Chris A Cholas serves as the Senior Vice President of Product and Technology at Hotwire Communications Ltd. In this pivotal role, he drives innovation and strategic development across Hotwire's product offerings and technological infrastructure. A distinguished leader in the telecommunications and technology sectors, Chris's career is marked by significant contributions, including multiple patents that underscore his innovative spirit. His pioneering work has also been recognized with Technical Emmy Awards, a testament to his impact on the industry. Chris brings a wealth of experience from his extensive work history, including a notable background in operator executive roles. This experience provides him with a unique perspective on the operational and strategic challenges and opportunities within the industry. He is an alumnus of Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he built a strong foundation for his distinguished career. With a deep understanding of industry trends, a proven track record of innovation, and a commitment to advancing product and technology solutions, Chris is a recognized and influential figure in his field.

Reynolds F. (RF) Barnes, Senior Director in the Client Computing Group at Intel, is a industry veteran with over 25 years of wireless experience. Currently, RF leads Business Development and Strategic Initiatives where he drives global engagements to identify collaboration opportunities that help Intel and the broader ecosystem deliver leading wireless technologies and products, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other related solutions for PC and IoT platforms. Prior to his current role as Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, RF held numerous leadership positions across Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Cellular products at Intel driving innovation above and beyond the standards to continuously improve the connectivity experience for anyone using a PC. He joined Intel in 2002 and was part of the team that developed Intel’s first Wi-Fi products enabling the Centrino mobile PC revolution. RF holds a BS in Computer Engineering and an MBA from The University of Texas as well as a BS in Computer Science from The University of Houston.

Olivier Bernard is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience in marketing, strategy, and engineering, specializing in the IoT and M2M industries since 2005. He currently is a Principal IoT Specialist with AWS, where he drives the global go-to-market strategy for consumer products and the Smart Home. Before joining AWS, he was the Director of High-Performance IoT at Arm, where he led business development and corporate initiatives across the IoT value chain, collaborating with OEMs, ODMs, and Silicon Partners. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President at Maestro Wireless, where he founded the company’s American subsidiary before its successful acquisition by Lantronix. Olivier holds a diploma of Engineer from ESIEE (France), an MSEE from the University of Southern California, and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley.

Laura is an accomplished product and sourcing leader with nearly three decades of experience in product development, merchandising, sourcing, logistics, cost negotiation and collaboration across global markets. As Director of Product and Product Partnerships at Brinks Home, she leads strategic initiatives that drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the smart home security sector. Prior to Brinks Home, Laura held multiple leadership roles at Payless ShoeSource, where she managed global sourcing and product development, spearheading initiatives across North America, Latin America, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

Chad Conway, is Founding Partner of 981, a seed stage firm accelerating impact through supporting visionary founders building amazing hardware products that customers love. Being a former builder and Tesla product leader, he takes a hands-on approach, bringing an exclusive network of experienced operators to help founders build, launch, and scale faster. Pila Energy is one of the companies Chad has been advising. Before 981, Chad built SPAN from a napkin sketch into one of the fastest-growing hardware startups. Chad began his career at Tesla leading Powerwall development.

Dr. Petrut Bogdan is Neuromorphic Architect at Innatera Nanosystems where he focuses on Hardware-Software co-design, product development and system architecture. He currently co-chairs the Neuromorphic Working Group of the EDGE AI Foundation, aiming to address grand challenges within neuromorphic computing by bringing together industrial and academic experts and offering long term support to open developments. Dr. Bogdan holds a BSc and PhD from the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, UK. His research focused on bio-inspired learning and real-time modelling of very large-scale spiking neural networks modelled on the SpiNNaker 1 million ARM core brain-inspired computer.

Casey Anderson is a seasoned software engineering executive with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in smart home connectivity, embedded systems, and IoT solutions. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Controls Software Engineering at Lennox, where he leads the development of next-generation HVAC control systems that integrate seamlessly into connected home ecosystems. Prior to Lennox, Casey led a global team of software engineers at Allegion, the parent company of Schlage Locks, where he directed major initiatives across mobile, IoT, and SaaS platforms. His work was instrumental in delivering a connected lock solution that became foundational to Allegion’s connectivity and IoT strategy. Casey’s passion for home automation was honed during his career at Control4, where was designed and developed the first and second generations of home automation controllers and media distribution devices. At Tendril (now Uplight), he helped pioneer an energy management platform that connected utilities and consumers through intelligent thermostats and residential demand response programs. An advocate for interoperability and open standards, Casey has contributed extensively to the smart home ecosystem through his leadership roles with the Zigbee Alliance—now the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). He served on the board of directors and held chair and secretary positions in multiple working groups, helping to shape standards that underpin today’s interoperable connected home devices.

Emily is a product leader with more than 10 years of experience driving innovation and strategy at the intersection of whole-home connectivity. Currently serving as Vice President of Product and Communications at Evolution Digital, Emily leads cross-functional teams to deliver scalable broadband, video and IoT solutions that align global service providers’ business goals with consumer needs. Prior to joining Evolution Digital, Emily served on Sling TV and DISH Network’s product communications team, providing a foundation for compelling narratives around roadmap conversations, launching new features and driving alignment between product, engineering and executive leadership. Emily earned her bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science from the University of Michigan, graduating with high honors.

