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.
Learn more about Dr. Mohsine Alla

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.
Learn more about Mariam AlGhamdi

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.
Read Salma Ghanem’s Interview

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.
Visit Jacquie Severs’ LinkedIn Profile

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).
Visit César Villanueva Rivas’ LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit John Groh’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Jarosław Górski’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Alessio Cavicchi’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Dr. Erik Braun’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Elisabeth Mygind Reinholdt’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Atle Hauge’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Tamara Vásquez Sosa’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Rhonda Zaharna’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Mark Cafferty’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Magaly Toribio’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Madhav Raman’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit José Manuel Azpiroz’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
More about San Francisco Travel

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.
Read Chris Wade’s Interview

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.
Visit Michael Lake’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Mike Rowse’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Nigel Jacob’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Morena Valdez’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Tammy Blount’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Vasily Dubeykovskiy’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Dr. Youcheng Wang’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Sue Warren’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Tom Norwalk’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Rick Weddle’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Yanina Dubeykovskaya’s LinkedIn Profile

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.
Visit Steve Millington’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Scott Beck’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Rod Miller’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Rob Dondero’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Raj Liberhan’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Patricia Lardizábal’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Steve Teruggi’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Learn more about Rich Bradley

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.

Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn

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.

Learn more about Pantazis Pastras

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.

Learn more about Niclas Ljungberg

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.

Learn more about Melissa Aronczyk

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.

Read Xinxin Liu’s Interview

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.

Learn more about Adrian Ellis

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.

Learn more about Ajay Khanna

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.

Learn more about Bengt Eriksson

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.

Learn more about Brad Dean

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.

Learn more about Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana

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.

Visit Oriol Iglesias’ LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Anna Fawcett’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Barry White’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Charles Fombrun’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Chris Marathe’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Duane Knapp’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Emrah Yucel’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Eric P. Canada’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Esra Calvert’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Fan Yang’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Frank Cuypers’ LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Greg Kerr’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit David Goldstein’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Daryl Copeland’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Per Olof Berg’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Stephen Brown’s Profile

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.

Visit Thomas Kolster’s Profile

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.

Visit JoAnn Crary’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Camilla Zedendahl’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Henderson Fields’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Morena Valdez’s Profile

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.

Visit Eric Scott’s LinkedIn Profile

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”.

Visit Eran Ketter’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Don Skeeoch’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Kristof Van Assche’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit Leonardo Daniel Ortega Prudencio’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Connect with Judith on LinkedIn

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.

Visit Liisi Toots’s LinkedIn Profile

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.

Learn more about Monocle

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.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn

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.

Connect with Jos on LinkedIn

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.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

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.

Learn more about Nick Liddell

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

Danny Cohanpour is the CEO of Trove Tourism Development Advisors, specializing in helping destinations stand out in the digital age. With a focus on digital marketing, social media, visitor experience design, strategic planning, branding strategy, and analytics, Danny leads Trove in providing innovative solutions to critical tourism challenges. Trove Tourism is recognized as a TPBO Impact Partner.

LinkedIn: Danny Cohanpour

Stephania Bonilla-Feret, Ph.D., is an economist at UNCTAD, focusing on the nexus between investment and sustainable development. With expertise in investment policy, she is passionate about development policies and women’s empowerment. Through her work, she aims to contribute to sustainable development goals.

LinkedIn: Stephania Bonilla-Feret

Melanie Hunger is a Market Shaper and Tourism Expert dedicated to helping Oman’s tourism industry thrive. Melanie’s passion lies in translating social demographic changes, market trends, and consumer behaviors into successful strategic planning, contributing to the growth and development of tourist destinations.

LinkedIn: Melanie Hunger

Miguel Sanz is the Director General at Tourspain and currently serves as President of the European Travel Commission (ETC). He has previously held key positions such as Managing Director of Visit Madrid. Miguel has been instrumental in developing and implementing tourism strategies at both national and city levels, contributing to the growth and promotion of tourist destinations.

LinkedIn: Miguel Sanz

Ivan Jiménez Aira is the Managing Director at Bizkaia Talent, where he has served for over 12 years. Under his leadership, Bizkaia Talent has played a crucial role in attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals in the Basque Country, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Ivan’s dedication to fostering connections between businesses, research centers, and universities has contributed to the region’s development and growth.

LinkedIn: Ivan Jiménez Aira

An experienced strategic placemaking expert creating memorable places to live, work, and visit. Jenny has helped conceive and deliver world-class, large-scale urban regeneration and place transformation destinations and neighbourhoods, including Southbank Centre, King’s Cross, Greenwich Peninsula, and five legacy projects at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

LinkedIn: Jenni Carbins

Engin Celikbas has had a significant impact on branding and marketing with a notable emphasis on geographical expansion and city marketing. His strategic efforts culminated in the iconic ‘I Amsterdam’ campaign, which has been hailed as one of the most admired city marketing initiatives worldwide.

