If you dream of inspiring cult-like customer loyalty—the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoos—Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned, food-themed tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny’s known for helping other people create blueprints for The Unexpected Sprinkles — giving people more than what they’re expecting.

This recipe helps build brand loyalty, create memorable experiences, and inspire innovation.

With global bakery-themed T-shirt pop-up shop openings, thousands of customers with his logo tattooed on themselves, people who camp out for his products, and high-profile collaborations with giants such as The Simpsons, Power Rangers, and Nickelodeon, Johnny was named America’s #1 Young Entrepreneur by Business Week, Top Innovator in Retail by The Boston Globe, and featured in INC magazine as the CEO of one of the world’s fastest growing independent businesses.

Dana Kadwell reveals the journey of rediscovering passion and vision in your business, guiding entrepreneurs who feel stuck in the daily grind to reconnect with their journey to success and growth from her personal experience. She highlights the red flags of burnout, the importance of creative problem-solving, and practical methods for reclaiming the time and energy needed to dream big again, like you did when you started your business. Dana shares her insights on cultivating a fresh perspective, structuring time for visionary thinking, and the influential role of connecting with mentors and peers.

In today’s crowded and fast-moving marketplace, having a great business isn’t enough—you need a story that cuts through the noise and positions you as the go-to expert.

PR and media veteran Michelle Mekky shares a practical PR and storytelling framework designed to help business owners and event professionals clarify their message, elevate their brand and gain meaningful visibility. Drawing from real-world media experience and proven publicity strategies, attendees will learn how to define their unique narrative, craft a compelling elevator pitch and confidently share their story across media, social platforms and live interactions.

Participants will learn how to position themselves with clarity and confidence, and have the opportunity to participate in live storytelling, pitch exercises and role playing, with real-time

feedback. Attendees will leave with actionable tools they can immediately apply to grow their brand presence and attract new opportunities.

In a world where change is constant and expectations evolve overnight, leaders must do more than keep up; they must look ahead, think differently, and lead with intention. This session explores the mindset shifts required to thrive in a rapidly transforming environment. Participants will learn how to innovate with purpose, anticipate emerging trends before they disrupt the landscape, and elevate their leadership approach to meet the demands of a future‑focused world.

In an era defined by rapid technological change, cultural evolution, sustainability imperatives, and global mobility, the decisions we make as event professionals ripple far beyond the ballroom. Where we gather. How we design. Who we partner with. It all matters.

Global Voices, Shared Futures brings powerhouse perspectives to one stage for a bold, forward-facing conversation about how cross-sector collaboration is actively creating futures for our industry. This isn’t a trends report. It’s a reality check — and a roadmap.

From airlift strategy and international expansion to cultural intelligence, community impact, and next-gen attendee   expectations, this dynamic panel will explore how the global ecosystem behind events influences economic growth, brand perception, sustainability outcomes, and human connection.

Because when we gather with intention, we don’t just plan events. We design momentum, shape industries, and create futures.