AI: Branding Experience April 2025

Welcome to the 21st Century Consumer
The AI Brand & Consumer Experience: Design - Media - Immersion
Tuesday, April 22nd - Wednesday, April 23rd

A Virtual Conference - Registration is Free - Click Here

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
The Evening Keynote Roundtables
The Defining Event: The Future of Brand, Consumer, Media & Technology

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025
Keynote Roundtable One:
8 pm – 8:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
21st Century Consumer: The Technology & Brand Gateway Experience
Our global community is no shrinking violet. The “21st Century Consumer” is engaged each day on multiple devices and enthusiastic about it. Ninety percent believe that “Better Deals” are available online so it not surprising the seventy percent of Americans purchase online. And those numbers will grow dramatically as the technology and experience becomes more effective and enjoyable. This conference is about engagement, loyalty, experience and now we add the idea of “Intelligence.” This “Ecosystem” was not created overnight, and it was not by design. No one believed at the introduction of “Internet E-Commerce” in 1996 that “Immersive Technologies,” smartphones and now “Artificial Intelligence” would enter our cultural mainstream. With this opening Keynote Roundtable and in this conference, we will champion the achievement of “Design,” “Brand Experience,” and “Advanced Intelligence” in serving “The 21st Century Consumer.”

Speakers:

Michael Olaye, EVP, Managing Director, Huge, Moderator

Dane K. Mathews, Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Taco Bell

Jay Keeley, Group Architect, WHSmith

Erica Luna Lee, Founder, WomenOfAI.org

Todd Terrazas, co-founder, FBRC.ai

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

A Virtual Conference

Registration is Free - Click Here

Keynote Roundtable:
8 pm – 8:50 pm Eastern Time Zone

Session II:
AI and the Automobile Industry: A Visionary Future - Designing & Branding in a Global Marketplace
Technology and innovation in today’s car, from” Design to Dashboard,” from “Performance to Utility” is more profound than in any other consumer device. Compare a 1965 Chevy to a Tesla, it’s a Model T to a Thunderbird. And the AI is only starting to kick in. From the actual design process to performance, including vehicle media and now let’s add deeper Artificial Intelligence to the branding, communication, web and purchasing experience, we are entering a “Jet Propulsion Application Age of AI.” In this session we will meet the Design experts from multiple disciplines who have collaborated in the process, the car companies, the design & marketing experts and the AI visionaries who make it all possible.
Speakers:

Andrew Solmssen, Executive Director, CourtAvenue, Moderator

Ben Tricklebank, Director, Tool of North America (Land Rover AI)

Mark Rupert, Head of US Sales, Cavna

Abe Nodarse, General Manager, North County Kia

Belinda Leworthy, President, McCann Worldgroup Detroit & IPG Global Business Lead

Anthony Pond, User Experience | Design | Strategy, Territory Studio (Global Auto UX)

David Dettmer, Chief Technology Officer, Genjo, CourtAvenue

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Keynote Roundtable:
9 pm – 9:45 pm Eastern Time Zone

Session I:

Brand + Agency + Technology = Next Level of Partnerships

The global influence and partnerships between “Brands and Agencies” are reaching new levels of complexity and empowerment with the further developments and deployment of AI and ML technologies. On the one hand, consumer personalization has always been at the forefront in decision making, but now with the addition of powerful and direct AI engagement with consumers, which is only at its formative stages, will likely emerge as something of a breakthrough “Brand/Consumer Co-Pilot Relationship.” And in the world of immersive content experiences, AI as a “Creative Partner” is taking the ideation and production process to an entirely next level experience. In this roundtable, we bring together the executives deeply involved in exploring and delivering on this promise.

Speakers:

Greg Kahn, President and CEO, GK Digital Ventures, Moderator

Valerie Madden, Creative Director of Marketing Innovation, Prompteteer™, Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video & NBC Universal Alum

Domenic Venuto, Chief Product and Data, Horizon Media

Tiffany Spatafore, VP Brand and Marketing, Infinite Reality

Andrew Wallenstein, President and Chief Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Keynote Roundtable:

9 pm – 9:45 pm - Eastern Time Zone

Session II:
The Crazy Ones: Today’s Creative Misfits Unlocking the Most Out of AI

To quote the amazing Steve Jobs. “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."
Speakers:

Jason Zada, founder, Secret Level (Coca-Cola AI Campaigns)

