BlackFin360 – Innovation To Reality
Tom Edwards is a professional futurist and keynote marketing technology speaker covering data, digital, artificial intelligence, marketing technology and emerging media trends
I recently provided commentary to Advertising Age discussing the potential impact of Facebook shutting down it’s VR studio. Here is my full commentary: Facebook shut down its VR studio. What kind of message do you think this sends to marketers, brands? I take it as a good sign that Facebook is divesting in original content …
Continue reading “In The News: Advertising Age Virtual Reality”
I have closely monitored the state of virtual reality for the past few years. From product announcements, beta tests and insider access to hardware and experiences. VR can be a powerful, emotion evoking medium and one that has captured the interest of mainstream media. I wanted to test the experience beyond short stylized sessions and …
I was recently asked by Digiday about my thoughts about Virtual Reality. The pending shift towards immersive experiences is one that is exciting and presents new opportunities to connect with consumers. During my 30 minute call with the Digiday team we discussed many Virtual Reality (VR) related topics. We discussed how experiences are shifting from …
Another year, another SXSW Interactive is in the books. Each year I look to get inspired, reconnect with publishers and 3rd party partners and look for new or incremental innovation that can add value for my clients. This year, one of the areas that caught my attention was the advancement of 3rd party integration and …
Leo Clifford of the Telco Global Forum wrote a recap of my recent Innovation To Reality talk here it is reposted below. Empower. Exponential. Enhanced. These are the three words that Tom Edwards of Blackfin360 – a data-driven digitally centric marketing technology executive and professional futurist speaker – uses to describe the evolution of experience …
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote as the opening session of the recent AMA Marketing Technology Virtual Conference. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced to focus on the camera as a platform, artificial intelligence, multi-modal, and the New 4 P’s of AI marketing. Here is the full …
Tom Edwards, Ad Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer and Chief Digital Officer, Agency @ Epsilon highlights the third pillar of the E^3 framework, Environment in Video 4 of 4 in the Innovation to Reality™ content series. This video outlines how our world is shifting towards synthetic reality with the convergence of location, computer vision and mixed …
Continue reading “E^3 Evolution of Experience – Environment & Synthetic Reality”
TOM EDWARDS – INNOVATION TO REALITY OVERVIEW TOM EDWARDS is focused on bringing Innovation to Reality™. As the founder of BlackFin360™, Tom is a futurist keynote speaker and technology evangelist for some of the world’s biggest brands. BlackFin360 serves as a thought leadership repository with over 600+ posts of original content via the BlackFin360 blog as well as a connection point for booking …
What do you think of when you hear the term Augmented Reality? Do you flash back to Tom Cruise in Minority Report? Or more recently Tony Stark in Iron Man 2 manipulating 3D objects? The prevailing thought until recently has been more style over substance. Some brand teams consider it is a nice gimmick to …
I have the pleasure of working with the Futurithmic team to write a number of articles discussing the future of 5G and it’s potential impact on entertainment. Thanks to everyone that interacted with the post on LinkedIn as it’s been trending in #5G today. This is the first in a series and a repost from …
Continue reading “Futurithmic 5G Articles – Live Entertainment”
Over the years, Tom Edwards of BlackFin360 has discussed the role of emerging technology and how it intersects with consumer behavior through many media outlets. Below is an aggregated list of previous discussions, interviews, panels and podcasts. Tom regularly provides thought leadership and industry commentary via business and advertising publications, live shows, and podcasts across …
I first heard of the VOID three years ago and I was hooked when I watched the following YouTube video. Since then I have wanted to become fully immersed in the VOID and thought many times about making the trip to Utah where the first VOID facility was constructed. Today, I didn’t have to travel …
As a speaker, Tom is dynamic, focused on future-proofing business while delivering results today. He has a deep understanding of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior that translates to all audiences. Tom can tailor a keynote by industry and deliver a highly visual and thought-provoking journey. Tom regularly speaks on the convergence of culture and technology …
