AI: Brand and Consumer Experience

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 - A Virtual Event

4 PM – 4:50 PM: Eastern Time Zone

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.

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

Ken DiCross, CEO, Wire Network

Sarah Buckler, Chief Executive Officer, Tangible, Moderator

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    Jessica Berger

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    Sarah Buckler

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    Eric Shamlin

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    Charlie Fink

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    Ken DiCross

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Jessica Berger leads global innovation and strategy at Publicis Media by harnessing the power of emerging technologies and forecasting insights. With an industry reputation for her unwavering enthusiasm and profound understanding of cutting-edge tech, such as web3, AI, and AR/VR, Berger has become a sought-after speaker, judge, and host at industry events. Her expertise lies in deciphering the future of media and brand experiences, enabling her clients to capitalize on the potential of breakthrough innovations. Moreover, her dedication to mentorship and advocacy for diverse voices in organizations like the Adweek Executive Mentorship program and Girls In Tech exemplifies her commitment to empowering the next generation of marketers and thinkers. Prior to joining Publicis, Berger worked at agency powerhouses Weber Shandwick and Publicis’ MSL where she strategized and implemented campaigns and digital innovation efforts for clients in the luxury goods, CPG and tech sectors. Her over a decade-long experience is informed by working for agencies and companies across Germany, Japan, and North America – giving her a unique global edge valued by many clients and industry peers.


Eric Shamlin, CEO, Secret Level and Co-Governor, Emerging Media Programming Peer Group, Television Academy: Eric Shamlin leads entertainment growth at Secret Level, where he heads up innovative partnerships with leading technology and entertainment brands. With a broad background in technology, visual effects and entertainment, Shamlin is pioneering the future of entertainment powered by digital, interactive and immersive technologies. Eric Shamlin is a two-time Emmy winner, 12-time Cannes Lion winner and 19-year member of the Television Academy where he holds seats on the Digital Strategy Committee, Interactive Media Peer Group and co-chairs the Experience Design Work Group.


Charlie Fink, Metaverse Consultant, Forbes Columnist, Author, Adjunct: Charlie Fink writes the weekly Forbes column “This Week in XR" and co-hosts its eponymous companion podcast. He is the author of the upcoming Dissecting the Metaverse (Fall 2022), Remote Collaboration and the Future of Work (2020), and the critically acclaimed AR-enabled books Charlie Fink’s Metaverse (2017), and Convergence, How The World Will Be Painted With Data (2019). He teaches XR at Chapman University Film School in Orange, CA. Fink's forty year career at the convergence of popular culture and technology began at Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1987 where he famously came up with the idea for “The Lion King" and became the studio’s youngest creative Vice-President. Fink's work in technology began in 1992 when he joined Tim Disney’s pioneering location-based VR company, Virtual World Entertainment, as its COO. In 1995, AOL recruited him to be Senior Vice President & Chief Creative Officer of AOL Studios (1995-1999). Fink was President of American Greetings Interactive and Blue Mountain (2000-2004). His other experience includes exits from several startups and running the New York Musical Festival. Fink's consulting clients include both tech giants and start ups trying to find their place in the rapidly evolving metaverse ecosystem.


Ken DiCross is the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Wire Network, spearheading the development of next-generation blockchain infrastructure for the AI agent economy. A blockchain pioneer since 2013, Ken's expertise spans blockchain architecture, AI integration, and decentralized finance. Under Ken's leadership, Wire Network is revolutionizing the blockchain industry with its Universal Transaction Layer, a breakthrough technology enabling high-speed, gas-free transactions across all chains. This innovation positions Wire Network as "The Visa of Crypto," addressing core challenges of scalability, interoperability, and user-friendliness. With a career marked by transforming challenges into opportunities, Ken brings over two decades of outperformance in equity and crypto markets to Wire Network. His proven track record includes launching successful startups and revitalizing underperforming businesses. Ken's strategic vision and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes have been instrumental in Wire Network's development of truly decentralized, universal chain interoperability. A sought-after thought leader, Ken is passionate about fostering innovation and guiding teams to push the boundaries of blockchain and AI integration. He envisions Wire Network as the foundational infrastructure for the next generation of digital economies, poised to redefine the global digital landscape. Ken invites fellow innovators and investors to explore how Wire Network is creating the "Next Generation of the Internet," future-proofed for the AI-based economy.

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