Momo Wang, Animation Director, Creator of Tuzki

Ari Kuschnir, New Wave Storyteller & Founder, m ss ng p eces

Quinn Halleck, Experience Director, Tool of North America

Nik Kleverov, CCO, Native Foreign

Christina Storm Lee, Co-Founder PLAYBOOK PLBK & Governor, Television Academy Emerging Media Peer Group, Moderator

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Wednesday Evening April 23rd, 2025

The Conference Closing Keynotes
Day Two: The Conference Closing Keynotes:9

8:00 PM - 8:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Hal 9000 Meets Madison Ave. – AI Agents, Training & Copyright - The Worst-Case Scenario

As chatbots and virtual humans become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, a complex web of legal implications arise. In this session, we will explore the legal considerations surrounding the development, deployment, and interaction with these AI-powered entities. Our panel will delve into topics such as data privacy, intellectual property, liability for AI-generated content, and the ethical consequences of human-AI interaction. While our current legal landscape may be more focused on customer service and retail advice, the future of human to virtual human interaction suggests an increasingly complex world of personal dependance, relationship in the form of AI girl and boyfriends, personal healthcare advice beyond “WebMD” and Virtual Humans providing psychological care. In time, complex Virtual Human services will be commonplace, and its legal implications will be exceedingly interesting.
Speakers:

Peter Csathy, Chairman, Creative Media, Moderator

Steve Masur, Partner, Raines Feldman Littrell LLP

Meeka Bondy, Senior Counsel, Technology Transactions & Privacy Group and Co-Chair, Film and TV Group, Perkins Coie LLP

Bharad Ramesh, CEO & Co-Founder, Aqxle AI

Chad Hummel, Principal, McKool Smith

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

9:00 PM – 9:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Magnificent Beauty & Fashion Experience: - AI - Social - Sites - Media - In-Store
“Fashion and Beauty Design” is the very definition of “Cutting Edge” personal expression and cultural identity. From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel and Christina Dior, from Twiggy to Calvin Klein and Kim Kardashian, the art of beauty and fashion have consistently pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and reflected the zeitgeist of its time. And today, we welcome a cascade of technology, with “Artificial Intelligence” leading the way in design, media, marketing and the re-imagining of our cultural identities and basic understanding of personal image and conception of self. Is this taking the power of technology too seriously? Is it an exaggeration? Perhaps and perhaps not.

Speakers:

José Sobral, Gen AI Lead, Revolve, Moderator

Kadine James, Executive Director of Innovation Artificial Rome, Former Accenture, Yahoo RYOT, Verizon

Matilde Mariano, Creative Director, Designer, Architect, MOLNM

Dmytro Kornilov, CEO and Co-Founder, FFFACE.ME

Speakers to be announced

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Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
The Daytime Sessions

Noon – 12:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
Architects of the Branding, Media & Entertainment Experience: AI - CGI – XR
The spectacular visual world of moving images, fascinating experiences and iconic visuals are the domain of the “Master Creators” in “Hollywood and Ad Agencies and in the studios of the most inventive artists worldwide. In our era, in our world of technological innovation, resources are providing palettes ranging from “Sphere-Sized Domes,” “Mega-Structures” in Cities to a plethora of electronic platforms, including the most intricate “Viral Email and Text Campaigns.” In this session, we will see the work from among our most dynamic and inventive creative visionaries, the minds behind the most eye-catching brand and commercial campaigns and inventive projects.
Speakers:

Jeff Blackman, Managing Director, Barbarian

Johannes Saam, Futurist/Creative Technologist, Framestore/atara.xyz

Kristin Glushon, Executive Producer, Nexus Studios

Elizabeth Kiehner, Global Chief Growth Officer, Nortal, Moderator

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Session II:
The AI & Technology Accelerator: Social Commerce and Influencer Shopping

As “Social Media” and the world of “Video Creators” are becoming an equal partner in the “Primacy of Media Dominance,” and with the addition of new and emerging “AI Technologies,” brand opportunities in collaboration and engagement are becoming more and more apparent. It is definitely time to explore this emerging sector. Phones and tablets are not only primary devices for viewing and engaging, but they are also 2nd Screen companion devices while consumers watch TV while simultaneously providing totally independent programming. This provides further evidence that “Social Commerce” may well gain further and significant traction. This session is only a first take on the exploding “Social Commerce” universe.

