Opening Keynote
Lesley Henry Kadish
Wednesday, October 2 |8:30 - 9:30 am
Listening through Scents: Lessons from Experiments in Museum Evaluation
What happens when museum visitors are invited to learn with their whole bodies, or give feedback via a smell? Anthropologist and multi-sensory evaluator Lesley Henry Kadish explores methods and sensory experiences in completely new and different environments. Through her work with museums, Lesley has found creative sensory engagement helps museum visitors attain both focus and whimsy, while giving curators access to invaluable insight. Lesley will share her process and findings through these cross-sensory case studies with historic sites, national museums, and art galleries where all our senses are involved.
Lesley Henry Kadish is a digital cultural heritage worker and anthropologist. She works in sensory design and qualitative evaluation for museums and food producers. Lesley has built (and fished in) a classroom on a frozen lake, guided groups on closed-eye tours of botanical gardens, and excavated an archaeological site by the Crimean Black Sea. Her published papers include topics such as historic baseball and organic cereal box design. Lesley’s primary goal is to help people learn through their bodies. She is a former fellow and staff at the Smithsonian’s Accessibility Office, where she focused on cross-sensory evocations and helped develop the first pan-Smithsonian program for adults with dementia and their care partners. She was a longtime digital curator at the Minnesota Historical Society, directing projects on data visualization, 3D virtual modeling, and georeferencing historical maps. Her fellowships have included the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Spatial Narratives and Deep Maps: Explorations in Advanced Geo-spatial Technologies; Harvard METALab’s Beautiful Data workshop; Georgetown University’s Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship, and a Fulbright Scholarship with Espoo City Museum and the Finnish National Archives.
Professional Development Keynote
Ivan Wanis Ruiz
Wednesday, October 2 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Creating Clarity: Simplifying Sensory Messaging for Greater Impact
In this interactive Keynote participants will discover 3 strategies for improving their communication. The session will focus on methods and strategies for not only simplifying messages but also driving curiosity and interest.
Ivan Wanis Ruiz is a dynamic and engaging public speaking expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. As a Senior Consultant at Public Speaking Lab, Ivan specializes in enhancing communication skills both in-person and online. He is a top-rated instructor on Coursera and Udemy with over 200,000 global students who have attended his courses.
His expertise extends beyond the classroom. He has served as the official emcee for high-profile events such as the Olympics, the PanAm Games, the Invictus Games, and the FIFA World Cup. The largest audience he has addressed was a crowd of 50,000 people. Ivan is also the author of "End Boring: A Tactical Approach to Communication."
When he's not speaking or teaching, Ivan indulges his passion for dance as a professional salsa dancer.
Scientific Keynote
Elizabeth Donald, Ph.D.
Thursday, October 3 |8:45 - 9:45 am
Creative, Integrative Sensory Solutions and Modeling for the Polysensorial Multiverse
This keynote message examines the benefits and complexities of decoding and designing the future via integrated, inclusive Sensory methodologies. It is a practical discussion of approaches to understanding and modeling the diverse intersections which govern and define human reality and experience in our multicultural, digitally augmented, hyper-connected world (i.e., “the multiverse”), present and future. The content of this talk is applicable to all industries and fields involving Sensory evaluation. The speaker draws from her diverse experience in designing, practicing, and leading Sensory scientific investigations across multiple industries.
Elizabeth Donald, Ph.D., is the Assistant Vice President - Head of Sensory & Cognitive Sciences USA at L'Oreal. With over 15 years in global Consumer Products R&D, she specializes in sensory and cognitive sciences and innovation, advocating for responsible product development. Elizabeth holds a B.S. from Yale University and a Ph.D. from Stanford University.
She began her career at The Clorox Company, progressed to Director of Fragrance Technology at Givaudan Fragrances SA, and was recently Vice President of Global R&D at Applied Food Biotechnology International. In addition to her passion for science, she is an accomplished musician and adventurous mom, and enjoys performing and traveling with her family.
Closing Keynote
Lanette Shaffer Werner
Friday, October 4 | 10:45 - 11:45 am
Empowering the Future through Sensory Science: A Vision for Success
Lanette Shaffer Werner, Chief Innovation, Technical and Quality Officer, General Mills, will deliver a compelling and forward-thinking closing keynote at the 2024 Society of Sensory Professionals Conference. Known for her innovative leadership and vision, Lanette has consistently emphasized the importance of sensory science in shaping the future across diverse categories. In her keynote, Lanette will emphasize the critical role of sensory science in various sectors and its pivotal contribution to General Mills' achievements. She will share insightful examples demonstrating how sensory science has driven product innovation, enhanced consumer satisfaction, and ultimately, strengthened the company's market position. Lanette will also discuss the essential skills and mindsets needed to drive the future of food, including the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and a consumer-centric approach. Her presentation aims to motivate and inspire attendees, encouraging them to empower themselves and excel in their careers. Join Lanette for a visionary and energizing session focused on igniting passion for consumer understanding and sensory science.
Lanette has held many roles in ITQ throughout her career, including as a scientist in Häagen-Dazs and Pillsbury New Ventures and Shapes cookies, G-Tech Materials Category Management lead for Sweeteners, Baking Manager, NAR Yogurt Business Unit Interface (BUI), Global Cereal Innovation Director, and Global Product Design Director. She also completed an overseas assignment in France, working on global yogurt and Häagen-Dazs businesses. Lanette first came to General Mills in 1994 as an intern with Häagen-Dazs (best internship ever!).