Tom is a highly dynamic and engaging speaker who possesses a deep understanding of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior. He has a unique ability to tailor his presentations to different industries and audiences, and delivers highly visual and thought-provoking journeys that leave a lasting impact. Over the years, Tom has delivered hundreds of marketing and …
It’s my favorite time of year. No, I am not talking about Santa & reindeer, I am talking about predictions! Here is a full analysis of potential trends to consider heading into 2018 via a non-linear or choose your own adventure video format just click the image below. This video starts with a brief intro, then you …
Tom Edwards, Ad Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer and Chief Digital Officer, Agency @ Epsilon analyzes the worldwide launch of YouTube messaging as well as previews the path to immersive co-viewing. Today, YouTube launched in-app conversational video sharing functionality that essentially enables conversational threads or messaging within the native YouTube app experience. In this video, Tom …
I had the privilege to speak and host Epsilon Symposium 2017. With hundreds of clients in attendance, I was tasked with discussing the role of artificial intelligence across Epsilon and Conversant as well as tease examples of emerging technology that my team and I are working on. Here are the key highlights I discussed during …
2017 has seen a rapid acceleration of technology trends. Of the 50+ trends observed from CES, MWC, SXSW, F8, Google I/O and more, here are the top 5 midyear trends that I am closely monitoring heading into 2018. 1) MOBILE FIRST TO AI FIRST For the past few years, Facebook, Google and other industry heavy weights …
This week I had the opportunity to attend the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, California. It was an incredibly compelling event as Google shifted their focus as a company from mobile first to AI first. This means that all products will be redefined and enhanced through various forms of AI. This includes the Google …
I look forward to Facebook’s F8 developer conference each year. It’s a great opportunity to see how Facebook is prioritizing and adjusting their 10 year road map based on shifting consumer behavior and new advancements in technology. What was fascinating about this years conference is the rate they are accelerating the convergence of technologies that …
Here is a video recap shot live from the floor of Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona. The video outlines emerging technology and trends tied to Connection, Cognition and Immersion and touches on key territories such as: Evolution of Conversational Experiences Artificial intelligence and Advancements in Smart Assistants New Types of Interfaces Beyond Mobile The …
I recently attended Facebook’s F8 developer conference in San Francisco and the event did not disappoint. Mark and the Facebook team outlined their approach to a ten year roadmap, launched the highly anticipated Messenger chat bot beta and showcased their first concepts of a social virtual reality experience. The presentation below covers: • The 10 year …
I was recently asked by Venture Beat to provide insight into 5 marketing trends that I saw surfacing while on the ground at SXSW Interactive this year. This is a repost of the article: SXSW Interactive 2016 kicked off this week with thousands of marketers descending upon Austin, Texas for food, fun, and a glimpse …
Continue reading “VB: 5 Marketing Trends Surfacing at SXSW Interactive 2016”
Each year I make the annual trek to SXSW Interactive. With so much content to consume, events to attend and experiential installations to see even conference veterans can get overwhelmed prioritizing where to start. One of the highlights from SXSW past is meeting a sleeping Grumpy Cat. With this in mind my team and I …
I recently attended the 2016 Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, Spain. With over 100,000 attendees and 2,200 participating companies there was a lot of breaking news and tech on display that has the potential to reshape industries. With mobile representing a primary access point for consumers this event is becoming increasingly important for brand …
Recently my article 9 Tech Trends Marketers Can’t Ignore in 2016 was the lead cover story for iMedia. From virtual reality and social messaging to dark data and sequential storytelling. 9 Tech trends explores key territories that will have an impact on consumer marketing in 2016 and beyond. Follow Tom Edwards @BlackFin360
Below is my comprehensive slideshare recap of CES 2016. There was a lot of content and interesting tech on display. I distilled it down into 6 strategic territories for your consideration that includes an overview and key takeaways for marketers. 1. The New Reality – Outlining the various virtual reality offerings presented including advancements in …
I was recently asked by Venture Beat to provide insight into 5 potential technologies that I would be excited to see at CES 2016. The 2016 Consumer Electronics Show kicks off in just a few weeks, and we marketers will get a glimpse of new technologies that will impact how we talk to our audiences. …
