Professor, Department of Anthropology
‍University of California, Irvine
‍Tom Boellstorff (Ph.D., Stanford University) is Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, former Editor-in-Chief of American Anthropologist, the flagship journal of the American Anthropological Association, and a series editor for the Princeton University Press book series Princeton Studies in Culture Technology. Tom has worked in the field of digital anthropology for over twenty years, specializing in the ethnographic study of virtual worlds and the histories that have shaped their emergence. Among many other publications, Tom is author of Coming of Age in Second Life: An Anthropologist Explores the Virtually Human, published by Princeton University Press, coauthor of Ethnography and Virtual Worlds: A Handbook of Method Princeton University Press) coauthor of Intellivision: How a Videogame System Battled Atari and Almost Bankrupted Barbie® (MIT Press), and coeditor of Data, Now Bigger and Better! (Prickly Paradigm Press).

A seasoned interactive media producer and project manager, Rachael works with immersive technology studios to reduce risk and build confidence for both teams and clients.

She applies UX strategy and research to clarify value propositions, establish a clear experience vision, and prioritize the needs of VisitoRs ("users"). With a background in journalism and documentary filmmaking, she is passionate about the potential of new mediums to drive positive change.

Rachael is the founder of XRradio.io, a license-based content library featuring XR experiences from independent artists. She is deeply committed to working with creators in the Global South and is currently collaborating with LATAM-based teams to amplify their work and bring XR content to venues across the region.

Deutsche Telekom / Senior Director
Serial entrepreneur and team builder. Technology architect. Software designer. Writer, speaker, trainer.

His career focus has been making software smarter for users while leveraging technology to enable new forms of communication.

Designed/developed over 200 commercial software products reaching over 50 million users on desktop, mobile and tablet devices. He has delivered numerous technology innovations including artificial intelligence in consumer products – multimedia – hybrid online/offline CD-ROMs – interactive multimedia on the internet – real-time character animations – factory to consumer personalized plush toy design - 5G enabled AR streaming.

‍Founder and Principal Consultant at SolerSoft 

Jared is an architect and educator with 25 years in software and 9 years in XR. He worked at Microsoft extensively on HoloLens and Mesh, serving as a Software Engineer and Partner Advisor. Jared helped develop Mesh and MRTK.

He taught at the Microsoft Holographic Academy, mentored at Global Hackathons, and led a worldwide team of Technical Specialists created to support partners building HoloLens solutions (the Mixed Reality Partner Program). Jared has notable experience with spatial computing, multi-user interactivity, storytelling, metaverse open standards, environmental capture and AI in XR.

He's also incredibly proud to be part of a team at BRCvr recently recognized with a prestigious Auggie Award. In addition to advising for the Virtual Worlds Museum, Jared offers mentoring, prototyping and training via SolerSoft. 
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‍Specialties: Spatial Computing, Teaching, Technical Partnerships, Interactivity, Community, Storytelling, Mixed Reality, AI in XR

Paige Dansinger is the founder of Better World Museum, Horizon Art Museum, Women in Horizon, and is a Facebook Horizon VR Game Developer in the Horizon MiniGame Accelerator Program and the Oculus Launch Pad Program.

Paige is recognized by Facebook as one of the Top 117 Global Community Leaders by the Facebook Community Leadership Fellowship Program and was a Horizon Worlds Pre-Alpha Community Creator.
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Paige has presented at the WHO, TEDx Minneapolis, MIT Reality Hackathon, Facebook’s Global Wellness & Safety Summit, Nobel Peace Prize Forum, Singapore, Shenzhen, Beijing, Miami, San Francisco, and more.

Brittany Marine is a leading force in curating engaging virtual experiences in Horizon Worlds. With a solid grasp of the latest XR technologies and a keen understanding of audience needs, she crafts immersive digital interactions that truly connect with museum visitors. Drawing from her multifaceted experience at platforms like Bass Drop Radio (Horizon Worlds), she's adept at audience segmentation and tailoring content that resonates.

As the Volunteer Manager for MetaCenter Global Week, Brittany showcased her knack for training, managing, and procuring volunteers, underscoring her holistic approach to digital interactions. Working hand in hand with content creators, designers, and tech teams, Brittany bridges the gaps between design, technology, and audience insights. Passionate about inclusivity and accessibility, she continually refines the experiences to resonate with every visitor. Her ultimate goal is ensuring each person leaves VirtualWorlds.museum filled with wonder and newfound knowledge.

Co-Founder BitBasel
Technology Evangelist Scientist
Scarlett Arana is an Architect and Geospatial Scientist graduate from University of Florida and is the co-founder of the Miami blockchain start-up BitBasel. She is also a scholarly resident at University of Florida with  blockchain research lab teaching web3. Her academic background includes specialties in Spatial Computing, LiDAR, Blockchain, and Metaverse.

Over the past decade, Scarlett has spearheaded community initiatives across the Blockchain, Metaverse, SpaceTech, and OceanTech ecosystems.

As a Latin woman, Scarlett’s passion is educating young women about emerging technology and guiding them on a pathway towards success.