Cindy Baccetti, Site Director, Industry Experience Center (IEC) and Global Culinary Leader, CET - Microsoft

Olivia Neal Howell, Founder – Seattle Creates + President, The Olivia Neal Experience

Mark Freeman, Senior Vice President of Growth - Day One Hospitality Consulting

Moderated By: Elizabeth Nutting, CSEP, Account Director – TK Events

At this panel power hour industry leaders as we explore the future of events from a multidimensional perspective. In this era of rapid transformation, we will discuss the pivotal role of fostering a sustainable and thriving creative economy. Our conversation will address the environmental and societal impacts, how we can foster innovation and the development of forward-thinking strategies. Our panel will examine how emerging technologies are revolutionizing the events and hospitality landscape, and where we, as professionals, fit within this evolving ecosystem. This session offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights on staying ahead in a dynamic, ever-changing world, while making a positive impact on our planet and community. Whether you are an experienced professional or new to the field, this discussion will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to drive the future of events.

Nigel Collin, MBA, CSP

Founder - Ingenious Oz Project

Author - Game of Inches + co-author of The Business Switch
 

We live in a rapidly changing world - no secret there - and for event professionals embracing change and adaptability is vital. What if you nurture the belief that you can constantly grow, learn and improve, to see challenges and change as opportunities? This session explores practical ways to start nurturing a growth mindset (the foundation work of psychologist Carol Dweck) for you and your team.

Meredith Froemke, World Renowned Astrologer/Motivational Life Coach
Hosted By: Richard Foulkes, Live Marketing Business Facilitator, Consultant, and Speaker - The Paradise Experiment Event Consultancy

This enlightening session will feature Meredith Froemke, a world-renowned astrologer and life coach, who will talk about the profound connections between curiosity, creativity, and intuition. With a rich background in professional theatre, ballet, and the arts, as well as experience in marketing and events, Meredith offers a unique perspective on how to harness your creative processes and beliefs to reach your highest calling and divine purpose – and your most creative self. Discover how to tap into your innate creativity, leverage your intuition, and explore the depths of your potential. This session promises to inspire and equip you with the insights needed to unlock your true creative power and live a purpose-driven life.

Beth Knox, President + CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission
Interviewed By: Kevin White, CSEP - Chief Strategist - XPL

Don't miss this session featuring an interview with a veteran in the sports and events industry as we explore the future of mega events, their power to unite and inspire, and what we can learn from them. Beth Knox, President + CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, has an impressive portfolio, having played pivotal roles in events including the Special Olympics USA Games, the MLB All-Star Game, and the upcoming World Cup 2026. Delve into her insights on designing inclusive international events that transcend boundaries and bring people together. This session will touch on how these spectacular gatherings foster global unity, celebrate diversity, and inspire communities worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true visionary about the evolving landscape of sports and events and how we can create experiences that resonate with and uplift us all.
 

Paolo Tosolini, Founder - Tosolini Productions, LLC - Business Storytelling | Emerging Tech

Donatas Dautartas, Head of Wix Events - Wix Enterprise

Moderated by: Cecilia Lavin
 

Join us for an exciting tech talk tailored specifically for the event industry, where you'll dive into the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of events. This session will feature a series of mini chats with industry experts, covering key topics such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), engagement tools and software solutions for both in-person and online delivery. This session will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the technologies revolutionizing the event industry.

Chloe Lee, CMS-CHt, FIBH – Hypnotherapist

Jody Hall, Founder + CEO, Wunderground Coffee
 

First, join Chloe Lee, CMS-CHt, FIBH, as she leads us into Forest Bathing, which comes from the Japanese Shinrin Yoku. It was developed in Japan in the 1980s as a way to help stressed out city-dwellers unwind. The effects of spending time with nature have proven to reduce stress, improve feelings of happiness and boosts creativity. Immersion in a natural setting offers a cognitive advantage. Creatives like Virginia Woolf, Beethoven, and Pablo Picasso were well known to have enjoyed long walks in nature. Using the sense of sight in the forest can induce an effect known as ‘soft fascination’, according to researchers and psychologists, helping our busy and often frazzled minds recover by returning them to a state of calm, restoration and rejuvenation.  The picturesque Pacific Northwest is an incredible backdrop for Forest Bathing, and while we wont get out into the natural setting, this session will give you a glimpse into what this mindfulness experience is like.

Then hear from an extraordinary entrepreneur who has turned her passion for coffee and purpose based companies into a series of groundbreaking ventures. Jody Hall will share her remarkable journey, starting with her role in establishing Starbucks’ first event department, a pivotal move that showcased her innovative spirit and ability to create impactful experiences. Building on this success, Jody has launched several successful businesses that further cemented her reputation as a dynamic visionary. Today, she stands at the forefront of a wellness revolution with her latest venture, Wundergound Coffee. Jody listened to a lecture on mushrooms many years ago, and this was the genesis of Wunderground -  a cause, a product, and a place. At its core, coffee is connection. Our modern and digitized world has left many of us living in a new normal where heightened stress and anxiety are commonplace. Coffee is one of the most ritualistic beverages on the planet. Mushrooms are one of the most powerful organisms on the planet. She is deeply inspired by the notion of how we can build products, experiences, and brands that help foster human connection. Through her story, you'll gain insights into the evolving landscape of wellness, how events are at the forefront of connecting it all and the power of following one's passion to create meaningful change.

Angie Senter, Adjunct Professor, Washington State University (WSU) School of Hospitality Business Management 
Kerrell Dunsmore, The Next Great Event

Matt Bonavita, President + Founder - Rhythm in Motion, Adjunct Professor, School of Business Professionals - New York University (NYU)
 

The profs are in! Join us for an engaging and insightful session featuring our panel that includes two distinguished college professors and event industry vets! Delve into the dynamic world of employing and producing events for the next generation. This session promises to be an invaluable resource for industry professionals, sharing tips for developing internship programs to partnering with educational institutions and mentorships, to planning and producing for future generations. Uncover preferences and expectations of Generation Z and beyond as we prepare to welcome them to the workforce and as attendees at our events.

Sean McClinton, Founder, Space Entrepreneurs Network + Co-Founder - Space Northwest 
Ted Huetter, Senior PR Manager – The Museum of Flight + Aviation/Space Writer + Photographer
Moderated By: Nigel Collin

These space ballers will delve into the remarkable advancements in space travel and their profound implications for our future. As we stand on the cusp of making space travel a mainstream reality, this discussion will explore what these groundbreaking innovations mean for humanity. Discover the powerful technologies driving our journey into outer space and how they are reshaping our understanding of what is possible. Our panel of experts and space enthusiasts will share insights into the latest developments, the challenges we face, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. This session will take you beyond the realm of space innovation and exploration, highlighting how these advancements benefit life on Earth and shape our future in space. Learn how the evolution of space travel can inspire new possibilities for events, foster global collaboration, and drive innovative progress. Whether you are passionate about space or curious about the future, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to embrace the new frontier of human achievement.

Join us for the Grand Finale, the ultimate closing session where we come together to celebrate and reflect on the biggest moments of I-24. We’ll highlight the key insights and breakthroughs from our time together, encapsulating the spirit of our shared mission. Expect surprises, camaraderie, and a heartfelt toast to our collective accomplishments. We'll commemorate the connections we've made, the knowledge we've gained, and the inspiration we've ignited. And send us off ready to create ripples that resonate far and wide in the world. Don’t miss this unforgettable conclusion to our journey!