JR Oakes drives innovation and growth at LOCOMOTIVE, a top-tier B2B agency operating across the USA and Europe. Renowned in the SEO world for his cutting-edge work in technical SEO, data science, and automation, he shares his expertise at major events like SEO Week and in publications such as Search Engine Land. JR also co-founded the Tech SEO Connect Conference, bringing together leading voices like Aleyda Solis and Kevin Indig. When he’s not pushing the boundaries of data and technology, you’ll find him exploring emerging tech, playing bass guitar, or watching college basketball.

Darragh Doyle works in Strategic Communications with Dublin City Council Culture Company, a dynamic cultural organisation that runs historic buildings and initiatives across Dublin. His new role focuses on advocacy and clear, accessible communication across media, email, and online platforms. Previously Head of Communications, he led a team collaborating with artists, creatives, event makers, and colleagues across Dublin City Council. Darragh also teaches Campaign Strategy to Masters students in DCU's School of Communications, drawing on a career spanning diaspora, entertainment, heritage, charity, not-for-profit, and tourism sectors. He is passionate about literacy, about avoiding fauxtrage, about making Ireland a welcoming place, and about being a loving and thoughtful dad and friend.

Rowena is a Digital Director and brings over 15 years of experience in building corporate reputations through digital channels. She helps clients navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and supports them in positively influencing their corporate audiences. Her expertise spans external and internal channels, and includes corporate websites, search engine optimisation (SEO), social media, employer brand, content strategy, analysis and measurement. Prior to joining Drury, Rowena worked in WPP and Aura agencies in London for over 10 years. She supported FTSE 100 clients, including Diageo, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Tesco, in understanding their audiences’ requirements and delivering tailored digital communication strategies that aligned with business objectives. She built communication strategies and editorial plans, created high impact content and improved the performance of digital channels. Rowena has worked in-house as the Digital Manager in Westminster City Council where she led the council’s digital strategy and managed its high-traffic website. She began her career in Google, helping clients with online advertising and supporting the EMEA internal communications team. She also has a background in journalism, having contributed feature and travel articles to the Irish Independent.

Rowena is a Digital Director and brings over 15 years of experience in building corporate reputations through digital channels. She helps clients navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and supports them in positively influencing their corporate audiences. Her expertise spans external and internal channels, and includes corporate websites, search engine optimisation (SEO), social media, employer brand, content strategy, analysis and measurement. Prior to joining Drury, Rowena worked in WPP and Aura agencies in London for over 10 years. She supported FTSE 100 clients, including Diageo, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Tesco, in understanding their audiences’ requirements and delivering tailored digital communication strategies that aligned with business objectives. She built communication strategies and editorial plans, created high impact content and improved the performance of digital channels. Rowena has worked in-house as the Digital Manager in Westminster City Council where she led the council’s digital strategy and managed its high-traffic website. She began her career in Google, helping clients with online advertising and supporting the EMEA internal communications team. She also has a background in journalism, having contributed feature and travel articles to the Irish Independent.

Maryrose Lyons, the Founder of the AI Institute, is a sought-after speaker and thought leader renowned for her insightful presentations on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors. She is a Top AI Voice on LinkedIn, and her expertise spans marketing, sales, recruitment, and human resources, making her a perfect fit for diverse audiences.
https://weareaiinstitute.com/

Kevin Horan is Head of Digital Design working in HSE Communications and Public Affairs Team. He works with multidisciplinary teams spanning research, design, technology, infrastructure, communications and customer experience to deliver inclusive, person centred products and services. Their purpose is to help people find the information they need to understand and manage their health and their care.

As a global marketing leadership team member at Irish Distillers, Gemma leads the digital marketing transformation agenda, focusing on the Jameson brand. She drives the digital strategy across markets, champions technology integration, and emphasises data-driven decisions. Gemma oversees the development of digital touchpoints and search strategy, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within her team. Having worked in the drinks industry for over 18 years, her experience spans marketing, innovation and strategy. Alongside developing, launching and building brands internationally, she has devised and implemented award-winning Integrated Marketing Campaigns for brands that include Jameson, Orchard Thieves Cider & White Claw Hard Seltzer. Gemma will be speaking on Jameson’s “Must Be A Manager” campaign across Twitch and Discord – a standout example of innovative digital engagement across new platforms.

As Head of Insights & Strategy at THINKHOUSE, Claire oversees The Youth Lab – a future-focused consultancy division that empowers C-suite leaders to drive organisational transformation through the lens of next-generation thinking. With over 20 years’ experience across the UK, US, and Ireland, Claire combines deep cultural insight with creative strategy to unlock growth for some of the world’s most ambitious brands. At THINKHOUSE, a B Corp and one of the world's leading independent agencies renowned for bold, culturally-led work, she champions ideas that are as sustainable as they are impactful.

Paul Nolan is a business strategist, a marketing communications professional and a corporate executive with 35 years of commercial experience across multiple sectors, 20 years of which have been spent in higher education. He leads an award-winning team of marketing professionals at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Since experiencing an almost fatal health event in late-2022, Paul has become a passionate patient advocate and he regularly contributes on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation in regional and national print and broadcast media about cardiac health issues.

Iky Tai is a professional SEO with brand management and FMCG background. Some of the international brands she has worked for are Nestle, Merci, Werther’s and Toffifee. She is currently a SEO manager based in Dublin, Ireland. Working in SEO since 2018, Iky has worked both in-house and at digital agencies in the fields of e-commerce, saas, finance and other professional services.

Mary Hayes coordinates the Too Into You project from Women’s Aid which is focused on young people, in particular young women, aged 18-25. The project aims to teach young people about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, the red flags of relationship abuse, and dedicated supports for young people provided toointoyou.ie. Mary is a graduate with distinction (1.1) from the Equality Studies Masters programme in University College Dublin, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from Dublin City University, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management from National College of Ireland. She has a particular interest in the needs of young LGBTQ+ people and has a background in women’s health, mental health policy and advocacy. Mary has led on national campaigns on intimate relationship abuse, healthy relationships, and women’s mental health.

Maedhbh is a marketing leader whose passion for digital is grounded in a commitment to meeting customer needs through better design solutions. As Head of Digital Marketing in Bord Bia, Maedhbh drives digital strategy and customer experience across domestic and global markets. She leads on digital execution across owned channels, and champions integrated through-the-line marketing underpinned by data and technology. With over a decade experience in digital marketing, Maedhbh brings together strategy, data, creative and technology to build a culture of innovation and high-performing teams.

Emma Toal has been the Assistant Brand Manager for Musgrave MarketPlace in Northern Ireland for 2 years looking after all aspects of marketing for their Retail, Foodservice and Public customers. She has a particular interest in digital and social media and has been experimenting with how influencer marketing has a key role in play in the B2B marketing mix.