Co-founder of Twitter and founder of Blogger and Medium, Evan Williams will speak at Big Omaha on May 9.
This week Big Omaha welcomes a lineup of 14 speakers, each of whom offering something different to the biggest crowd in the conference’s history. With experience in a wide variety of industries, these speakers will offer varied and valuable insight to educate and inspire attendees.
Take a look at the all-star lineup, and get acquainted with this year’s speakers through the bios and related content provided. (Speakers listed in order of appearance during conference).
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Antonio Neves – THINQACTIONAntonio Neves returns for his third year as our Big Omaha emcee. An entrepreneur, award-winning journalist and speaker, Antonio is the founder of leadership consultancy THINQACTION, where he coaches young professionals to transform potential into performance in their careers. As a journalist, he has worked with NBC, E!, PBS, BET and more to interview high-profile CEOs, Grammy and Oscar award winners and politicians. More on Antonio
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Ryan Freitas – about.meRyan Freitas is the co-founder and CPO of about.me, where is working to make it the “web’s starting point for identity.” He also is an advisor and investor in companies Blue Bottle Coffee, Sprintly and Giga-Om. An expert in interaction and design, Ryan’s companies focus on building the best possible human experiences. More on Ryan
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Laura Weidman Powers – CODE2040Laura Weidman Powers is the co-founder and executive director of CODE2040, a nonprofit working to bridge the achievement, wealth and skills gaps for blacks and latinos in the tech space. Laura’s work with CODE2040 and elsewhere has led to her being named one of the most 100 influential African Americans by the Root as well as a Goldman Sachs 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs. More on Laura
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Eric Ryan – MethodEric Ryan and his partner founded Method out of their apartment in 2000. Two years later, the cleaning supplies company launched in Target stores nationwide. In 2006, INC named Method the 7th fastest growing company in the country. A master entrepreneur of the big box and retail space, Eric’s work has turned the consumer-packaged goods industry on its head. More on Eric
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Jason Johnson – AugustA Silicon Valley technologist for more than 20 years, Jason Johnson’s career is marked with accomplishments that have helped make the world a more connected place. Jason is the co-founder and CEO of Smartlock maker August, as well as the chairman for the Internet of Things Consortium and a managing partner at Founders Den, a co-working space for experienced entrepreneurs in San Francisco. More on Jason
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Andrew Brooks – SmartThingsAndrew Brooks is COO and co-founder of SmartThings, a startup that believes the everyday objects around us can do more to make our lives better. After years of experience in varying corporate and startup environments, Andrew began SmartThings to implement his gained knowledge surrounding design, sales, marketing and operations. More on Andrew
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Chase Jarvis – ChaseJarvis.comChase Jarvis has built a career based on transparency, teamwork, community and collaboration. He has amassed a dizzying list of awards and created a portfolio that includes clients such as Apple, Nike, Red Bull, American Express and Lady Gaga, just to name a few. While he would never say it himself, Chase Jarvis is one of the most accomplished and influential photographers of his time. More on Chase
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Darya Rose – Summer Tomato/FoodistEqual parts intellectual and lighthearted, scholarly and whimsical, Darya Rose’s ability to find this balance has resulted in an extraordinary life both inside and outside of her career. She created the website Summer Tomato, named to Time’s Top 50 List and inspired the acclaimed book. Summer Tomato provided the inspiration for Foodist, her acclaimed book that empowers readers with the knowledge to take control of their health through leveraging the power of real food and real science. More on Darya
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Alexis Tryon – ArtsicleAlexis Tryon is the co-founder and CEO of Artsicle, a website created to showcase creative work. Named “Gallerists to the People” by The New York Times, Artsicle connects consumers and artists around the globe. Through the online format, Alexis enables visual artists, including painters, sculptors and photographers, to escape the gallery experience and sell their work online. More on Alexis
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Hedi Lubin – HEVTAs she works to transform current standards for transportation, Heidi Lubin is rapidly becoming a thought leader in a previously male-dominated space. CEO and co-founder of HEVT, Heidi is working to build the next generation of electric motors by leveraging smart software and optimally designed hardware. Hailing from Chicago, she is a role model for future female leaders and an example of Midwestern ingenuity. More on Heidi
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Evan Williams – Blogger/Twitter/MediumEvan Williams has given a gift to hundreds of millions of people around the world. He was born and raised in a town of 400, not 2 hours away from here. From Clarks, Nebraska, he would go on to build a career that would impact the lives of people around the world. First through Blogger and then Odeo, Twitter and recently Medium, Evan Williams has given people the ability to find their voice online. More on Evan
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Ingrid Sanders – popexpertAn advocate for lifelong learning, Ingrid Sanders recognizes the importance of focusing on personal growth, both inside and outside one’s career. She is the founder and CEO of popexpert, a startup whose mission is to allow passionate and curious people the opportunity to invest in their own happiness and success. More on Ingrid
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Kevin Rose – Digg/Google VenturesKevin Rose is the founder of Digg, Pownce, Revision3 and Milk. Today, Kevin is a General Partner at Google Ventures. He has had a career marked with accomplishments that have shaped the internet experience of many. Not only his ideas, but his investment in the ideas of others have made an immeasurable impact on the tech industry. More on Kevin
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Ellen Gustafson – Food Tank/FEEDOver the past decade, Ellen Gustafson has gained extensive experience developing the conversation and examining the compelling juxtaposition of the incline in both starvation and obesity. Food Tank, FEED, The 30 Project and Change Dinner have all been endeavors she has initiated. Recognized by Fortune as one of the Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs and Placed on INC’s 30 Under 30 List, Ellen’s work has helped change the perception associated with feeding the world’s population. More on Ellen
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Credits: Photos by TED and Silicon Prairie News.
