Welcome to the 21st Century Consumer
The AI Brand & Consumer Experience:  Design - Media - Immersion

Tuesday, April 14th - Wednesday, April 15, 2026,  A Virtual Event
The Evening Keynote Roundtables

Registration is Free - Click Here

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Keynote Roundtable:
8 pm - 8:50 pm - Eastern Time Zone

Microdrama at Scale: Format, IP, and Monetization

It’s new and growing, microdramas—bite-sized, serialized narratives delivered via vertical video platforms—are reshaping the economics of entertainment and advertising. Running 1–3 minutes per episode, these hyper-engaging stories achieve completion rates 3–5× higher than traditional formats while commanding premium CPMs from performance-driven brands. This session examines the structural anatomy of microdrama success: narrative compression techniques that deliver emotional payoff in under 90 seconds, IP strategies that create defensible character universes and franchise potential across platforms, and monetization models that blend direct brand integration, creator revenue shares, affiliate commerce, and programmatic sponsorships. Drawing from real-world case studies and proprietary benchmarks, we’ll dissect how leading content and brand developers, agencies, and platforms are engineering repeatable, scalable IP engines that turn fleeting attention into sustained audience value and measurable ROI.

Joanna Popper,  founder, Laurel Beach, Founder, & Co-Founder, SatireAI, Moderator

Jawhara Tariq, Chief Operating Officer, Fanfix

Shicong Zhu, Head of Studio (LA), DramaBox

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Attendee Registration is Free

Registration is Open, Click Here

Speaker Submission:   Please email your panel choice, with speaker bio and appropriate links or use the form below.

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

Session II:
AI & Cinematic Creativity: A Roundtable of AI Filmmakers & Creators

As generative AI reshapes the boundaries of visual storytelling, this roundtable brings together leading AI-native filmmakers and creators to dissect the new craft of cinematic expression. From hyper-real synthetic worlds to hybrid human-AI workflows, the session explores how advanced intelligence is collapsing traditional production timelines, unlocking unprecedented creative control, and redefining narrative authorship.  Expect candid discussion on the aesthetic, ethical, and technical frontiers: training custom models for consistent visual language, directing virtual actors with emotional nuance, preserving human intent amid algorithmic output, and scaling intimate stories to cinematic scope. Live demos will showcase real-time AI pipelines, motion capture augmentation, and generative scene-building that today’s studios are quietly adopting. For senior executives in advertising, content creation, branding, and technology, this is the unfiltered view of where cinematic creativity is headed—and how to lead it.
Speakers Confirmed

Charlie Fink,  Producer, Podcast Host, Author, Adjunct, Columnist, Covering AI, XR, Metaverse for Forbes, Moderator

Jeff Gipson,  Creative Director, Operative Games

Katya Alexander, Head of Production, Fable Studios

Jason Zada,  founder, Secret Level

Nik Kleverov, CCO, Native Foreign

Larry Cutler, CTO and Co-Founder, Baobab Studios

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

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

Session I:

Brand + Agency + Technology = Next Level of Strategies & 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 Confirmed

Dennis Bajec,   Partner, User Experience & IBM Distinguished Designer

Elav Horwitz, Chief Innovation Officer, WPP

Mark Figlilulo, Founder and Creative Chairman, FIG

Stephanie Layser,  Global Head of Publisher Ad Tech Solutions, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Rhonda Hiatt, Global CEO, M+C Saatchi Consulting

Sarah Buckler,  Chief Operating Officer, Fifty Thousand Feet, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Keynote Roundtable:

9 pm – 9:45 pm - Eastern Time Zone

Session II:

The Creator Economy & Unique Vision: Algos, Analytics & Monetization

The "Creator Economy" has effectively slayed the giant of "Hollywood Entertainment" with a combination of YouTube and a host of Social Media platforms — and there is a "Secret Sauce," a massive black box of AIs, Algos and Analytics. With billions of dollars at stake, this session looks to explore the intricacies of social media's inner workings. From the role of AI and machine learning to the impact of user behavior and feedback loops, we'll examine the complex systems that shape the online landscape. But the secret sauce is more than technology — it is vision, voice and the relentless ability to build and own an audience. By demystifying the algorithms, we'll uncover the hidden patterns and principles that govern success in the Creator Economy — and provide creators and executives with the insights they need to thrive.

