Dr. Philip Kotler is the author of the most widely used marketing book in graduate business schools worldwide. His efforts as the Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Northwestern University has helped put his school at the top of the "Best Business Schools" list in Business Week's survey for six years in a row.

Widely regarded as an expert on consumers and their relationship to brands, products, services and the companies that offer them, Ryan Matthews is an international consultant and sought after commentator on topics such as innovation, technology, global consumer trends and retailing. Ryan is founder and CEO of Black Monk Consulting and a frequent contributor to NPR's Marketplace and co-author of A World of Values.

Entrepreneur Simon Woodroffe started the sushi chain YO! Sushi. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drinks trolleys and Japanese TV. Simon has most recently appeared on the BBC 2 produced worldwide hit program Dragons' Den as one of the formidable panelists, who make and break the dreams of would-be entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas for financing.

Taryn Rose changed the footwear industry in 1998 by creating a line of luxury shoes that were fashionable and functional. Trained as an orthopedic surgeon, Rose saw patients with many serious foot problems that were caused by fashion footwear, high heels and pointed toes. Being a lover of beautiful footwear, Rose created her collection using the most luxurious materials available and crafted the line to be worn with the finest clothing. Celebrated by retailers, her shoes, handbags and eco-friendly footwear are carried in select specialty stores and Taryn Rose boutiques. Rose successfully sold her shoe business and is onto her next project, Haute Footure, a new brand of foot products that "worship your feet".

Founder of Travelocity.com, Terry Jones is a former Sabre President of Decision Technologies and American Airlines Director of Product Development. Today Jones serves on the Board of Directors of Entrust, Inc. and Overture Services, Inc. Jones is also a principal of Essential Ideas, a consultancy which he co-founded to help companies in their transition to the digital economy.

Watts Wacker is one of the world's most respected futurists. He helps the world's top corporations and organizations navigate the changes and challenges of the new millennium through his work as a lecturer, best-selling author, political commentator and social critic. He was also Time magazine's 2006 Person of the Year.