Dr. Mohsine Alla is a Professor of Place Marketing at ENCG Casablanca, Morocco. He has previously served as the manager of the division Place Attractiveness, Offer, and Promotion at the Regional Center of Investment in Guelmim Oued Noun, Morocco. Holding a Doctorate in Place Marketing from ENCG Tangier, Morocco, Dr. Alla specializes in City Marketing, Regional Marketing, Nation Branding, Place Branding, Digital Place Marketing, and AI Place Marketing. Part of the Place Branding Who is Who, Moshine has been recognized by his peers for his contributions to place branding.
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Mariam AlGhamdi is a PhD candidate with Leeds University in the UK specializing in place branding, with a specific focus on the socio-cultural aspects of the phenomenon within the context of Saudi Vision 2030. She is an academic with a renowned expertise in teaching and curating graphic design and multimedia courses. Mariam brings cross-cultural experience from her work in both England and the Middle East. She collaborates with a diverse group of designers, contributing to the creation, consultation, and evaluation of graphic design, experiential design, and moving images.
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Salma Ghanem is a Teacher Assistant at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt. With a background in architecture and urban design, she contributes to place branding by focusing on the role of these fields in shaping the identities of small-scale areas, addressing challenges of district branding in Egypt and the Arab world.
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Award-winning marketing leader specializing in building brands that people trust and admire. Full-stack marketer, strategic thinker, and natural storyteller. Currently serving as Manager, Marketing and Tourism at Durham Region (The Regional Municipality of Durham in Canada) with over 20 years of progressive marketing experience. Jacquie believes in good design as the foundation of great marketing and concise copywriting. Her superpower is prioritization, emphasizing progress over perfection and a good laugh. Key skills include strategic marketing, brand development, content marketing, digital marketing, and more.
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Director of the “Imagen de México en el Mundo” team, César’s work focuses on the study of public and cultural diplomacy, soft power, and country image. He received his formal education in Mexico, the USA, and Sweden, where he earned his Ph.D. in Political Science in 2007. Currently, he works as a professor in the Department of International Studies at the Universidad Iberoamericana (CDMX).
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As the President/CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) and its Charitable Foundation, John leads the destination marketing and management efforts for Illinois’ second largest metropolitan region, with a vision to grow the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. More than 22 years of experience in the tourism, sports marketing, arts and entertainment, and community development industries.
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Jarosław Górski is a pracademic specializing in local development and place marketing. With over a decade of experience, he combines academic expertise with practical knowledge in these fields. Jarosław holds the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Warsaw, where he has been actively involved in research and education. He is also a Board Member of Best Place – European Place Marketing Institute. Jarosław’s multifaceted background makes him a valuable asset in the realm of place branding and marketing.
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Alessio Cavicchi is a Full Professor in Agribusiness, Rural Development, and Branding at the University of Pisa (Italy). His research focuses on consumer food choice, food quality and safety economics, agro-food sector innovation, and sustainable tourism and destinations. Alessio is also an expert evaluator and consultant for Italian Ministries, Regional Governments, and the European Commission.
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Erik Braun is an associate professor in the Department of Marketing at Copenhagen Business School (CBS). His research specializes in public sector marketing and branding, with a focus on government marketing strategies and tools. He also explores tourism management and tourist behavior. Erik coordinates and teaches branding, marketing, and quantitative methods courses in the Master Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management program at CBS. With a Ph.D. in City Marketing from Erasmus University Rotterdam, he is known for initiating the National City Marketing Monitor.
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Elisabeth Mygind Reinholdt is a marketing and communication expert with over 12 years of experience in the advertising and IT industries. She serves as a consultant to the Aarhus City, Mayor’s Department, where her extensive knowledge and skills in marketing and communication are instrumental in advising and optimizing strategies for the city’s initiatives.
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Atle Hauge is a Professor at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences with over 12 years of experience in academia. With a background in senior research roles and as a board member, Atle has actively participated in shaping strategies for regional development and place marketing. His work bridges the gap between research and practical applications, making him a valuable contributor to the field of place branding.
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Tamara Vásquez Sosa is an Advisor and Economist with over 16 years of experience in public policies related to sustainable tourism, innovation, and competitiveness. She has dedicated 12 years to studying the Country Brand of the Dominican Republic and has actively contributed to the design and implementation of its strategy through public-private synergy processes. Additionally, Tamara brings expertise in export and foreign direct investment public policies to the field of place branding.
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Dr. Rhonda Zaharna is a Professor at American University in Washington and a distinguished expert in intercultural and international strategic communication. With over 30 years of experience teaching and advising on communication projects for multinational corporations, nongovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, including the United Nations, World Bank, and NATO, she brings invaluable insights to the field.
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Mark Cafferty has dedicated over 20 years to designing systems supporting career advancement and economic opportunity for American workers. His expertise has been sought after in numerous public-sector leadership positions and as a consultant on workforce development efforts nationwide. Recently, Cafferty chaired San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s Workforce and Economic Advisory Committee and was appointed to serve on Governor Jerry Brown’s International Trade and Investment Advisory Council.
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Magaly Toribio has over 19 years of experience in the Marketing Department of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic. She has served as a Marketing Advisor and previously held the position of Vice Minister. Currently, she is also the President of Target Consultores de Mercadeo, where she continues to contribute her expertise in marketing.
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Madhav Raman is an architect and urbanist, known for his expertise in architecture, urban design, urban transit, and sanitation. His deep interest in cultural histories and urban economics enriches his leadership at Anagram Architects. With insights into transit systems, urban ecologies, multidisciplinary strategies, and emerging technologies, Madhav contributes valuable perspectives to projects. He also serves on advisory boards of various design schools and non-governmental initiatives focused on infrastructure development for urban, rural, and ecologically sensitive areas.
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José Manuel Azpiroz is an expert in Communication with a background in Law from Tec de Monterrey CCM and Public Administration and Public Policies from the University of York, United Kingdom. He has professional experience in intellectual property, civil society, media, and the public sector. His most recent responsibility in the federal government was as the Director General of Country Brand.
