Kevin Thorn, EdD, is a learning strategist, visual storyteller, educator, speaker, and creative entrepreneur who believes serious work should still feel like play. As the founder of NuggetHead Studioz, he helps organizations design meaningful learning experiences through story-driven instructional comics, interactive e-learning technologies, and workshops using the LEGO Serious Play methodology.

Professor Karl Kapp is a scholar, a writer, and an expert on the convergence of learning, technology, and business operations. He is currently serving as a full professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Commonwealth University in Bloomsburg, PA. Dr. Kapp teaches a graduate level courses on Artificial Intelligence, Gamification, Game-based Learning and AR/VR. He is the Director of Commonwealth University’s Institute for Interactive Technologies. Author or co-author of nine books, including the bestselling learning book: “The Gamification of Learning and Instruction” and his newest book “Action-First Learning: Instructional Design Techniques to Engage and Inspire.” Karl frequently works with organizations in the high-tech industry, life-science industry and is a LinkedIn Learning author of 12 courses.

Deborah Thomas is an award winning serious games and training and development 25+ year veteran. She started SillyMonkey LLC 16 years ago. SillyMonkey LLC is a boutique training company specializing in innovative games and activities. They offer unique services including games and simulations to help learners retain learning objectives. They design custom board games, card games, electronic games, video games and other interactive multimedia training components for instructor-led sessions, as well as eLearning, mobile learning, social networks and virtual worlds. She is currently having fun designing a large-scale supply chain board game for a client.

 Jenny Sun is a Learning Experience Designer specializing in product thinking, behavioral psychology, and interaction design. She designs scalable systems that empower diverse networks to navigate complexity with confidence. By treating every learning journey as a product, Jenny is often seen diagnosing adoption risks and reducing friction for learners and fellow designers. She leverages her specialties to architect the cognitive and emotional frameworks required for trust, clarity, and lasting behavior change, putting humans back at the center of training.

Ren Delgaty, PhD, is an anthropologist, researcher, and strategist specializing in applied qualitative research, organizational relationships, and emerging technologies. He is an instructor of research methodologies at UNC Chapel Hill, and the founder of Note & Niche, a bespoke research studio focused on translating complex human dynamics into actionable insight for industry leaders. With experience teaching anthropology and AI-focused research methods at the university level, Ren brings deep methodological rigor to conversations about learning and development. His work centers on one guiding principle: if learning is meant to change behavior, it must reflect real human experience. Drawing from applied research projects and years of ethnographic fieldwork, Ren helps L&D professionals move beyond surface engagement tactics to design immersive learning rooted in authentic context and psychological believability. He speaks at the intersection of anthropology, instructional design, and organizational strategy, helping teams build programs that resonate because they are grounded in how people actually think, feel, and act.

Lauren ross is a Senior Instructional Designer with expertise in learner‑centered design, eLearning development, and LMS strategy across higher education, healthcare, and corporate environments. Experienced in ADDIE and Agile methodologies, cross‑functional collaboration, and the delivery of scalable learning solutions aligned with organizational goals. Lauren leads blended learning initiatives, including the successful integration of gamification to drive learner engagement and scale cohesive learning experiences for diverse audiences.

James Brack is a Senior Learning Experience Developer at BDO USA who designs immersive learning experiences that blend creativity, gamification, and practical AI application. With more than five years at BDO and a background in instructional design, educational technology, and visual design, he creates interactive courses and video-based learning that increase engagement in virtual environments. His work reflects a passion for making emerging technology approachable, engaging, and useful for learners while connecting strong design principles with meaningful business impact.

Alan Orr is a learning experience designer at BDO where he creates training solutions for professionals across the firm. He has been in the field of instructional design for eight years and has a background in program coordination and teaching in higher education.  

Aaron Huffman is an Instructional Designer with over 20 years of experience creating eLearning, games, videos, and other training goodies. He passionately believes that effective training should also be interesting. If we expect our users to invest their time in the training, we should match that effort by being creative, intentional, and maybe even enjoyable.