2024 lineup

Bozoma Saint John is a Hall of Fame inducted Marketing Executive, author, entrepreneur and general badass.

Boz got her start in her marketing career at Spike Lee’s ad agency, SpikeDDB. She then went on to manage brands in the PepsiCo beverages portfolio, before becoming Head of Music and Entertainment Marketing at the CPG giant. After that, she led Global Consumer Marketing at Apple Music & iTunes; before serving as Chief Brand Officer at Uber; she then took on the Chief Marketing Officer role for Endeavor (including WME, IMG, UFC, Miss Universe, 160over90 etc). Mostly recently, she served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at the entertainment behemoth, Netflix.

Boz’s work has been lauded and awarded by the industries she’s operated in; including induction into the American Marketing Association Hall of Fame (2022), following induction into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement (2014). Boz is currently named as the #1 Most Influential CMO in the world by Forbes (2021). She’s also been inducted into Billboard’s Women in Music Hall of Fame after making their list of the Most Powerful Women in Music for 10 consecutive years (2013-2022), and crowned as the Executive of the Year (2016). She’s been featured on the cover of Adweek as “one of the most exciting personalities in advertising;” and is on lists ranging from The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Power 100 (2018) to Fast Company’s and Ad Age’s Most Creative People to Ebony’s 100 Powerful Executives, Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Women in Business and Fortune’s Most Influential CMOs.

In 2021, Harvard Business School published a multi-media case study on her career, titled “Leading with Authenticity and Urgency”; through which she developed and taught a program at the University aptly named “The Anatomy of a Badass.” Boz has also created a public online class, “The Badass Workshop” to teach the nuances of achieving success when one feels like an outsider.

Boz has expanded her service outside of the US, and been named as an Ambassador for the African Diaspora and Special Envoy to the President of Ghana. Boz is also a philanthropic Ambassador to Pencils of Promise in Ghana and serves on the boards of Girls Who Code, Vital Voices, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Soho House and the CFDA. She’s also currently on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Wesleyan University.In the Spring of 2023, Penguin Books will publish her first book, a memoir, “The Urgent Life.”

All of that said, she counts her highest achievement as being a mother to her 12 year old daughter, Lael.

With over 23 years of experience, Chris Jackman is a seasoned marketing leader renowned for driving strategy, building global brands, and managing high-performing teams. Jackman's approach centers on putting the consumer at the heart of every initiative, a philosophy that has consistently led to successful outcomes. A natural problem-solver and progress driver, Jackman is known for leading by example with a robust yet balanced work ethic.

Jackman’s career spans more than 13 years at Levi Strauss & Co. and over a decade in the advertising agency sector. This diverse background provides Jackman with a unique and comprehensive perspective on various business models, brand challenges, and strategic initiatives.

Currently serving as the Vice President of Marketing for the US and Canada at Levi Strauss & Co., Jackman plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s strategic business plan. In this capacity, Jackman oversees all marketing functions within the US and Canada, ensuring the alignment and effectiveness of marketing efforts with the broader organizational goals.

Jackman’s tenure at Levi Strauss & Co. has been marked by significant contributions to the brand’s growth and market presence. By leveraging extensive industry knowledge and a consumer-centric approach, Jackman has successfully driven numerous campaigns and initiatives that have enhanced brand visibility and engagement.

Originally from New England, Jackman has resided in the Bay Area since 2008. Outside of professional responsibilities, Jackman enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters, often favoring the beach as a preferred destination.

Jackman’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in advancing both team performance and brand success. With a track record of strategic leadership and a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, Jackman continues to be a vital asset to Levi Strauss & Co. and the broader marketing community.

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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.

Johanna Faries was named President of Blizzard Entertainment inJanuary 2024. In this role, Johanna oversees and collaborates with a team of leaders from across Blizzard’s iconic game universes, as well as those leading technology, and story and franchise development. Johanna brings in an inclusive, collaborative approach to leadership and deep entertainment and commercial experience, with a history of building talented teams and brands. Prior to her current role, Johanna served as General Manager of Call of Duty, one of the biggest gaming and entertainment brands in the world and the number-one-selling console gaming franchise in the United States for more than a decade.

She began her career in the 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 for 2022 and 2023, Variety Entertainment Gaming Leaders Class of 2022 and Executive of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal for 2022. Throughout her career, Johanna has 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 and aspart of the Board of Directors for the Call of Duty Endowment.

In her free time, Johanna participates in daily yoga, playing video games across multiple genres, pro sports of all kinds, and spending time with loved ones.

