As one of the most sought-after and most-quoted economists in the world, Diane Swonk has more than 30 years of experience in financial services. She is the Founder and CEO of DS Economics and, for 11 years, the senior managing director and chief economist for Mesirow Financial. She has sat on advisory committees to high-level governmental banking authorities, and has also earned many awards over her career, including being listed as one of the “Top Forecasters in the Country” by The Wall Street Journal. She addresses trade issues, regulation, taxes, policy and the markets, and many other issues affecting business and the economy.

Few people have had the influence that Elliott Harris has had in shaping economic development and policy across the globe through the course of his distinguished 34-year career in international economics. Harris is the former United Nations assistant secretary-general for economic development and chief economist who has been closely involved in the design of the global Sustainable Development Agenda and the policies aimed at reducing poverty, generating more equitable social outcomes and environmental sustainability, and creating resilient and sustainable development. He brings this unparalleled expertise into the analysis of what’s happening now and what’s ahead in the global economic landscape.

As a child growing up in rough inner city neighborhoods, Chef Jeff Henderson never imagined he would one day become the inspirational success story he is today. Raised in a struggling single-parent household, Jeff didn't go to school to learn--he went for the free lunches which quelled his everyday hunger. At the age of 19, success came exclusively from his $35,000 a week drug business. But when he turned 24, he was arrested, and spent the next ten years of his life in prison.

Max Major is a world-renowned mentalist living in Los Angeles, CA. His performances, which combine Magic, Mentalism, and Hypnosis, are featured at corporate events across the country. In addition to his studies as a magician, Major relies heavily on his skills at reading body language, which he has honed over the course of 2000 live shows. His clients include Facebook, Microsoft, Deloitte, CSX, Costco, Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen and a command performance at the residence of Redskins owner Dan Snyder. In the last 5 years he has been called before two Department of Defense Agencies to demonstrate his innovative techniques in hypnosis, body language and influence! In 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 he was named “DC’s Best Performance Artist” by the Washington City Paper, recognizing him as the premier entertainer in the region. In 2015 he bowed out of the race to give someone else a chance and focus on the category that really matters “Best Girls Night Out”.

Robert Genetski's experience in the world of economics and finance involves a unique combination of business and academic expertise. He has headed asset management, and investment and economic research departments for several financial institutions. His entertaining and anecdotal presentations focus on the economic outlook for the U.S and beyond.

The live performances of celebrated conjurer, “Stand Up Magician” Derek Hughes, have been lauded by audiences and critics alike, with the New York Times calling him “thoroughly entertaining.” Hughes has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and the CW's Penn & Teller: Fool Us. He's a consulting producer on TRUtv’s hit magic series, “The Carbonaro Effect” and was a top ten finalist on NBC's “America’s Got Talent”.