Dr. Tom Furness is an amalgam of University Professor, Inventor, Virtual Reality Pioneer and Entrepreneur in a professional career spanning 59 years.  He has made notable contributions in photonics, electro-optics, human interface technology, and their application in medicine, education, training, design and entertainment.  He is considered the ‘grandfather’ of virtual reality and augmented reality.  Tom earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1966 and the Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from the University of Southampton, England in 1981.  For 33 years he served as a Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, Washington, USA and the founder of the Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT Lab) at UW and founder and international director of the HIT Lab NZ at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand and the HIT Lab Australia at the University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania.

Prior to joining the faculty at the UW, Tom served a combined 23 years as an U.S. Air Force officer and civilian scientist at the Armstrong Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he developed advanced cockpits and virtual interfaces for the Department of Defense.  He is the author of the Super Cockpit program and served as the Chief of Visual Display Systems and Super Cockpit Director until he joined the University of Washington in 1989.

Since the beginning of his career Tom has continued to play an active role in virtual and augmented reality development and application.  In 1998 he received the Discover Award for his invention of the virtual retinal display. Tom is co-inventor of the ChromaID technology licensed to Visualant Inc. and received the 2013 SPIE Prism Award for this work. In June 2015 he gave keynote titled ‘Being the future’ at the Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara, California, where he received the first ‘Auggie’ lifetime achievement award for his 50-year contribution to the VR and AR Industries. In March 2016 Tom received the IEEE VR Career Award for his lifetime contributions to the fields of virtual and Augmented Reality and in October 2016 the Virtual Reality Foundation of Los Angeles Proto Award also for lifetime achievement.  In November 2021 Tom was presented the Accenture Lifetime Achievement Award by the Academy of International Extended Reality and Elected to the IEEE VTCG Academy.  Most recently in October 2023 Tom was awarded the first Heart for Humanity Award by the Girls S.T.E.A.M. Institute.

Tom lectures widely and has appeared in many national and international network and syndicated television science and technology documentaries and news programs.  He has testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.  He is the inventor of the personal eyewear display, the virtual retinal display, the HALO display and holds 26 patents in advanced sensor, display and interface technologies. With his colleagues and students Dr. Furness has published over 400 papers and conference proceedings and started 27 companies, two of which are traded on NASDAQ at a market capitalization of > $ 15 B (USD).  In 2005 he founded the RATLab LLC, a private company where he experiments with advanced sensors and biophotonics.

Tom is a Fellow of the IEEE and a member of the Computer Society and Photonics Society of the IEEE. He is the founder and chairman emeritus of the Virtual World Society, a non-profit for extending virtual reality as a learning system for families and other humanitarian applications.  In June 2025 at Augmented World Expo he announced that under his direction the Virtual World Society was starting a new initiative called The Light School.  The Light School will be a pioneering academy that trains individuals to navigate their inner and outer worlds using immersive technology, AI, and quantum consciousness—awakening their full potential and cultivating the attributes of transcendence to uplift humanity.

Tom Nolan runs a ten piece rock ‘n soul band in the Los Angeles area.  He is a lead singer, harmonica player and percussionist.  His band plays for dancing, and they are always successful.  They play all over California, at clubs, benefits, community concerts, weddings, bar mitzvahs—wherever folks need to dance.

The band is carrying on the great soul and blues traditions, as well as playing Tom’s original compositions. Tom is blessed with many long-time collaborators, including his writing partner, David Hoyt.  The band has been active for thirty five years.

Tom has produced 8 records. His most recent record is called Workin’ It! By Tom Nolan and is available on ITunes and Spotify.

Tom worked as an educator for thirty five years, he has been married to Peggy OBrien for forty five years, and he has two fantastic grown children.  His son, Jesse, a great musician himself, sits in with the band regiularly.  Tom lives in Venice, California.  He loves LA.

It was February of 1974 when a completely unknown young gymnast, Kirk Mango, made a choice that would change the direction of his life and send him on an intense journey of self-discovery and accomplishment. His efforts would culminate in a State Championship, a high school All-American award and a full scholarship to compete in gymnastics at the NCAA Division I level for Northern Illinois University. What was most surprising and unbelievable about this was not only the achievement itself, but the fact that he did it in just one year-something nobody thought possible. For Kirk, it was the starting point of a career that has brought him numerous other awards and honors, first as an athlete, then as a coach and teacher.

In 2000, he was selected to the Northern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame; there, his photograph hangs on the wall with some of the most prestigious athletes ever to attend and compete for Northern Illinois University. His most recent accolades include being chosen in 2009 as No. 8 of the Top 50 Athletes of All Time competing for NIU, induction into Willowbrook High School’s Inaugural Hall of Fame (with professional athlete greats, former Chicago Bears Tom Hicks, Cleveland Browns Matt Roth, former Philadelphia Phillies World Series pitcher Dan Schatzeder, and Milwaukee Brewers Jody Gerut), and induction into Northern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame for a second time in October of 2010.

