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Hala Madanat - Vice President for Research and Innovation at (San Diego State University) Jan 17, 2026

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Hala Madanat, PhD, MS is a distinguished public health leader serving as Vice President for Research and Innovation and Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University (SDSU). She oversees SDSU’s research enterprise, supports research advancement and innovation, and helps drive programs like the Mission Valley Innovation District and university startup incubation efforts. Dr. Madanat’s research focuses on health promotion, behavioral science, and reducing health disparities through community-engaged work, including NIH-funded projects addressing cancer equity, obesity prevention, and public health workforce development. She has led significant research growth and strategic initiatives that expanded SDSU’s research impact and funding. Dr. Madanat holds degrees in biological sciences, community health sciences, and sociology with a public health minor.

Josh Metz - Chief Marketing Officer - Sesh Products Jan 17, 2026

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Josh Metz is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sesh Products, a fast-growing nicotine pouch brand focused on modern, smoke-free alternatives. With extensive experience leading marketing strategies for innovative consumer brands—spanning CMO roles at Sesh, Slushy, and ZitSticka™—Josh blends creative thinking with strategic growth to elevate brand presence and engagement in competitive markets. At Sesh, he’s helping shape the brand’s momentum and visibility through high-impact partnerships and audience-focused campaigns, connecting products with today’s lifestyle-driven consumers.

Ben Kaplan - Chief Marketing Officer - Nexxen Jan 17, 2026

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Ben Kaplan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Nexxen International, where he leads global marketing and communications to elevate the company’s brand and narrative across the advertising ecosystem. He joined Nexxen in 2023, bringing over 14 years of experience across the digital advertising supply chain. Prior to Nexxen, Kaplan held senior marketing and product roles at PubMatic, X (formerly Twitter) and Meredith Corporation, working at the intersection of product, brand, and commercial strategy. He holds an M.B.A. from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University, with additional executive education from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and the Product Marketing Alliance. His work focuses on shaping differentiated marketing approaches in programmatic, CTV, and video advertising.

Paul Woolmington - CEO - Canvas Worldwide Jan 16, 2026

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Paul Woolmington is a veteran media, advertising, and communications leader and the CEO and Founding Partner of Canvas Worldwide, a creatively driven global media and communications agency known for its innovation and multicultural focus. With more than 25 years in the industry, he previously co-founded Naked Communications Americas and founded The Media Kitchen, building a reputation for redefining traditional marketing and media strategy. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the “ten most creative and innovative people in marketing and advertising,” Woolmington champions diversity, creativity, and integration across media, brand, and digital platforms. He has held senior roles at major global holding companies and serves as an advisor and advocate on industry boards while frequently speaking on the future of advertising and data-driven storytelling.

⁠Bill Burton⁠ - CEO - ⁠Bryson Gillette⁠ Jan 16, 2026

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Bill Burton is the Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Bryson Gillette, a minority-owned strategic communications and public affairs firm he launched in 2020. He is an experienced political and communications strategist who previously served as Deputy White House Press Secretary and senior adviser during the Obama administration and as National Press Secretary for then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Over more than two decades, Burton has advised elected officials, corporations, advocacy organizations, and nonprofits on high-stakes campaigns and public communications, helping leaders clarify complex issues and build authentic connections with audiences. Based in Santa Barbara, California, he also combines strategic insight with creativity to support campaigns on issues from climate change and education reform to voting rights and social justice.

Vikrant Mathur - founder - Future Today Jan 15, 2026

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Vikrant Mathur is a Silicon Valley media and technology executive with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling digital video and connected TV products. He is Co-Founder of Future Today Inc., a company that operates hundreds of OTT (over-the-top) streaming channels across verticals like travel, food, kids, health, and entertainment on web, mobile, and connected TV platforms. At Future Today, Mathur leads content partnerships, platform monetization, and strategic growth initiatives. Before founding Future Today, he held senior product and technology roles at startups and established companies, including product leadership positions where he helped drive acquisitions and product expansion.

⁠April Guidone⁠ & ⁠Jose Diaz⁠ @ SMAC Entertainment⁠ Jan 15, 2026

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April Guidone is the Chief Operating Officer of SMAC Entertainment, a talent management, brand incubator, licensing, and content company co-founded by Michael Strahan and Constance Schwartz - Morini. She oversees the company’s overall business strategy, including revenue growth, brand development, talent management, and content production.

Jose Diaz is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Communications at SMAC Entertainment, where he leads talent management, brand partnerships, content development, and media strategy. With over a decade of experience in entertainment, sports, and consumer culture, Diaz works closely with high-profile talent and helps produce and grow multi-platform initiatives, including television content and branded ventures.

Erica Fieldman & Mike Richter, founders of Unplugged Collective Jan 14, 2026

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Erica Fieldman is a co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Unplugged Collective, a community and experiential networking organization focused on creating meaningful, face-to-face professional connections through curated events and experiences. She leads the company’s marketing strategy to foster authentic networking communities beyond traditional digital interactions.

Mike Richter is the Co-Founder and CEO of Unplugged Collective, a company focused on redefining professional networking by creating experiential, face-to-face events that foster authentic human connections in the advertising, media, and broader business communities. Under his leadership, Unplugged Collective hosts immersive gatherings like Strangers No More that bring people together through engaging activities and shared experiences — moving beyond traditional transactional networking toward deeper relationship building. Richter and his co-founders draw on extensive industry experience to build events and programs that help professionals connect meaningfully in person.

Chad Waetzig - Chief Marketing Officer - Crunch Fitness Jan 13, 2026

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Chad Waetzig is a seasoned marketing executive best known for his role as Chief Marketing Officer at Crunch Fitness, where he leads global marketing and brand strategy. He has more than two decades of experience in strategic marketing and brand leadership across industries including fitness, hospitality, consumer products, and entertainment. Before joining Crunch, Waetzig held senior marketing roles at companies like Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spas, Equinox/Blink Fitness, The Walt Disney Company, Marriott International, Starwood Hotels’ Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Procter & Gamble. He holds a BS in Business Administration from The University of Kansas.

Chad Maxwell - President - Kelly Scott Madison Jan 13, 2026

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Chad Maxwell is an advertising and media executive with deep experience in growth, partnerships, and revenue strategy, shaped in part by his time at KSM, where he worked closely with brands and agencies to drive performance across digital media channels. Known for his ability to align strategy, execution, and relationships, Chad brings a pragmatic, results-focused approach to scaling media programs and solving complex advertising challenges.

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