Speakers:

Albert Thompson, Managing Director, Digital Innovation, Walton Isaacson

Ryan Horrigan, President, London Alley

Carmen Chu, VP of Lifecycle/Consumer Marketing, Fandom

Justin Hochberg, CEO, Virtual Brand Group, Moderator, "Barbi AI on Roblox"

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

1:00 – 1:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
Predictive Intelligence and the Consumer-Brand Relationship – Increasing Loyalty and Trust

After “Product Category Leadership,” the future of brand strength relies chiefly on the relationship with the consumer, exemplified by loyalty and trust. And in no small measure, the power of AI is responsible for “identifying, learning and providing” the vital “Human-Like Data” and “Human-Like-Service” necessary to fulfill that mission. It is about a “Personalized, Empathetic and Intelligent Connection. A customer is only loyal to the degree that she/he is catered to and provided for. In a world of “Customer-Centered Predictive Intelligence,” that mission be fulfilled and understood.

Speakers:

Silke Meixner, Digital Customer Experience Strategy, ZS Associates

Melissa Berger, Chief Solutions Officer, Digitas

Marco Brondani, Co-Founder and CTO, Futureverse

Charles Adelman, CEO, XRDNA

Michael Shaughnessy, Chief Operating Officer, Kargo

Mark Kapczynski, President, Storymill, Moderator
Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Virtual Human AI Engagement: The Online Retail & Consumer Facing Experience: The Impact of Advanced Intelligence and Technology
The “Virtual Humans” have arrived, and they are not here to take jobs! These “Humans” are “Being Trained” to provide a “Gateway or Interface,” establishing a new and unique connection between “The Consumer” and “The Online Brand.” And this integration of advanced intelligence and technology into retail and consumer-facing experiences is revolutionizing the way we shop, interact with brands and their online support, and make purchasing decisions. As virtual humans and AI-powered systems become more sophisticated, they're transforming customer service, product recommendations, and even in-store navigation. This panel will explore the current “State of the Art” in virtual human technology and its impact on the retail and complex online interaction, as well as examine future trends and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
Speakers:

Andrew Klein, SVP, Creative Technology, Publicis Media

Kumaran Ponnambalam, Principal Engineer, AI, Outshift by Cisco

Natalie Monbiot, Founder, Virtual Human Economy

Adrienne Lahens, former, Global Head of Operations, TikTok Creator Marketing

John Gauntt, Host, The Culture and Code Podcast, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

2:00 – 2:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
The Explosive Advertising Experience: AI + 3D + XR + Spatial
It’s like an erector set combined with a kaleidoscope of color that manifests as electronic layers, like a child’s wonderland emerging from within the imagination of the greatest artists in the world. These are the unique achievements of our technology industries enabling new and magnificent platforms with AI, 3D, XR and Spatial capabilities, each of which expand in capability month over month, year over year. Witness the stunning "Artistic Achievements" of the Advertising Industries, as they transform cityscapes, devices and platforms into vibrant, immersive experiences. This is a true celebration of the artistic spirit.

Speakers:

Elizabeth Angel, Innovation & Creative Technology Advisor, Moderator

Xiaobi Iris Pan, Lead Product Designer, Amazon

Paul Aaron, CEO & Co-Founder, Addition

Jason Yim, founder & CEO, Trigger XR

Fabian Birgfeld, Chief Design Officer, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Virtual Humans & AI: Advanced Design + Intelligence = Unique Levels of Complexity
The “Virtual Human” as a conversational intelligence in audio, video or text-based form is already more than capable of holding its own, as an “AI Co-Pilot,” a “Teaching Aide,” “Translator.” Call it Agentic Intelligence or call it your companion, this technology is ready for prime time. While it may be too expensive for “Mass Enterprise Adoption,” it’s entry into the marketplace is close-at-hand. In this session we will explore the more profound issues of “Computer Intelligence” and “The Machine’s” ability to mimic human emotion and personality, verbal and vocal expression and respond in conversational interaction. Once a “Virtual Human” becomes “Conversant” as a mature human might, the role of this technology will quickly find a way into our daily life, from “Virtual Human Educator and Colleague” at work to companion in research and creative endeavors. The possibilities are quite frankly, limitless..
Speakers:

Harinderpal Bajwa, Group Creative Director, Huge

Misha Sra, Assistant Professor, UC Santa Barbara - Human-AI Integration Lab

Jason Mars, Professor of Computer Science, University of Michigan, President, Jaseci Labs

Ben Relles, Content Strategy, Office of Reid Hoffman

John Canning, Director Developer Relations - Creators, AMD, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

3:00 – 3:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:

The Monetization Matrix: Where Brand, Consumer, and Technology Intersect – Dynamics of AI & Immersion
The seismic shift in “Monetization” has arrived and is being activated by the conversion of multiple technologies impacting multiple devices. What begins with the concept of “Digital Commerce,” arrives on mobile devices as Immersive Interaction at “Arena Events” or with AI creating “Celebrity Twins/Deep Fakes” with consumer interaction. We might call this “The Monetization Matrix,” where brand, consumer, and technology intersect in the “Dynamics of Immersion.” It may be a mouthful, but it might be a significant part of our future. And these opportunities will be opportunities on the playing field of major agencies and brands, major sports leagues and major TV networks. Welcome to the future.