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Joe D’Allesandro, who retired last year, has driven San Francisco Travel to adopt the San Francisco ethos of community, innovation, openness, and change as its core business values. The organization has embraced an award-winning comprehensive digital marketing strategy that makes the most of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. It has forged partnerships with and between hotels, attractions, and neighboring destinations to maximize both the visitor experience and organizational goals. Among his many achievements is the development of the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, which created a unique and sustainable funding structure that has become a national model for tourism promotion. He led the massive renovation and expansion efforts of the Moscone Center, one of the most in-demand convention centers in the nation. And the organization has rebranded and refocused, charting an ambitious strategic course that includes focused efforts in destination management, sustainability, economic development, and public policy.
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Chris Wade, founder of the People & Places Partnership, focuses on enhancing town effectiveness through community-driven initiatives, emphasizing the importance of local talent and collaboration among businesses, community groups, and public authorities. Chris actively contributes by applying the Revitalising Town Centres Handbook that he wrote for the English Local Government Association and as a UK Government High Streets Task Force Expert. Whether working out of Cambridge or with family in Madrid, he seeks to refine his understanding of place shaping policies and communication strategies.
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Michael is the founding President and CEO of Leading Cities, a global network of partner cities dedicated to creating business development and government cooperation opportunities and implementing public policy that effectively addresses the shared challenges facing 21st century cities. Michael has served as Special Assistant for White House Operations to two Presidents, policy research analyst to the former Prime Minister of Ireland, and Director of Development for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.
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After a variety of different postings, Mike became the first Director of the Financial Secretary’s Office from 1997 – 2000, and from 1999 – 2000 was appointed concurrently as the first Commissioner for Tourism. In July 2000, Mike set up Invest HK, the investment promotion agency established by the Hong Kong Government, and was its first Director-General up to his retirement in December 2008. The agency won several awards during his tenure and was recently recognized as the best investment promotion agency in Asia.
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Nigel Jacob has been working on the cutting edge of civic innovation for the past several years. In particular, he is working to create a network of civic innovation laboratories that spans the globe and enables cities to collaborate around the development of new kinds of civic technologies.
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Morena Valdez, Institutional Communications and Marketing Manager at PROESA – Export and Investment Promotion Agency of El Salvador, is a researcher, academic, business administrator, communicator, and public relations officer who has dedicated her life to the in-depth study of marketing and advertising, with particular interest in the image of El Salvador in the world.
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Tammy Blount-Canavan is a seasoned leader in the destinations industry with over 30 years of experience. She has held executive roles at Tourism Vancouver, Tacoma Regional CVB, and Monterey County CVB. Currently serving as President and CEO of Visit Seattle, Tammy is also a Past Chair of Destinations International and has been recognized for her leadership with multiple industry awards.
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Vasily Dubeykovskiy is an expert in place branding and leads a professional City Branding team that develops projects in Russia and the CIS countries. With extensive experience, he has spearheaded the launch of seven real city brand projects across six different regions, serving as a strategic advisor.
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Dr. Youcheng Wang holds the William C. Peeper Preeminent Chair Professorship in destination marketing at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida. An elected fellow of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, his research and consulting interests encompass hospitality marketing and management, destination marketing and management, customer relationship management, collaborative strategies, and technology management. With four books and over 150 scientific publications to his name, Dr. Wang is recognized as a leading expert in the field. He serves as the co-editor of the Journal of Destination Marketing & Management and on the Editorial Board of multiple international academic journals in hospitality and tourism marketing and management. Dr. Wang is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and industry forums.
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Sue Warren is a marketing professional currently serving as the Marketing Manager for Our Bury St Edmunds BID. In this role, she oversees the marketing and promotion efforts for both the Our Bury St Edmunds BID brand and the visitor brand Bury St Edmunds and Beyond.
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Tom Norwalk served as the President & CEO of Visit Seattle, a private, nonprofit marketing organization promoting Seattle as a destination for international and domestic leisure travel, meetings, and conventions. Tom played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s tourism landscape. Prior to his tenure at Visit Seattle, he held various leadership positions at renowned organizations such as the U.S. Travel Association, Seattle Hospitality Group, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He continues to contribute to the industry as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Seattle Convention Center/Public Facilities District.
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Currently serving as Principal and Founder of Rick Weddle LLC since June 2021, Rick has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives forward. Prior to this, he served as President of the Site Selectors Guild, the world’s leading association of location strategists, where he spearheaded efforts to advance the profession of international corporate site selection. Rick also held leadership roles as President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, where he worked tirelessly to bring high-wage jobs and capital investment to the respective regions.
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Yanina Dubeykovskaya is a multifaceted individual known for her diverse roles as a mother, scientist, entrepreneur, and tai-chi practitioner. She is the Founder of WCFDavos, Women Influence3 Community, and serves as the President of the Word Communication Forum Association. With a background in philosophy and psychoanalysis, Yanina is also an author, having written books on topics ranging from HR approaches to global community building. Her life principle, “Dirt does not stick to a lotus flower,” reflects her resilience and commitment to personal growth. Yanina embraces creativity and encourages others to embrace their infinite potential.
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Steve Millington is the Director of the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. With a focus on bringing together a network of researchers and practitioners, Steve aims to foster collaboration in making places better, more livable, and sustainable. His dedication to place management underscores his commitment to enhancing the quality of life in communities through research and practice.
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Svyat Murunov is an urbanist and expert on urban development based in Russia. His research interests include urban identity transformation, the use of social networks in decision-making for urban development, and positive changes in neighborhoods. He has contributed to various publications and research papers, showcasing his expertise in the field of urbanism. While we did not find a professional profile of him, Svyat’s contributions to academia and the professional sphere are well-documented and recognized.

