Event Speakers
Andi Jarvis
One Line- Founder and Strategy Director, Eximo Marketing
Andi is the Founder and Strategy Director of Eximo Marketing, a marketing strategy consultancy based in Belfast and Liverpool.
Andi hosts the Strategy Sessions podcast, a show that interviews some of the best marketers in the world, including Seth Godin, Rory Sutherland and April Dunford.
He holds an MSc in Marketing and the Marketing Week Mini MBA in Marketing. He teaches marketing at Liverpool John Moores University and Uni Vaasa in Finland. He also runs a fundraising project, Eximo & Friends with Barnardo’s, where marketers volunteer to provide consultations to small businesses in return for a donation to support refugees. You should also know that Andi likes to talk, at length, about: being a dad, his BBQ, rugby league, boxing and cricket.
Caitriona Morgan
Ex Senior Brand Communications Manager, Adidas Women
Caitriona Morgan is a creative director and brand strategist known for her work at adidas and her personal project, Pure Melter. Originally from Armagh, Northern Ireland, she has a background in brand communications, specializing in global sports brands, women's initiatives, Gen Z lifestyle, and cultural trends
At adidas, Caitriona served as Senior Brand Communications Manager for the Women's division. She led several impactful campaigns including
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
The Ridiculous Run
The Bra Revolution
Beyond her corporate work, Caitriona founded Pure Melter, an AI-conceptual GAA lifestyle brand that blends traditional Irish sports culture with modern design. The project reflects her passion for Irish heritage and aims to bring these AI-generated concepts into real-world products
Conor Byrne
Podcast Host, That’s What I Call Marketing
Conor Byrne is a marketing professional based in Ireland, currently serving as Head of Marketing at 123.ie. With experience on both the agency and client side, he’s built a career focused on brand, B2B marketing, and creative strategy. He hosts the podcast That’s What I Call Marketing, where he speaks with CMOs, founders, and marketers about what makes great marketing work. Known for his interest in storytelling, brand-building, and thoughtful analysis, Conor enjoys exploring how marketing can be both commercially effective and creatively rewarding.
Dan Holt
Digital Strategist, Founder of Mary’s Marketing Adventures
"Having started his digital agency in late 2009, Dan took his 16 years of experience and channelled it all into the world's most badly drawn comic, Mary's Marketing Adventures. Dan's main areas of expertise include brand, content strategy, SEO, PPC and picking fights on LinkedIn."
Emma Davies
Founder and Fractional CMO, Advocitude, Co-Host Blame It on Marketing Podcast
Emma believes marketing is both an art and a science—and thrives at the intersection of the two. She is passionate about leveraging data to elevate marketing performance while creating seamless, buyer-centric experiences. As the Founder of Advocitude, she has spent over four years transforming an idea into a trusted partner for B2B companies. What started as a platform to explore Customer Advocacy and Community has evolved into a strategic marketing consultancy. Advocitude’s mission is to help businesses execute impactful marketing strategies that are data-driven, aligned to their Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs), and designed to make buying easier for their customers. Emma is also the co-host of Blame it on Marketing, a podcast where she tackles the misconceptions and challenges marketers face while doing the day job.
Fabu-D ( AKA Black Paddy)
Content Creator and Social Media Personality
Fabu D, widely known as Black Paddy, is a Nigerian-born comedian, content creator, and social media personality who has become a beloved figure in Ireland's entertainment scene.
With his unique blend of comedy, charm and relatability, he has managed to capture the hearts of over 1.4 million followers across social media who eagerly await his every post. He is celebrated for his humorous takes on Irish culture and his engaging interactions with locals across the country.
As Black Paddy, he also uses his platform to promote unity and self-acceptance, often addressing issues of racism and cultural identity. His content not only entertains but also fosters meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion in Ireland.
There's no doubt the Black Paddy has a unique skill with storytelling and building a presence on social media.
Karen Howley
AI Strategy, Training and Transformation Consultant
Karen partners with marketing and creative teams who want to transform capabilities, workflows and re-imagine what's possible with AI.
