2026 Education Forum Breakout Speakers
We were pleased to welcome the following breakout speakers at the 2026 Education Forum, each of whom brought valuable insights and expertise to this year’s engaging sessions.
David Allison, Founder, The Valuegraphics Research Co.
David Allison is redefining how organizations solve problems and seize opportunities by proving a fundamental truth: everything we do is driven by our values. Known as “The Values Guy,” Allison is the world’s leading authority on human values and the founder of the groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the first global inventory of core human values. Through nearly one million surveys conducted in 152 languages, he has transformed human values into actionable insights — unlocking the potential for profound human connection and influence.
Over a 25-year career as a marketing strategist and branding expert, Allison worked with some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including General Motors, Toyota, Westin Hotels and Sotheby’s International Real Estate. Frustrated by the limitations of demographics and psychographics, he pioneered the Valuegraphics Project to create measurable, human-centered strategies based on shared values. His methodology ensures that every decision resonates deeply with the values that drive what we all do, think and feel, delivering results that are eight times more effective than traditional methods.
As a dynamic keynote speaker and two-time bestselling author of "The Death of Demographics," Allison combines the precision of data-driven insights with the inspiration of a world-class storyteller. Critics and audiences alike describe his work as “convincing, insightful and ... revolutionary,” and his groundbreaking methodology has been featured in textbooks and celebrated as the future of human-centered decision-making.
Organizations like Google, PayPal, lululemon and the United Nations Foundation have used Allison’s insights to align with what people care about most — fostering loyalty, building trust and delivering impact on an unprecedented scale. By putting values at the center of leadership, culture, customer experience and even the future of work, Allison empowers organizations to thrive in an era defined by connection and purpose.
Allison’s message is simple yet transformative: to solve any problem or achieve any goal, we must make business human. By honoring the values that matter most, organizations can build lasting loyalty, inspire trust and achieve extraordinary results. Values are the answer; David Allison shows us how to put them to work.
EJ Corporan, Director, Growth and Marketing, Ansera
EJ Corporan leads Growth and Communications at Ansera, where he helps brands design experiences that drive measurable connection, clarity, and impact. With more than a decade of experience across aviation, technology, and live events, EJ has built and led global event strategies for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations.
Throughout his career, he has developed experiences alongside globally recognized brands and talent, including collaborations connected to the PGA Tour, the U.S. Olympic Ski & Snowboard Team, Barrett-Jackson, NetJets, and Big Machine Label Group. His work has brought him into projects with artists such as Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, and Kelly Clarkson, shaping moments that blend entertainment, brand storytelling, and audience engagement.
EJ is a frequent speaker on the psychology of event strategy, audience engagement, and the science behind impactful experiences. He is particularly passionate about helping event leaders move beyond logistics to design moments that create lasting resonance.
Dr. Tyler J. De Haan, CFP, Director, Advanced Sales, Sammons Institutional Group
Tyler is responsible for speaking to financial advisor audiences on advanced financial planning concepts and behavioral strategies. Tyler is also responsible for developing educational content to be used by financial advisors. Tyler has over two decades of experience in the Financial Planning Industry and joined Sammons Financial Group in 2022.
Tyler received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, his Master’s in Public Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and his Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning from the College of Financial Planning in Denver, Colorado. Tyler received his Research Ph.D. in economic policy with honors from Liberty University. Tyler’s Ph.D research focused on Behavioral Economic Theory and taxes.
Tyler has been featured on several industry webcasts on topics such as Social Security, Medicare, Taxation, and Retirement Income Strategies. Tyler was also named by the Des Moines Business Record 40 under 40 and was a finalist for the Des Moines Young Professional’s Young Professional of the Year award. Tyler also received the Alumni of the Year Award presented by the Waukee Leadership Institute for his service to the community.
Tyler has also obtained and has the right to use the CFP® designation from the CFP Board of Standards and the ChFC® designation from the American College of Financial Planning. He has passed the Series 7, 66, 24, 4, and 53 and life, health, and disability license exams, along with the CMFC®, CRPC®, and AAMS ® designations from the College of Financial Planning. He has also passed the Certified Tax Specialist designation from the Institute of Business and Finance.
When Tyler is not studying and researching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children engaging in their many community and school activities.
Jason Cohen, Executive Director, Global Sales, Accor
Jason Cohen is the executive director of Global Sales with Accor, based in New York. He has worked in hotel sales for over 26 years and in hospitality his whole career. He is a past chair of the FICP HPAC and the GBTA Meetings and Conventions Committee. Jason has done a lot of work on international meetings, contracting and Master Service Agreements.