LinkedIn: Engin Celikbas

Chiara Rinaldi is a curious and outgoing researcher dedicated to sustainable development. Chiara’s expertise includes place marketing, place branding, and sustainable tourism, particularly within the context of food and gastronomy. Her work extends across Europe and globally, where she has held roles as a researcher, project designer, project manager, and evaluator.

LinkedIn: Chiara Rinaldi

Bram van den Hoogen has catalyzed change through his leadership at the Brabant Development Company (BOM), transforming it from an investment firm into a development powerhouse that supports startups in sustainable food, energy, and technology, thereby making a significant societal impact.

LinkedIn: Bram van den Hoogen

Alex Lemecha-Sim, serving as Business Director at M&C Saatchi Export & Destination, has been instrumental in steering comprehensive marketing and branding strategies across various sectors. His expertise has significantly benefited clients like London & Partners, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Qatar Financial Centre, enhancing place marketing, FDI, tourism, and G2B initiatives.

LinkedIn: Alex Lemecha-Sim

León Trujillo is an expert in territorial marketing, specializing in the promotion of destinations and origin products. He played a pivotal role in creating the renowned Country Brand Colombia (“CO”) and has consulted on country brands across Latin America and beyond, including Argentina, Ecuador, and Mexico. His broad experience includes developing marketing strategies and implementing country and sector brands, focusing on sustainability and fair trade practices.

LinkedIn: León Trujillo

Courtney Fingar stands at the forefront of foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic development communications. With a career spanning over two decades, including her role as the founder of Fingar Direct Investment and contributions to Forbes, Courtney has cultivated a deep understanding of the global investment landscape. Through her work, she guides investment promoters in crafting compelling narratives about their locations.

Read Courtney Fingar’s Interview

Maria Lypiatska took the helm of Brand Ukraine right before the country faced an immense crisis—Russia’s full-scale invasion. Join us as Maria shares her personal insights, the transformative initiatives at Brand Ukraine, and her expert views on the evolving landscape of nation branding in today’s multifaceted global crises.

Read Maria Lypiatska’s Interview

Emiel Kuijpers is a specialist in city, regional, and real estate marketing, with a history of successful campaigns and awards in city marketing. Previously involved in marketing for places like Kampen, Baarn, and the Drechtsteden, Emiel has also provided valuable marketing insights to municipalities such as Moerdijk, Etten-Leur, and Leidsche Rijn Centrum. Currently, he manages the Brainport Eindhoven brand and is a co-founder of the City Marketing Collective.

LinkedIn: Emiel Kuijpers

George Zimmerman has been a pivotal figure in tourism marketing for over two decades, notably as the Vice President responsible for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation from 2001 – 2014. Under his leadership, the award-winning Pure Michigan brand was launched, achieving global recognition and significantly increasing the tourism promotion budget from $5.7 million to $30 million. Previously, as Ohio’s Tourism Director, George was named State Tourism Director of the Year twice, the only person to receive this honor twice.

George has also served on several prestigious boards including the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Travel Association, and the National Council of State Tourism Directors, where he was elected Chair four times. In 2014, he led the creation of the National Council of State Tourism Directors Alumni Group and was elected as its first chair.

Profile: George Zimmerman at Longwoods International

Douglas Van den Berghe is the founder of NxZones, a pioneering network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), technology parks, and (Eco) industrial parks that drive economic development, attract FDI, and create jobs. Established in September 2020, NxZones sets a new global standard for economic zones by incorporating sustainability, innovation, and alignment with the 17 UN SDGs. Its model fosters a synergistic ecosystem of entrepreneurs, academia, innovators, and venture capital, emphasizing carbon neutrality, autonomous vehicles, and circular economy principles.

LinkedIn: Douglas Van den Berghe

Charles Wright is a Global Principal at Wolff Olins, a renowned global brand consultancy firm. In his key leadership role, Charles guides the strategic direction of the firm and oversees major client engagements. His expertise encompasses brand strategy, identity development, and brand experience design, significantly impacting how brands position themselves in competitive markets.

LinkedIn: Charles Wright

Carsten Claus is a Strategy Advisor in culture and company building, based in Hamburg, Germany. Since March 2013, he has been self-employed at OBERKORN, where he provides management consulting and workshops. Additionally, Carsten has been an Associated Researcher at FUTURLAB – Creative Future at the University of Alicante since October 2006, where he also holds the position of Honorary Guest Professor at the Department of Sociology-2. His work spans diverse areas of organizational development and cultural strategy, impacting businesses and academic communities alike.

