Jeff Polk
EVP & General Manager, Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort- Opening Session - Dillin Keynote - An Epic Journey: The Relentless Pursuit to Evolve Consumer Mindsets, Themed Entertainment & Public Relations - Panzacola F-1, F-2 & G-1
- CN Breakout 1 with Jeff Polk and Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC - Wekiwa 3
Jeff Polk is the Executive Vice President and General Manager for Universal Epic Universe, overseeing all operational inputs for the Park and surrounding Resort areas. He currently leads the team contributing to the development of Food & Beverage Operations, Entertainment, Technical Services, Merchandise and general Park Operations, with special focus placed on Guest and Team Member experience for the completed project. He will then oversee all day-to-day activities along with overall fiscal responsibility for its successful ongoing operation once opened in 2025.
Jeff has previously coordinated worldwide consistency for Universal Destinations and Experiences (UDX) regarding attraction and venue operational design and operational safety. He has been instrumental in the development and maintenance of Universal’s Owner/Operator’s Project Requirements (OPR) documentation – used to inform the operational design of new or renovated theme park and resort facilities worldwide. He is also currently co-chair of the UDX Accessibility Task Force focused on increasing availability of services and experiences for all Guests, particularly those with disabilities.
Jeff has served for over 40 years in various operational capacities in the theme park industry, including management at SeaWorld® of Florida and UDX theme parks supporting operational development of over 50 rides and attractions. He also serves on the curriculum advisory board for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, having been a former chairperson and charter member.
Jeff actively participates in the ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, serving as a voting member and contributor.
Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC
VP, Public Relations at Universal Orlando Resort- Opening Session - Dillin Keynote - An Epic Journey: The Relentless Pursuit to Evolve Consumer Mindsets, Themed Entertainment & Public Relations - Panzacola F-1, F-2 & G-1
- CN Breakout 1 with Jeff Polk and Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC - Wekiwa 3
Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, is the Vice President of Public Relations for Universal Orlando Resort where she has worked on the communications team for more than 17 years. In her current role, Alyson leads her team in setting global public relations strategy, tactical planning and execution, media relationship management and issues management.
During her time with Universal Orlando, she has been closely involved with communicating the destination’s evolution, beginning in 2010 with the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. From there she and her team went on to launch some of the most popular experiences ever created including TRANSFORMERS The Ride – 3D, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and the resort’s most recent expansion – Universal Epic Universe.
Alyson and her team also handle all communications strategy for the destinations’ annual events, including the scary popular Halloween Horror Nights and the ongoing PR efforts around the resort hotels operated in partnership with Loews.
Alyson holds a bachelor's of science degreein Public Relations and a bachelor's of arts degree in English Writing from Florida State University. She is an active member of the Florida Public Relations Association where she served as State President from 2019-2021.
Scott Edwards
EVP, Head of Creative Advertising at FOX EntertainmentAs EVP, Head of FOX Creative Advertising, Scott Edwards thrives most at the energizing intersection where storytelling meets marketing. Whether crafting theatrical trailers, launch promos, current-show episodics, key art one sheets, billboards or custom social/digital content, he always finds the tech-forward, unpredictable, formula-free process of solving creative challenges through compelling narratives stimulating. Add to that the talented team members, inspiring environment and hits such as 9-1-1 Lone Star, Accused, Alert, Animal Control, Bob’s Burgers, Crime Scene Kitchen, Doc, Extracted, Family Guy, Going Dutch, The Simpsons, The Masked Singer, Special Forces, and the Gordon Ramsay shows Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Master Chef and Next Level Chef, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an awesome and invigorating “day at the office.”
Prior to this current post, Scott gained experience as a trailer editor, producer, senior creative director, studio executive in charge of domestic movie releases and many other roles.
