David Kepron is the VP – Brand Experience and Design Strategy at the Montreal-based architecture, design and strategy firm aedifica. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, communitycentric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott’s “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies.

Melissa Li is a consumer VC focused on commerce and web3 startups at seed stage. Having advised entrepreneurs across CPG and media on community-building and GTM strategy, Melissa is interested in how mature fast casual players can too experiment with leveraging new media (including web3 experiences) and alternate channels for viral growth. Melissa brings extensive knowledge on the Gen Z consumer, having frequently delivered marketing workshops on building iconic brands and Gen Z customer communities. She has also served as Head of Community for Dorm Room Fund (backer of Snackpass, Bevspot, VERB Energy, Proper Good, Spyce Kitchen, Bevi, and The Rounds — all of which got their start on university campuses), helping portfolio companies devise retail activations and community flywheels.

Steve Lieber is an expert in designing restaurant concepts, the art of pizza making and is a certified pizzaiolo from Italy. As Vice President of Franchise Development, Steve leads the team who sold over 150 franchises to over 50 franchise groups. His team has sold franchises in 20+ states and international deals in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our teams built systemwide restaurant sales of $100+ million USD in under 5 years. Steve was on opening restaurant teams for 10+ states in the United States. He taught franchisees recruiting techniques, training and operating systems, professionalism, food ordering and preparation, inventory controls, labor controls, local store marketing to increase sales and profitability of all locations.

Daniel Brown is a member of the ICXA Advisory Board. He is also the editor of Digital Signage Today, a contributing editor for automationandselfservice.com, and an accomplished writer and multimedia content producer with extensive experience covering technology and business. His work has appeared in a range of business and technology publications, including interviews with eminent business leaders, inventors and technologists. He has written extensively on AI and the integration of technology and business strategy with empathy and the human touch. Brown is the author of two novels and a podcaster. His previous experience includes IT work at an Ivy League research institution, education and business consulting, and retail sales and management.