| speakers and panelists |

2026 keynote speaker

Joe Trahan | Director of PR and Communications, Dallas FIFA World Cup

Joe Trahan is a sports media professional who has spent nearly two decades in the professional/collegiate sports public relations ranks. He joined Tony Fay PR as a Senior Director, Sports/Entertainment Group in 2024, while specifically being charged with spearheading communications for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee as the Director of PR and Communications during FIFA World Cup 2026.

Trahan has gained experience throughout the NFL, NBA, the NCAA/college sports, as well as internationally with NFL Europe (Hamburg, Germany).

Previously, he spent 17 years (2007-2024) with the Dallas Cowboys Public Relations Department, including most recently serving as the Director of Media Relations and Corporate Communications from 2021-2024.

2026 Panelists

Alissa Nixon
Field Marketing Manager, Chemicals & Hydrogen
​Siemens

Chris Pilcic
Professor
Southern Methodist University

Joey Pfund-Smith
Senior Strategic Communications
& PR Leader
Microsoft

Mat Threadgill
President
​The Threadgill Agency

Meredith Dick
Brand Manager
​Kendra Scott

Jennifer Schuder
Senior Vice President of Marketing
​State Fair of Texas

Lauren Locke
Senior Producer
​PGA of America

Katelyn Clinton
Senior Vice President
​Golin

Casey Buscher
Network Content Creator
ESPN

Ashley Richards
Managing Partner
Kaye Bassman International

Ashley Crisp
Influencer Marketing Associate
​Golin

Telea Jackson
President
Phenixx Marketing

Deanna Werner
Account Supervisor
Pierpont Communications