Continue reading “VB: 5 Technologies You Should Watch For at CES 2016”
I recently had the privilege of delivering a keynote presentation during Social Media Week Chicago. The topic was the evolution of connection. Evolution of connection explored the past, present and future state of social media. The initial section highlighted the transformational innovation that forever changed digital marketing by enabling accessibility to create content and how consumer …
Today my recap of 10 Learnings from Facebook F8 is the lead cover story for iMedia. Here is a link to the full article and below is a repost of the content. I recently attended the 2015 Facebook F8 conference. Below is a recap of my top ten takeaways from the annual developer conference. The …
As a speaker, Tom is dynamic, focused on future-proofing business while delivering results today. He has a deep understanding of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior that translates to all audiences. Tom regularly speaks on the convergence of culture and technology through the lens of fun and relatable pop culture moments (Star Wars, Fortnite, The Matrix) …
With twenty years of experience and deep subject matter expertise, I offer valuable strategic insights, guidance, direction, and access to investor networks for start-up and early-stage companies. Whether you’re looking for advice on strategic planning, fundraising, or market positioning, I’m here to help. I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping them …
Tom Edwards is a visionary leader who has made significant contributions to the tech consulting industry. As the founder of the thought leadership platform BlackFin360™ and a Managing Director in the data and analytics service line at EY, Tom has established himself as a leading voice across industries. Tom is a futurist keynote speaker and …
Tom Edwards explores different AI Archetypes such as reactive AI, limited memory AI, theory of mind AI, self-aware AI, artificial general intelligence.
Tom Edwards discusses how to harness the power of GPT for CPG & Retail
Tom Edwards recaps his top ten takeaways and trends from CES 2023.
Tom Edwards outlines key 2023 trends that will influence industries, especially Pharma.
Futurist Tom Edwards delivers his keynote Innovation to Reality during the 2022 NAPSL conference.
Recap of Tom Edwards 2022 Evolution Of Experience Keynote in Maui, Hawaii
Welcome to Tom Edwards keynote speaker spotlight page. Here you will find reviews and recaps of recent events. Book Tom for your next event today! Tom is a highly dynamic and engaging speaker who possesses a deep understanding of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior. He has a unique ability to tailor his presentations to different …
I recently had the opportunity to join Thiago Desouza on his Business Access Podcast. We had an incredibly in-depth conversation across a variety of topics. From passions that have driven my career, technology, and marketing impact post-pandemic, gaming, GenZ, generational gaps, and the future of consumer experience. Timestamps and topics below. 1:25 – Tom Edwards …
I recently had an opportunity to sit down with EDgage Magazine to discuss emerging technology trends tied to the technology landscape today, how technology will evolve, the role of gaming and esports, tech impact on higher education, marketing and the future of technology, and 2020 trends. This is a repost of the full interview. Give …
I had the opportunity to provide a keynote on tech innovation for the 2019 Path to Purchase Expo in Chicago yesterday. It was a great crowd, high energy, and with a 30-minute timeslot, we had to cover a lot of ground! The focus of the talk was discussing the coming waves of technology and how …
I was recently interviewed by the Dallas Business Journal for the upcoming 2019 Tech Titans awards show. I am a finalist in the technology advocate category and looking forward to the event! Here is a link to the full interview. Here is a repost of the full article Tom Edwards of BlackFin360 is a finalist in …
Continue reading “Dallas Business Journal Tech Titan Interview”
Recently, I was on-site at one of the worlds largest manufacturers discussing the convergence of experiences and delivering 2 sets of my Innovation to Reality talk. This session sparked a number of questions from privacy, data and how advertising will look in the 2020s and that is the basis of the commentary below. My personal …
Continue reading “Algorithms, Affinity & Advertising in the 2020s”
From Star Wars, Fortnite, Pixar Movies & The Matrix, Tom Edwards illustrates how pop-culture shows a path for how technology evolves through the filters of Empower, Exponential & Enhanced. Empower (Timestamp – 5:05) is about the expectation of control and this journey explores Star Wars, Fortnite, Gen Z, the lens as life, how the future …
