Archives: Speakers

Faisal Memon founded iOL over 25 years ago and has made it his mission to solve some of the travel industry’s most daunting problems through the power of cutting-edge technology. Faisal possesses a remarkable gift: the unique ability to unravel some of the most intricate challenges in the travel industry through the
lens of technology. This unique fusion of expertise distinguishes Faisal as a true changemaker in his field. Under Faisal’s leadership, iOL’s innovative suite of technology solutions have become a cornerstone for many leading companies in the global travel sector – a true testament to his unwavering commitment to
empowering clients, and ensuring their journey towards success is supported by seamless technology.

Ralf is the Director of Operations at McDreams (www.mcdreamshotels.de)

McDreams Hotels is an innovative budget hotel concept with eight locations in Germany. As a family-owned business, we prioritize the long-term development of our brand and company. Proudly, we’ve significantly reduced our ecological footprint in recent years. Our goal is to make overnight stays affordable and environmentally friendly. We achieve this through ongoing technological advancements in streamlined processes.

Ralf leads all operational belongings within McDreams with a 15years hospitality background. Ralf aims to introduce, advance, and thereby achieve the best fit for contemporary business travel by implementing automated and lean structures into the corporate context.

Kate Vergara, Ph.D., M.P.H is a Sr. Principal Scientist, Regulatory Affairs for Altria Client Services in Richmond, VA. In this role she serves as Science Lead for NJOY Products, developing and guiding scientific strategies to support tobacco harm reduction.

Prior to joining Altria, Dr. Vergara, was Vice President Health Impact at NJOY, LLC leading individual and population health studies for the NJOY ENDS PMTAs submitted to the FDA (Marketing Granted Orders issued for NJOY ACE April 2022 and NJOY DAILY June 2022).

Before her four years at NJOY, Dr. Vergara dedicated almost 20 years to addressing public health infectious disease burdens in vulnerable populations in emerging economy settings, including tuberculosis and intestinal parasites (Peru), and vaccine preventable diseases in high-risk counties in Africa (Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, and Sierra Leone) and India. She passionately supports growing a more diverse public health workforce, launching the flagship course Public Health Concepts in Epidemiology in 2019 at Baylor University’s Master of Public Health program, one of the most diverse student and faculty MPH programs in the US. Dr. Vergara continues to serve as an adjunct faculty as well as the course lead developing course content and overseeing all faculty teaching the course.

She has authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented on numerous public health research topics domestically and internationally.

Board experience includes the American Public Health Association SA Executive Board Treasurer from 2014-2016. And, after receiving a Fulbright to Peru 2003-04, Dr. Vergara continues to engage with the US State Department Fulbright Program serving as a Board Member for the Fulbright Association Chicago Chapter since 2021. Dr. Vergara has been an active volunteer with the US Medical Reserve Corps since 2020 and a member of the Chicago Triathlon Club since 2015.

Executive and Continuing Professional Education (ongoing) Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts

Ph.D., Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

M.P.H., Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

B.S., Education, New York University, New York, New York

Steve Johnson is Senior Director, Hospitality EMEA, for RUCKUS Networks. Prior to his nine years tenure at Ruckus, Steve spent time in management roles at Tech Data, 3Com and Extreme Networks. A long standing in the network industry is mapped to a history of deep and successful engagements with hospitality establishments of all sizes.

David is a chemical engineer and project manager. He has 15 years of experience in engineering consultancy and operations management in the fine chemical sector. David joined Green Cat Hydrogen in 2023 and leads the company’s project development activities. He is responsible for building project business cases and working closely with offtakers on the practical aspects and engineering challenges of adopting green hydrogen.

Over 25 years’ experience in packaging solutions. Starting with packaging design, then equipment training, then project management of special machines such as beverage or aseptic combis, and finally product and market management for sensitive products. All this in two major companies, Sidel and Serac. I’m the father of two children (aged 21 and 11) and have been a crossfit enthusiast for over 20 years.