Speakers:

Geir Skaaden, Chief Products & Services Officer, Xperi

Ty Roberts, CEO, FanTracks; former CTO, Universal Music Group

Nico Fara, Founder & Editor in Chief, The Immergence

Laurel Rossi, Chief Growth Officer, Infillion

Cristina Lawrence, EVP of Consumer & Content Experience, Razorfish

Travis Cloyd, CEO, WorldwideXR & VP, CMG (Celebrity Management Group), Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Digital Design, Branding, Fashion & Retail: The Innovation Experience
Design and fashion have forever defined the cutting edge of cultural innovation and now with the explosion of AI as “Creative Force,” as well as a gateway to new platforms, the “World of Retail” has finally merged with “The Innovation Experience.” Every major brand and retailer are adapting to the reality of “Consumer Engagement + Immersive Technologies & Products = The Retail Transformation.” From the multi-faceted ad campaigns to the online retail, including the In-Store and product experience, it’s a holistic strategy of design, technology, and engagement. In this session, we welcome the industry leaders.
Speaker:

Bill Newell, CEO, SparX Works Inc., Moderator

Silke Meixner, Digital Customer Experience Strategy, ZS Associates

Metamorphix, Award Winning Designer

Christian Pierre, Chief Technology Officer, GUT
Anna Cavazos, co-founder, Finds.ai

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

4:00 – 4:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
Authenticity in the Age of AI: Balancing Trust and Technology to Define the Future of Brand Engagement
This panel discussion will explore the critical balance between consumers’ demand for authentic, meaningful relationships with brands and the transformative potential of enterprise AI. As the age of AI reshapes business and customer engagement, the discussion will tackle whether these forces—authenticity and AI—are inherently at odds or can complement each other to create deeper, more meaningful brand connections. This conversation will extend beyond branding, emphasizing the need for collaboration across business strategy, sales, marketing, product innovation, and technology to design AI-forward strategies that preserve trust and ensure brands remain relevant in consumers’ lives.
Speaker:

Jessica Berger, SVP, Innovation, Publicis Media

Eric Shamlin, CEO, Secret Level and Co-Governor, Emerging Media Programming Peer Group, Television Academy

Charlie Fink, Consultant, Columnist, Author, Adjunct

Sarah Buckler, Chief Executive Officer, Tangible, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Virtual Human Exploration: Nuance & Emotion • Vocal Expression • Facial Movements – Sentiment - Hyper-Realistic Synthesis of Prose
Can we as humans create emotional bonds with virtual or synthetic beings? That is a good question that we cannot answer, at least we have not experienced it quite yet. We have experienced it through movies such as “Her” and “Blade Runner.” And today we can experience conversational AI with Chat Bots, which are becoming more advanced in their ability to explore complex philosophical and emotional questions, which can be exceedingly helpful in academic, work related and even through creative composition. AI developers are not far away from not only imagining but creating the virtual human, in video form and soon, as a “Humanoid Robot.” It is about nuance and emotion, vocal expression and sentiment and synthesis of prose. Don’t be surprised when a door opens, and in it will be a brother from another planet.

Speakers:

Patrick Levy-Rosenthal, CEO, MetaSoul

Marcus “Bellringer” Bell, Director, Bellringer Productions

Gregor Hofer, CEO, Speech Graphics and Rapport

Brian Weiner, Chairman/Founder, Synth Studios

Rich Sutton, Managing Partner, DMRS Advisory, LLC, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

The Conference Closing Keynotes:
8:00 PM – 8:50 PM - Eastern Time Zone

Hal 9000 Meets Madison Ave. – AI Agents, Training & Copyright - The Worst-Case Scenario

Peter Csathy, Chairman, Creative Media, Moderator

Steve Masur, Partner, Raines Feldman Littrell LLP

Meeka Bondy, Senior Counsel, Technology Transactions & Privacy Group and Co-Chair, Film and TV Group, Perkins Coie LLP