Scott Beck is a seasoned destination marketing professional previously serving as the President and CEO of Destination Toronto. With extensive experience in the tourism industry, Beck has led sales and marketing efforts for Canada’s most visited destination and North America’s fourth-largest city. Beck recently joined San Francisco Travel as President and CEO, where he will oversee one of the country’s largest membership-based tourism promotion organizations with a current annual budget of US$33 million, driving US$8 billion in tourism spending.

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Rodrick Miller has emerged as one of the foremost economic development leaders in the country, respected globally for his ability to maneuver in extraordinarily complex political and business environments, and craft strategies and structure deals to provide long-term value to communities and investors. Miller is currently serving as President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, where he leads efforts to drive economic growth and development in the Miami-Dade County area. Previously, Miller served as CEO of Invest Puerto Rico, where he focused on attracting new investment and jobs to Puerto Rico and increasing the long-term competitiveness of the island. He also held the position of President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, where he played a key role in driving economic development initiatives in the Detroit area.

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With over 30 years of experience, Rob is renowned for managing celebrated tourism campaigns and establishing smart marketing partnerships. His portfolio includes collaborations with UFC, Ford, Bud Light, and more. Rob has orchestrated numerous special events, resulting in millions of dollars in added value and earned media for Las Vegas. Notably, he spearheaded the launch of the Professional Bull Riders’ Championship Tour, elevating bull riding into the mainstream of professional sports.

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Raj Liberhan served in the Financial Services of the Government of India before becoming the Director of the India Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi. During his tenure, IHC became a renowned institution fostering conversations on contemporary societal issues and serving as a cultural hub for the city. With three decades of experience in government, public sector, and NGO roles, Raj has led various organizations, programs, and missions focused on sector-specific objectives and services. He is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers, offering insights on urban issues and governance frameworks for enhancing city living.

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Patricia Lardizábal served as the Executive Director at Marca País Honduras, where she played a key role in managing communication actions, marketing strategies, and country image initiatives. With an extensive background in Public Administration, Patricia specialized in fostering relationships with national and international stakeholders from the private and government sectors, contributing to the enhancement of Honduras’ brand reputation.

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Steve Teruggi is a design business leader with a proven track record in creating environments where cross-functional teams thrive and deliver creative solutions. Currently, Steve serves as a Partner at EY Seren, leading the Innovation & Experience Design practice. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience to drive innovation and design impactful experiences for clients. Prior to joining EY Seren, Steve held leadership positions at Method, where he served as VP and General Manager, overseeing design and engineering services across multiple locations worldwide.

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Rich Bradley has over three decades of experience managing government and nonprofit organizations, leading change processes to transform places and communities. He served as the founding Executive Director of the DC Downtown Business Improvement District for seventeen years, playing a key role in revitalizing urban areas like Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, and Dupont Circle in DC.

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Patrick L’Espoir Decosta is an Associate Professor of Marketing with research interests in international marketing, tourism, and evidence-based education. His marketing research covers areas such as country of origin effect, access-based economy, and value creation. Patrick also explores how product geography can connect destinations with product association.

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Pantazis Pastras is a dedicated researcher in travel and tourism with extensive experience in destination marketing and development. He has spent over 10 years at TOPOSOPHY, an integrated destination marketing agency, where he has held various roles including Senior Researcher and Senior Research Analyst. In these positions, Pantazis has contributed significantly to providing practical solutions for tourism organizations, associations, and companies in developing, managing, and marketing places as tourism destinations. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in urban and regional studies from the University of Birmingham, focusing on the governance of tourism development.

