Plenary Speakers

Technology for technology’s sake is pointless.  How can leaders navigate the constantly evolving landscape of technological advancements and stay on the “leading edge” and avoid finding themselves on the “bleeding edge?” Join Gary Daniels to learn how Disney creates the future and determines how to leverage technology to make magic.

In his role as Senior Vice President, International Parks, Emerging Technology & Product Design, Gary Daniels leads teams that create end-to-end, digital-plus-physical experiences for Disney Experiences. He is responsible for technology and digital efforts at all of Disney’s International Parks, which include Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort. He also serves as a member of the international executive steering committee.

Gary oversees the product design teams delivering for all Disney Experiences globally, including International Sites, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, he leads the Emerging Products & Tech team, which identifies, prioritizes, explores, tests, and productizes cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of Disney Experiences. His leadership in these areas has been recognized with the Chief Product Officer Award for 2025 by Products That Count, an organization that honors excellence in product innovation.

This session will share recent advances Disney has made with the lessons learned, their approach to evaluating future projects, as well as what they will or will not pursue.  Additionally, the session will explore new technology advancements across various industries globally. Attendees will gain an understanding of outcome-driven innovation demonstrated through recent examples from Infinity and Beyond.

Phil Bertolini oversees the end-to-end delivery of our services, focusing on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and driving business growth. As a former public servant, Phil has a deep understanding of the needs of government IT leaders – and how to energize and inspire an audience.

Phil had a 31-year career in Oakland County, Michigan, where he began in the Equalization Division, where he eventually became the Administrator. Phil is certified by the State of Michigan as a Michigan Master Assessing Officer and continues to instruct renewal courses for assessors across the state. He then became the Director of Information Technology, then in 2005, moved up to become the Deputy County Executive and CIO, building a world-class IT organization in the second-largest county in Michigan, just north of Detroit.

Phil has won numerous awards, including:

• Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year
• Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers
• He was also honored by the President Obama White House as a Champion of Change for 2012.

Leading through change requires incredible skill and magic. This interactive session will explore leadership concepts for change. You have never been part of a session like this, where the audience will interact to ensure that everyone walks away with much-needed knowledge. You do not want to miss this session!