Jeff Barnes serves as the Vice President of Affinity Partnerships for Moen’s Smart Water division, where he focuses on helping homeowners prevent the disruption, frustration, and expense of in-home flooding through innovative insurance and affinity partnerships. Before joining Moen at the end of 2023, Jeff led business development and partnerships at ADT Security for over eight years. During his tenure, he established key relationships with major national insurance brands, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences while generating substantial claims savings for partners. With over seven years at Florida Power & Light and over 20 years in the service contract industry - Jeff has consistently demonstrated his ability to create new business channels and develop solutions that drive growth, reduce costs, and enhance consumer satisfaction. Residing in South Florida with his wife, Wendy, and their two poodles, Jeff enjoys spending time with his three adult children and his one remarkable granddaughter. Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn at www.LinkedIn.com/in/jjeffbarnes and learn more about Moen’s innovative solution for helping prevent in-home flooding at www.Moen.com/Flo.

Mr. Reed has over 28 years of experience in consumer technology with a primary focus on security products with professional monitoring services. He is currently the Head of Commercial Security Sales for RapidSOS. Previously, he was the VP of Sales and Operations of CenCom.com, Inc where he was responsible for the sales strategy and execution for a global home security service company. Reed headed sales and operations for both NextAlarm Monitoring Services, Inc and LaserShield Systems where he was responsible for placing the first professionally monitored DIY system into retail distribution. Reed is former President of HomePlug Powerline Alliance.

Bryce has nearly 30 years of experience driving business growth globally with a strong emphasis on technology solutions. Currently the Chief Revenue Officer at Savant, he leads sales strategy, operations, and customer service for both the Savant professional smart home and power business and the GE Lighting, a Savant company retail business, while ensuring that the company continues to launch groundbreaking solutions and partnerships that are revolutionizing the smart home, power, and lighting spaces. Most recently he was President and an Operating Partner of Ascent Ventures where he directed strategic oversight of a dynamic portfolio of SaaS, solar, sales enablement, fintech, consumer and multi-site services, and construction companies. He served as both C-Suite and board member for multiple companies within the portfolio. In the five years prior, he served as Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Control4, where he led the worldwide sales organization with a focus on strengthening Control4’s channel presence, accelerating the business, and working with the field organization, dealers, and distributors to sell and deliver smart solutions to home and business owners. Previously, Bryce led sales and business operations for Nokia Corporation’s subdivision, Motive Inc., a customer experience management platform for connected devices and mobile services, including home automation and IoT. As Division COO he drove the company’s annual revenue from $50 million to $500 million. Before this he served in various executive level positions across Sales, Operations, Product & Business Development, and Marketing at Sprint-Nextel Corporation, which is now T-Mobile. Bryce is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, a former Board Member of the Home Technology Association (2017-2021), and currently sits on the CEDIA Government Affairs committee. He has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of San Francisco and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia.

Greg Rhoades is the director of marketing for Leviton residential smart and new technology products including Decora Smart and Leviton Load Center. He is responsible for the marketing and training efforts, educating distributor counterpeople, electrical contractors and homeowners alike. For the past 19 years, Greg has appeared in dozens of TV shows and news articles explaining the benefits of smart home technology including security, energy management, convenience and fun! In his free time, Greg enjoys restoring his 200-year old New Orleans Creole Cottage with his wife, Jessica.

Brad Cook, Head of Product and Integrations, Alfred International, Inc.

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 Pattison Tuohy is a veteran journalist and editor specializing in smart home technology. As the Smart Home Reviewer for The Verge, she covers the rapidly evolving connected home space, reviewing products, reporting on companies, and offering industry analysis. With over 30 years in journalism and over a decade focused on the smart home, Jennifer has contributed to The New York Times: Wirecutter, Dwell, Wired, The Ambient, BBC Science Focus, U.S. News & World Report, and more. Her work blends technical expertise with a consumer-first approach, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Jennifer began her career on London’s Fleet Street with The Daily Telegraph after earning a BA in English and American Studies from the University of Exeter. She later spent a decade in local news in Sun Valley, Idaho, before turning her focus to technology. Now based in Charleston, South Carolina, she lives in a semi-smart home with her husband, two children, two cats, a dog, and several chickens.

Rebecca Peterson is the Director of Product Solutions for Access Controls and Community Services at LiftMaster. With over a decade of experience in developing new products solutions, leading high-impact product marketing and strategic programs that deliver impactful solutions to minimize customer pain points, Peterson uses her product expertise to provide solutions for gated communities and multifamily communities. Prior to joining LiftMaster, Peterson worked for System Sensor, where she successfully launched over a dozen new product solutions for the fire and security industry. Peterson holds an MBA with an emphasis in marketing from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Northern Illinois University.

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