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Niclas Ljungberg is a creative thinker and problem solver with a passion for creativity, storytelling, and human-centered design. With expertise in creative strategy, branding, and service design, Niclas has spent over 30 years bridging the worlds of business and design. He holds a Master’s degree in economics & business and is a lifelong fast learner, constantly exploring new ideas and concepts to make a positive impact on the world.

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Melissa Aronczyk is a Professor of Media Studies in the School of Communication & Information at Rutgers University. She is the co-author of “A Strategic Nature: Public Relations and the Politics of Environmentalism,” which won multiple awards including the Roderick P. Hart Outstanding Book Award in Political Communication. Her research focuses on how public relations influences communication about climate change, and her work has been featured in various publications including The Nation, the Financial Times, Rolling Stone, CNBC, and The Washington Post.

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Dr. Xinxin Liu is Associate Professor at the School of Government and Public Affairs, Communication University of China (CUC). Her research interests include city branding, urban governance, intercultural communication, mass media, the cultural industry, and China’s mass culture development. Prior to joining the School of Government and Public Affairs, Xinxin worked at the School of Advertisement and at the Asia Media Research Centre at CUC.

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Recognized as having contributed to the cultural sector’s deeper understanding of a number of areas including the development of successful cultural building projects, capitalization needs, impact assessment, cultural district planning, the creation of new business models and investment strategies for cultural infrastructure, and strategic responses to long-term societal changes in technology, philanthropy, demographics, and the use of leisure time. Adrian Ellis is a key figure at AEA Consulting, based in NYC, bringing a wealth of expertise and insight to the cultural sector.

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Ajay Khanna, the Founding CEO of the India Brand Equity Foundation located in Gurugram, Haryana, India, is a leader in Strategy, Public Policy & Public Affairs, Advocacy, and Stakeholder Engagement. With a background in law and a career spanning over 40 years, Ajay has worked across sectors, including the social economy. He is an experienced Ombudsperson, Advisor, Board member & Professor of Practice, focusing on ethical and value-based leadership. Ajay is also a regular contributor on topical subjects in major newspapers.

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Bengt Eriksson is currently serving as the Managing Director at Landor in Tokyo, Japan. Joining the WPP Group in 2019, he previously held the position of Executive Director at Landor China. Eriksson’s professional journey showcases significant contributions to branding and design, establishing him as a pivotal figure in transforming Japan’s leading organizations through strategic and creative excellence.

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Bill Peduto, an experienced political strategist and the 60th mayor of Pittsburgh from 2014 until 2022, has played multiple roles in Democratic politics. His career includes operating a political consulting business, serving as political director to Acting Governor Mark Singel at age 28, and working as chief of staff to City Councilman Dan Cohen. Peduto’s mayoral initiatives focused on innovation and progress for Pittsburgh, earning him a re-election in 2017 with a significant majority. He has left a lasting impact on the city’s development and governance.

Brad Dean, currently CEO at Discover Puerto Rico, is renowned as a strategic thinker and agent of change, with a robust track record of driving improvement and growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. His approach combines strategic planning with performance measurement, team leadership, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration. Notable achievements include leading the privatization of tourism marketing in Puerto Rico, significantly increasing visitor numbers in Myrtle Beach, SC, and expanding international tourism.

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Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana, the former CEO of the Cape Town Partnership, is a distinguished town planner who has played a pivotal role in the urban revival of Cape Town’s Central City. With over a decade at the helm of the partnership, she has been instrumental in fostering public-private collaborations that have turned the city’s central area into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and creativity. Under her leadership, the Central City Development Strategy was formulated, and she notably contributed to Cape Town’s designation as World Design Capital in 2014, highlighting her commitment to making cities spaces where people can flourish.

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Oriol Iglesias is a Professor of brand management, co-creation, and strategic marketing. With a background in marketing and general management across various companies, Oriol brings extensive expertise to the field of place branding. As an entrepreneur, he has successfully built and managed two companies, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of business ownership. Oriol’s passion for learning and sharing knowledge shines through in his roles as a professor, academic researcher, writer, and consultant.

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Anna Fawcett is a seasoned, award-winning strategic marketer, known for her expertise in exceeding targets through data-driven, customer-first, innovative campaigns and solutions. With over 10 years of international experience in both strategic and tactical marketing and communications roles, Anna brings a wealth of knowledge to the field of place branding.

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Barry White has been with the Augusta CVB for over 25 years, leading the organization through substantial growth. He played a pivotal role in transitioning the organization from a public entity to a private non-profit corporation. Under Barry’s leadership, the city has experienced consistent year-over-year growth in annual gross hotel revenue and related taxes, even during economic downturns. He also successfully spearheaded efforts for the expansion of the city’s convention center.

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Charles Fombrun is the founder of Reputation Institute, established in 1997 as a think-tank aimed at extending knowledge about reputations. He spearheaded the creation and commercialization of the RepTrak® System for measuring reputations. Dr. Fombrun is also the author of over 100 articles and books on business strategy.