Jean Guerin
EVP, Head of Publicity, Corporate Communications & Talent Relations at FOX EntertainmentJean Guerin is Executive Vice President, Head of Publicity & Corporate Communications, and Talent Relations for FOX Entertainment. She is the company’s chief media strategist, overseeing corporate communications, publicity and talent relations for FOX Entertainment, which includes FOX Television Network; FOX Entertainment Studios with its eponymous scripted studio, FOX Alternative Entertainment, Emmy Award-winning animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, Studio Ramsay Global in partnership with culinary icon Gordon Ramsay, the prolific global production studio MarVista Entertainment and the TMZ entertainment platform; and worldwide sales and distribution unit FOX Entertainment Global. Guerin also leads the division’s synergistic communications efforts across the broader FOX Corporation portfolio of businesses. With demonstrated expertise in brand building, crisis management, strategic positioning and integrated media relations, she is a key member of the FOX Entertainment's senior management team, serving as communications strategist, executive counsel and corporate spokesperson. Guerin has extensive film, television and tech contacts throughout the industry.
Pamela Greenwalt
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at SAG-AFTRA- General Session IV - Fireside Chat - Red Carpet Resilience: A Conversation with Pamela Greenwalt - Panzacola F-1, F-2 & G-1
- CN Breakout 2 with Pamela Greenwalt - Wekiwa 3
Pamela Greenwalt is Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for SAG-AFTRA, the world’s largest union for actors, broadcast journalists and recording artists. Greenwalt directly oversees the union’s global brand, image and reputation, and guides a deep bench of marketing communications professionals. She serves as SAG-AFTRA’s official spokesperson.
Pam provides executive and strategic oversight and direction on marketing and communications that drive the union’s mission of educating, engaging and protecting members and communicating critical information regarding SAG-AFTRA contracts. She led the union’s public communications response to COVID-19, the sustained effort to fight sexual harassment, the historic 2012 SAG and AFTRA merger and countless labor actions. In addition, she helped found the annual Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, now in its fifth year, which is the only event of its kind focusing on the intersection of workers and technology evolution in the workplace.
In 2023, she was tapped to manage the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike, which gained global support for the union and ultimately ended with more than $1 billion in new gains, as well as critical AI protections for members.
Greenwalt is a life-long labor advocate who previously held senior executive-level communications positions with financial services firm ULLICO Inc. and Washington, D.C.-based The Kamber Group Public Affairs, where she produced award-winning campaigns, media and conventions for labor, corporate, political and public safety clients.
Prior to that, she was Vice President for Media with political advocacy consultants Goddard*Claussen/First Tuesday, where she produced globally recognized media campaigns for candidates and ballot issues, including the game-changing Harry & Louise campaign and media strategies and messaging for the historic 1993 Russian constitutional election — the first free election in that country in 70 years.
Greenwalt is a general vice president of the Department for Professional Employees of the AFL-CIO and is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, American Film Institute, Women In Film, Public Relations Society of America and the International Labor Communications Association.
Monica Earle
Director of Public Relations at DuolingoMonica Earle is the Chief Marketing Officer at Duolingo, the world’s #1 online learning platform, where she leads consumer and product communications. Before joining Duolingo, she worked at Archetype leading account teams and media relations efforts for clients including Coursera, Slack, Waze and GoDaddy. As a former TV news producer turned media relations expert, she works with brands and reporters to tell compelling stories to the world.
Monica was selected as one of PRSA-NY’s 15 Under 35 honorees in 2023 and recognized on Business Insider’s 2022 list of Rising Stars in Tech PR. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and is pursuing a master’s of Business Administration from the University of Florida. Monica also serves on the Young Professionals Council of the YWCA-NY.
Kara Heater
VP of Marketing at Savannah BananasKara Heater joined the Nanner team in 2018 as a Marketing Intern and has blessed the office ever since with her below-average jokes and useless knowledge of the now dispersed boy band, One Direction (may they rest in peace).
She is a Savannah native and loves nothing more than the sweet smell of the marsh on that evening ride home. Her favorite part of marketing is being able to build relationships with fans online and working with the rest of the creative team to create the content you see online.