LinkedIn: Carsten Claus

Doha Bassem is an architect and researcher based in Cairo, working at Raafat.Miller.Consulting since January 2016. Her expertise in marketing and urban development has significantly contributed to the understanding of place branding in Egypt. Doha’s research offers insightful perspectives on how urban spaces can be effectively marketed and developed, enhancing their identity and appeal.

LinkedIn: Doha Bassem

Christopher B. Leinberger is a renowned land use strategist, professor, real estate developer, and author, known for integrating business realities with social and environmental priorities. As the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Places Platform LLC since June 2018, he has been at the forefront of utilizing “big data” to understand dynamics of the built environment, including economic growth, fiscal impacts, and social equity of urban and metropolitan development. Additionally, he serves as Emeritus Chair and Professor at the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at George Washington University, focusing on walkable urban development and housing.

More on his work and insights can be found on his personal website, chrisleinberger.com, and LinkedIn: Christopher B. Leinberger.

Sue Curry Jansen is a distinguished academic at Muhlenberg College, USA, whose work significantly impacts the understanding of freedom of expression and its obstacles. Her research spans the sociology of knowledge, propaganda, gender and technology, and the intellectual history of the Progressive Era, providing critical insights into how these elements shape public discourse and societal development.

LinkedIn: Sue Jansen

Súsanna Sørensen, as the Marketing Manager for Visit Faroe Islands, has been instrumental in elevating the global profile of the Faroe Islands through innovative campaigns such as Sheep View 360. Her strategic vision and efforts in destination marketing have significantly boosted tourism, while ensuring sustainable practices align with the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Faroe Islands.

LinkedIn: Súsanna Sørensen

Stephen Hobbs is a digital marketing strategist and transformation consultant based in London. With a background as a former magazine editor and journalist, Stephen excels in helping organizations uncover and communicate their authentic brand truths. He believes in prioritizing customer needs to build trust and engagement, leading to greater success. His expertise lies in crafting compelling brand narratives and creating consistent, connected digital experiences that resonate with modern audiences.

LinkedIn: Stephen Hobbs

Simon Jaktlund, recognized as the Placebrander of the Year in 2018, played a crucial role in redefining the image of Östersund from a winter city to a vibrant summer destination. He founded Surfbukten, which became one of the hottest summer excursion spots. His innovative approach to place branding has significantly boosted local tourism and reshaped the perception of Östersund.

Website: Surfbukten

Shaun Loftman, Creative Director at Landor EMEA based in London, brings over 25 years of expertise in branding and graphic design. His work spans a wide range of creative disciplines, including brand positioning, strategy, brand architecture, corporate identity, packaging, destination and nation branding, experiential branding, and naming. Shaun’s extensive experience and leadership in the field have significantly contributed to the success of numerous high-profile projects and brands.

LinkedIn: Shaun Loftman

Ms. Rhoda Joseph has been the Executive Director of Invest Dominica Authority since September 2008. In her role, she is responsible for leading the Authority and implementing policy directives to promote and facilitate investment opportunities in Dominica. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving foreign direct investments and supporting the government’s vision of making Dominica the first climate-resilient country in the world.

LinkedIn: Rhoda Joseph

Raúl Peralba is an expert in differentiation, competitive positioning, strategic branding, place branding, and emotional focus. As the President of Positioning Systems, he leads the first consultancy boutique in Spain and Europe specializing in competitive positioning and brand engineering.

LinkedIn: Raúl Peralba

Roland Scherer is the Director of the Institute for Systemic Management and Public Governance at the University of St.Gallen. He also serves as the Head of the Research Center for Regional Science. His work focuses on systemic management, regional development, and public governance, making significant contributions to academic research and practical applications in regional science.

LinkedIn: Roland Scherer

Dr. Philipp Rode is the Executive Director of LSE Cities and Associate Professor (Education) at the School of Public Policy. He has been leading interdisciplinary programmes in urban development, sustainable urbanism, and climate change at the LSE since 2003. His research focuses on government systems, integrated policy-making, emergency governance, sustainable urban development, transport transitions, and new urban mobility. Dr. Rode’s work addresses the multi-dimensional aspects of global urbanisation and sustainability.

LinkedIn: Philipp Rode

Raymond Asfour is the CEO and co-Managing Partner of Expectation State, a development consultancy focused on capacity building and investment promotion in emerging markets. He has extensive experience working with governments and international organizations, designing and implementing programs to enhance state stability and promote inclusive growth. His work spans across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, making significant contributions to economic development in these regions.

LinkedIn: Raymond Asfour

Adam Arvidsson is an Associate Professor at the Department of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Milan and co-director of the Centro Studi di Etnografia Digitale. His extensive research covers consumer culture, digital culture, and new forms of value creation and measurement. He has led projects like EDUFASHION and co-directs the Responsible Business in the Blogosphere Project. His latest book, “The Ethical Economy: Rebuilding Value after the Crisis,” explores sustainable development and value reconstruction.

