IgniteTech

Eric Vaughan, CEO of IgniteTech and GFI Software, is a visionary leader at the forefront of the AI revolution. With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Vaughan has founded and led three software companies, demonstrating a deep understanding of the transformative power of technology. In recent years, Vaughan has become a vocal advocate for AI-first thinking, recognizing the urgency of this paradigm shift for businesses. He believes that AI is not just an exciting development but a necessity for companies to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. His passion for AI is not driven by mere excitement but by a deep-seated belief that if businesses do not adapt, they risk being left behind. Vaughans commitment to AI transformation is evident in his bold initiative of AI Mondays, where the entire company dedicates one day solely to Gen AI—no calls, no visits, just pure innovation. This initiative is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of AI and his commitment to driving its adoption within his companies. Vaughans journey is a testament to the urgency of adopting AI-first thinking and the transformative power of AI in business. His leadership and vision have positioned IgniteTech and GFI Software at the vanguard of the AI revolution, demonstrating the potential of AI to transform businesses and industries.

Kellanova

Brandel Kremer is a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience driving innovation and aligning technology solutions with business objectives across global organizations. She has a proven track record of executing large-scale projects, including leading four successful Managed Service Provider (MSP) transitions, most recently managing a $4 million transition that streamlined service delivery and enhanced operational efficiency. Brandel has demonstrated expertise in SAP data operations, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and process automation, leveraging tools a variety of state of the art technology tools to deliver a multitude of impactful global projects. Her leadership is underscored by a commitment to fostering collaboration, driving strategic initiatives, and delivering measurable results that support long-term business goals. Brandels dedication to excellence data analytical approach to problem solving has consistently positioned her as a trusted partner in large scale transitions. Beyond her professional achievements, Brandel is an advocate for Foster Care in Michigan; and has been a dedicated foster care parent liaison for nearly a decade.

TMC

Rich Tehrani is the CEO and group Editor-In-Chief of TMC, as well as the Founder and Conference Chairman of ITEXPO, a leading technology trade show held twice each year. Rich oversees a diverse portfolio of successful technology magazines, web sites and trade events at TMC, which recently celebrated its 44th anniversary. Rich has guided TMC’s ascension and evolution from a print publishing and trade show company focused exclusively on voice/data convergence and computer telephony integration (CTI) markets, into a media powerhouse covering all of today’s most important technologies – Wireless/Mobile, Cloud Computing, IP Communications, IoT, and more. Rich is TMC’s driving force in the creation and implementation of pioneering publications and events. Since launching TMCnet in 1995, Rich has pioneered the development of more than 300 online communities of interest, revolutionizing the online world and changing the way companies leverage their brands online. Rich is a media icon, maintaining an active role as an Editor-In-Chief and a very prominent technology blogger/social media participant. TMC’s event and online platforms serve as an incubator for new concepts from the leading minds in the technology space. Rich launched and oversees the ITEXPO Franchise (which is in its 34th installment) – and is constantly adding collocated events by using his creativity and ability to launch synergistic conferences. Various collocated events include: CVx (ChannelVision Expo), IoT Evolution Conference & Expo, IDEA Showcase, and MSP Expo. Aside from his contributions to the online media world, Rich is an active and engaged philanthropist. He a member of the local JCC, a Board Member of the UCONN Engineering Department, and the engineer behind the future TMC Technology Center at a local Boys & Girls Club. This is all in addition to being an active and involved father and member of the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Kaseya

AVANT

TMC

Erik Linask is Group Editorial Director of TMC. During his tenure at TMC, he has supported the production and development of TMCs print publications and, most recently, managed the day-to-day operations of the industry’s leading Web site, TMCnet, which currently serves more than 1 million unique monthly visitors. Currently, he oversees TMC’s four print publications as well as TMCnet, and covers a wide range of topics in the IP Communications and Information Technology arenas, including his blog, Convergence Corner, on TMCnet. Erik also develops to conference programming for ITEXPO, and TMCs other communications and technology events, including Software Telco Congress. Prior to joining TMC, Erik was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication, where he also managed the magazine’s survey research. Erik began his professional career at management consulting firm Leadership Research Institute.

AP2T Labs

Jesse Tuttle, also known as Hackah Jak, is a former world’s most wanted hacker who breached Fortune 500 companies, top universities, and foreign and domestic government and military systems. His exploits have been analyzed in university case studies, textbooks, and research projects, with media coverage spanning from New York to LA, across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. • Jesse’s journey into hacking began in 1994 when he breached his high school network and became involved in the underground world of warez. By 1995, he had moved on to reverse engineering software, and by 1996, he was developing zero-day exploits, trading them within elite hacker communities. In 2000, he joined Hackweiser, a notorious hacker group, where he supplied exploits and participated in high-profile web defacements. In 2001, Jesse became a central figure in the First Hacker World War and later organized the second Cyber War against al-Qaeda following 9/11. In a shocking revelation after his arrest in 2003, it was uncovered that Jesse had been working as an intelligence asset for the FBI since 2001. His work included intelligence gathering during 9/11, hacking and securing sensitive systems, and even hacking and taking down a global human trafficking network. • Today, Jesse is the Chief Hacking Officer and Ethical Threat Actor™ at AP2T Labs™, a Cyber Threat Research and Training™ company, where he leverages his deep knowledge of hacking and cybersecurity to educate and prepare organizations against real-world cyber threats. He also provides consulting, training, and strategic guidance to businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. • Hackah Jak featured on the PodCast, Modem Mischief. https://www.modemmischief.com/episodes/bonus-hackweiser • Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessetuttle/ • Jesse will be available at Booth #2056 AP2T Labs™`

AP2T Labs

Reesë Bess Tuttle is a Cyber Threat Researcher whose extraordinary journey in technology began under the mentorship of her father, a renowned former Black Hat hacker. • By the age of 19, she had earned five college degrees in science and technology, alongside multiple cybersecurity certifications. Her professional career includes internship roles at Fortune 100 companies such as Kroger IT and General Electric, where she specialized in IT product development, secure cloud DevOps, and cybersecurity. She also contributed to encryption and compliance projects at financial firms. She has been featured in a Freelancer.com success story about her work as a member of the Freelancer Preferred Team. • Beyond her technical achievements, Reesë has been celebrated for her leadership and innovation. She has secured multiple hackathon victories, received the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her nonprofit technology initiatives, and held leadership roles within INTERalliance—a nonprofit connecting companies with talented tech youth and hosting TechOlympics, one of the nation’s largest youth-run tech conferences. • A true multidisciplinary talent, Reesë is also a skilled violinist, a black belt in mixed martial arts, and a classic car enthusiast who restored and rewired a 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle. • Today, Reesë is the Co-Founder and Threat Researcher at her cybersecurity startup AP2T Labs™, a Cyber Threat Research and Training™ company, where she leverages her expertise in threat analysis, advanced research, and real-world simulations to address today’s most pressing cyber threats. Additionally, she serves as Secretary for IEEE SA P1947 Standards for Quantum Cybersecurity Framework. • Connect with Reesë on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesebess/ • Reesë will be available at Booth #2056 AP2T Labs™

IBM

Warner Telecom

ECI

Crexendo

CBTS

Telarus