When she’s not in Bananaland, you can find her at her favorite Mexican Restaurant, Cancun, or relaxing on the couch playing games on her phone.
Lisa Gerber
Communications and Storytelling Strategist at Big Leap CreativeLisa Gerber is a story strategist who helps purpose-driven leaders connect with the communities they serve through effective storytelling. Her career in travel and hospitality, urban development and public relations has informed her thinking on the power of story to engage and build trust. Her framework helps leaders show up more authentically and magnetically to progress from unknown to galvanizing and influential. She is the author of two books, and her latest is The Power of Story: Connect to Purpose, Unlock Influence.
Lisa has worked in PR and communications for more than 20 years and has spent the past decade thinking about how stories help us be better at relationships in life and work. (Hint: it’s about being real, relatable and riveting.) She has helped her clients transform how they communicate and use story to fund education through a permanent tax levy, to secure $1.75 million in funding for a conservation organization, and to earn the trust of thousands of employees in a global outdoor education company. She has helped leaders shape perception and motivate behaviors to transform, elevate the positioning, and debunk misperceptions about their organizations.
Alex Mahadevan
Director of MediaWise | Faculty at The Poynter InstituteAlex Mahadevan is director of MediaWise, Poynter’s digital media literacy initiative, and faculty leading AI initiatives and misinformation research. He's taught thousands of students, older adults and journalists how to verify information online, and co-wrote Poynter’s AI ethics guide. Alex has led workshops on generative AI, social strategy and emerging technologies in dozens of cities from Bangladesh to Wyoming. He co-leads the Empowering Diverse Digital Citizens Lab at Stanford University, which studies the impact of media literacy interventions on underserved communities. Previously, Alex helped with the launch of CMS', video and newsletter strategies and analytics as news innovation editor at the Observer Media Group.
Adrienne Alexander
Owner at IPY Agency Public RelationsAdrienne Alexander is a seasoned public relations professional and project manager with over 20 years of experience in entertainment, brand strategy and crisis management. She has worked with a diverse roster of clients, including television and sports stars, non-profits, startups and publishing entities, securing high-profile media placements in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Essence, ESPN and more.
Her firm has represented brands like The John Shippen, Gracie's Corner, Streetz 94.5, Rolling Out and the Lingerie Football League. In addition to PR, Adrienne has managed red carpets, book tours and celebrity charity events. Certified in Conflict Resolution and Management, Adrienne specializes in navigating crises, strengthening brand identity and securing high-impact opportunities.
An accomplished author, Adrienne has written multiple books, including "Public Relations Ain’t Free" and "Pitching Ain’t Easy." Passionate about empowering others, she also conducts workshops and youth conferences, equipping the next generation with essential communication skills.
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC
Director of Public Relations at Marion County Public Schools- The Value of Earning Accreditation - Wekiwa 3
- The Value of Earning Certification - Wekiwa 3
- Breakout 2E - Florida's Public Records Laws: Enhancing Your Transparency - Wekiwa 3
Over the last 24 years, Kevin's public relations and communication efforts have garnered more than 110 local, state and national awards for Marion County Public Schools. His strategic approach to two-way communication keeps audiences engaged and involved, active and contributing. As Florida's 2024 School Communicator of the Year and a finalist for the national title, Kevin's support behind the scenes also propels others to excel when communicating with others. Combined with a work ethic and professional standards nearly unmatched in today's competitive environment, Kevin's positive impact inspires audience members to reach higher, perform higher and achieve higher regardless of background, experience or career path.
Jacquelene “Jackie” Clarke
Event & Sponsorship Architect + Founder of The Well ConnectedJacquelene “Jackie” Clarke is a visionary event and sponsorship architect, experienced speaker and the creative force behind The Well Connected. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for forging strategic connections, Jackie has become a trailblazer in the world of events and sponsorships.