Speakers Confirmed

Zach Katz,  co-founder, Fixated

Aaron Sisto,  Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chronicle Studios

Jessica Berger, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Publicis Media

Francis Mekhail,  Head of Creative, First Round Collective

Adrienne Lahens,  CEO, Infinite Studios, former, Global Head, TikTok Creator Marketing, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

 
Wednesday Evening April 15th, 2026

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

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

AI Agents, Training & Copyright - Tech Solutions & Legal Liability

As chatbots, AI Agents 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 Confirmed

Peter Csathy, Chairman, Creative Media, Moderator

Lisa Oratz, Senior Counsel, Perkins Coie

Anthony Glukhov,  Senior Associate, Ramo Law

Albert Thompson, Co-Founder, Director, Brand Strategy, Transient Identiti

Jonathan Handel, Entertainment & Technology Attorney, Feig/Finkel

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
The Daytime Sessions

Noon – 12:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:

From Creator to Consumer: Ad Revenue Without the Gatekeepers

In 2026 the middlemen are disappearing. Platforms and traditional distributors no longer own the path from creator to consumer — Algorithms, Analytics, Video Monetization & other AI-powered tools now let brands and creators connect directly, monetize instantly, and keep the lion’s share of revenue. This session brings together the pioneers building the new direct-to-consumer advertising stack: decentralized creator platforms, AI-driven recommendation engines, blockchain-verified attribution, and instant-payout smart contracts that bypass legacy gatekeepers. Hear how top creators are launching branded campaigns that reach millions without platform cuts, how brands are running hyper-targeted ads straight to loyal audiences, and how new revenue models are turning every post, video, and livestream into a payable asset. The gatekeepers built the walls. Super-intelligence is handing creators the keys — and the wallet.

Speakers Confirmed

Vince Lynch,  CEO, IV.AI, Moderator

Ed Zobrist,  Adjunct Professor, USC Cinematic Arts. former, Head of Publishing, Epic Games

Jonathan Skogmo, CEO, LOST iN, former Founder and CEO, Jukin Media

Victor Lu,  Global Head. Twitch Brand Partnership Studio

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
AI Search & Brands: Powering Consumer, Enterprise, and Creative Discovery

Search is no longer a blue link; it is the new storefront, creative brief, and purchase path rolled into one. This session brings together the leaders rewriting discovery at scale. From generative answers that surface the perfect product before the consumer finishes typing, to enterprise-grade retrieval systems that let brands control their narrative inside the model, to creative studios using AI search as an infinite mood board; the rules have changed. Hear how the largest agencies are embedding proprietary data into retrieval pipelines, how global brands are turning conversational AI into always-on shopping assistants, and how tech platforms are delivering sub-second, multi-modal discovery at billions of queries per day. This is not “SEO 2.0.” This is the fight for the first inch of consumer attention, enterprise decision-making, and creative inspiration; and the winners own the next decade of commerce and culture.

Speakers Confirmed

JR Griffin,  Senior Vice President, Digital, Fremantle, Moderator

Peter Sloterdyk,  CMO, ProRata and Gist

Emi Wayner, TikTok Partnership, AI & GTM Advisor, Airship Capital

Michael Lewittes, Founder & CEO, Ranktify

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

1:00 – 1:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
Architects of the Branding & 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 Confirmed

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

Rachel Noonan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Forward Studio

Ted Schilowitz,  Visionary & Futurist, formerly Paramount Global & 20th Century Fox

Kristin Glushon,  Executive Producer, Nexus Studios

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

Travis Cloyd,  CEO, WorldwideXR & VP, CMG

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Conversational AI & Virtual Engagement: Text/Video/Audio Experiences

In this session, we will dive into the realms of “Agentic Complexity” or “Deep Synthetic Intelligence.” We'll discuss how these virtual entities are not just designed for interaction but are imbued with 'Computer Intelligence' that allows them to mimic human emotion and expressions, engaging in conversational exchanges that are remarkably human-like. This interaction can be in text form, audio or full virtual humanoid. Once a “Virtual Experience” achieves this level of conversational maturity, akin to that of a seasoned human, their integration into our daily lives becomes inevitable.This engagement may be as a Co-Pilot - the engagement tool on the front page of an enterprise site. This door will also open to advanced form of Commerce via AI engagement. Join us to explore this frontier where AI not only mimics but begins to understand and adapt, crafting a future where virtual humans could redefine our reality.

Speakers Confirmed

Steve Masur, Partner, Raines Feldman Littrell LLP, Moderator

Andrew Klein, SVP, Creative Technology, Publicis Media

Cristina Lawrence, Chief Social & Innovation Officer, Razorfish

Laurie Keith, Senior Vice President, Emerging Media & Technology, Ad Council

John Canning,  Director Developer Relations - Creators, AMD

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 Confirmed

Bill Newell, CEO, SparX Works Inc., Moderator

Rosemary Lokhorst,  CEO & co-founder, Badass Studios

Doug Hogan, Creative Technologist, Groove Jones

Ulrike Kerber, Principal and Creative Director, Viva Design

Matt Pfeffer, Executive Producer and President, Ritual Labs

Gabe Michael, Global SVP and Group Executive Producer of AI, Edelman

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
Streaming + The Creator Economy + Podcasts = A Media Realignment
The traditional media hierarchy is finding revolutionary ways to expand. Streaming platforms, creator-led brands, and podcasts are converging into a new direct-to-consumer ecosystem where attention, revenue, and storytelling flow without gatekeepers. This session brings together the leaders driving this realignment: how streaming giants are becoming creator incubators, how top podcasters are building billion-dollar media empires, and how brands are shifting budgets to own the entire funnel through authentic creator and media partnerships. The result: a fragmented but explosive landscape where the biggest winners are the creators and platforms that control the relationship — and the data. This is not evolution. This is the great media realignment, and the map is being redrawn right now.