She delivers practical AI training that builds skills in tools like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini — from prompt-writing foundations to advanced GPTs and AI agents.
Karen supports leaders on organisational change and transformation initiatives, helping shape AI strategies, roadmaps and team adoption plans and guiding priority projects from idea to execution
She has worked with organisations like KPMG, Laya Healthcare, Irish Distillers, Heineken, Flutter UKI, Allianz and UCD to help them use AI in ways that are relevant, human and results-focused.
She is also a trusted training and speaking partner for the Marketing Institute Ireland.
Lea Karam
Multi Award winning behavioural scientist, Founder Mindscope
Lea is a multi-award-winning behavioural scientist and founder of Mindscope, the first behavioural science labs specialising in the new era of influence - tech, entertainment, culture and commerce.
Named a “pioneer in the field of Behavioural Science” by Campaign Magazine, she developed a reputation as one of the most sought-after and disruptive experts, speakers and thought leaders in consumer behaviour today, and has made her mission to turn complex human behaviours into accessible interventions that translate behavioural insight into meaningful commercial, social and human impact.
Her impact had her recognised by leading industry accolades such as Campaign Media Week 30 Under 30 (2022), Management Today 35 Women Under 35 (2023), and The Media Leader Future 100 (2024), with Lea also featured by Inside Behavioural Economics as one of the world’s top behavioural experts.
As the Behavioural Advisor and Executive Member of The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences – alongside figures like Tim Berners-Lee and Alexis Ohanian – Lea has been
instrumental in pioneering the integration of behavioural science into media and marketing practices.
Helping clients understand hidden viewer habits, decode the science behind brand experiences, and anticipate trends across content, marketing AI, e-commerce, and digital media, Lea is redefining how communities and human connections evolve in today’s cultural landscape. Her client range spans across BBC, Canon, Amex, TikTok, Snapchat, Google and many more.
Louise Doyle
Co-Founder and CEO, Needi
Louise Doyle is the visionary co-founder and CEO of needi, a corporate gifting service that uses AI-powered gift-matching technology to connect businesses with the perfect sustainable gifts while supporting local independent businesses.
Alongside co-founder Steph Scholes, needi has grown to work with over 150 B2B clients, including high-profile companies like Microsoft, Intuit Quickbooks, Spotify and DPD generating over £1 million in sales for small businesses. Louise’s dedication to reducing waste through meaningful, eco-friendly gifts sets needi apart in the corporate gifting space, known for its efficiency, personalisation, and innovative, feel-good gifting experience.
Under Louise’s strategic vision, needi has developed a cutting-edge gift matching algorithm that leverages AI and psychological principles. This innovative approach enables needi to deliver an unparalleled corporate gifting concierge service, connecting businesses with perfect gifts from local independent businesses.
A passionate advocate for female entrepreneurs, Louise has successfully raised £1 million in VC and angel funding, despite the challenges of less than 2% of VC funding going to female founders.
As a mother of 17-month-old twins and a 7-year-old, Louise continues to drive needi’s innovation, helping the company scale towards its £5 million sales target for local businesses in 2024.
With a background in global sales and recruitment, Louise was the youngest and first female Global Sales Director at Camps International, where she tripled revenues to £15 million. She is also a top graduate from Silicon Valley’s Founder Institute.
Lynsey Woods
Global Brand Director, Carlsberg Group
As Global Brand Director, Woods oversees Carlsberg's brand development, including taste, packaging, sales strategy, and new product innovations. She spearheaded the "Do the best things begin with curiosity? Probably" campaign, emphasizing the brand's commitment to innovation and its 177-year heritage. The Irish NewsCarlsberg Group+1Global Drinks Intel+1
Under her leadership, Carlsberg has also renewed its partnership with Liverpool FC, marking one of the longest-standing collaborations in the Premier League.
Mairead Broadley
Global Leader Public Relations, Carlsberg Group
Mairead Broadley is an accomplished public relations professional, currently serving as the Public Relations Global Lead at Carlsberg Group. With a strong background in both B2B and B2C communications, she has successfully designed and implemented award-winning global strategies that enhance brand visibility and engagement.
