Albert Thompson, Managing Director, Digital Innovation, Walton Isaacson: While carrying the “ethos” of a Marketing Technologist, as the Managing Director, Digital Innovation at Walton Isaacson Albert Thompson has always possessed a firm understanding of how technology has continued to transform the discipline of Marketing while disrupting today’s conventional consumer engagement models. Over that past 20+ years his cross-cultural communications experience ranges from African American, Hispanic, LGBTQ, AAPI, Arab American, South Asian, Boomers, Millennials, Urban, GM to International. His work involves Digital Marketing for Lexus, AMAZON, NYPD, Medline, State Fair, Spalding, HBO, MCD, LA Sparks, Game Show Network, Verizon Wireless, Unilever, Ford Division, Lincoln Mercury, Burger King, Toyota, Colgate, HSBC, Time Warner Cable, Home Depot, AstraZeneca, US Marines, Pfizer, Novartis, Merck, and Hyatt Resorts. Prior to Walton Isaacson he served as the Director, Interactive Services for UniWorld Group and Director of New Media and Technology at Prime Access where he introduced the Digital capabilities for both multicultural agencies. Albert continues to guide early stages companies on a series of topics related to Market Positioning, Go-to Market Strategy, Brand Identity, Consumer Psychology, and Growth Marketing. As a product and business advisor to Ai powered technologies such as Cache.ai, SCOUT.io, and Brand MentalityTM he serves as a Marketing Technologist to help organizations visualize and "operationalize" the use of their platforms.

Carmen Chu, Vice President, Lifecycle Marketing, Fandom: Carmen Chu has over 15 years of experience in marketing and leadership roles. Carmen currently serves as the Vice President of Lifecycle Marketing at Fandom. Previously, Carmen was the President of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Alliance Employee Resource Group at Rakuten Americas, where they focused on talent acquisition, career development, and employee support. Prior to that, they held the position of Senior Director of Global Marketing at ShopStyle, overseeing various marketing strategies and initiatives. Carmen has also held director roles at Macy's, where they led cross-functional teams and implemented customer acquisition and retention strategies. Carmen began their career as a Marketing Assistant at ZipZoomfly.com & Wrapables.com, where they supported marketing operations and managed partnerships. Throughout their career, Carmen has demonstrated their expertise in marketing strategy, analytics, customer engagement, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Carmen Chu completed their Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Sociology with an emphasis in Law & Society at the University of California, Davis.

Ryan Horrigan is a highly skilled and accomplished executive and entrepreneur with a background in developing, launching, and scaling consumer technology products and entertainment offerings across established and emerging platforms at Fortune 500 companies and disruptive startups. His expertise spans gaming, film and TV, digital content, virtual and augmented reality, generative AI, IP merchandising, and live events. As President of London Alley Studios, Ryan oversees branded games, product experiences, and original IP, focusing on creator-led premium content series in partnership with world-class brands. Previously, Ryan co-founded and served as CEO of Artie, which London Alley acquired in early 2024. This pioneering mobile gaming technology platform enables games to be played instantly on social media without app downloads. His career includes roles as Chief Content Officer at VR/AR trailblazer Felix & Paul Studios, where he spearheaded multiple Emmy and Peabody Award-winning projects in partnership with Meta and Google. He was also Senior Development and Production Executive at New Regency (21st Century Fox), where he oversaw feature films from inception to release, including Academy Award Best Picture winner, 12 Years A Slave. Ryan started his career at Paramount Pictures and Creative Artists Agency.
 
Sean O’Brien is the Head of Product and Technology and Co-Founder of Mavely, as well as a thought leader in the media, advertising, and marketing technology industry. Recognized in the 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Sean’s significant and insightful contributions have helped reshape the industry landscape. Mavely's 120,000+ Everyday Influencers® have powered over $1 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) for 1,400+ of the world’s top retailers and brands. With Sean’s strategic oversight, in 2023 Mavely drove over $300 million in GMV for brands and in 2024 reached a GMV run rate of $1.4B. This achievement highlights Sean’s approach to integrating innovative marketing strategies with consumer engagement, to provide financial success to both brands and creators through a sustainable business model. Under Sean's leadership, Mavely’s product continues to adapt and evolve, making it easier for influencers to generate income and achieve more in less time. For example, Mavely’s Link Creator desktop extension was recently featured by Google for meeting their high standards of user experience and design. Sean spearheaded this technology along with his Product team, ensuring Mavely adheres to best practices and delivers top-notch tools for creators. With a diverse background spanning technology, hospitality, and digital marketing, Sean continues to drive innovation and excellence at Mavely.

Justin W. Hochberg, CEO of Virtual Brand Group (VBG), operates and markets businesses across the Metaverse by channeling Web 3.0 into immersive experiences that extend beyond games. Hochberg developed VBG as a way for consumers of all ages to virtually play, socialize, shop, and create products of their own in games and on the blockchain. VBG has been recognized as a metaverse innovator in the Financial Times, WWD, Bloomberg, Vogue Business, BuzzFeed, among dozens of other global publications. VBG has introduced brands and businesses to new ways of marketing to consumers across the digital space. Notably, Hochberg also developed the Infinite Marketing Loop™ method that allows businesses to connect IRL with the metaverse by allowing users to enjoy a real world experience in the metaverse space, connecting back to a real world experience. Over the last 25 years, Hochberg has amalgamated technology, content creation and more than 160 Fortune 1,000 brands into innovative consumer businesses resulting in over $500MM+ revenue. He launched more than 30 original TV programs, including global hit “The Apprentice” and supported Microsoft’s interactive TV business development unit as well as its first paid streaming service. Hochberg holds an M.B.A from Columbia Business School, as well as a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and focuses on putting brands into the Metaverse.