In addition to managing some of Accor’s largest meetings and events accounts across the Financial, Insurance, Consulting, Tech and Pharma industries, he oversees a team and co-leads the larger Accor global sales team in North America.
Jason loves to travel and has been to 49 countries to date. He likes to experience new cultures, especially through food and beverage, which he is happy to talk about at any time.
Brittany Fiore, Senior Planner, Conferences and Events, Commonwealth
Brittany Fiore is a Senior Event Planner at Commonwealth Financial Network with a decade of expertise delivering attendee centric corporate conferences and thoughtfully curated, personalized programs. Passionate about experiential design and seamless execution, she specializes in creating immersive experiences that both wow attendees and support organizational goals.
Known for her trademark positivity and genuine care, Brittany translates strategy into impactful, memorable moments that elevate overall engagement.
She currently serves as Co Chair of FICP’s Rising Professionals community. Prior to joining Commonwealth, Brittany held roles as a Meeting Manager at PRRI and worked in external sales and event planning at the Conference Center at Bentley University. She is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University.
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and her golden retriever, Penny, as well as lake and beach days, reading, and binge watching Bravo reality series.
Sarah Gippin, Market Executive Director, Hello! Destination Management
Sarah’s love of travel and adventure started at age 13 with a month-long trip to Thailand, exploring the country before it was a mainstream travel destination. Her passion for hospitality began at age 16 when she ran a little company called the Kitchen Libby’s, serving and cleaning up private events in people’s homes along with her high school friends in Akron, Ohio.
Sarah left Ohio to attend American University in Washington, DC, and after graduation, moved to Korea, where she traveled the region and hosted a popular English conversation television show. After returning to the U.S., she began her hospitality career in New York City, working with the United Nations, the Metropolitan Opera and Tavern on the Green before transitioning into the DMC world.
In 2020, after more than 20 years in hospitality in New York, Sarah joined Hello! Destination Management as Market Executive Director, leading the New York expansion and later moving into a National Sales role supporting all 14 U.S. offices.
Susan Kuilder, Director, Experiential Marketing, MarshBerry
Susan Kuilder is the Director of Experiential Marketing at MarshBerry. She also serves on The Board of Directors for The Circle, the Cleveland Orchestra's young friends. She is a member of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, recently completing the Pogue Fellowship and her term as Event Chair of The Carter E. Strang Young Professionals Advisory Committee. She devotes her time to the advisory panel for Pope's Cocktails, managing social media for The Vatican, and creating interactive experiences as an emcee for Real Popfusion. She strives to make Cleveland, OH a more engaging and interesting place for all!
Rebecca Hochhaus, CMP, Event Planner Specialist, Vanguard
Rebecca J. Hochhaus, CMP, is an event planner and specialist at Vanguard who brings more than two decades of experience managing complex event programs and stakeholder experiences. Over the course of her career, she has supported enterprise-wide initiatives, executive and senior-leader engagements, client visits, large client and employee conferences and new office openings — delivering both in-person and virtual events with a focus on seamless logistics and thoughtful attendee experience. Her expertise spans venue and space sourcing, contract negotiations, room design and setup, food and beverage planning, entertainment, vendor and AV management, staffing and budget oversight. Rebecca holds the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation and a Sustainable Event Professional credential, and she is an active member of Meeting Professionals International as well as FICP, where she serves on the Education Committee. Outside of work, she applies her planning skills to support fundraising and community efforts with the Unionville High School Booster Club where she serves as Vice-President and Safe Harbor West Chester.
Lisa McArthur, Meeting and Events Planner, Baird
Lisa McArthur is a Conference & Corporate Events Contract Manager at Robert W. Baird & Co., where she partners closely with event planners, legal, risk, and compliance teams to support large scale conferences, corporate meetings, and events. In her role, she leads contract negotiations, develops and standardizes contracting policies and clauses, and oversees the lifecycle management of a high volume of complex event agreements, always balancing business objectives with risk mitigation.
Throughout her career, Lisa has held progressively senior roles across corporate events, catering, and event operations, building a strong foundation in large scale program management, vendor partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to her current role, she served as Head of Internal Events at CIBC Bank USA, leading enterprise wide employee and executive events. Earlier in her career she managed and executed hundreds of events in fast paced hospitality and catering environments. This hands on operational experience informs her practical, business minded approach to contracts and risk, allowing her to align legal rigor with the realities of event delivery.
With more than a decade of experience spanning event strategy, operations, and contracting, Lisa brings a practical, solutions oriented perspective to event risk management and vendor partnerships. She is passionate about creating consistent processes that empower event teams, improve efficiency, and protect organizations while delivering impactful experiences.