Profile: Adam Arvidsson at CCCB

Akiko Katayama is a renowned food writer and consultant based in New York City. She is the host and producer of the weekly radio show “JAPAN EATS!” on Heritage Radio Network, which introduces Japanese food culture to a global audience. Akiko has also served as a judge on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and Netflix’s “The Final Table.” With an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and an MSc from the London School of Economics, her work significantly promotes understanding and appreciation of Japanese cuisine in the US.

LinkedIn: Akiko Katayama

Amber Richardson is the Founder and President of the African-American Youth Travel Program (AAYTP). This non-profit organization provides full scholarships to African-American students, enabling them to study abroad in Japan for one week. Her initiative, which is fully volunteer-run, aims to broaden the perspectives of young people from low-income households by exposing them to new cultures and global opportunities.

LinkedIn: Amber Richardson

Anette Therkelsen is a researcher at Aalborg University whose work focuses on how tourists and local citizens imagine, experience, and use places as part of their identity construction. Her research spans holiday decision-making, travel sustainability dilemmas, and the potential of local food in place branding. Anette collaborates with various organizations on projects sponsored by research foundations and has made significant contributions to understanding consumer culture and communication in place development.

LinkedIn: Anette Therkelsen

Prof. Dr. Bernd Schnurrenberger is a professor at the Technische Hochschule Brandenburg. He has experience in various aspects of business administration and regional development. His professional contributions to academia and practical applications in the field have been valuable to understanding regional marketing and business strategies.

LinkedIn: Bernd Schnurrenberger

Candia Ferguson served as the Director of Investments at the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) from 2014 to 2021. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in promoting various investment opportunities in the Bahamas, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, mariculture, and renewable energy. She emphasized the importance of facilitating investments by improving procedural clarity and providing strong aftercare to ensure investor satisfaction and project success.

More information: Bahamas Investment Authority

Prof. Dr. Christoph Schaltegger is a professor of political economy at the University of Lucerne and teaches public finance at the University of St. Gallen. He has a significant background in finance and taxation policy, having worked with economiesuisse and as an advisor in the Swiss Federal Department of Finance. His research focuses on fiscal policy, federalism, and economic governance, contributing valuable insights into public finance and policy-making.

LinkedIn: Christoph Schaltegger

Prof. Dr. Cees van Riel is a Professor Emeritus at the Rotterdam School of Management and Co-Founder of the Reputation Institute. He is the founder of the Reputation forum The Netherlands (RfN), a platform comprising directors of communication from twenty of the largest Dutch organizations. With over two decades of experience as a consultant, he has worked on corporate branding, reputation management, and employee alignment for major companies worldwide.

Wikipedia: Cees van Riel

Jacopo Dettoni is the Editor of fDi Intelligence, where he leads the publication’s multimedia editorial coverage and strategic development. With a deep understanding of global foreign direct investment (FDI) trends, he provides valuable insights and analysis on cross-border expansion and greenfield investment. Jacopo’s work is crucial in keeping stakeholders informed about the dynamic landscape of FDI.

LinkedIn: Jacopo Dettoni

Emma Dagnes is the Chief Executive of Alexandra Park and Palace. With a strong background in venue management and strategic development, she leads the iconic cultural venue in North London. Her leadership focuses on enhancing the visitor experience, promoting sustainability, and maintaining the historical significance of Alexandra Palace, known as “Ally Pally.”

LinkedIn: Emma Dagnes

Lisa McCutchion is the General Manager of Corporate Communications and Brand at Frasers Property Australia in Sydney. As a Certified Practicing Marketer (CPM) and executive manager, she excels in defining, promoting, and protecting a company’s brand and commercial proposition. Lisa’s approach to ‘living the brand’ ensures that products, services, actions, communications, and decisions authentically reflect the brand’s values, creating significant value for the business. Her dedication to both care and commercial acumen in branding is a simple yet challenging principle to execute.

LinkedIn: Lisa McCutchion

James Zhan is the Chief Advisor and Senior Director of Investment & Enterprise at UNCTAD, as well as the Governing Board Chair of the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange. With over 15 years of experience at UNCTAD, he leads key initiatives such as the World Investment Report and the World Investment Forum. He is also the founding Co-chair of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones, working to advance sustainable development. James has significantly contributed to international investment, sustainable finance, and economic policy-making across over 130 countries.

LinkedIn: James Zhan

Laurent Sansoucy is a Director at OCO Global, based in Paris, France. With over 30 years of experience in foreign investment, international strategy, and sales & marketing, Laurent has held various senior positions in consultancy and investment promotion agencies. He has worked extensively across Western Europe, North & South America, East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, developing a deep understanding of global business environments. Laurent’s work focuses on helping clients navigate international trade and investment landscapes.

