Our All-Conference Session includes the Rocket Pitch Competition, presentation of the Emergent Leadership Fellows, and a featured keynote by Susan Ellis.
When we think of technology, words like empathy and inspiration aren’t necessarily the first words that pop into mind. But the technology brands that have aligned themselves with issues that resonate with people and have taken steps to create real impact…these are the successful companies of today. Analytics software developer SAS is known for solving complex business problems with the language of analytics. So how do you take a language that is inherently complex and interpret it for a broader audience? SAS Brand Director and documentarian Susan Ellis uses the power of storytelling to find humanity within that complexity and help people connect with SAS in a different way.
Susan will share how speaking a language that connects technology to people can make all the difference in the world – literally – to a successful brand.
Susan Ellis, Director of Brand and Corporate Social Innovation, SAS
As Director of Brand and Corporate Social Innovation at analytic software company, SAS, Susan kickstarted the company’s brand refresh for employees, customers and the next generation of SAS users. In addition, Susan leads the development of a “Data for Good” app called GatherIQ. GatherIQ partners with nonprofit organizations to promote data literacy and highlight social issues through data. Prior to joining SAS, Susan and her husband, Ray Ellis, started Footpath Pictures to share inspiring tales through impactful and entertaining documentaries that incite social change.
with Special Guest:
Charlie Fink, Futurist and Forbes Columnist
Charlie Fink is an AR/VR consultant, speaker, and Forbes columnist. He is a former Disney, AOL and AG Interactive executive who famously came up with the idea for “The Lion King”. In the 90s, Fink was EVP & COO of VR pioneer Virtual World Entertainment. He is the author of “Charlie Fink’s Metaverse, An AR Enhanced Guide to VR & AR” and a professional speaker whose numerous appearances include CES, SXSW, and AWE. In addition to his column in Forbes, Fink is the contributing editor of Virtual Reality Pop.