This event is proudly sponsored by Cracker Promotional Products Inc. Crackers is a distributor of promotional products, recognition and safety awards, tradeshow items and employee incentives. Visit them at wwww.crackers.ca for more information.

Doug has over 20 years sales and marketing management experience. After graduating with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, Doug started work at Saskatoon’s daily newspaper, The StarPhoenix. In 1995, after six years of successful sales performance in circulation and advertising, Doug pioneered the web publishing efforts of The StarPhoenix. He simultaneously pursued a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, graduating in 1999.

Convocation was the catalyst to pursue a new career in the newspaper software business, resulting in a whirlwind year of international newspaper web publishing consulting at net-linx Publishing Solutions (now Miles 33).

Returning to Canada in 2001, Doug joined TELUS Mobility and was responsible for product marketing of wireless data and voice solutions for enterprise class clients, including such things as TELUS’ first BlackBerry offering and the launch of the 1X network (TELUS’ initial move towards 3G).

In 2004 the siren song of the deadline and the lure of the news business drew Doug into the newswire industry, to Canada Newswire (now known as CNW Group), where by 2007 he rose to the position of Vice-President Western Canada.

Ryan champions zu's exploration of advancing interactive technology. With his enthusiasm for charting new territory and his steadfast moral compass, Ryan is always demonstrating that being a techno-junkie doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment, community involvement or just treating people really well.

Ryan co-founded zu with Tony Zuck in 1995. He has demonstrated superior thought-leadership in the industry as a guest speaker across Canada and the US on social media, Internet marketing, Investor Relations and other hot topics. He uses a Mac, is the film editor for the Huskie football team and saves orca whales in his spare time.