A creative force at SMC, Alun is involved with all graphic design strategies – including digital signage, wayfinding and identity design. He has an intricate understanding of the signage requirements and processes of both refurbishment and newbuild projects.  

Known for his concise, crisp and impactful designs, Alun has a strong background in brand development and has overseen the design and implementation of both new and emerging identities. 

Alun’s area of expertise is digital signage and he understands the potential of this to enhance passenger experience and reinforce onboard brand identity – developing often complex systems into intuitive and user-friendly processes. 

Prioritising the innovative use of new materials within signage, Alun constantly researches and broadens his knowledge on cutting edge products on offer and utilises these in novel and intelligent ways.

Under his dynamic project management and client centred approach, SMC maintains a reputation for delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 

Becky Thomson Foley is speaking at Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit, their full bio will be available shortly.

Ben Marcionek, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB is a partner at Wilson Butler Architects (WBA), with over 18 years of experience in cruise ship master planning and design. Since joining WBA, he has played a key role in creating some of the most innovative entertainment and hospitality spaces at sea, including the groundbreaking venues aboard the Celebrity Edge-class ships, The Theater and Eden.

Combining creativity with technical expertise, Ben is a recognized leader in master planning—from early concept development and general arrangement (GA) planning to construction. His work is informed by close collaborations with cruise brands, shipyards, and outfitters worldwide, resulting in cutting-edge environments that enhance both guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Known for his passion, collaborative approach, and ability to turn ambitious concepts into reality, Ben continues to drive innovation in the cruise industry, shaping the future of guest experiences at sea.

Carl Lesvoix is a Partner / Design & Signage Director at Tillberg Design of Sweden, where he has been a driving creative force since 2007. With nearly two decades of experience, Carl brings a unique blend of design vision and strategic thinking to some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and cruise ship projects. He specializes in integrating signage and environmental graphics seamlessly into luxury spaces, ensuring both function and beauty in the guest experience. Carl’s leadership has helped shape iconic designs across the globe, always with an eye for detail, innovation, and storytelling through design. His work bridges the gap between form and function, guiding multidisciplinary teams and collaborating closely with clients to bring bold ideas to life. As a long-standing member of TDoS leadership, Carl plays a key role in pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the commitment to timeless elegance.

Charles Steadman is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in food and beverage innovation and strategic partnerships. As Director of Food & Beverage Experience and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages, he has helped shape award-winning culinary programs that redefine dining at sea.

Born in Los Angeles, Steadman pursued a business degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University while working in hospitality. He spent over a decade at The Breakers Palm Beach, leading high-revenue beverage programs, before launching his own restaurant, Jack’s Grumpy Grouper, in 2012. He later played a key role in the concept and launch of the 1 Hotel brand, focusing on sustainability and elevated mixology.

Since joining Virgin Voyages in 2018, Steadman has crafted innovative beverage experiences that align with the brand’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. His work has contributed to Virgin Voyages’ industry recognition, including Best Overall Cruise Beverage Program (Vibe Vista Awards 2024) and Best Dining – Large Ship (Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2024). The brand has also been named #1 Best Large Cruise Ship (Condé Nast Traveler) and #1 Mega Cruise Ship (Travel + Leisure 2024).

Steadman’s leadership continues to elevate Virgin Voyages as a leader in modern cruise hospitality.

Christina Fernandez is speaking at Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit, their full bio will be available shortly.

Katy Harris is a Creative Entertainment Director, with a passion for storytelling, innovation, and crafting unforgettable guest experiences. Her background spans from performing in London’s West End to leading entertainment projects across Disney parks in Europe, the U.S., and Asia Katy bringing a global, story-driven approach to her work. Katy joined Princess Cruises in 2017 as Director of Creative Entertainment and Experiences. Since then, she’s led the creative development of original experiences immersive shows, interactive venues, and large-scale events across the Princess fleet.

Katy thrives on collaboration and cross-department synergy, believing that the best experiences come from uniting technology, design, food & beverage, and performance into a single, unforgettable narrative.

A two-time IAAPA Brass Ring Award winner, and CSI Design Award recipient, Katy brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to creative excellence in the cruise industry.

Lionel is Chief Creative Officer and a Co-founder of Journey. In these dual capacities, Lionel is reimagining design services to respond to client needs across an ever-changing landscape of physical and virtual experiences. Recognizing that both the product and the process require reinvention, Lionel approaches every project — including the design of Journey itself — with the intention of creating something the world has never experienced before. In 2002 Lionel founded ICRAVE, a design-build startup that has since morphed into an iconoclastic, award-winning practice renowned for reimagining built and digital environments for entertainment, hospitality, airport, healthcare and workplace clients. A visionary and a maverick, Lionel helped lead the revitalization of New York City’s Meatpacking District and has articulated bold new visions for entertainment and hospitality experiences across North America. Motivated by his passion for reinvention, Lionel works to weave unexpected connections between technology, design and operations across industries and experience platforms, breaking new ground as he goes.

Mara Davis is the Vice President of Design & Account Management at Bourne Group, a leading maritime signage firm based in Charleston, SC. With over 15 years of experience in environmental graphic design, branding, and wayfinding, Mara has built her career on collaboration and creating thoughtful, enduring design solutions for the cruise, hospitality, and corporate sectors. At Bourne Group, she leads with a people-first approach — grounded not in ego, but in partnership and trust — fostering long-term relationships with clients and peers alike.

As part of a company uniquely positioned to take projects from design through fabrication and installation, Mara values the knowledge and expertise gained by seeing ideas carried through every stage of execution. This holistic process not only strengthens creative outcomes but deepens collaboration across disciplines. Mara is passionate about elevating the design conversation within the maritime industry and is honored to connect with peers at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo who share a vision for lasting, meaningful design.

Marisa Christenson is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY with a focus and degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.

Marisa is currently Director, Food & Beverage Operations and Development for Holland America Line, leading the dining and beverage shoreside and fleet teams in development of new initiatives, programs, and guest experience enhancements. Her oversight is specific to the overall guest experience in all onboard dining and beverage outlets.

She previously spent 10 years with Nordstrom Restaurant Division, working in various markets as a regional restaurant manager, most recently the New York City flagship that opened in 2019.

Marisa is a native of Seattle, WA where she currently resides with her husband Jesse, three-year-old daughter Taylor along with a few family pets.

Richard Kilman is speaking at Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit, their full bio will be available shortly.

Ronnie Farzad is speaking at Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit, their full bio will be available shortly.

Saleta Valdés Márquez is a seasoned business executive with over 10 years of experience leading and executing large-scale organizational transformations. With a proven ability to define strategy, galvanize teams around a common vision, and drive results, she has been at the forefront of enhancing guest experiences through innovative solutions.

Passionate about using technology to improve customer interactions, Saleta specializes in bringing new concepts to life by implementing frictionless guest interactions. She focuses on personalizing the journey from the moment a guest books, ensuring they have direct access to the tools, controls, and devices that allow them to curate a seamless onboard experience.

Her expertise lies in identifying key moments of interaction and leveraging experiences and data feedback to optimize guest satisfaction.