As the founder of The Well Connected, Jackie has curated and executed a diverse array of events, ranging from high-profile galas to interactive brand activations. Her expertise lies in seamlessly blending creativity with strategic vision, ensuring each project stands out and leaves a lasting impression. Recognized as one of BizBash’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023, Jackie continues to elevate the industry with her innovative approach.
Named a Digital Creator for 2024 by The Canadian Choice Awards, she exemplifies excellence in the digital realm, further showcasing her commitment to pushing boundaries and driving success. Jackie’s wealth of knowledge and dedication to helping brands and individuals unlock their full potential through strategic connections and immersive experiences underscore her position as a leading figure in the events and sponsorship landscape.
Kelly Corder, APR, CPRC
Director of Media Relations at Sachs MediaKelly Corder, APR, CPRC, is Director of Media Relations for Sachs Media where she also manages several agency accounts, including Ben Crump Law. Throughout her career, she has cultivated relationships with global, national, state and local media, resulting in major interviews and outcomes with The New York Times, The Guardian, Forbes, CNN, MSNBC, The Hill, Washington Post, the Today Show, CBS Mornings, Good Morning America, Good Morning Britain, the BBC and many others. Kelly often presents on public relations issues, including ethics, media pitching and strategy, and litigation PR. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Studies. She was named a Top Woman in 2024 by PRNews and Communicator of the Year in 2020 by FPRA’s Capital Chapter. Corder currently serves as Chair-elect of the FPRA Counselor’s Network.
Jonathon Futa
Co-Founder of Group RFZJonathan Futa is co-founder of Group RFZ, a digital measurement firm focused on the influencer marketing space. Utilizing brand lift research and other methodologies, he helps brands and agencies get past vanity metrics and understand exactly how their marketing programs are impacting the way consumers think, feel and act. In his previous role as manager of technology and solutions for Benenson Strategy Group, Jonathan led innovations in research methodologies and digital strategy.
Krystina Jackson
Founder & CEO of Converge Consulting GroupKrystina Jackson is a transformational organizational development expert and dynamic keynote speaker who specializes in building high-performing, culturally competent organizations. As the founder and CEO of Converge Consulting Group, she brings a unique blend of scientific precision and human-centered leadership to organizational transformation. Her journey from chemistry teacher to FDA investigator to organizational change expert shapes her distinctive approach to creating sustainable cultural change.
Krystina has delivered compelling keynotes for executives at Alaska Airlines, Boeing and Blue Origin, while leading organizational transformation initiatives at companies including Meta, Intel and AWS. Her methodology emphasizes building adaptive, resilient organizations where innovation thrives through the integration of diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. Known for making complex organizational concepts accessible and actionable, Krystina combines data-driven insights with practical implementation strategies to help organizations create measurable, lasting impact.
Joanna Garner
Consultant, Creative Director & Immersive Experience Designer of Formerly with Meow WolfJoanna Garner is an award-winning writer and immersive experience designer. As former Senior Story Creative Director for Meow Wolf, Joanna spearheaded story development for the mega-hit exhibition "Omega Mart" and built the company's overall story universe strategy. Since leaving the company, she has designed experiences for Virgin Voyages, Submersive (the world’s first immersive art spa), Immersive World Adventure Tulum, FX’s American Horror Story, Jon Favreau’s company Fairview Portals, and Chloe Zhao’s new film adaptation of "Dracula." Joanna brings a unique perspective to the world of experiential design and customer engagement. Prior to Meow Wolf, she was a communications strategist and brand storyteller for companies like Nike, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Nordstrom, as well as a journalist for the Seattle Times.
Jon Goldberg
Chief Reputation Architect at Reputation Architects Inc.Jon Goldberg is the founder and chief reputation architect of Reputation Architects Inc., a strategic communications and reputation risk management advisory firm dedicated to building, protecting and restoring reputations in a world of evaporated trust and unprecedented stakeholder engagement.
