to Prime Video he oversaw the Canadian acquisition marketing for The Rings of Power, Reacher and Jack Ryan. Now as VP of Marketing for Paramount+ & Pluto TV Canada, Matthew is developing acquisition and growth strategies, building new media brands like Pluto TV and establishing entertainment franchises like Yellowstone. Looking to build an envy worthy binge TV list? He's your best source!

Roger Sho Gehrmann is a trailblazer in the world of creative, audio advertising and sonic branding — currently serving as the VP of Integrated Partnerships at Songtradr. With a career that spans advertising agencies, music streaming, and social content platforms, Roger has become a thought leader in the industry, known for shaping the future of how brands connect with audiences through sound.

‍

In 2019, Roger co-founded Studio Resonate, an internationally awarded audio creative studio that has been instrumental in crafting cutting-edge digital advertising for some of the biggest brands on the planet — directly supporting more than half a billion dollars in media sales for the SiriusXM group.

‍

During his tenure as Executive Creative Director for the SiriusXM/Pandora group, Roger led the rebranding of SXM Media, the world's largest ad-supported audio media network. As the resident 'Audio Media Evangelist,' he keynoted at global events like CES, SXSW, and Cannes Lions, championing the unique power of audio as a medium for brand storytelling. His leadership also spearheaded award-winning programs like the Six Dimensions of Sound and The Stand for Sonic Diversity.

‍

In his current role as VP of Integrated Partnerships at Songtradr, Roger drives innovative projects that blend music, technology, gaming, and marketing into powerful brand experiences. From crafting sonic identities for global brands to leading strategic partnerships, his work continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the audio space.

‍

Deeply passionate about equitable voice casting and sonic diversity, ensuring that the future of sound is inclusive and representative of all voices, Roger co-founded the Stand for Sonic Diversity. 

‍

Brandon Marshall is the creator of the wildly successful unscripted podcast, I Am Athlete (IAA), and the newly launched daily show, Paper Route. The platform has quickly garnered over 1 Million YouTube subscribers within its first few seasons. Co-hosted by Marshall and fellow former NFL stars, IAA is steadily gaining momentum by tackling essential and controversial topics around sports, culture, and society that meaningfully redefine what it means to be a celebrity in these turbulent times. Marshall has always been a vocal advocate for several socially conscious issues, especially his own battle with mental health.

Marshall spent 12 years in the National Football League as one of the top wide receivers in the game. He would spend his career shattering records and collecting countless awards and accolades. Now, just a few years into his retirement, Brandon continues to exceed expectations and redefine what it means to be an athlete. Marshall is also the founder and CEO of House of Athlete. This lifestyle wellness brand provides every athlete of all levels access to the top-tier resources necessary to unlock their full potential and train like a pro. Brandon is utilizing his many years of experience with mental and physical health, to build an empire of limitless potential. Marshall is also widely considered a pioneer and the face of mental health awareness. Through his many business ventures, he continues to serve his community by raising awareness through motivational speaking and providing access to mental and physical health resources.

In between wearing his many hats, Marshall is a two-time Emmy nominee for his role as a host on Paramount Networks Inside the NFL and was a contributor on The Drew Barrymore Show, and a co-host on Fox Sports hit show, “First Things First”.

‍

Tim Ringel is a serial entrepreneur with the passion and drive to push past the status quo. His ambition and desire to make things work the way they’re supposed to has led him to the role of Global CEO of next-generation international advertising group Meet The People. A builder of multiple international agency groups, Tim is a seasoned global CEO and executive in the marketing space, having run world-renowned Spring Studios and Reprise Digital, IPG Mediabrands’ digital global agency network. With experience in EMEA, APAC, LATAM and the U.S., Tim has operationally managed ad businesses with more than 3,000 staff and 68 offices around the globe. He has been a speaker at 250-plus industry events, including talks at the United Nations, Cannes Lions, Google and Facebook, and he is an active supporter of entrepreneurial associations and charities.

‍