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Chris Marathe, a consultant at Brand South Africa and Brand Kenya, is known for his novel outlook on African brands. As the founder of the EARTHWINDFIRE Group, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise in creating equitable, sustainable, and high-impact businesses and brands across various sectors, including financial services, hospitality, property, and lifestyle brands in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

With a background in both finance and marketing, Chris possesses a rare ability to bridge the gap between these two domains, enabling him to harmonize the divide and drive real value creation in businesses. His belief in equitable investment in a company’s brand as a catalyst for operational excellence and bottom-line impact underscores his approach to business and brand development.

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Duane E. Knapp, Chairman of BrandStrategy Inc, is a renowned Brand Scientist who advises C-Suite Executives and Boards of Directors on building Genuine Brands. He is also the President of Enspired Strategy, LLC, pioneering BrandScience and transformation strategies worldwide. With expertise spanning 22 countries, Duane has guided thousands of brands, including corporations, communities, societies, and professional associations, to optimize their perception, image, and success.

As the author of several books, including “The BrandPromise®,” Duane is recognized as an authority in the field, shaping the strategies of world-class professionals and organizations striving for excellence in brand perception and performance.

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Emrah Yücel is a seasoned entrepreneur and creative director based in Los Angeles, specializing in branding and graphic design. With a focus on entertainment marketing, traditional advertising, and city or country branding, Emrah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his consultancy work at I Mean It.

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Eric P. Canada of Blane, Canada Ltd. is a nationally recognized authority on economic development marketing and business retention. He is the author of “Economic Development for the Team” and “Economic Development: Marketing for Results!” In his book, Mr. Canada outlined the application of b2b strategies in an economic development environment before b2b became fashionable. He has conducted marketing program audits of 50 of the top economic development organizations in the US and created a competitive capacity analysis technique and benchmarks to replace the subjective SWOT analysis.

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Esra Calvert Consulting is a boutique firm specializing in travel and tourism analytics, insights, and strategy. Their unique expertise blends time-honored methods with advanced AI technology to develop enduring and impactful strategies. At the heart of their firm are three core strengths: analytics, AI, and partnerships. These are not merely tools but powerful catalysts for meaningful transformation in the travel and tourism industry.

Under the guidance of Esra, who has a passion for transformation, they champion an integrated approach to destination excellence. They believe that business success and sustainable practices are not just compatible but inseparable. Their industry partnerships are more than connections—they evolve into collaborative journeys that propel the travel and tourism industry toward a visionary and resilient future.

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Fan Yang (杨帆) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). An interdisciplinary scholar, Yang works at the intersection of cultural studies, transnational media studies, globalization, postcolonialism/postsocialism, and contemporary China. She is a faculty affiliate in the Asian Studies program and the Ph.D. program in Language, Literacy, and Culture, and serves on the Global Studies Coordinating Committee.

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Frank Cuypers is passionate about places and has served as a policy advisor for the city of Antwerp, gaining valuable insights into urban dynamics. With expertise in place marketing and placemaking, he has collaborated extensively with organizations worldwide. As the founder of Place Generation, Frank combines strategic thinking and research to facilitate transformative shifts in communities. He has advised numerous cities, regions, and international organizations, aiming to make a positive impact. Frank is also a visiting professor and a renowned keynote speaker.

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Dr Greg Kerr is an Associate Professor and Head of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where he leads the School of Management, Operations, and Marketing. With expertise in academia, Greg contributes to shaping the next generation of professionals in the field. He is committed to excellence in education and research, fostering a dynamic learning environment for students.

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David Goldstein serves as the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sport, and is the Chief Executive Officer at Travel Alberta, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. With a wealth of experience in Canada’s tourism and media sectors, David leads a dedicated team in developing tourism products, services, and destinations. He is committed to promoting Alberta as a desirable place to travel, work, live, play, invest, and learn, leveraging the province’s breathtaking landscapes and world-class hospitality to create unique experiences for residents and visitors alike.

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Daryl Copeland is a Senior Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and Policy Fellow at the Centre for International Studies and Research (CERIUM), University of Montreal. With expertise in the intersection of science, technology, diplomacy, and international policy, Daryl is an analyst, author, educator, and consultant. His book, Guerrilla Diplomacy: Rethinking International Relations, is a seminal work in the field and is widely recognized as an essential reference. A sought-after public speaker, Mr. Copeland regularly contributes to national media discussions on global issues and public management, and has authored over 150 articles for both scholarly and popular publications.

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Per Olof Berg, currently Chairman of the steering group for “Stockholm – European Capital of Gastronomy 2023” and Preses (Chairman) of the Swedish Academy of Culinary Art and Meal Science, brings extensive experience in academia and strategic advisory roles. Previously, he served as Professor and Head of the Marketing Department at Stockholm University School of Business and as Director of the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship. With a career spanning over two decades, Berg has made significant contributions to international research networks and academia.

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Stephen Brown is a Full Professor at Ulster University Business School, specializing in Marketing Research. He holds a distinguished position in the Department of Management, Leadership, and Marketing, where his expertise contributes significantly to academic research and leadership development.

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Thomas Kolster is a frontrunner and globally recognized thinker at the intersection of marketing, business, and sustainability. He challenges the status quo with his vocal and often provocative views on values, purpose, and leadership. In a crowded market focused on doing good, Thomas emphasizes the importance of helping people become who they aspire to be.

