Lauren Teague knows the secret to building a great business is to cultivate fandom rather than followers. One of sports' original social media reporters, Lauren spent seven seasons as the voice of @PGATOUR, while transforming how professional golf connects with fans online. She is a sought-after business advisor, an acclaimed marketing speaker, and the founder of the re-commerce startup FanWagn. Lauren also hosts the Brand to Fan Show, a podcast that unpacks the phenomenon of fandom for business and marketing leaders. Visit laurenteague.com to learn more.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Actionable Affinity: Leading a Business that People (including you) LOVE!

Stephen Sklarew is a seasoned business and technology executive with over 29 years of experience driving innovation across startups and publicly traded companies. His expertise spans strategy and innovation, product development and management, business development, and operations. As CEO and cofounder of Synaptiq, an AI strategy and solutions firm founded in 2015, Stephen focuses on helping client organizations leverage data and artificial intelligence to unlock business value and drive meaningful outcomes.  

SESSION 1 WORKSHOP - Your Roadmap for Successful AI Implementation

Diane Haines has over 25 years of experience as a product and marketing executive at software, healthcare and biotechnology companies. Most recently, she was the Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Mineral, which achieved a successful exit through an acquisition by Mitratech in 2024. She has co-founded a startup, scaled high growth businesses, and held divisional leadership roles at large enterprise companies such as Sage, Agilent Technologies, and Becton Dickinson. Diane has been a featured speaker at numerous industry conferences and events, as well as an adjunct faculty member at the Portland State University School of Business.

SESSION 1 WORKSHOP - Your Roadmap for Successful AI Implementation

Marcia Homer's career spans years in corporate Human Resources, where she has served as both a leader and a trusted business partner. With degrees in Human Resources, Social Sciences, and Applied Exercise Science, Marcia combines a deep understanding of human behavior with an approachable, authentic style. Known for her talent in solving complex work issues and advocating for employee well-being, Marcia co-founded the company Adoy to empower young professionals to thrive independently in the workplace. Adoy provides quick real-time solutions for workplace challenges, specifically for Gen Z professionals. 

SESSION 1 WORKSHOP - Managing Multigenerational Teams Effectively

Ellen Raim is a consultant, former CHRO, and employment attorney with over two decades of experience designing people strategies that unlock business performance. Her career spans leadership roles at companies like Intel, Nautilus, and Cascade Microtech, where she built or transformed HR, legal, and compliance functions.

In the past year, Ellen has focused on integrating Gen Z into the workplace. Through workshops, onboarding programs, small-group mentoring, and corporate consulting, she helps companies bridge the gap between how today’s young professionals think and how organizations traditionally operate.

SESSION 1 WORKSHOP - Managing Multigenerational Teams Effectively

Eric Deisler brings over 15 years of banking experience to his role at Oregon Pacific Bank, where he helped launch the Portland office. His expertise lies in commercial lending, with a focus on building strong relationships with business clients. Eric's commitment to understanding each client's unique needs ensures tailored financial solutions that support long-term success.

SESSION 2 WORKSHOP- Straight Talk with Lenders Panel

With over 25 years in commercial banking, Reggie Gaines serves as a Commercial Relationship Manager at OnPoint Community Credit Union. He specializes in business lending for owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate, assisting members throughout the Portland metro area. Reggie's dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each business makes him a trusted advisor in the financial community.

SESSION 2 WORKSHOP- Straight Talk with Lenders Panel

Aldo Medina Martinez leads Craft3's Business Services and Commercial Intake Programs, focusing on providing financial coaching and lending solutions to underserved communities. Raised in a working-class neighborhood, Aldo is passionate about helping immigrants and people of color build assets and generational wealth. His approach combines behavioral economics with a deep commitment to community empowerment. 

SESSION 2 WORKSHOP- Straight Talk with Lenders Panel

Nicole serves as the Region President for WaFd Bank. in Oregon. She has devoted her twenty-year career to business and commercial banking and serving clients throughout Oregon. Well versed in various types of commercial lending, Nicole has expertise in commercial real estate, construction, operating lines of credit, equipment finance and SBA lending. She attended Winona State University and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Growing up in a family business has given her a deep understanding of business operations and respect for her commercial clients.

SESSION 2 WORKSHOP- Straight Talk with Lenders Panel

Known for driving over $100+ million in online sales via small teams, Ryan Mark of Winship Labs, merges prowess in automation and AI with lean business grit to help teams quickly get from zero knowledge to massive cost savings within days/weeks. His expertise uniquely positions him to guide small business owners through this exciting and new frontier as it begins to take off worldwide.

SESSION 2 WORKSHOP- AI-Thinking for Sales and Marketing