Speakers Confirmed

Mark Kapczynski, President, Storymill, Moderator

Brian Dameris, Emmy Winner, Broadcast Analyst & Executive, Dallas Mavericks

Rosie D'Amato,  Director of Publisher Development, Kargo

Lars Bengston, Head of Agency, HardScope

Katie Brown, Chief Content Officer, Inception Point AI

Garrett Graham, Vice President of Digital, V10 Entertainment                       

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

3:00 – 3:50 pm Eastern Time Zone
Session I:
Branding, Storytelling & Virtual Production: A World of Tools and Technology – Layers of Innovation

The future of storytelling is being rewritten by AI-driven toolchains that merge language, visualization, and production into a seamless creative continuum. From concept to delivery, every stage now lives inside an intelligent ecosystem — where narrative, design, and iteration move at machine speed. This session explores how writers, directors, designers, and producers are integrating generative models, real-time visualization, and adaptive platform formats to reinvent both the creative workflow and the client experience. Whether crafting a brand story, building immersive campaigns, or designing a virtual world, the new generation of creators is working with AI as both collaborator and accelerator. The discussion moves beyond buzzwords to examine practical layers of innovation — where human imagination meets computational precision to redefine storytelling in advertising, entertainment, and branded media.

Speakers Confirmed

Jessica Powell, CEO, Audioshake

Angus Kneale, Chief Creative, Preymaker

Mike Levine, founder, FilmSpark.ai

Russell Palmer, CEO & Co-Founder of CyberFilm AI, Saga

Ian Kovalik, Chief Creative Officer, AI, Mekanism

Brian Carley, Chief Creative Officer, Razorfish

Lori H. Schwartz, Founder & CEO, StoryTech, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:
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 Confirmed

Jason Henderson, Esq., Media and IP Licensing, JWL International, Moderator

Josh Okun, Chief Innovation Officer, Gravity Global

Charles Adelman, CEO, XRDNA 

Vince Lynch, CEO, IV.AI

Silke Meixner, Digital Customer Experience Strategy, ZS Associates

Doug Smith,  Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Miris

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

4:00 – 4:50 pm  Eastern Time Zone
Session II:
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.

Speakers Confirmed

Albert Thompson, Co-Founder, Director, Brand Strategy, Transient Identiti, Moderator

Jill Smith, CEO, Iris North America

Audrey Mitchell, CEO, Maude

Cupid Hayes, Founder & CEO. Arrow Advising

Matt Epstein, Co-Founder & CEO, Shown

Paulita David, VP, US Large Customer Sales, Reddit

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

Session II:

Agentic Commerce: Integrating AI into Multiplatform Shopping and Transactions

The "Power of Compute" is coming of age. Agentic AI may have only made its way into the “Technology Lexicon” in the past six months, but the reality of Agentic AI may find its way into daily use with even greater speed. By integrating AI into multiplatform shopping and transactions, AI-powered payment processing plus a personalization and customer experience, may well produce a world of near frictionless commerce, or at least a wildly improved customer experience. The essential ingredient critical to its success, is privacy, security and the customer/brand relationship built on a foundation of “Trust and Loyalty.” the customer/brand relationship built on a foundation of “Trust and Loyalty.” 

Speakers Confirmed

Avantika Ajit, Global Solutions Architecture Leader, Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Sports, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

David MacDonald, EVP, Head of Retail and Commerce,  Razorfish

Greg Young, Vice President for Cybersecurity, Trend Micro

Kumaran Ponnambalam, Principal AI Engineer, Cisco

Michael Stich, Partner, CourtAvenue

Michael Olaye,  Executive Vice President, formerly, HUGE, Moderator

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

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

AI Agents, Training & Copyright - Tech Solutions & Legal Liability

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 Confirmed

Peter Csathy, Chairman, Creative Media, Moderator

Anthony Glukhov,  Senior Associate, Ramo Law

Albert Thompson,  Co-Founder, Director, Brand Strategy, Transient Identiti

Lisa Oratz, Senior Counsel, Perkins Coie

Additional speakers to be announced

Complete Session & Speaker Information - Click Here

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