Dr. David Rice is Associate Professor of Marketing at the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada. He has published extensively in scholarly journals and has presented his research at conferences in over 20 countries. Over the past 35 years, Dr. Rice has provided market research services and consulting to both Fortune 100 and 500 companies. His consulting experience includes successful market research projects for Microsoft, Intel, Dell, Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Ford Motor Company, Eli Lilly, Canon and the World Bank.

Dr. Rice was the Founder and President of SurveySite Market Research in Toronto. SurveySite was one of the early companies conducting online market research. SurveySite was sold to ComScore in 2003. Today, Dr. Rice continues to teach and offer market research consulting services to companies in Canada and Worldwide.

Martin Waxman, MCM, APR, writes a popular AI and Digital Marketing Trends newsletter, conducts AI research and leads digital and AI training workshops. He’s a LinkedIn Learning instructor, adjunct professor at the York Schulich School of Business and associate director of the Future of Marketing Institute.

Martin also co-founded two agencies, is president of a consultancy and a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center. He regularly speaks at events across North America. Martin received the Institute for Public Relations Best Master’s Thesis Award in 2019 and the Canadian Public Relations Society’s Outstanding Achievement in PR Award in 2020. He has a Master of Communications Management from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.

Leore Barkai is a fourth-year BBA student at the Schulich School of Business, specializing in Marketing and Strategic Management. With experience as a Marketing AI Transformation Intern at EY and as Conference Co-Chair for the York Marketing Association, she has developed a strong foundation in strategy, communication, and digital innovation. Passionate about the evolving marketing landscape, she is continuously expanding her knowledge of how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry.

Nashia Hussain is a BBA student at the Schulich School of Business, specializing in Marketing and Business Analytics. She gained experience as a Communications Intern at myLaminin, where she created content strategies and digital campaigns. As Senior Advisor to the Schulich Entrepreneurship Club, she supports programs that encourage student innovation and leadership. Her interests include digital marketing, consumer insights, and how data-driven strategies shape the future.

Simone is a fourth-year BBA candidate at the Schulich School of Business specializing in Marketing and Strategic Management. Following her Marketing and Corporate Relations internship experiences at Nest Seekers Ontario and the Let’s Enterprise India Fellowship, she is eager to continue building her foundation in brand development and strategic planning. She is also currently President of the Undergraduate Business Society, where she leads initiatives to strengthen student engagement.

Rikesh Abhani is a Schulich B.B.A. graduate and current M.B.A. student at the Schulich School of Business, specializing in Arts, Media, & Entertainment, and Corporate Strategy. He has gained experience across a range of roles in sales and media, where he developed a keen interest in and knowledge of practical marketing insights and sales processes. With experience at firms such as Pax8 and TD Canada Trust, he provides a diverse perspective on unique marketing concepts and real-world applications. His interests include developments in technology, transformation in media, and modern cultural responses to successful marketing campaigns.

Avreet Bains is a Master of Marketing candidate at the Schulich School of Business, holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree. With experience as a Marketing Coordinator Intern at the Ontario Science Centre and as the Communications Manager for the Schulich Marketing Association, she has built a strong foundation in digital marketing, market research, and campaign development. Passionate about brand strategy and consumer behaviour, Avreet is interested in how data, creativity, and storytelling intersect to build meaningful connections between brands and people.

Sayed Hosseiny (Maz) holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto, where he majored in Marketing and specialized in Economics. With several years of experience across leadership, analysis, and project management, he brings a well-rounded, results-focused approach to every role. He currently manages a 30-person sales team, building strong client relationships, elevating the consumer experience, and driving performance through innovative marketing initiatives. His background also includes work as a business analyst and project manager, where he applied data-driven insights and coordinated complex initiatives from planning through delivery.

Asima Samam is a Master of Marketing candidate at the Schulich School of Business with a Bachelor of Commerce double major in Finance and Marketing. She has experience in social media marketing through work with a small startup, “Hire and Fire Your Kids,” and developed a strong research foundation as a Research Assistant. Before graduate studies, she worked at CIBC as an Advancing Specialist, focusing on high-risk investigations and supporting banking centre teams. She currently serves as Marketing Director of the Arts and Media Management Club at Schulich, where she leads creative strategy and communications. Passionate about the evolving marketing landscape, Asima is especially interested in media agencies and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the future of marketing.

Jojo Zhang is a Master of Marketing student at the Schulich School of Business and an Executive Manager with the Schulich Graduate Business Council. Through her experience in marketing agencies and previous co-op positions, she has gained hands-on expertise in social media, influencer marketing, and email marketing. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Jojo is passionate about connecting brands with people in meaningful ways and exploring innovative approaches that shape the future of marketing.