Broadley's contributions are integral to Carlsberg's communications team, where she collaborates with cross-functional departments to align public relations efforts with the company's overarching goals. Her strategic approach and commitment to excellence continue to drive Carlsberg's reputation and influence in the global beverage industry.
Nigel Tabener
Former Hostage Negotiator
Very few people are faced with having to make those life-or death decisions, but for 10 years that was the world that Nigel lived in as a hostage negotiator. During that time, he successfully resolved more than 130 high-risk armed sieges, suicide threats and international negotiations. As a sought-after speaker, Nigel now lifts the lid on his time as a hostage negotiator and reveals transferable skills from that largely hidden world, to help leaders and teams improve performance, well-being.
As a passionate and engaging speaker Nigel brings to life, through his stories, subjects such as elite level listening, emotional intelligence and how to influence people and negotiate when you have nothing to give away.
Paula Bloodworth
Chief Marketing/Strategy Officer at Idris Elba (IE7)
Paula Bloodworth is CMO of IE7 and Co-Founder of Alien Baby (Idris Elba's creative studio)
Paula's experience is diverse, encompassing over 18 years and spanning across London, New York, Shanghai, Portland, Sydney, Tokyo, and Melbourne. She has worked across a wide range of categories and clients, with a particular emphasis on youth and sports brands
Recently, she joined forces with Idris Elba as his CMO and launched ALIEN BABY - a creative studio of a different kind. Here, she spearheaded the impactful 'Don't Stop Your Future' anti-knife crime campaign, which led to a landmark legal change, among other innovative initiatives.
Prior to this, she was Head of International Strategy at Uncommon Creative Studio, where she worked with a number of global clients, including Peloton, the Jordan Brand, and Pinterest.
However, Paula devoted the majority of her career to Nike. Leading Nike's Global Strategy at Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, having previously led regional strategy for Nike in Greater China, and EMEA. Her tenure with the iconic brand spans over eight years, highlighted by her involvement in award-winning campaigns like 'Nothing Beats a Londoner' and 'You Can't Stop Sport,' A campaign that earned widespread recognition for its effectiveness and creativity, including an esteemed Emmy award.
Rachel Fairley
Co Founder and Co-Author of Rebrand Right
As an international marketer and brand strategist, Rachel focuses on improving market impact to drive growth. She has contributed to 30+ business transformations, across many industries and more than 100+ countries.
Rachel’s pragmatic book, co-authored with brand strategy expert Sarah Robb, on why and how to refresh your brand and marketing to grow your business, REBRAND RIGHT, will be out spring 2025 and is on pre-sale.
Known for deep brand, marketing and transformation expertise, strategic thinking and creativity, productivity and pragmatism, optimism and energy, collaboration and supporting colleagues to be the best they can be.
Recognised as ‘Top 100 Future CMO 2023’; ‘Top 100 Global Marketing Leader 2022’; ‘Top 100 global B2B Marketing Leader in Tech 2021’; ‘Top 100 Most Impactful B2B Marketing Leader in Europe’ 2019 and 2016; all peer nominated, CMO judged. Work has received 23+ industry awards.
B2B, B2C and B2B2C experience in many industries, with Actual Experience, Akzo Nobel, Balfour Beatty, Barclays iShares, Brands At Work, Business Disability Forum, BDO, Collier Campbell, Colt Telecom, Deloitte, DS Smith, Ebone, Edinburgh Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edmond de Rothschilds Foundation, E.ON, Ernst & Young, Global TeleSystems, Harsco, Hermes Fund Managers, Hermes Europe Railtel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Infor, Instruct (University of Oxford & EU), KLM, KPNQwest, Landor Associates, Lloyds TSB Private Banking, Nokia, Novartis, Oracle, Precise (now Kantar), Sage, Siemens, Radley Yeldar, transavia (Air France/KLM) & led own consultancy.
