Elise is an experienced CEO, board director and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience steering leaders and their companies through complex business and leadership challenges. She leverages her high-growth expertise on both sides of the board room: coaching executives to help them navigate change and accelerate growth; working with leadership teams to increase their performance; chairing a TIGER 21 cohort for ultra-high-net-worth individuals; and serving as an independent board director.

Elise is a three-time founder – most notably, she is the founder of Mitchell Communications Group, which was named a top 10 fastest-growing PR firm globally and a two-time Inc. 500/5000 fastest-growing company. Under her leadership, her agency grew more than 500% in five years working with global brands including Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Hilton Hotels and Tyson Foods, as well as other key clients including the Walton Family Foundation and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In 2013, Elise successfully completed a strategic sale of the company to Tokyo-based Dentsu, Inc., taking on a global role to lead corporate development for the company’s PR investments. In 2019, she launched her own consultancy, Velocity Collective.

Recognition of her business accomplishments include: Entrepreneur of the Year (NAFE), Agency Professional of the Year (PRWeek), a Top 50 Power Player in Public Relations (PRWeek), a Top Speaker to See (Huff Post), and induction into the ICCO Hall of Fame. Her firm was twice named national Agency of the Year (PRovoke and PRWeek).

Elise is a member of the board of trustees for Abilene Christian University. She served as a 15-year board member of Arvest Bank (Fayetteville), founding board chair of Endeavor Heartland, and board chair (president) of the International Communications Consultancy Organization, based in London and representing 3,500 PR firms in 66 countries.

She is a graduate of executive education from Harvard Business School, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and The Aspen Institute. She received an M.A. from the University of Memphis and a B.A. from Abilene Christian University. She is an adjunct professor for Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. Elise is NACD Directorship Certified. She is also certified by the International Coaching Federation and the NeuroLeadership Institute, accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and a member of the society’s College of Fellows.

Elise actively writes and speaks on leadership and entrepreneurship. She is the author of “Leading Through the Turn” (McGraw Hill), endorsed by John Maxwell. Her writings have appeared in Entrepreneur, Huff Post and Mashable. She has keynoted conferences around the world. She and her husband, Raye, live in Nashville. They are proud parents of two adult children. When she’s not working with clients, you can find Elise motorcycling with her husband, running the trails near their home or planning their next journey off the beaten path.

Darin Reinert has been a steadfast figure in residential construction for over 13 years. His
career, deeply intertwined with customer service, showcases his commitment to fulfilling
client needs with quality and care. Darin’s approach in construction is not just about building
structures but about creating spaces that resonate with people’s lives.

In April 2023, Darin ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), driven by a desire to
learn and grow. This new path, starting with ChatGPT and expanding to various AI tools,
was sparked by his mastery in his job and a yearning to explore new horizons. Darin’s foray
into AI is marked by a humble yet eager approach to understanding and leveraging
technology for the greater good.

With aspirations to run an AI consultancy and pursue AI research through grants, Darin is
laying the groundwork for a future where technology and human expertise converge. He
believes in an ethical approach to AI, advocating for a ‘pilot-copilot’ model where humans
lead (pilot) and AI supports (copilot), enhancing human capabilities and decision-making
processes.

Outside of his professional interests, Darin is an avid board game enthusiast, a hobby that
reflects his strategic thinking and love for shared, interactive experiences.
Darin’s journey into AI is driven by a simple yet powerful motive: to help others and make a
positive impact. His exploration of AI is not about replacing human skills but augmenting
them, ensuring that everyone can harness the power of AI to achieve their goals.

Darin lives in the Raleigh-Durham area with his wife and two daughters.

Clockwise from top left:

Darin Reinert, Moderator –  Darin continues the AI conversation with industry users.

Jenna Gaidusek, AI for Interior Designers.  Jenna Gaidusek, founder of AI for Interior Designers™ and Jenna Gaidusek Designs has revolutionized visual communication in the interior design industry since founding her online design firm in 2016. Combining her passion for education and community with cutting-edge AI technology, Jenna has empowered designers through the eDesign Tribe and after it was acquired by Mydoma Studio, she is currently the AI Advisor for Mydoma. A trailblazer in integrating tech innovations, Jenna’s mission is to advance the industry by teaching interior designers to harness AI for unparalleled success and client satisfaction.

Anthony Galante, Jola Interactive.  Anthony is an accomplished executive with the formal title of Executive Vice President and a secondary title of Relationship Creator. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a seasoned professional in the field of B2B sales management, with a particular expertise in the Home Décor and Real
Estate industry.

Jason Phillips, Phillips Collection.  With over 20 years of experience in the furniture industry,  Jason is the Vice President of Phillips Collection.  Their family-owned global brand offers innovative and unique furniture and objets d’art.  Jason oversee business operations and sales, ensuring our brand experience is consistent and aligned with customers’ needs and expectations. He also leads the design team, creating original, award-winning products that reflect our vision and values.  Jason is an AI enthuasist.  

Warren Shoulberg is the former editor in chief for several leading B2B publications. He has been a guest lecturer at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business; received honors from the International Furnishings and Design Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology; and been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and other media as a leading industry expert. His Retail Watch columns offer deep industry insights on major markets and product categories.

Warren has entertained….spoken at several past ART Conferences and is a conference favorite.  

Clockwise from top left.

Changes in Trends –  Moderated by Rachel Fleischer, Hermitage – sponsored by Howard Elliott.   

Luxury vs Accessibility –  Moderated by Ron Henderson, Varaluz – sponsored by Coco & Dash and Jill Seale Design

Post-Merger Playground: Challenges, Wins, Losses, and High Fives – Moderated by Diane Falvey, Furniture Lighting and Decor – sponsored by ANDMORE

The Human Element – Moderated by Kellee Hammond, Varaluz – sponsored by Regina Andrew Designs, Inc.

Clockwise from top left.

Moderator –  Diane Falvey is the Editor-in-Chief of Furniture, Lighting & Decor. She brings her passion for home furnishings, design and independent retail to the brand. Diane has been an editor in home-related industries for almost two decades, covering everything from housewares to furniture, lighting & decor. She lives in Greensboro, NC.

Lisa McDennon, Lisa McDennon Designs.  Lisa McDennon founded her Laguna Beach-based interiors firm, Lisa McDennon Design, in 2000. Inspired by the region’s beauty, history, and culture, McDennon’s distinctive style reinvigorates coastal California design.

Amanda Peppard, Suite Pieces.  Amanda Peppard is the visionary founder behind Suite Pieces, a revered destination for interior design aficionados seeking to infuse their spaces with timeless elegance and personalized flair. With a profound passion for revitalizing furniture and a keen eye for blending vintage charm with contemporary aesthetics, Amanda has cultivated Suite Pieces into a premier studio revered for its bespoke creations and design expertise.

Caroline Hipple, Hooker Furnishings.   Caroline has recently joined Hooker Furnishings as it’s chief creative officer, a new role created for her.   Caroline brings a wealth of experience and expertise to navigating change in our industry through her many roles and tenures.