LinkedIn: Laurent Sansoucy

Isaac Vidal Sanchez is the CMO and Co-founder of We Are Marketing (WAM), with over 18 years of experience as a marketing professional in both private and public enterprises. He is a lecturer in various marketing and tourism programs at institutions such as IE Business School, Fundesem Business School, UIMP, Universidad Católica, and the University of Alicante. He is also the creator of the tourism marketing blog www.isaacvidal.com. Currently, he is the Chief Sales Marketing Officer for AR Group.

LinkedIn: Isaac Vidal Sanchez

Laura Carmouze is a lecturer in Management Sciences at Aix-Marseille University and the Deputy Director of the Chair of Attractiveness and New Territorial Marketing. Her research focuses on territorial marketing, collaborative public management, and local citizen participation mechanisms. Laura is actively involved in structuring territorial attractiveness strategies, making significant contributions to the field through her teaching and research.

LinkedIn: Laura Carmouze

Kristian Sonnier is a seasoned public relations professional with over 25 years of experience. He has held significant roles, including Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he led the rebranding efforts and strategic communications for the city. Known for his strategic thinking and effective communication skills, Kristian has cultivated valuable relationships with key stakeholders and generated positive media exposure for his clients.

LinkedIn: Kristian Sonnier

Dr. Maria Lichrou is Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Limerick. Her research focuses on sustainability, consumption, and place. She is an active member of the Consumers in Society Research Cluster at the Kemmy Business School and co-Chair of the Academy of Marketing (UK) Sustainability SIG. Maria has made significant contributions to understanding how consumption and marketing practices intersect with sustainability and place.

LinkedIn: Maria Lichrou

John Aitken is the Managing Director of Inspiring Cities, specializing in the economic development of globally competitive cities, inspiring precincts, destinations, tourism, and major events. He has a notable history of creating major event traditions in Queensland, including Riverfestival and Riverfire. As CEO of Brisbane Marketing (2008-2017), his team achieved significant milestones, such as establishing Brisbane’s new world city positioning globally and delivering $4 billion in economic outcomes. John also contributes as a board member of various organizations, including the Tourism Transport Forum and the Redlands Economic Development Board.

LinkedIn: John Aitken

John Till is the Founding Director of Thinking Place, a leading place specialist company. With over 20 years of experience in place branding, marketing, and making, John has been at the forefront of transforming cities and regions. As CEO, he established and led the groundbreaking marketing partnership Hull Cityimage, significantly improving the invest-ability and reputation of Hull and its surrounding region. In 2006, he founded Thinking Place, which has since become a recognized leader in this field.

LinkedIn: John Till

Professor Eytan Gilboa is the Director of the Center for International Communication at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. He is also a senior research associate at the BESA Center for Strategic Studies and Chair of The Israel Communication Association. With a BA from Hebrew University and MA and PhD degrees from Harvard University, he has published extensively on public diplomacy, international communication, and US policy in the Middle East. Gilboa has served as a visiting professor at several leading American and European universities and research centers, and as an adviser to various ministries and agencies globally. He frequently contributes op-ed articles and serves as a commentator on television and radio networks worldwide.

LinkedIn: Eytan Gilboa

Dr. José I. Rojas-Méndez is a Full Professor of International Business and Marketing at the Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Canada. He received his Ph.D. in Marketing from Manchester Business School and his M.B.A. from the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on nation branding, international consumer behavior, and cross-cultural business issues, with over 55 academic publications. He has received several awards, including the Sprott School of Business Research Award in 2024 and the Person of the Year Award from ASFAE in 2022. Dr. Rojas-Méndez has consulted for various industries globally and has lectured in over 30 countries.

LinkedIn: José I. Rojas-Méndez

Mari Taverne has extensive experience in regional development, particularly in tourism attraction, talent attraction, and investment attraction. Currently, she manages and strategically develops talent attraction and migration issues for the City of Tampere. Her work involves coordinating strategic collaboration with stakeholders, developing international talent attraction and migration services, and managing Tampere’s migration policies and integration programs. Mari’s cross-cutting expertise in marketing, sales, and project management allows her to adapt quickly to changing environments and drive innovative solutions.

LinkedIn: Mari Taverne

Mari Stevens is a dynamic and creative senior leader with experience in the private and public sectors, including C-Suite and Senior Civil Service roles in tech, telecommunications, media, culture, tourism, and utilities. She specializes in delivering transformative business and brand strategies focused on purpose and competitive advantage. Notably, she established the multi-award-winning masterbrand strategy for Wales, generating a £300m economic impact for the tourism sector in its launch year.