Jon founded Reputation Architects in 2009 after more than 25 years as an advisor to corporate and nonprofit executives and boards and government entities around the world. Before founding his firm, Jon was partner and managing director of the Corporate Affairs practice of Porter Novelli and served as executive vice president and national director of crisis and litigation communications at Edelman. Trained as a journalist, he began his public relations career as a principal spokesperson for The Prudential Insurance Company.
Josh Green
CEO of The Mather Group, LLCJosh Greene is the CEO for The Mather Group, a digital agency that solves marketing challenges for companies of all sizes. With more than twenty years of experience creating and implementing digital strategies, Josh empowers top brands and individuals to shape their online presence to support their bottom line. He has worked with some of the largest Fortune 1000 companies, five of the largest nonprofits in the U.S., popular media channels, the third largest network provider in the U.S., two of the largest manufacturing companies in the U.S., and many software companies. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and industry events, including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the AAF, SES, and PR Summit.
Before The Mather Group, Greene managed online and DRTV programs for industry leaders such as Discovery Channel, Time Warner Cable, 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell.
Melissa James
Sales Director of NotifiedMelissa James is an accomplished sales executive and thought leader specializing in investor relations and corporate communications. Currently serving as Sales Director for the East Region at Notified, Melissa has nearly two decades of experience driving impactful corporate communication strategies. Prior to joining Notified, Melissa excelled as Regional Sales Director at Business Wire, where she led innovative initiatives that connected brands to influential audiences worldwide. Known for her dynamic approach and passion for leveraging technology, Melissa regularly contributes to industry discussions around AI, investor relations and strategic corporate communications.
Bristol Jones
Director of PR at Avenue ZBristol Jones is an experienced public relations leader with over a decade of expertise helping high-growth companies define their brand narratives, launch products, and earn meaningful media visibility. She currently serves as Director of PR and Head of the Miami office at Avenue Z, where she oversees strategic communications for a portfolio of B2B and B2C companies across fintech, crypto, Web3, the creator economy, and emerging tech.
Since joining Avenue Z, Bristol has secured over 500 earned media and thought leadership placements and has helped place clients on main stages and industry award lists. She leads a 15-person team, consults directly with C-suite executives, and has played a key role in Avenue Z’s Miami market expansion—driving double-digit revenue growth and elevating the agency’s national fintech profile. Prior to her transition into tech and finance, she led U.S. communications for the luxury fashion brand Manolo Blahnik.
Bristol’s work consistently blends strategic storytelling with trusted relationships. She has earned placements in top-tier publications, navigated complex crisis communications, and built long-term visibility strategies for brands ranging from seed-stage startups to established market leaders. She is also deeply committed to mentorship and inclusion, leading an all-women PR team and actively supporting young professionals through programs like Miami Dade College’s Women in Technology.
Her contributions to the field have earned industry-wide recognition. Bristol has been named to PRWeek’s Women to Watch, Business Insider’s Rising Stars of PR, and NYC Fintech Women’s Inspiring Fintech Females. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from New York University and has completed advanced certifications in financial communications and crisis management.
Tiffany Knighten
Founder & CEO of Brand CuratorsTiff Knighten is an award-winning PR strategist, brand consultant, and Founder of Brand Curators, a PR and brand management agency helping creators and brands amplify their voices and build newsworthy businesses. Recognized by Business Insider as a Top PR Pro in the Creator Economy, Tiff is also the host of Main Character Energy with Tiff Knighten, creating space for conversations on personal growth, mental health, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Mark McClennan, APR, Fellow PRSA
General Manger at C+C BostonMark McClennan is the general manager of the Boston office of C+C, a communications agency that helps good causes and purpose-driven brands. He is the host of EthicalVoices, a blog and podcast on communication ethics. Mark also teaches PR ethics at Boston University and was the 2016 National Chair of PRSA. In 2023, he co-led the development of the PR Council's Ethics Guidelines on Generative AI. He is a frequent keynote speaker and trainer on ethics and artificial intelligence. His book, “Ethical Voices - Practicing Public Relations with Integrity” was released by Business Expert Press in 2022 and for a time was the #1 PR book on Amazon. It includes more than 100 real-world ethics incidents with advice from global industry leaders at companies including Starbucks, Lenovo, the TSA, the Federal Reserve, Harvard Business School, IBM, CDC and the world’s largest public relations agencies.