Mthabisi Mhlanga, Keynote Speaker & Storytelling Coach
Mthabisi Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean-born, Toronto based keynote speaker, public speaking coach, and TEDx speaker who helps professionals find their voice in the moments that matter most. As the founder of Speak Up Consulting, he has worked with organizations including Scotiabank, Maxwell Leadership, and Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ, one of North America's leading startup incubators, where he serves as an Expert in Residence.
A former KPMG auditor and CPA, Mthabisi brings a uniquely analytical lens to communication, helping professionals understand not just how to speak, but what the cost of staying silent really is. He reached the quarterfinals of the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2022 and delivered his TEDx talk at McMaster University on the real antidote to speaking anxiety.
Julie Norman, Manager, Strategic Event Planning, Thrivent
Julie Norman is Manager of Strategic Event Planning at Thrivent, leading a team of four talented planners and bringing over 30 years of event experience, including 15 in financial services. She oversees complex, large-scale programs aligned to organizational goals, with a focus on collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Her notable international events include programs in Spain, Ireland, Italy, and South Africa.
James Spellos, President, Meeting U.
James Spellos is the President of Meeting U. whose mission is to help people become more productive and comfortable with technology. Smart Meetings named Jim as one of their Smart Speakers in 2025. In 2024, Meetings Today magazine named Jim one of the Meeting Industry trendsetters for his “AI Education with Integrity” commitment. He was also named a trendsetter for them in 2015 as well. In 2022, Meeting Professionals International included Jim on their most influential list in the hospitality industry in honor of their 50th anniversary celebration.
He was a faculty member at New York University for 25 years, receiving both the Award for Teaching Excellence and the Outstanding Service Award. Jim was previously named one of the Meeting Industry’s trendsetters by Meetings Today magazine in 2015.
Jim is on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty, anti-hunger organization which recovers excess food from events. Jim co-created their Whole Earth Calculator app. He also speaks about food recovery and sustainability at events. In 2018 & 2019, BizBash named Jim one of their top 500 people in events for his work in sustainability.
He has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, is a certified Food for Life instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and is on the staff of Plant Powered Metro New York, helping to educate people about a healthy diet and lifestyle, which helped to save his own life. In 2024, PPMNY chose Jim as their Grassroots Champion.
Jim is an accomplished musician and songwriter who released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius in 2020.
Tracey Svenningsen, Senior Manager, National Accounts, MC&A
Tracey is a New England-based event and hospitality enthusiast with a demonstrated history of cultivating longstanding relationships built on trust. Fueling her passion, Tracey has a lifelong commitment to sharing travel and culinary experiences with family, friends and clients who become friends, more than ten years in ultra luxury hotels and both a degree and a professional background in marketing. This potent combination allows her to delve into the branding and cultural objectives of your events, to leverage event partner relationships and to maintain a global perspective for your stakeholders that is sure to impress. Tracey’s background and acute attention to detail will bring a sense of ease and heightened aesthetic to your entire guest experience from start to finish, allowing you to shine for your VIPs and exceed their expectations.
Growing up working in restaurants in the tourist haven, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Tracey has an innate service mindset and always thinks of event attendees' takeaways first. When she isn’t traveling, Tracey lives on the coast in Massachusetts with her professional musician husband, young son and rescue pup and they all love finding excuses to go to the beach or cook something unforgettable! Tracey is thrilled to be a part of the MC&A ‘Ohana and would love nothing more than to brainstorm for your next event, and to make it extraordinary with together!
Gian Walker, CMP, Marketing Event Manager, Glatfelter Insurance Group
Gian Walker, CMP, is an Event Marketing Manager at Glatfelter Insurance Group, an AIG Company, bringing 20+ years of high-impact marketing and experiential leadership to every room she enters. From commanding multi-million-dollar event and trade show budgets to executing marquee activations at The Masters Tournament and The Preakness Stakes, Gian knows what it takes to deliver exceptional experiences that move the needle for her organization and its stakeholders.
A seasoned strategist and trusted partner to C-Suite leaders and senior leadership, she has built a career on connecting experiential marketing directly to high-level business objectives — ensuring every event earns its seat at the strategic table. Her guiding philosophy says it best: "I'm a business strategist, and my vehicle is events."
That lens shapes everything about how Gian approaches rising costs — not as a line-item problem, but as a strategic challenge that demands relentless focus on value. For Gian, every dollar of event spend must be justified, intentional, and tied back to measurable business impact. She doesn't just manage budgets — she champions the case for why the investment matters in the first place.