LinkedIn: Mari Stevens

Kristin Dunne is a conscious and strategic leader with a reputation for building and leading high-performing teams to extraordinary results. From 2016 to 2021, she served as Tumuaki | Chief Executive for Tāpoi Te Moananui ā Toi | Tourism Bay of Plenty, where her leadership in Destination Management and Marketing garnered local and global recognition. Kirsten is passionate about leading tourism with a true purpose, aiming to regenerate places and people, and produce net-value for future generations.

LinkedIn: Kristin Dunne

Professor Malcolm Langford is a lawyer and social scientist at the University of Oslo, where he directs the Centre on Experiential Legal Learning (CELL). He leads a large interdisciplinary project on ‘Nordic Branding’ and is the Co-Editor of the Cambridge University Book Series on Globalization and Human Rights. Malcolm advises various UN bodies, governments, and NGOs, and sits on several boards, including the European Implementation Network and JustLabs.

LinkedIn: Malcolm Langford

Laura Lindeman is a Chief Specialist at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in Finland, specializing in international talent attraction and retention. Currently serving as Senior Director and Head of the Work in Finland unit at Business Finland, Laura has led the development of the #TalentBoost programme of the Finnish Government. She has also played a significant role in developing the talent attraction and retention ecosystem at the city level in the Tampere region.

LinkedIn: Laura Lindeman

Martyn Moore is the Content Editor at Made in Britain and Director at Northlight Media in Peterborough. Since June 2011, he has created over 500 short films for clients across Europe, the USA, and the UK. Martyn has written articles for international magazine brands and national daily newspapers, presented on national television, and often appeared as a ‘guest expert’ on national and local radio. He has edited international magazine brands and a national weekly newspaper. Martyn is also a published author, with his latest book titled ‘You can be a film-maker: getting paid to shoot great video.’

LinkedIn: Martyn Moore

John Speksnijder has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and healthcare industry. He has expertise in sales, medical, business development, marketing, and consultancy at both national and international levels. Currently working at Pivot Park in Geldermalsen, John specializes in business development, strategic marketing, interim management, project management, lifecycle management, consultancy, portfolio management, medical information, reimbursement, KOL management, leadership, and general management.

LinkedIn: John Speksnijder

Pieter van Beukering is a Dutch economist with twenty years of experience in research and advising clients concerning environmental economics issues. His main research interests are economic valuation, natural resource management, solid waste management, and international trade. At present, Pieter van Beukering has two main focal research areas. First, since 2009 he coordinates the PhD program RENEW-IS Academy of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs on renewable energy in Africa. Second, he is closely involved in studying The Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity (TEEB) in the Netherlands as well as in various tropical islands, such as the Dutch Caribbean.

LinkedIn: Pieter Van Beukering

David Adams’ journey into academic life took place after many years as a senior executive in the public, private, and community sectors, with a research and engagement focus on the policy intersections between these sectors. He is particularly interested in ideas about community and place innovation and has been centrally involved in various innovations, including the establishment of the Department for Victorian Communities – the first department of state in Australia organized around the idea of community and place. In Tasmania, he was the inaugural Social Inclusion Commissioner, developing the first State Cost of Living Strategy in Australia and as Chair of the Food Security Council, developed the first State-level Food Security Strategy. Internationally, he was part of the team that established PASCAL, the OECD Observatory on Place Management, Social Capital, and Learning Regions.

Web profile: David Adams

Emilio Lamo de Espinosa is a member of the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the European Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the editorial board of the International Journal of Transparency and Integrity. He is the former President of the Spanish Sociological Association (2007-2009) and its Honorary Member, as well as the former Director of the Ortega Gasset Institute (1997-2001), the largest postgraduate Spanish research center in the social sciences. He is the founder and first Director of the Elcano Royal Institute (2001-2005). In 1996, he received the ‘Jovellanos International Essay Award’ for his book Sociedades de cultura y sociedades de ciencia (Culture and Science Societies). He has published 22 books and more than one hundred scientific papers.

LinkedIn: Emilio Lamo de Espinosa

Ioanna Morfessis is an American businesswoman and economic development strategist and practitioner. She founded four economic development organizations and established programs and tools that became models for communities across the U.S. Dr. Morfessis has been instrumental in creating over 200,000 new direct jobs and attracting nearly $30 billion in private capital investment. Her consulting firm, IO.INC, helps leaders, organizations, and communities develop and execute strategic economic development programs. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to economic development, education, and community service.

LinkedIn: Ioanna Morfessis

Jan-Egbert Sturm is a Professor of Applied Macroeconomics and the Director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich. He is also the editor of the European Journal of Political Economy and a member of several advisory committees in Switzerland and abroad. His research relies heavily on empirical methods and statistics, focusing on monetary economics, macroeconomics, and political economy, with particular interest in areas closely related to practical and current issues.