Laura Nestler has an 18-year track record of building strategic, scalable community systems. As Vice President of Community at Reddit, she leads Reddit’s Community team, responsible for key initiatives around moderation, governance, and international community growth. Before Reddit, Laura served as Duolingo’s Global Head of Community. She also spent eight years at Yelp, where she helped craft Yelp’s community growth playbook. Laura is passionate about community-driven growth and speaks internationally on related topics, and serves in advisory, board, and investor roles for organizations that build products with community intentionality. She now lives in Seattle with her husband, three kids, and inveterate wanderlust.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

IN-Q, short for In Question, is an Emmy nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and best-selling author of Inquire Within. His groundbreaking 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 HBO's Def Poetry Jam. He's inspired countless audiences around the world, live and virtually, through his performances and storytelling workshops. Many of his recent poetry videos have gone viral with over 100 million views combined, and his stand up poetry special, IN-Q - Live at the Ace Theatre, is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

As a songwriter, IN-Q’s hit single “Love You Like a Love Song” by Selena Gomez went multi-platinum, winning him a BMI award. He has written with renowned artists including Aloe Blacc, Miley Cyrus, Mike Posner, ZHU, and Foster the People. His songs have accumulated over two billion views on YouTube alone. Most recently, he was nominated for a Billboard Award for his contributions on Disney's Descendants 3 soundtrack.

Leading organizations including Nike, Instagram, Spotify, Google, Zappos, Lululemon, Live Nation, Shazam, The Grammy Foundation, and many more have brought IN-Q in to motivate their teams through his keynote performances and transformational storytelling workshops. These two unique offerings provide a powerful bonding experience for companies that want to lead with vulnerability and build trust within their organizations.

Ultimately IN-Q writes to entertain, inspire, and challenge his audiences to look deeper into the human experience and ask questions about themselves, their environment, and the world at large.

Liz Maglione is an accomplished marketing communications professional with extensive experience in the global toy industry. Serving as the Vice President of Global Marketing Communications at Mattel, she holds a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company's marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive consumer engagement worldwide.

With a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, Maglione excels at developing and implementing comprehensive marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Her expertise spans various facets of marketing, including digital media, public relations, content creation, and brand management. She leverages this knowledge to craft compelling narratives that elevate Mattel's iconic brands and products.

Maglione is known for her strategic vision and ability to collaborate effectively across teams and regions. She leads cross-functional initiatives that integrate creative storytelling with data-driven insights, ensuring that marketing efforts are both innovative and impactful. Her strong communication skills and attention to detail enable her to manage complex projects and deliver results that exceed expectations.

Throughout her career, Maglione has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. She is passionate about mentoring junior colleagues and promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. Her leadership and dedication have earned her recognition as a trusted and influential voice in marketing communications.

In her role as Vice President of Global Marketing Communications at Mattel, Liz Maglione continues to drive the company's mission to create a more inclusive and imaginative world for children and families. Her efforts contribute to the ongoing success and growth of some of the world's most beloved toy brands.

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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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

As Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and six other brands, Jillian Frechette is responsible for brand, marketing, digital, live production, youth hockey, community investment and revenue generation tied to multiple marquee Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE) properties. Frechette is an agile and creative marketing leader, driven by a purpose to ignite and connect the passion of fan communities for compelling sport and entertainment brands. Growing up in a Canadian hockey family, sport is in her DNA and has deeply shaped her career path. Frechette was awarded “Engagement Executive of the Year” by Hashtag Sports in Atlanta, Georgia in late 2021 for her leadership driving exceptional digital strategy, the production of compelling content and ultimately, achieving incredible fan engagement metrics with the Devils digital platforms. She recently launched a Third Jersey for the New Jersey Devils – a franchise first. Her design partner for this special garment was Hall of Famer and fellow Canadian, Martin Brodeur. Very recently they celebrated the win of a 2022 Creative Summit award for their use of AR Murals and a 2022 NHL Stanley award for “Best Marketing Campaign” of the year for the Third Jersey launch.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.'

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.

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.

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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. His career spans agency, consulting, and highly matrixed in-house environments, where he has consistently delivered measurable accomplishments. Industry leaders seek out Hindin 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.

Hindin'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.

Hindin 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.

In summary, Dan Hindin is a highly sought-after marketing and communications expert known for his strategic vision, detailed execution, and unwavering commitment to DEI principles. His ability to lead and inspire diverse teams makes him a valuable asset in any organizational setting.

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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.

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.

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Matt founded One Tree Planted, Inc. in 2014 with a passionate commitment to the environment and global reforestation. With an MBA in marketing and a Masters degree in sports management, he excels at business management and entrepreneurship. Prior to establishing One Tree Planted, Matt co-founded Sonomax and Liquid Nutrition Inc. which were both publicly traded on the TSX. He also co-founded EcoSteps Distribution, the largest wholesaler of environmentally friendly packaging throughout Canada. Eager to share his business knowledge, he was a professor for eleven years at John Abbott College and Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, teaching marketing, accounting, and e-commerce to his students. Matt is driven to make a difference in the world and inspires his team through his leadership and solid business acumen.