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IMEX_America_2026

Keynote Speakers 

Caitlin-Krause

Caitlin Krause

Empowered Connection in a Digitally Layered Landscape

Monday, October 12

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

 

Enter the IMEX America event with clarity, courage and practical imagination! Trek to the new terrain of human connection shaped (but not yet defined) by AI, immersive media and "always-on" digital life. In this new era, we focus on being "human first," animated by the powerful emotions of awe and wonder. 

With a grounded lens on wellbeing, attention and experience design, learn how human-centered approaches to a lifestyle layered with technology can deepen presence, strengthen communities and raise the standard for meaningful engagement with ourselves and those we serve.

This energizing session sets the tone for IMEX: connected, future-facing and led by people who know great experiences begin with human intention and meaningful connection.

Speaker Profile:

Caitlin Krause is a globally recognized experience designer, author and keynote speaker who bridges timeless wisdom with modern technology. She founded the interactive consultancy MindWise in 2015 and she teaches about digital wellbeing and mindful technology practices at Stanford University and the University of Oregon.

She has authored six books, including Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI (2024), Designing Wonder (2021) and Mindful by Design (2019). She has presented about emotional intelligence, storytelling and awe-inspired spatial computing at the TED conference in Vancouver.

She holds a BA from Duke University and an MFA from Lesley University with a focus on poetry, imagination and wellness. Caitlin leads transformative leadership trainings, retreats and workshops that combine modern AI-enabled tech, storytelling and mindfulness.

She has advised organizations including NASA, LinkedIn and Google. Her mission is to help people align attention with intention, overcome isolation and reinvigorate creativity to enhance our whole-life thriving with wellbeing and wonder. She was recently awarded the Nextant Prize for her visionary work at AWE in June 2026.


Shawn Harper

The Winner's Mindset: A Proactive Approach to Business in Uncertain Times

Tuesday, October 13

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Too many organizations operate in defense mode when faced with marketplace and business uncertainty, protecting resources while pausing new initiatives (and often meetings, events and travel).

But what if we all used these moments to pursue NEW opportunities? Help yourself, your organization and your team adopt a growth mindset, adapt to challenges in unique ways and seize new possibilities, even when conditions are less than favorable.

Design matters. Make sure your design is accompanied by meaningful, proactive business practices that help everyone “win.”

After this session, you will:
  • Confidently navigate change and uncertainty, for yourself, your business and your team.
  • Build a team that takes ownership and pride in delivering proactive solutions.
  • Curate a culture that replaces fear with innovation and momentum.
Speaker Profile:

Shawn Harper is a former NFL offensive lineman, corporate CEO, and best-selling author of The Winning Edge. After seven years in professional football, Shawn transitioned from the locker room to the boardroom, founding and leading a multi-million-dollar security firm for more than two decades.

Known as the “Winologist,” Shawn helps organizations apply the elite-level strategies of professional athletes to business, leadership, culture, and life. His message equips teams to shift from playing not to lose to playing to win, building resilience, clarity, and a culture of champions.

Shawn has inspired thousands of individuals and organizations to elevate performance and unlock their winning edge. Through his nonprofit, Game Changers, he also provides motivational speaking, life coaching, and personal development programs for students. Shawn is a loving husband, father and family man who serves on the board of King’s Ransom Foundation and is actively involved in his church.

Shawn-Harper
Neen-James

Neen James

Exceptional Experiences: Drive Revenue by Transforming Client Relationships

Wednesday, October 14

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

In today’s competitive market, standing out isn’t just about what you sell, it’s about how you transform client relationships into sustainable revenue growth. Drawing from groundbreaking research into luxury mindsets and work with global brands like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Virtuoso Travel, Neen James reveals how leaders can leverage luxury principles to attract and retain top-tier clients, regardless of industry.

Through engaging stories and proven strategies, Neen demonstrates how to create memorable experiences that capture mindshare and drive market share. Her proprietary Experience Elevation Model™ provides a systematic approach to differentiating your business and transforming satisfied clients into passionate advocates.

After this session, you will:
  • Identify and attract ideal clients by understanding their mindset and by speaking their “luxury language.”
  • Deploy strategic systems to empower yourself or your team to anticipate client needs and deliver consistent excellence.
  • Apply proven methods to develop client advocates who become an extension of your sales force.
Speaker Profile:

Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit and actionable insights, she is a confidante to C-suite leaders to help them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication and influence.

Her Experience Elevation Model™ helps organizations craft exceptional experiences that accelerate sales conversations, drive results and create lasting brand advocates.

She serves on the Board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce and has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, and Four Seasons. Originally from Australia, Neen is living her best life in Tampa, Florida.

 

IMEX_America_2026