LinkedIn: Jan-Egbert Sturm

Joantxo Llantada is a Professor at IE Business School and an expert in marketing, innovation, and strategy. Over the past 30 years, he has developed territories and businesses through marketing, innovation, and branding. He has provided guidance to business projects in destination strategy, tourism policy, culture, digital transformation, innovation systems and programs, exponential growth, and project management. Joantxo is a dedicated researcher and trend disseminator.

LinkedIn: Joantxo Llantada

Described by the New York Times as “America’s uber-geographer,” Joel Kotkin is an internationally-recognized authority on global, economic, political, and social trends. His latest book, “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class,” is now available in paperback. He authored “THE HUMAN CITY: Urbanism for the Rest of Us” in 2016 and co-edited, with MIT’s Alan Berger, the 2018 collection “Infinite Suburbia.” Joel is a fellow in urban studies at Chapman University, California.

LinkedIn: Joel Kotkin

Karyl Leigh Barnes is the Vice President of Tourism Marketing at DCI, a “place” marketing agency. She leads DCI’s Tourism Practice, which includes divisions responsible for tourism research and award-winning campaigns in destination branding; public relations/consumer marketing; digital/social media marketing; travel trade marketing; and meeting and incentive sales. Her purview includes corporate strategy, industry thought leadership, global client strategy and tactical planning, stakeholder collaboration, and staff management throughout the U.S. and Canada.

LinkedIn: Karyl Leigh Barnes

For over 25 years, Kate Billing has worked in the people, culture, and leadership space, building a reputation for sharp insights, compassionate challenge, warmth, and energy. Over that time, she has worked with a wide range of leaders, the best of whom have demonstrated the awareness, willingness, and courage required for deep and meaningful growth. Always connected to her diverse global community, she brings the cool stuff that’s happening ‘out there’ to New Zealand, and takes the best of her home-grown wisdom to the world.

LinkedIn: Kate Billing

Marcelo Arango is the Vice President of Strategic Planning at Sancho BBDO, Colombia. Marcelo has worked for Sancho BBDO for more than two decades, bringing extensive experience and expertise in strategic planning to the agency.

LinkedIn: Marcelo Arango

Mads Mordhorst is a faculty member at Copenhagen Business School with a focus on business history from a cultural historical perspective, emphasizing the construction of identity. Theoretically inspired by “the linguistic turn” and narratives, his work examines the impact of these concepts on academic history and the uses of history in companies, exploring how companies create identity internally and externally through history.

LinkedIn: Mads Mordhorst

Thomas Niedomysl is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Human Geography, Lund University. His research focuses on migration, residential mobility, and demographic analysis. He is based in Halmstad, Sweden.

LinkedIn: Thomas Niedomysl

John Byrom is the Associate Dean (MBA) at the University of Liverpool Management School, which he joined in 2019. In this role, he has strategic oversight of the School’s post-experience portfolio, including 4 MBA programmes and the Executive DBA. Prior to joining Liverpool, he worked at Manchester Business School, the University of Tasmania, and the Manchester School of Management, where he served as Head of the School of Management.

LinkedIn: John Byrom

Juan Luis Manfredi Sánchez is the Prince of Asturias Chair at Georgetown University (2021-2024). He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, where he teaches Journalism and International Studies. He leads the research group “Public Communication: power, message, and law,” which analyzes European media policies, international communication, and free speech. Currently, his group is comparing global city diplomacy in Europe and Latin America.

LinkedIn: Juan Luis Manfredi Sánchez

Jürgen Block is the Geschäftsführer (Managing Director) at the Bundesvereinigung City- und Stadtmarketing Deutschland e.V. in Berlin. With extensive experience in city and urban marketing, he plays a crucial role in promoting and developing marketing strategies for cities across Germany.

LinkedIn: Jürgen Block

Justin Molloy is the Director of Education at the Society of Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD). A multidisciplinary designer with a focus on product design, Justin has over 20 years of industry experience in graphic and web design. He has an open-minded approach to design, using his experience to communicate thoughtful and versatile solutions. He enjoys learning and developing new skills and techniques, particularly in UI/UX design, and believes that design should be universal and accessible to all.

LinkedIn: Justin Molloy

Katja Valaskivi is a researcher at Tampere University, Finland, specializing in the datafication and mediatization of religions, belief systems, worldviews, and ideologies. She has developed multi-method approaches for studying disruptive, hybrid media events such as terror attacks and natural disasters.

LinkedIn: Katja Valaskivi

Ken Fischang is the President and CEO of the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau in Sonoma. With extensive experience in tourism management and hospitality, he plays a crucial role in promoting Sonoma County as a premier travel destination. Ken’s leadership ensures the region’s continued growth and success in the tourism industry.

