WTM Spotlight Riyadh 2026

Al Turner is Managing Director of EI8HT PR & Marketing, a specialist research, marketing and creative agency specialising in the event and experience industry. He has over 20 years’ experience in PR, working closely with consumer trend agencies, trade associations as well as international government. Al is also the author and presenter of the ibtm World Trends Report, the most comprehensive trends report in the global events and experience industry, and has presented its findings and predictions in four continents. His insight into the Virtual Experience Economy has changed the way the industry is looking at the next decade, and its understanding of AI, metaverse, technology, ethics, security and sustainability trends. He is a regular speaker on events at a number of universities including The University of Hertfordshire, MMU (Manchester), Westminster, Greenwich, Sheffield, Birmingham University College, Coventry, and St Margrets (Edinburgh). He is also a regular contributor to The Events Academy educational programmes.

Latoya Andrée Kessie is an independent experiential director and executive producer operating across international fashion, sport, lifestyle and entertainment sectors. She approaches live experiences through a lens of audience psychology and cultural relevance, ensuring each moment connects beyond spectacle.

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is a globally recognised leader in blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital security. He currently serves as CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing Dubai's vision to become a global hub for emerging technologies. With over two and a half decades of experience spanning information security, digital forensics, blockchain, and AI, Dr. Alzarouni has made substantial contributions to the development of secure and ethical digital infrastructure. He is a founding member of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee, reflecting his long-standing commitment to cybersecurity, governance, and responsible innovation. Dr. Alzarouni serves in several strategic advisory and governance positions across leading global and regional organisations: ● Non-Executive Director, Bitpanda Custody MENA DMCC ● Independent Non-Executive Director, Zand Trust ● Member, Technology & Innovation Committee (Led by Dubai Future Foundation with VARA Input) ● Strategic Advisor, Polkadot's Aventus & Truth Network ● Advisory board, Akii ● Member, DIFC Courts of the Future Working Group (CotF WG) ● Member, World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Decentralized Finance ● Member, BRICS Business Council Digital Economy Working Group Dr. Alzarouni actively contributes to global and regional policy and industry forums, having participated in several high-level councils and committees focused on cybersecurity, blockchain technology, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. His influence and thought leadership have been internationally recognised, including being named among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies worldwide by CoinTelegraph.

With an international background and a career rooted in the hospitality industry, Lisa Jerejian brings a well-rounded approach to communications within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Raised and educated in London, Lisa began her professional journey in luxury hospitality, gaining valuable operational experience before transitioning into public relations and corporate communications. In addition to her role in communications, she serves as editor of Lebanon Traveler, where she oversees editorial direction and content development.

Katie Chambers, is a prominent British event MC, and broadcast journalist based in Dubai. With an impressive career spanning 20 years, Katie has established herself as an esteemed journalist and moderator. Having worked with renowned media outlets such as BBC News, ITV News and Euronews and is currently a news and current affairs radio presenter at Dubai Eye 103.8. Her exceptional talent has earned her nominations for prestigious awards. As a confident and welcoming emcee and moderator, Katie frequently takes the stage to host prominent events across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Sienna Parulis-Cook has more than a decade of experience researching and writing about the Chinese outbound tourism market. As Dragon Trail’s Director of Marketing and Communications, she reports on the Chinese marketing landscape and travel trends; manages Dragon Trail’s monthly webinars, newsletter, and market intelligence reports; oversees the company’s marketing, social media, and media relations; and contributes to Dragon Trail Research projects including bi-annual consumer and trade reports. She is co-author of the book, China, the Future of Travel, and author of Dragon Trail's white paper on Chinese tourism to the Middle East and North Africa. Sienna has had a passionate interest in China since she was 12, and has a master’s degree in Chinese Studies from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a focus on China from Brown University. With a professional background in media and publishing, Sienna also has experience leading Mandarin-language tours for groups of independent and semi-independent Chinese travelers in the UK.

Julius Solaris is the founder of Boldpush. He works as a consultant with Fortune 500, technology and event companies on strategy. He founded and sold two businesses EventMB (now Skift Meetings) and Showthemes, a tech company. 10 Million people read Julius' content in 2025, making him become a Top Voice on LinkedIn. Julius was inducted into the Event Industry Council Hall of Leaders in 2024, the highest recognition given to event industry leaders. He's also in the 2025 Xlist top experience maker and has been named the most influential of the past 25 years by Bizbash. He is the recipient of the first Outstanding Contribution Award in Event Technology. Julius has conducted some of the most groundbreaking research for the event industry. Over 300,000 event professionals have downloaded Julius' analysis and reports. Julius has been a keynote for events in 18 countries and for over 250,000 attendees.

Authored industry professional, featured on UAE radio, and is a sought-after voice on future-ready leadership.