Kirk graduated NIU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in education and in 1992 received his Master of Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Now retired, he taught high school students for 34 years and coached student-athletes for 17 of those years.

Dr. Mitchell Abrams is a Canadian radiologist, TEDx and keynote speaker, educator, and
founder of NexGenHealth Ltd. He is a certified educator of applied compassion through the
Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford Medical
School.

Abrams earned his medical degree and radiology specialty from Dalhousie University in Nova
Scotia, Canada, and holds a subspecialty in cross-sectional imaging from the University of
Toronto. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and an
assistant clinical professor at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medical Sciences. Previously,
he served as the department chair of diagnostic imaging at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

Early in his radiology career, Dr. Abrams was unexpectedly diagnosed with Hypertrophic
Obstructive Cardiomyopathy and underwent open heart surgery. Experiencing the healthcare
system on the front lines as a physician, as a patient, and later as a department chair, he was
able to witness the many areas of incongruence and disconnect in the system. Through his
own healing journey, he was catapulted on a mission to bring more heart to healthcare and to
our communities. Dr. Abrams spent over a decade investigating, practicing, researching and
amalgamating his learning in order to bring forth a more holistic vision of healing and wellness.
Dr. Abrams brings personal stories, cutting-edge research and a new vision for a brighter and
more harmonious future for humanity.

NexGenHealth Foundation is a non profit organization focused on bringing forth this paradigm in
self-care, patient care and community wellness. Dr. Abrams’ initiative entitled RADD ART
(RADiologist Developed Autonomic Rewiring Therapy) integrates art and music to create a
sustainable funding mechanism in support of resilience training for youth, communities in need
and to fund important mental health research. GlobalHeartSync.org, a NexGenHealth initiative,
gamifies heart coherence and inspires a global movement to improve personal well-being and
create positive change in communities worldwide.

Cam Amen, the standout talent who captured the attention of audiences as the winner of a Platinum ticket on American Idol in 2023, is making waves in the music industry with his powerful original compositions. Following his success on Idol, Cam has returned to his roots, focusing on crafting compelling original music slated for release as singles from October 2024 to February 2025. His music, marked by emotional depth and authenticity, is produced to high standards, having been mastered by Colorado Sound Studio in Denver, Colorado. The renowned Steve Avedis, a three-time Grammy award-winning sound engineer, worked on Cam’s six original tracks. Avedis has praised Cam’s talent, questioning why major labels hadn’t yet signed him.

Cam’s journey to success is one of perseverance through considerable adversity. He navigated a challenging upbringing in the foster care system, an experience that profoundly influenced both his character and his artistry. Rather than being defeated, Cam has drawn strength from his past, channeling his experiences into passionate performances and introspective songwriting. This journey is evident in his debut original track, “I’m Okay,” which he released on October 7, 2024. The track, like his other forthcoming singles, is available on all major streaming platforms. His fans eagerly anticipate a series of releases, totaling six originals by February 2025, culminating in an album scheduled for release in 2025.

Cam’s fanbase is notably passionate and continues to grow, with his social media following exceeding 50,000 people across various platforms. This robust online presence underscores the excitement surrounding his upcoming releases. His singles are not only available online but are also being played on the radio throughout the country, including on iHeartRadio, ensuring fans can listen to Cam wherever he performs.

The positive reception to Cam’s work extends beyond his audience to music industry veterans. Luke Bryan, a notable judge on American Idol, lauded him as the best soul singer he has ever encountered. Other prominent artists, such as Lionel Richie and Kelly Clarkson, have also expressed admiration for Cam. These endorsements, coupled with heartfelt testimonials from fans like Jen from Arizona who stated, “Every song I hear from Cam makes my heart happy”  highlight the profound impact of his music.

Cam Amen’s rise from challenging circumstances to a promising music career inspires many. His upcoming releases are highly anticipated, and his talent continues to garner both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his music, Cam’s powerful soul-infused sound is one to watch as he paves his unique path in the music world.

Teri Werner is a visionary strategist and coach, keynote speaker, and author dedicated to supporting you in achieving wholeness and transformation. Her book ‘Train Wreck to Triumph’ and Journal compilation, Teri inspires and supports you to increase your willingness to expand your capacity to explore and live the life of triumph you envision.  

As a visionary strategist, Teri powerfully connects you to your vision and guides you with proven personal and business success strategies—whether navigating life-shattering moments or seeking more fulfillment. Her clients’ stories of personal healing and breakthrough growth in business inspire others to embrace her transformative insights.

Teri brings decades of visionary strategies to the forefront; she integrated as a part of the foundation of the entity she and her father cofounded and became publicly traded on NASDAQ. Her vision is fulfilled as she sees you impacting your world and fully living Your Destiny.