Rich Evans
Founder and Email Marketing Strategist
Rich Evans is a seasoned entrepreneur and business consultant based in the UK, known for his expertise in digital marketing and his commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He currently leads Get Better Limited, a consultancy specializing in email marketing strategies, particularly leveraging platforms like Klaviyo to enhance client engagement and sales.
Rita Cidre
Head of Academy, SEMRUSH
Rita Cidre is a seasoned marketing leader, educator, and storyteller with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of media, technology, and education. Currently, she serves as the Head of Academy at Semrush, where she develops innovative educational programs to empower digital marketers worldwide
Before joining Semrush, Rita held key marketing roles at prominent organizations including Zillow Group and Qualtrics
She is also a Senior Lecturer at Vienna University of Economics and Business teaching a course on Social Media Content Strategy.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rita now resides in Vienna, Austria. She is multilingual, fluent in Spanish, English, and French, and is currently learning German
Robin Lynch
Head of Marketing Channels, JP Morgan Payments
Robin Lynch is a seasoned marketing executive based in Dublin, Ireland, currently serving as the Global Head of Channels for J.P. Morgan Payments Integrated Marketing. In this role, he leads the development and execution of channel strategies to enhance the company's global payments marketing initiatives .
With a robust background in social marketing, Robin has previously held the position of Global Social Marketing Lead for J.P. Morgan Wholesale Payments. His expertise encompasses managing comprehensive marketing campaigns that effectively communicate the value of J.P. Morgan's payment solutions to a diverse, global clientele
Ruta Sudmantaite
Fractional CMO, Sudmante, Co Host Blame It On Marketing
As a fractional CMO, Ruta helps B2B businesses reach their next revenue goal with inbound marketing strategies that build their brand and generate leads. She has worked with clients ranging from small tech startups to unicorns and public companies, using her experience and passion for marketing to create impactful campaigns and content.
She is also a co-founder of Lava Metrics, a software solution that gives HubSpot users new reporting powers to set and track their pipeline goals, conversion rates, and historical snapshots. Lava Metrics is currently on pre-sale and offering a 50% discount for data pioneers. Additionally, she co-hosts the Blame it on Marketing podcast, where she discusses and debunks marketing clichés and myths. Ruta enjoys learning and sharing her insights on marketing, technology, and people.
Sarah Travers
Co-Founder, Bespoke Communications
Sarah Travers is co-founder and director of Bespoke Communications, a leading training and professional development company serving the UK and Ireland. Sarah is a former BBC news journalist and TV presenter, with a keen interest in stories and the people that shape them.
Sarah is a familiar face to many in Northern Ireland, where she was news anchor in the BBC newsroom for 17 years, covering high profile stories throughout the Northern Ireland peace process, and key events like the London 2012 Paralympics and BBC Children in Need. Sarah has also presented lifestyle programming for UTV and is in demand as an event and conference MC and podcast host.
Tina Calder
Comms Strategist & AI Evangelist
Tina is a no-fluff, straight-talking strategist who helps people communicate better with the world around them.
As Chief Vision Officer at Excalibur Press, Tina leads with integrity, energy and a fierce commitment to cutting through the noise. She work with entrepreneurs and executives across sectors like manufacturing, tech, construction, tourism and the voluntary sector - supporting them to rethink, restructure and revitalise how they communicate, show up and lead.
With a background in journalism spanning 18 years (writing for some of the biggest titles across the UK and Ireland), she has spent her career helping people tell better stories. These days, she bring that same clarity and curiosity to high-level marketing strategy, crisis comms, entrepreneurship programme design and powerful stage presence - as a speaker, trainer, compere and host.
Will Poskett
Award Winning Strategist, Agency Founder, Defiant
Will Poskett is an award winning strategist & the founder of Defiant. He has advised some of the world’s most famous brands (Adidas, Heineken & Coca Cola) and worked at the world’s most awarded agencies. In 2014 he was awarded the first ever Grand Prix at the Youtube Effectiveness Awards for his work on Mattessons and gaming.