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JoAnn Crary serves as the President of Saginaw Future, a non-profit economic development organization based in Saginaw, Michigan. With over 25 years in this role, she has been instrumental in assisting companies with various aspects of business development, including identifying state business opportunity programs, government contracting, site location assistance, shovel-ready land initiatives, industrial site development, and workforce development.

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Camilla Zedendahl is a CEO and independent advisor specializing in sustainable placemaking. As CEO of the Royal Djurgården Society, she oversees Sweden’s most beloved attractions, focusing on sustainable development for future generations. Zedendahl has led initiatives to establish new identities for destinations and has been recognized for her efforts in sustainability.

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Henderson Fields serves as the Executive Director of the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority, playing a pivotal role in driving investment opportunities and economic growth in the region.

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Morena Valdez is the General Manager of Marca País EL Salvador, combining her expertise in academic research, business administration, communication, and public relations to enhance the image of El Salvador nationally and internationally. With a background in business administration and specialization in project management, marketing, advertising, and institutional communication, she is dedicated to educating future generations through university teaching and supporting academic research. In recent years, she has focused on developing the Country Brand of El Salvador.

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Eric Scott, based in New York, United States, is the Co-Founder of Small Crowd Brand Consultants. With over 15 years of experience in the branding industry, Eric has held various leadership roles, including Principal at Method and Eight Inc., and Executive Creative Director at Saffron Brand Consultants. His expertise lies in aligning organizational beliefs with creative expression to deepen core purpose and drive sustainable leadership.

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Eran Ketter, based in Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain, is a tourism advisor, trainer, and keynote speaker. As the Head of Research for trend watch reports on European tourism, Dr. Ketter is a recognized thought leader in the field, specializing in travel and tourism trends, marketing, and resilience. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked extensively with national tourism boards, organizations, SMEs, and travel tech startups. Dr. Ketter is the author of several influential books, including “Tourism marketing for Developing Countries”, “Marketing the Impossible”, and “Media Strategies for Marketing Places in Crisis”.

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Don Skeeoch serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, based in Los Angeles, California, United States. With over 12 years in this role, Don has been instrumental in upgrading and elevating the marketing capabilities of the country’s second-largest tourism office. He established a new brand positioning for the organization and implemented a new corporate name and style guide. Don leads a team of approximately 50 marketing professionals located in the U.S. headquarters and field staff in 11 international markets. Under his leadership, the Los Angeles Tourism Board broke all tourism records in 2013 and 2014, with continued growth anticipated in subsequent years. Los Angeles tourism spending soared to $19.4 billion in 2014, and earned media for the organization increased from $21 million to $51 million in just two years. Website visitation also experienced substantial growth, rising from 4 million to 10 million in the same period.

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Kristof Van Assche, based in Edmonton, is affiliated with the University of Alberta. His research interests revolve around the evolution and innovation in governance, particularly in spatial planning and design, development, and environmental policy. Kristof’s work spans across various countries, where he combines fieldwork with theoretical reflection, drawing from systems theories, interpretive policy analysis, institutional economics, and post-structuralism.

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Leonardo Daniel Ortega Prudencio, based in Estonia, is a Project Manager at Enterprise Estonia. He is dedicated to making Estonia one of the most attractive destinations for working and living, offering the best user experience for foreign talents worldwide.

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Judith O’Doherty, Founder of eutopia in County Donegal, Ireland, specializes in helping cities, regions, and towns measure and enhance their place performance using Vista, a place analytics platform. With over 20 years of experience in foreign direct investment (FDI) and enterprise development, Judith has led the development of place brands and marketing strategies for various cities and regions globally, including Dublin, Cork, Tuscany, and Trumbull County, Ohio.

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Liisi Toots, based in Tallinn, is an expert in building marketing strategies to drive growth. With high-level international project and brand management skills, Liisi is passionate about brand building and has a wealth of experience in this field.

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Tyler Brûlé, founder of Monocle Magazine, is an exceptional journalist and entrepreneur known for his influential work in founding internationally successful magazines and a marketing agency. With a keen eye for trends and fashions, he has influenced various areas of culture. As a seasoned speaker, Tyler brings his multidisciplinary knowledge to educate and inspire audiences worldwide.

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Dr. Thomas Deigendesch is the Managing Director of Jung von Matt BRAND IDENTITY in Zurich. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, he has served as Managing Partner since September 2016. Prior to this role, he held positions as Strategy Director and member of the management board at Interbrand for 10 years.

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Jos Vranken, MBA, oversees NBTC, the national destination management organization tasked with the development, branding, and marketing of the Netherlands as a destination. Under his leadership, NBTC operates in 7 international core markets and has initiated various public-private partnerships, including the National Data Alliance, Data & Development Lab, and Data Center for Tourism.

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Nick Hall, based in Brussels, is the founder of the Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) and is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts on digital trends and transformation in the tourism industry. With over two decades of experience, he has advised numerous destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and continues to drive conversations around industry trends.

