Sophia Xing is the CEO of Plot Party, an agentic platform for creating AI-native and hybrid AI microdramas. Plot Party helps studios and platforms produce microdramas with greater speed and control, as well as setting up distribution and advertising opportunities. Previously, Sophia was Head of Product at Inworld AI, building at the intersection of gaming and AI with AAA gaming companies. Before that, she led the development of game telemetry tooling at Google, worked as an AI researcher in natural language processing, and earned a CS degree from Princeton University.

Ed Zobrist; +25 year game industry career including launch of "Fortnite" as Head of Publishing for Epic Games. Currently a USC professor. Graduate of Columbia and Wharton. Ed is known for F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon (2005), The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003) and Sea Life Safari. Entrepreneur, General Manager, consumer marketing executive, game designer/producer. Involved with hit products totaling >$30B in sales including Fortnite (marketing/publishing), The Simpsons Hit & Run video game (marketing), TipTop from PopCap (producer/designer) and He-Man: Masters of the Universe toys (marketing, animated series episode writer). Currently an adjunct professor at USC, and general advisor to multiple companies including Universal Studios, Convai, and Spinwit.

Kelly Garner is the founder and CEO of Treefort Media, an independent production company with a track record in premium scripted drama, documentary, and true crime for partners including Audible, Netflix, and Sony Pictures TV. A director of photography turned television producer turned executive, his visual instinct and Treefort's deep roots in award-winning short-form narrative have brought the company to its current focus: building a portfolio of vertical microdrama franchises. Treefort's work as a multimedia powerhouse behind nearly 50 original series for partners including Audible, Amazon Music, Spotify, Sony, Disney Music, and UMG, with acclaimed titles including Moriarty starring Helen Mirren (Banff + Webby winner), The Cotton Club Murder starring Christian Slater, Juliette Lewis, and Rainn Wilson (Webby Award), Ali in Me for Audible, and video podcasts including the official Downton Abbey podcast and State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State for Netflix.

Scott Brown, Award-Winning Director & Founder, Second Rodeo: Founder of Second Rodeo Productions, Scott Brown is an Emmy-nominated Director, Creative Producer, and Writer who has helped lead the digital entertainment revolution - guiding brands, studios and traditional celebrities into the creator-driven era with culture-defining, audience-first storytelling. Across his career, his work has generated over 1 billion organic views, transforming ambitious ideas into moments that shape internet culture. Through Second Rodeo, Brown works at the intersection of creators, brands, and media companies, with a particular focus on the fast-growing microdrama category, now fueling a $1.4B+ content economy. His breakout success, the award-winning vertical series, The Diamond Rose, became one of the category’s early proofpoints garnering more than 20 million views within its first 24 hours. Scott’s career is defined by landmark digital projects with the world’s biggest creators and by pioneering pathways for traditional talent into new media models—spanning MrBeast’s Train vs. Giant Pit (then the channel’s most expensive stunt), the launch of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s YouTube channel, and the digital reinvention of Larry King through Larry King Now, one of the earliest and most successful legacy-to-digital transitions. Scott has collaborated with Kevin Hart, Logan Paul, Cam Newton, Ryan Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others, and led campaigns for Under Armour, Ford, Gatorade, BET, YouTube Originals, and Roku. At Second Rodeo Productions, Scott brings proven creative leadership to bold ideas; shaping the next generation of premium digital storytelling and native internet formats.

JR Griffin is Senior Vice President of Digital at Fremantle US, where he leads digital and social strategy across some of the biggest brands in entertainment, including America’s Got Talent, American Idol, Family Feud, and more. His focus is on building awareness, driving engagement, and generating digital revenue across platforms. A seasoned digital media executive, JR has led high-impact initiatives across content development, digital programming, and audience growth. He’s played a key role in sharpening Fremantle’s focus on becoming a social-first, multi-platform powerhouse by driving breakthrough content, launching innovative campaigns, and forging strategic partnerships that expand the reach of its iconic formats. JR also oversees digital marketing and direct-to-consumer efforts to support Fremantle’s growing FAST and AVOD business, helping bring legacy brands and new IP to audiences in fresh, accessible ways. Before Fremantle, JR led the New Media Programming division at NBCUniversal for E!, Style, and G4, overseeing original digital video, mobile content, and major event coverage including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys.