SPEAKERS

Agita Jaber

Agita Jaber

Founder and President of JF Social

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We are pleased to welcome to the stage, Agita Jaber – Founder and President of JF Social. JF Social is based in Southern Florida and Agita presents at conferences all over the US. JF Social is a results oriented social media agency, driven by continuously refined strategies, and has served over 35 clients in the hospitality industry. Agita will share what works, what does not work, and how to create successful social media execution.
Andres Martinez

Andres Martinez

CEO - Know Cultures

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Andres Martinez is a three-time Telly Award winning filmmaker, video strategist, and CEO of Miami-based video marketing agency, Know Cultures. For the past 10 years, he has created, produced, and directed commercials, branded content, and educational videos for iconic brands such as Goya, McDonalds, Royal Caribbean, and School of Rock. At EMC, he will be speaking about effective video marketing strategies to leverage storytelling and the power of video content to enhance the way your customers experience your product or service.
Andrew Castellano

Andrew Castellano

CEO - Sharc Creative

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Andrew Castellano, born and raised in Westchester County NY, graduated from Syracuse University in 1991, and spent 18 years building a Marketing career with WFAS Radio. This set up a platform to build strong relationships within the community and helped feed his entrepreneurial spirit. Andrew owns and operates Sharc Creative most known for their POWER OF AUDIO Solutions. On Hold Messaging, Overhead Music, Podcast Production & Publishing Sharc Creative is also the producer of Westchester Talk Radio, a local mobile streaming Radio Station that puts a spotlight on the community. Andrew’s greatest treasures are his wife Jill and children Danna & Andrew. Andrew is a NYC Marathon finisher, and Board Member of the Business Council of Westchester.
Caroline Fabrigas

Caroline Fabrigas

CEO - Scent Marketing

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Caroline Fabrigas is the CEO of Scent Marketing Inc., a full-service scent and sensory marketing company that has become a leading authority in the field. She is known for creating the renowned 1 Hotel signature scent and for developing innovative fragrance solutions for world-class brands. Caroline’s career in the beauty industry spans senior roles at CLARINS, where she contributed to brand development and strategic initiatives for over 12 years. She also served as Vice President of Global Retail Development at PRADA Beauty, launching the brand into the beauty segment. Caroline is an award-winning entrepreneur, an active member of several industry organizations, and a founding chair emeritus of the YPO Manhattan Gold chapter.
Dan Offermann

Dan Offermann

Co-Founder - SmartFragrances LLC

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Dan holds a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Iowa State University and an Executive MBA from Dominican University. He began his career at Atlas Alloys and then joined Roure (later Givaudan) in 1989, where he held senior management positions in fragrances, flavors, and HR, with international postings in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Dan also led Givaudan Access, an innovative online fragrance and flavor business model. In 2009, he co-founded Smart Fragrances LLC, where he focuses on creating differentiated value in the fragrance industry.
Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown

CEO - MadAve Group

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Jerry Brown – Founder and CEO of MadAveGroup, a family of six marketing agencies, each with its own unique specialty.

Aside from his duties as CEO, Jerry’s professional passions have always been sales, marketing and training. He’s an expert at strategic marketing, the customer experience, and point-of-entry and sensory marketing. He’s also skilled at tactical, strategic, and consultative selling; communication, sales management, and business development.

Jerry’s been practicing marketing for over 35 years. He was a pioneering member of the On Hold Marketing Association and has served as its Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Marketing Chair. He served as President of the Toledo Chapter of The American Advertising Federation and was a recipient of their highest honor – The Silver Medal – for lifetime contributions to the advertising industry. Jerry is also an inductee in the Entrepreneurial & Business Excellence Hall of Fame.

Jerry has presented at scores of conferences and conducted customized training sessions for companies throughout the country. Along with his entrepreneurial spirit, Jerry brings an authentic and passionate attitude to his presentations.

Jimmy Hunt

Jimmy Hunt

Senior Vice President of Sales, Spectrio

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Jimmy Hunt is a seasoned executive with over 17 years of expertise in sales, marketing, technology, and business development. Throughout his career, he has excelled in forging strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth across multiple industries.
In 2019, Hunt’s company, Media Distribution Solutions (MDS/BetterVideo), was acquired by Spectrio. Following the acquisition, he took on the role of Senior Vice President of Sales, where he leads sales and business development initiatives. His focus remains on expanding key partnerships within the AV/IT and Manufacturing industries, ensuring continued growth and innovation.

As both an entrepreneur and a proven revenue leader, Hunt brings a results-driven approach to Spectrio. His ability to cultivate long-term relationships and drive business success makes him a key contributor to the company’s ongoing expansion and industry leadership.

Joe Hochgreve

Joe Hochgreve

Director of Digital Technology - TouchStone Digital

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Over the course of his 25-year career in Digital Marketing and Web Development Joe has won several Webby, Awwwards.com, American Advertising Federation, and Web Excellence Awards.

Joe has worked with 1000’s of clients over the course of his career. From Fortune 500 clients down to start-ups he has gained notoriety as a top web professional in the industry. Some of the companies Joe has worked with include Apple, Nike, Faygo, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Dana Corp and more.

When not working with high profile clients Joe uses his passion to teach his craft to the next generation of digital marketers.

Dr. Michael Chang

Dr. Michael Chang

Dean - Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University

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Dr. Michael Cheng is the Dean of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, where he is revolutionizing the learner experience. With expertise in competency-based learning, hospitality management, Culinology®, and food product development, Dr. Cheng has over 20 years of experience. Previously, he served as the founding Director and Department Chair at Southwest Minnesota State University. He established the world’s first academic discipline blending culinary arts and food science—Culinology®—and has been recognized by the Vilcek Foundation and the Research Chefs Association. Dr. Cheng is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Culinary Science and Technology and has been awarded over $1 million in research funding.
Michael Seay

Michael Seay

EVP, Brand Strategy - MadAveGroup

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Michael leads the strategic brand efforts of six unique agencies. He focuses on identifying opportunities for brands to expand, elevate, and engage through memorable experiences.

Michael is a former President and board member of the Toledo chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). He also served as a national AAF board member and the two-time Governor of AAF’s Fifth District board. At the local level, he launched the organization’s Mosaic Committee on Multi-Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. He’s a four-time recipient of AAF Toledo’s President’s Award and the 2024 recipient of AAF’s highest honor – The Silver Medal.

Michael brings creative, insightful, and market-tested, perspectives and philosophies to his fast-paced and energetic presentations and workshops.

Steve Evert

Steve Evert

Director, BusinessVoice

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Steve heads the Caller Experience Marketing agency of MadAveGroup. His workshops often focus on CCR development, business development and the caller experience. Over 15+ years, Steve has designed CX programs for hundreds of organizations, including health systems, banks, industrial distributors and senior care organizations. He’s served on the Board of Directors for the Experience Marketing industry’s international trade association.
Steve has a passion for helping companies make strategic and tactical improvements to their overall customer experience.
Steve Weaver

Steve Weaver

Vice President Sales - Symrise

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Steve started his career at Unilever and Colgate Palmolive where he was part of their supply chain team as a purchasing manager for both organizations. Steve changed his career path from supply chain management after receiving his MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in NYC.

He blends his experience in consumer products with his education to find opportunities for his customers to innovate and grow their business with Symrise. Steve enjoys many outdoor activates, he is an avid road and mountain biker in the summer and as a way to give back volunteers as an Alpine Ski Patroller in the winter.

Spence Levy

Spence Levy

President - Air Esscentials Inc.

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Spence Levy, President Air Esscentials Inc. has an entrepreneurial background that includes successful ventures in start-up companies, business development and experience in multiple companies (both large and small). Mr. Levy has built multimillion dollar companies from the ground up. Mr. Levy has senior managerial experience with companies in both the public and private sectors, having built and sold several global distribution and sales companies. Mr. Levy has degrees in Advertising/ Public Relations and Marketing from Johnson and Wales University.
Suzanne Markham Bagnera, Ph.D.

Suzanne Markham Bagnera, Ph.D.

Program Director Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management - Florida International University

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Suzanne Markham Bagnera, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for Executive Education at the top 10 ranked Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. She brings more than 22 years of higher education experience and more than 25 years of hands-on industry experience in the hospitality sphere to her leadership role. With a rich background in the hotel industry, specifically with IHG brands, Suzanne is not only an academic powerhouse but also the Executive Producer of the hospitality industry’s leading podcast, No Vacancy Live, hosted by Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri. She founded the Hospitality Leadership Academy, where she serves as Managing Partner. She is an accomplished author including the Human Resource Management in Hospitality Cases textbook published by Routledge. In 2024, Suzanne was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as a Top 100 Global Social Media Influencers in Hospitality, 50 Most Inspirational People in Global Travel/Hospitality 2024, and 50 Most Influential Educators in Hospitality. Suzanne’s mission is to bridge the educational talent pipeline between academia and industry.

PANELISTS

Bryant Wilson

Bryant Wilson

CEO - Aroma Impressions

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Bryant Wilson is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. In 1994, he founded On Hold Company, growing it into a leading marketing on-hold agency that served tens of thousands of clients across North America until its sale in 2018. In 2014, he launched Aroma Impressions, which has grown to provide scent marketing services to clients in 24 countries. Known for his expertise in operational development, marketing strategies, and leadership, Bryant’s entrepreneurial journey showcases his passion for innovation, commitment to success, and dedication to helping others thrive.
Eddie Cloutier

Eddie Cloutier

Sensory Marketing Pros

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As a pragmatic, curious, problem-solver, Eddie shares his wealth of knowledge in audio and digital experiences with his clients and team. He founded Sensory Marketing Pros, previously known as ProAudio, because he loves helping small businesses leave a lasting impression. In his tenure at the company, Eddie has been dedicated to building relationships and putting people above the bottom line. When he’s not working, he loves to dote on his grandchildren and spend time with his wife of 30 years

Jimmy Harris

Jimmy Harris

Owner & Founder - Harris Communications

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Owner and Founder of Harris Communications, Inc. Jimmy’s passion for raising the standard, ultimately, is what drives the success of his organization. He directs business growth and points his team in the right direction. With twenty years of experience, Jimmy coaches his team to help provide the right solution for your business.

Johnny Gailer

Johnny Gailer

Harris Communications

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Johnny Gailer, representing Harris Communications, Inc., began his journey in the experience marketing world in 2013 when he joined the company founded by his father-in-law, Jimmy Harris. Over the years, he has played a key role in enhancing Telephony Audio offerings and expanding the company’s Scent Marketing venture. Johnny finds great satisfaction in building meaningful client relationships and developing creative strategies tailored to their needs. His goal is to ensure clients exceed customer expectations while staying ahead of industry trends. Outside of work, Johnny enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, staying active in local sports, and volunteering. He is excited to contribute to the EMA board, an organization that has been crucial to his professional growth, and hopes to foster an environment of collaboration and success for all its members.

Mark T. Levy

Mark T. Levy

Executive Vice President, Air Esscentials

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Marc T. Levy began his career in 1990 working in his family’s business, where he gained valuable experience custom-making uniforms for the hospitality industry. Seeking a new challenge, he transitioned to the timeshare industry, where he quickly became a top sales performer at Cendant Corporation, earning Rookie of the Year honors and consistently ranking among the company’s top salespeople nationwide. After relocating to Orlando and later transitioning to selling predeveloped land in Georgia, North Carolina, and West Virginia, Marc’s career continued to evolve.

In 2009, Marc became an investor in Air Esscentials and, recognizing the company’s potential, joined forces with Spence Levy to help grow the business into the successful, global leader in scent marketing it is today. With his extensive sales experience and entrepreneurial mindset, Marc has played a key role in expanding Air Esscentials’ footprint and fostering long-term client relationships.

Michael Newman

Michael Newman

Founder - Thanks For Holding

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Michael’s passion for music and communication began in his teens with radio broadcasting and later expanded into TV and the wireless phone industry. In 2000, he founded Thanks For Holding, providing audio and video services to businesses across North America. A member of the Experience Marketing Association since 2007, Michael has served on various boards and committees to promote the industry.

Simon Faure-Field

Simon Faure-Field

Founder - Equal Strategy

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Simon Faure-Field is the founder of Equal Strategy, a customer experience consultancy based in Asia. With over 30 years of experience, Simon has advised renowned brands like Marina Bay Sands, Microsoft, and Hilton, helping them enhance their customer experiences through innovative sensory branding strategies. He is a pioneer in combining music styling and fragrance solutions to reinforce brand positioning and drive consumer behavior. Simon has a background in interior design, business development, and a lifelong passion for music, which led him to specialize in sensory branding. He has been featured in TEDx, CNBC, BBC, and various lifestyle and marketing publications, and continues to shape the future of sensory marketing.