LinkedIn: Ken Fischang

Professor Kevin M. Leyden is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Galway. He also serves as Co-Director of the Creative, Liveable, and Sustainable Communities Cluster of the Whitaker Institute. Previously, he was the Director of West Virginia University’s Institute for Public Affairs and an Honorary Research Professor of Social Science & Public Policy at the Whitaker Institute. Professor Leyden’s research focuses primarily on the relationship between urban design, social capital, health, and urban liveability.

Professional Profile: Kevin M. Leyden

Ko Fujii is a pioneering figure in Japan’s public affairs sector, striving to bring innovation to the traditionally conservative profession. He founded Makaira Ltd. in 2014, a consultancy that specializes in advocacy for tech startups and social entrepreneurs. Formerly head of public policy for Google Japan and a Japanese government official at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, Fujii works to foster innovation and collaboration across various sectors in Japan.

LinkedIn: Ko Fujii

Kristin Eggeling is a researcher at Copenhagen University, known for her PhD work that provided a detailed analysis of nation branding in non-democratic contexts. She currently works as Co-PI on a project funded by the Danish VELUX Foundation on the EU’s agenda to attain ‘digital sovereignty’. In 2023, she was awarded the Anthony Deos Early Career Award for the emerging scholar in the field of Diplomatic Studies by the International Studies Association (ISA).

Her research has won international prizes and has been published in leading IR and social science journals and presses, including Review of International Studies, European Journal of International Relations, Global Studies Quarterly, Millennium, OUP, Big Data & Society, Geopolitics, and Qualitative Research.

LinkedIn: Kristin Eggeling

Dr. Laura Reynolds is a researcher at the Marketing Department, Cardiff University. Her research focuses on routes toward local stakeholders’ participation in shaping and sharing a city’s identity or ‘brand.’ She is particularly interested in encouraging local involvement and the potential benefits it brings to communities. Laura is committed to translating her research into social and economic impact by collaborating with industry and community partners to explore avenues for stakeholder inclusion and representative branding approaches.

LinkedIn: Laura Reynolds

Laura Ries is a leading marketing strategist, bestselling author, and television personality. In 1994, Laura joined her father, Al Ries, the legendary positioning pioneer. With RIES, Laura has consulted with companies around the world on brand strategy, traveling to over 60 countries from Chile to China and India to Indonesia, teaching the fundamental principles of positioning.

LinkedIn: Laura Ries

Leslie Butterfield is an experienced branding and communications professional, offering brand strategy, positioning, and communications advice through his business, Butterfield Harris Ltd., which he established with his partner, Penny Harris, in July 2015. Most recently, Butterfield Harris has worked with Aon, NatWest, Jaguar Land Rover, and the UK Government.

LinkedIn: Leslie Butterfield

Liz Moor is a researcher at Goldsmiths, University of London, specializing in how different forms of communication shape our economic lives. Her most recent book, ‘Communication and Economic Life’ (published in 2021 by Polity), argues that Media and Communications scholars have typically construed ‘the economy’ too narrowly. Liz emphasizes the more subtle ways in which different communicative forms and media knit our economic lives together. She is committed to translating her research into social and economic impact by working closely with industry and community partners.

LinkedIn: Liz Moor

Marcin Kęćko is the Head of the Tourism Development Office at Lublin City Hall. Together with his team, they collaborate with local groups such as museums, tour guides, and hotels to make Lublin a better place to visit. Their goal is to establish Lublin as a popular destination for tourists from Poland and around the world.

LinkedIn: Marcin Kęćko

Maria Dolores Alvarez is a Professor at Boğaziçi University, specializing in tourism development and sustainable tourism strategies. She works closely with local and international stakeholders to position tourism as a key instrument for economic and social development. Her research has been published in leading academic journals, and she is a recipient of numerous awards for her contributions to the field.

University Profile: Maria Dolores Alvarez at Boğaziçi University

Maria Schicht is the Deputy Director of the Warsaw Tourism Office. She graduated from the University of Warsaw, Faculty of Law and Administration, and completed her doctoral studies at the Polish Academy of Sciences. Maria is a doctor of law and a judge, with previous experience as a lecturer at the University of Warsaw and the University of Vienna, specializing in international law and management.

Maria’s work at the Warsaw Tourism Office focuses on enhancing Warsaw’s appeal as a tourist destination. She collaborates with various local groups to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism sector.

LinkedIn: Maria Schicht

Mariana Mazzucato is a Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London, where she is the founding director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Her work challenges conventional thinking about the role of the state and the private sector in driving innovation, how economic value is created, measured, and shared, and how market-shaping policy can address grand challenges facing humanity. She is the author of the influential book “The Entrepreneurial State” and several other notable publications.

University Profile: Mariana Mazzucato at UCL