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Nick Liddell, based in London, is a seasoned brand strategist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He began his career at Interbrand, where he led their brand valuation offer, and has since played key roles in consultancy teams at M&C Saatchi Clear, Dragon Rouge, and The Clearing. Nick is a member of the Superbrands Council in the UK, is a regular conference speaker, and author of two books on business, branding, and sustainability.

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Nour Nadim is a branding practitioner based in Cairo, Egypt. He is a co-founder of a leading company in Cairo specializing in branding and rebranding places across Egypt. With a focus on the private sector, Nour has played a key role in numerous branding and rebranding projects for various projects and places in Egypt.

Muhterem İlgüner is a prominent brand strategist and practitioner in Turkey. He is recognized for pioneering brand naming, place branding, and brand valuation exercises in the country. In 2007, he established Brand Finance Turkey and has since managed the Turkey 100 ranking and report, along with the Metropol Turkey 30 study, focusing on the most valuable and strongest metropol city brands in Turkey.

Michael Dodds is the General Director of Normandie Attractivité. With over 20 years of experience in tourism and territorial marketing, he has served as a Consultant and Director of the Regional Tourism Committee (CRT) of Brittany.

LinkedIn: Michael Dodds

Andrew Haan is an innovative leader in place management with a focus on downtown development, placemaking, and economic development. With 12 years of experience, he excels in creating noteworthy places and experiences while employing equitable, inclusive practices. His expertise lies in building support for diverse coalitions.

LinkedIn: Andrew Haan

Alfred Dupuy is the Director of Valuation & Strategy at Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy. With an MBA in Finance and over 18 years of experience, he specializes in quantifying the financial value of brands and guiding clients to maximize brand and business value.

LinkedIn: Alfred Dupuy

Adam Fulford is the CEO of Fulford Enterprises, Ltd (FE). With his extensive experience in broadcasting and tourism, Adam plays a vital role in promoting and enhancing the image of Japan to both local and international audiences. His work in community engagement also contributes to shaping the perception of various regions in Japan, making him a key figure in place branding efforts.

LinkedIn: Adam Fulford

Alejandro Schiavi serves as the Undersecretary of Coordination of the General Ministers Cabinet in Argentina. He actively promotes investment opportunities and cultural exchange with China, aiming to bolster Argentina’s global image. Alejandro also advocates for leveraging tourism to drive growth and development, proposing the establishment of research centers to study country branding’s impact on Latin American nations.

LinkedIn: Alejandro Schiavi

Beatriz Casais is a Professor of Marketing and Strategy at the University of Minho, Portugal. With a PhD in Business and Management Studies, specializing in Marketing and Strategy, her research focuses on various areas including health communication, social marketing, non-profit marketing, advertising, place branding, and digital marketing.

LinkedIn: Beatriz Casais

Anton Isenring served as Creative Director at Interbrand for over 26 years, from May 1989 to December 2015. With extensive experience in brand strategy consulting and strategic brand positioning, he developed key brand concepts and led projects in verbal identity, tone of voice, and storytelling.

LinkedIn: Anton Isenring

George Hickton, Chairman of Hawke’s Bay Tourism Board, NZ, serves as Director and Consultant for tourism and film-related companies, including Weta Workshop and Kapiti Island Nature Tours. With a background as Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, he spearheaded the establishment of New Zealand’s iconic ‘100% Pure’ marketing campaign.

LinkedIn: George Hickton

Glenn Duncan, currently Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Ottawa Tourism in Canada, is a poised and progressive leader with over 15 years of experience in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. Glenn’s extensive network across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors underscores his ability to build and sustain relationships, making him a valuable asset in the field of place branding.

LinkedIn: Glenn Duncan

Dr. J. Gregory Payne, Chair of Emerson College’s Department of Communication Studies in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, is a distinguished academic and professional in the field of communication. As the Co-Director of the Emerson Blanquerna Center for Global Communication and recipient of an “Honoris Causa” from the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, University of Ramon Llull, Dr. Payne brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of place branding.

LinkedIn: Dr. J. Gregory Payne

Jacquelyn West, a creative placemaker based in Montreal, specializes in leveraging private impact investment and the cultural industries to enhance contemporary mixed-use real estate design. Her expertise lies in defining hot spots and cultural legacies to create more attractive, vibrant, inclusive, and distinct cities.

LinkedIn: Jacquelyn West

Franck Delahaye, currently serving as the Director at Destination Luberon since April 2015, is a seasoned professional with over 20 years in tourism. He specializes in revitalizing high-potential tourist destinations worldwide, leveraging his expertise in marketing, production, events, and sales. Franck’s deep understanding of Asian and Brazilian markets has led to significant contributions in promoting tourism.

LinkedIn: Franck Delahaye

Johnny Johnson, an experienced brand strategist based in Cape Town, has made significant contributions to the field of place branding. With a background as Managing Director at TowerStone Brand and currently serving as a Brand Strategist at Anthropos, Johnny specializes in developing brand strategies that foster brand ambassadorship and organizational alignment. Notably, he collaborated on the Ethiopia brand strategy, showcasing his expertise in place branding.

