Val Kamenski is the Co-CEO and COO of Klika Tech, a global technology solutions and consulting company specializing in cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and embedded systems solutions. With over 15 years of experience delivering successful software projects to global clients, Val co-founded Klika Tech to help companies succeed in the IoT-driven world. Prior to founding Klika Tech, he led diverse engineering teams for clients in the U.S. and Europe, building complex systems for organizations such as IMAX and MTV. Beginning his career as a software developer, Val has maintained a deep-rooted passion for technology, artificial intelligence, and business innovation. He is particularly interested in the application of technology in real-world scenarios, with a focus on property technology (PropTech) where he believes technology can make a significant difference.

Over 30 years in commercial insurance focusing primarily on emerging business risks related to new technologies. Recognized as the inventor of cyber insurance-see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_insurance Developed the first cyber insurance underwriting platform and policy in 1997. CEO of INSIREtrust from 1997 until 2020. Developed a number of micro embedded insurance products for the smart home industry. Examples are porch piracy protection for theft of packages being monitored by cameras. Similar coverage for water leaks and theft. Recently released new cyber insurance products for families and indviduals that can be delivered by smart home companies. Former Board Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgia State University Risk Management Foundation. Early in my career I focused on Fortune 2,000 property risks insured by FM Global.

George Hechtman George’s role as Founding Principal at Hechtman Venture Development is that of a general contractor of sorts: identification of market opportunities, partnerships development, assembling the right “sub-contractors” for the project. Prior to founding HVD, George’s professional career included: · 2003-2007 President of PCI, a 100,000-subscriber cellular provider and mobile products distributor. George founded HVD after the company merged into a publicly held sister company in 2007. · 2000-2003 Head Administrative Officer, Good Guys Inc a $750million consumer electronics retailer, responsible for real estate, MIS, IT and HR. · 1994-1999, Senior Vice President, head of Western Division, OfficeMax Inc. Grew the division from 105 to 350 stores, managed expansion into Mexico. Active Memberships and involvement: Consumer Technology Association (CTA) https://www.cta.tech/ 5G Use Cases working group Winning at Wireless Retail Working Group Wireless Internet Service Provider Association (WISPA) https://www.wispa.org/ Speaker and/or moderator at semi-annual conferences Most recently moderated MDU retrofit panel, spoke on new technologies panel at March WISPAmerica Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) https://wballiance.com/ Currently leading “MDU Centralized Connectivity Management” project group Contributor: Wi-Fi Sensing. OpenRoaming Implementers, Operator Managed IoT and Smart Home, Wi-Fi HaLow project groups Security Industry Association (SIA) https://www.securityindustry.org/ The Marconi Society https://marconisociety.org/ Telecom Infra Project: Open Converged Wi-FI (TIP OpenLAN) TIP OCW, OpenLAN project groups. California Emerging Technology Fund, Board of Expert Advisors.

Jennifer Tuohy, Reviewer, Smart Home, The Verge

CEO & Co-founder, Holios Jay Cahill is CEO and co-founder of Holios, a leading analytics platform for smart product companies. Holios helps product, marketing, and operations teams optimize product performance, customer engagement, and market fit using real-time data from connected devices. Prior to launching Holios, Jay co-founded Bluefin Technology Partners, a top provider of cloud and IoT solutions. He brings over two decades of experience driving enterprise growth and innovation across software, SaaS, and smart home technologies. Jay’s work with leading brands has helped reshape how smart product companies align KPIs such as activation, engagement and retention with actual consumer behavior. At the roundtable, he brings a data-centric perspective to bundling strategies, pricing optimization, and performance benchmarking.

Ben Berg, Senior Director Product Management, Video, Alarm.com

Bringing over a decade of experience in the technology industry, Marcus has specialized in Conversational AI, with a keen focus on the security sector. At Replicant.ai, Marcus has partnered with numerous organizations to elevate service levels, drive operational efficiencies, and enhance profit margins. He will be sharing his insights at the Parks Associates’ CONNECTIONS event, where he continues to champion the transformative potential of AI in customer interactions.

Matt Alba is a seasoned telecom professional with over 17 years of experience in the communications industry. Since September 2024, he has served as a Product Manager at GVTC, where he focuses on developing innovative solutions that enhance connectivity and drive business growth. With deep expertise in telecom networks and cooperative operations, Matt's mission is bridging technology and customer needs, ensuring strategic alignment and competitive positioning. His passion for innovation, product development, and cross-functional collaboration makes him a key driver of success in the evolving telecom landscape.

Charlie Dougherty is a Senior Product Manager for Kwikset, leading the company’s portfolio of Matter, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connected smart locks. Leveraging career experience in marketing both software and hardware products across a variety of smart home categories, Charlie is responsible for developing and launching innovative smart home solutions for Kwikset. Most recently, he drove the launch of Halo Select, the company’s first offering to support both Wi-Fi and Matter connectivity.

David Porter is the Managing Director of Vivint, an NRG company, where he leads the award-winning smart home and security brand. Mr. Porter was appointed to his current role in January of 2025, following several years in senior executive roles with Vivint. In his previous role as Chief Operating Officer, he oversaw field operations, supply chain, procurement, and customer experience and retention, helping cement Vivint's position as an innovative leader in the smart home and security industry. Prior to joining Vivint, Mr. Porter spent 14 years at Cummins Inc., a global manufacturer of diesel engines, where he held various leadership and executive roles across manufacturing, procurement, marketing distribution, and logistics. A retired United States Army Captain, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University, and his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He and his wife Nola have been married for 32 years and have four adult children and two grandchildren.