Reilly Newman
Brand Strategist at Motif BrandsReilly Newman is a trusted source for Inc, Forbes, Fortune, AP, MarketWatch, Quartz, The Drum, The Food Institute and more, offering insights on brand strategy, marketing, and human behavior.
Reilly's obsession with human behavior led him into the world of brand strategy and marketing, where he explores why people make buying decisions and how brands effectively sell themselves. As an entrepreneur, Reilly founded Motif Brands, leveraging his expertise to guide business growth and transform companies through rebrands. Reilly has shared his business and brand knowledge through college lectures and speaking engagements on the psychology of marketing, design and branding.
Reilly wrote an award-winning book, "Brandy: 101 Sips of Wisdom for Attaining a Successful Brand," to help businesses reach their full potential through the power of brand. He is also the co-host of Brandy, a podcast that dives into casual conversations about brand and marketing, with listeners around the globe.
Roy Reid, APR, CPRC
Fellow at Stockworth InstituteMany refer to Roy Reid as a living miracle. His inspirational story of survival is the foundation for the important message he delivers on the transformational power of trust. In 2019, he was struck down by a cardiac event that most medical professionals say should have ended his life. Instead, it transformed it into a renewed purpose to: “love people, be grateful, give generously and make a difference.”
Roy helps CEOs and entrepreneurs develop resilient and courageous teams that foster a high-trust culture where people feel safe, do the right thing, deliver outstanding service and strive to improve performance each day. Roy is a sought-after speaker and co-author of The Trust Transformation, an evidence-based training program and book; both of which teach people how to improve results by improving relationships through a more intentional focus on earning, building and restoring trust.
Annie Scranton
Founder + CEO of Pace Public RelationsAnnie Scranton is the Founder + CEO of Pace Public Relations, a boutique public relations agency headquartered in NYC. With a focus on earned media, affiliate marketing, brand strategy and bespoke messaging, clients receive unparalleled service, increase brand awareness + visibility, strategies that align with their goals to help grow their brand and the credibility that goes along with Tier One, earned media placements. Pace celebrates its 15th year in business this year, was named PR Agency of the year last year and is a certified woman-owned business in the state of New York. Clients have included Away luggage, Fast Company, NewsNation, Andrew Yang + the Forward Party and Colossal to name a few. Annie is the author of "The Guide to Earned Media" and is a Public Relations Professor at New York University.
Dan Simon
CEO and Co-founder of Qwoted and CO-founder at VestedDan Simon is a seasoned financial communications expert, entrepreneur and author, with more than two decades shaping PR strategies for leading financial brands including Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. As CEO and co-founder of Vested and co-founder of Qwoted, Dan drives innovation at the intersection of finance, technology and communications. He authored The Money Hackers, detailing the fintech revolution, and regularly contributes insights to Forbes, Markets Media and Cointelegraph. Dan also chairs the Communications Board at the Museum of American Finance.
Hernan Tagliani
President & CEO of Tagliani MulticulturalHernan Tagliani is a leading multicultural marketing expert and award-winning marketer for Fortune 500 companies. His insights and expertise have been shared through his articles as a contributing writer to national U.S. publications such as: The Business Journals, the Houston Chronicle, Adweek, Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as Forbes Magazine (Central America edition). He is the president and founder of Tagliani Multicultural, one of the fastest growing independent multicultural advertising and digital agencies in the United States with offices in Orlando, Miami and New York.