LinkedIn: Johnny Johnson

Jürgen Häusler, an internationally recognized brand expert based in Locarno, has left a lasting legacy in strategic brand management in Switzerland and Germany. With over two decades of experience as Chairman of Interbrand CEE, Jürgen supported numerous renowned organizations in building and managing their brands.

LinkedIn: Jürgen Häusler

Julia Viñas, currently serving as Editorial Director at mónimo ediciones in Peru, has made significant contributions to the field of branding and marketing. With over a decade of experience, including roles as Deputy Director and Executive Director at FutureBrand Lima, Julia has played a pivotal role in shaping brand strategies and identities. Her leadership and expertise continue to drive innovation and excellence in branding across Hispanic America.

LinkedIn: Julia Viñas

Jones Hooks, retired Executive Director at Jekyll Island Authority in Georgia, USA, has played a significant role in shaping place branding strategies and economic development initiatives. With over 15 years of experience leading the Jekyll Island Authority, Jones has demonstrated his expertise in driving sustainable growth and enhancing the destination’s appeal.

LinkedIn: Jones Hooks

Dr. Jian (Jay) Wang, Director of the USC Center on Public Diplomacy and an Associate Professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, is an internationally recognized brand expert who has made significant contributions to the field of place branding. With extensive experience in communication strategy and implementation across various industries, Dr. Wang’s research and publications have focused on the role of communication in globalization and nation branding. He has led successful partnerships with prestigious organizations, enhancing understanding and practice in areas such as soft power, digital advocacy, and public diplomacy strategy.

LinkedIn: Jian Wang

Jay Klaphake, founder of TEDxKyoto, Japan’s largest TEDx event held at the Kyoto International Conference Center, has made significant contributions to promoting ideas and innovation. Currently serving as a professor and vice-chair of the Department of Global Studies at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Jay focuses on educating future leaders in areas such as law, international negotiation, and innovation.

LinkedIn: Jay Klaphake

Yvonne van Hest has a multifaceted background in leading complex processes and programs, innovation, and sales, marketing, and PR. With a passion for the labor market, Yvonne is deeply involved in various networks across governments, social partners, companies, education, and NGOs, notably her role as Program Director at Brainport Development.

LinkedIn: Yvonne van Hest

Tono Franco Martínez is currently serving as Director – Gerente at Fundació Visit València. He has over 30 years of experience as director and general manager at globaldit, where he has led the development of more than fifty strategic plans and trained over 8,000 individuals in national and international projects. Tono has provided strategic guidance for major tourism planning programs in countries like Spain and Mexico, as well as for emerging and mature tourism regions and destinations.

LinkedIn: Tono Franco Martínez

Sidone Thomas, having served as COO at Syndey Airport among many other roles, brings over 25 years’ experience in operations, customer experience, digital innovation, and marketing best practices. Her expertise spans operations, customer experience, data, digital, stakeholder management, and end-to-end marketing for both B2B and B2C businesses.

LinkedIn: Sidone Thomas

Brylee Flutey, currently residing in Taranaki, serves as GM Destination at Venture Taranaki. She is privileged to collaborate with a committed team, contributing to the region’s growth, development, and prosperity through exciting projects.

LinkedIn: Brylee Flutey

Christine Carboni, formerly Marketing Director Capital City Marketing at Berlin Partner, brings extensive experience in international image campaigns and leading city marketing initiatives. With a background in mobilizing networks and driving campaigns, she now serves as Director Campaigns at CDU political party in Germany, focusing on campaign strategy and mobilization.

LinkedIn: Christine Carboni

William D. Talbert, III, CDME, has a wealth of experience spanning over 35 years, particularly in government relations at local, regional, national, and international levels. Currently serving as Managing Partner at TALBERT GROUP INC., he specializes in targeted branding to assist individuals, entities, and businesses in achieving their goals. Previously, he served as a Special Advisor and Interim President & CEO at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. Talbert is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and renowned for his leadership in sales & marketing, as well as branding destinations and managing partnerships.

LinkedIn: William D. Talbert, III, CDME

David Ginn serves as President and CEO of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, where he collaborates closely with top business, academic, and political leaders to shape and implement a comprehensive regional economic development strategy. With a focus on global business development and marketing initiatives, he leads the organization’s day-to-day efforts.

LinkedIn: David Ginn

François Gaillard currently serves as the Director at France Montagnes, an association dedicated to promoting French mountain tourism. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, François previously held leadership roles in renowned organizations such as OnlyLyon Tourisme & Congrès and the Office de Tourisme de la Grande Plagne.

LinkedIn: François Gaillard

Therese Sjölundh left Jönköping and her prestigious role as CEO of Science Park in 2012 to move to Åre with her family and take on the responsibility as CEO of ÅRE DESTINATION AB. Under her leadership, Åre has been named the country’s most popular mountain resort (by SIFO), won the bid to host the Alpine World Ski Championships 2019, established new travel routes like direct flights from London, and enhanced collaboration among local entrepreneurs.

Website: Åre Destination

Saara Malila has been serving as the Director of Communications for the City of Turku since June 2013. In this role, she leads, develops, and coordinates communication and marketing efforts for the city. With over a decade of experience in communication roles, Saara brings a wealth of expertise to her current position.

LinkedIn: Saara Malila