Speakers & Judges

Rob is the CEO and co-founder of illust.space, an augmented reality platform that lets creators place digital art, stories, and experiences directly into the physical world. His work has been featured in Adweek, Digiday, and The Drum. In 2020 he co-created the first AR NFT with MF DOOM, and today he leads development of an open, decentralized spatial web where artists can publish location-based AR works anyone can experience through a smartphone.

Mike is empowering the future of a thriving community through his leadership in the crypto space. As Nevada Chapter President of Stand With Crypto and founder of Vegas Crypto Group, he brings expertise in community building and advocacy, including organizing virtual summits exploring AI, blockchain, and Web3. He also leads LUMINA Cinema growth in Nevada.

An Arizona-based actor, writer, and podcaster whose work spans film, commercial, and collaborative creative projects. Active in the local and regional film community, with a background that includes modeling and on-camera work, Kwinn brings a grounded, multifaceted perspective to storytelling both in front of the camera and through the written word.

A longtime advocate for international collaboration, cultural exchange, and education. She is President of Treffpunkt, Manager at CG International Consulting, Vice Chair of the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona, and a Board Member of the Global Chamber Phoenix. With more than 25 years of experience spanning Europe and the United States, Carolin brings a practical diplomatic perspective to the intersections of culture, business, and emerging technologies.

Bernd has established organizations dedicated to using music as a universal language to foster cross-cultural understanding and bring communities together. A Phoenix-based cultural entrepreneur, promoter, and author, and a member of the Recording Academy and Pollstar, he brings a perspective shaped by his upbringing in East Berlin and his later life in Arizona.

Jonathan is an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter best known for his AI-driven short film Railbound, and for becoming the youngest director on a major streaming platform with his earlier work Subnivean, acquired by Amazon Prime Video when he was 17. Created during the inaugural Google Labs Flow Sessions residency, Railbound brings the photographs of Mike Brodie into motion while remaining grounded in human direction and emotional intent.

Lexy is the Red Carpet Host for AI Entertainment Con and the reigning Mrs. Arizona America 2026. An Emmy-nominated TV host and singer, she brings energy, warmth, and professionalism to every stage she steps onto. Through her platform, Hearts for Arts, Lexy champions greater access to music and theater education by providing scholarships that help young people pursue creative opportunities.

Shelton is an active advocate in legislative policy conversation and activation for the advancement of blockchain adoption. As Arizona Chapter President of Stand With Crypto and a LUMINA Cinema co-founder, he brings insight into how blockchain technology can empower creators and shift power dynamics in the entertainment industry.

Pati shares insight into being a working actor approaching the new frontier of AI. Her recent venture in AI filmmaking is creating and acting out the multiple female roles in an AI family feature film, with theatrical release set for Q4 2026. She has lent her talents to numerous projects as an actor, host, voice-over artist, precision driver, and producer, and her voice has been dubbed into more than 100 foreign-language feature films, television episodics, and animations.

London-based producer and founder of Loodumaré Complex Productions, a creative studio working at the intersection of film production, animation, the arts, AI, and technology development. As both a producer and an advocate for inclusive, future-oriented practice, Jimmy brings an international perspective to the evolving landscape of AI-assisted film. He also serves as a film judge for the event.

Zoey is a Creator Operations Manager at Dreamina, ByteDance's AI-powered creative platform, where she leads creator and industry partnerships in the U.S. She works closely with filmmakers, AI studios, and entertainment partners to explore how generative AI can be integrated into professional creative workflows.

At Dreamina, Alaina serves as Creator Operations Manager with a dedicated focus on elevating the U.S. creator experience. She works alongside all creators, from established directors to those just starting out, to demystify generative AI and weave it into traditional production pipelines, keeping human vision at the forefront.

Pavan is Founding Director of The GAME School at Arizona State University, a transdisciplinary initiative spanning gaming, esports, interactive and immersive media, and AI-enabled creation. He holds a joint appointment between The GAME School and Electrical Engineering, where his work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, media arts, and computation. He is joined on stage by ASU students Kolten Hesser, Vanshika Srivastava, Dhruv Patel, Arin Sparrow Dineen, Vincenzo Caggiula, and Jialong Xu.

Matthew returns to AI Entertainment Con for his third consecutive year, a run that reflects a sustained commitment to Arizona's creative community. As Director of Arizona Film & Digital Media at the Arizona Commerce Authority, he has spent years strengthening Arizona's production infrastructure, with more than three decades of production experience across film, television, and commercials in New York, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Mark leads the Endless Games and Learning Lab, an Arizona State University Realm 5 initiative representing a new era in education that merges cutting-edge technology, engaging game environments, and universally accessible high-intensity learning experiences. The initiative advances ASU's pursuit of infinitely scalable, personalized learning for all people.

Gabriel is a facilitator and executive leader working to advance Arizona as an international hub for music, film, gaming, and emerging technologies. Through PHXMF, a digital media initiative, he focuses on elevating quality of life, fostering economic growth, and building sustainable pathways for artists, creatives, and communities. A working musician himself, he specializes in turning vision into action.

London-based producer and founder of Loodumaré Complex Productions, working at the intersection of film production, animation, the arts, AI, and technology. He also speaks on Saturday's producer-and-actor panel.

Dave brings a thoughtful and experienced eye to the evaluation of AI and AI-assisted works. With a strong appreciation for storytelling, craft, and the evolving role of technology in cinema, his perspective helps highlight films that balance artistic vision with the new possibilities offered by emerging tools.

Louie is a creative technologist working at the forefront of immersive art, AI-driven film, and generative storytelling. With deep expertise in tools such as ComfyUI, Veo 3, Runway ML, and TouchDesigner, his award-recognized projects range from responsive multimedia installations to innovative short films. He serves as a Guest Judge.

Michael is an Emmy-nominated entrepreneur and generative AI filmmaker. Founder of Tippett.org, one of the world's largest curated directories of AI films, as well as Generation Studios and AIDEO, he brings more than two decades of experience across media, technology, and creative innovation, helping map the emerging landscape of AI cinema.

Victoria is an Arizona-based filmmaker, Makeup Department Head, and special effects makeup artist whose work spans feature films, short films, and independent productions, including Overrun. Through Shadow Flower Studios LLC in Phoenix, she mentors emerging local filmmakers. A member of the Arizona Film Commission advisory community, she serves as an Official Judge.

Tom is a technology professional based in upstate New York with a background spanning tech and creative innovation. Bringing practical experience and a forward-looking perspective to the intersection of technology and storytelling, his presence reflects the event's commitment to connecting voices from both the tech and creative worlds.

Dustin is a generative visual systems architect, AI filmmaker, and multidisciplinary visual artist with more than two decades of experience across film, design, cinematography, photography, and advanced AI production. From award-recognized AI films such as Tzigane and He Is King to live, sensor-driven generative cinema, he returns as an Official Judge.

Jethro is a film and television producer and media executive. Previously elected the youngest Vice President of the National Board of Directors for the Producers Guild of America, he has worked across commercial production, feature films, television, and investigative journalism, including contributions to the Emmy- and Peabody-winning PBS series Frontline.