João (27) has a degree in Social Communications from PUCRS an is cofounder and VP of BOX 1824 (www.box1824.com), the renowned Brazilian consumption and behavior trends research company. BOX is active in emerging markets, such as BRIC and Latin America. João is also partner and cofounder of Brazilian creative hotshop LiveAD (www.livead.com.br). João also invests in web and technology companies, working on startup projects such as the news search engine www.Busk.com and the casual games studio aQuiris (www.aquiris.com.br).
Sao Paulo, Brasil
Oliver Litten is co-owner of Group Red, based in Hamburg and Berlin. A brand strategist, trends and innovation expert he was worked for leading agencies, including Interbrand and Added Value, and his client list includes Virgin, Levis, Apple, Beiersdorf, Pepsico/Lays, Nike, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoWellcome and Unilever. Oliver specializes in facilitating creative workshops and immersion experiences where clients come face to face with opinion formers.
Hamburg, Germany
Albena Todorova is currently at the New Bulgarian University in Sofia where an innovative semiotics offer includes courses on advertising & consumer culture. In 2009 she wrote a dissertation on Edgar Allan Poe in popular culture. Albena is now doing PhD research on Poe mythology & symbolism globally from Baudelaire through to Japanese mystery writer Edogawa Rampo, 60s horror movies, Lou Reed, Antony Hegarty, contemporary emo, manga & gaming subcultures and online interest groups.
Sofia, Bulgaria