What a great week! From the OnCon Icon Awards to delivering a keynote during the 2019 Carnegie Dartlet Conference, it was a great week in Orlando! What was great about #CarnegieConf, besides the fact that it was hosted at Walt Disney World, was the amazing audience of higher education professionals. They were highly engaged both …
One of the bigger trends in 2019 will be tied to Digital Twins… but why? Here is a full video breakdown. WHAT ARE DIGITAL TWINS A digital twin refers to a digital replica or model of a physical asset (physical twin), processes, people, places, systems and devices that can be used for various purposes such …
Continue reading “2019 Trends Digital Twins & Spatial Computing”
I recently had the privilege to deliver a keynote to the Discover card Pulse network advisory team covering the topic of converting AI into ROI. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced with a detailed look at multiple facets of artificial intelligence including how the …
Recently, my commentary on data & AI was included in an Ad Age piece on the role of data, artificial intelligence & brands. Here is a link to the full article. Here is my full commentary based on Ad Age’s original question… Ad Age: We’re seeing more agencies now offering services for AI solutions, but …
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote at the 2018 Evanta CMO Summit in Dallas, Texas. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced to focus on the camera as a platform, artificial intelligence, multi-modal, the New 4 P’s of AI marketing and new themes introduced by the Apple WWDC …
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote at the 2018 Frito-Lay Boundless Marketing Summit in Nashville, Tennessee. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced to focus on the camera as a platform, artificial intelligence, multi-modal and the New 4 P’s of AI marketing. Empower is looking at how accessibility to …
Continue reading “Frito-Lay Boundless Marketing Summit Keynote”
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote at the 2018 Financial Brand Forum. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhanced to focus on Data, Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Modal and the New 4 P’s of AI marketing, and much more. Empower is looking at how accessibility to mobile technology has led to …
Continue reading “Financial Brand Forum Tom Edwards Keynote”
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote at MarTech West 2018. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhance to focus on Gen Z & Computer Vision, The evolution of the camera from capture to communication and much more. Empower is looking at how accessibility to mobile technology …
I recently had the privilege to deliver the Evolution of Experience keynote for the REX Executive Roundtable group at the San Diego Zoo. This was a lead-up event to recent IHRSA 2018 conference. For this event, I tailored the Evolution of Experience, E^3 talk tied to Empower, Exponential and Enhance to bring examples relevant for the evolution of experience in the fitness industry. Here …
I had the privilege of presenting to the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group marketing organization today via a Keynote format on the topics of data & the evolution of experience during their Media Masters event. The first half of the hour-long talk explored how Epsilon Agency approaches data and data design. Highlighting our work with structured …
I recently had the opportunity to deliver a version of the Evolution of Experience talk as a keynote during the Viva Fresh Expo in San Antonio, Texas. The first half of the talk explored the rise of Amazon and it impacts on consumer behavior and retail experiences. Then the presentation shifted into the full Evolution …
I recently had the privilege to be interviewed by the SMU Temerlin Advertising Institute team for the TAI blog. This is a repost of the interview discussing various topics tied to teaching, career advice, and how the advertising industry has shifted over the years. Professor Tom Edwards is teaching capstone course ADV 4399 Advertising Campaigns for …
Continue reading “SMU Temerlin Advertising Institute Interview”
Tom Edwards, Ad Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer and Chief Digital Officer, Agency @ Epsilon highlights the second pillar of the E^3 framework, Enhance in Video 3 of 4 in the Innovation to Reality™ content series. This video is all about how intelligent systems will enhance our world. From all facets of Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, deep learning, natural language …
Tom Edwards, Ad Age Marketing Technology Trailblazer and Chief Digital Officer, Agency @ Epsilon discusses how computer vision, powered by artificial intelligence will be the key trend to watch in 2018. I recently provided commentary to CMO.com discussing 7 digital trends that will change business forever. My contribution to the piece was tied to the …
Continue reading “AI and Computer Vision Key Trend for 2018”