Cathy Hackl

Cathy Hackl is a technology futurist, author, and executive known for her work in the metaverse, artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and the future of computing. Hackl has delivered keynote presentations on topics such as AI, spatial computing, new hardware, and societal shifts related to emerging technologies. Her career began in business communications with Fortune 1000 brands and in media with CNN, Discovery Communications, and ABC News, where she was nominated for an Emmy Award. Hackl transitioned into immersive technology after an early experience with virtual reality, which influenced her focus on the future of storytelling.

Hackl has held roles in metaverse-related fields with companies including HTC VIVE, Magic Leap, and Amazon Web Services. She has advised organizations such as Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on technology and gaming strategies, and has developed virtual experiences in Roblox and Fortnite, produced virtual concerts, and created content for Apple Vision Pro. Hackl co-founded Spatial Dynamics, a company specializing in spatial computing and AI solutions for enterprise clients. She also serves as an external partner at Boston Consulting Group, collaborating on frontier technologies including Web3, IoT, extended reality, and quantum computing.

Hackl is the author of four books, including "Into the Metaverse: The Essential Guide to the Business Opportunities of the Web3 Era" and "The Augmented Workforce: How AR, AI, and 5G Will Impact Every Dollar You Make." Her book "Spatial Computing: An AI-Driven Business Revolution" was published by Wiley. She hosts the TechMagic podcast for Adweek. Hackl has appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box, 60 Minutes, CNN, Good Morning America, GQ, Time, The Economist, and Bloomberg, and serves as a guest editor for Vogue Singapore.

Hackl was the first person to ring NASDAQ's opening bell in both physical and avatar form on live television. She has been recognized by BigThink as one of the top 10 most influential women in technology and was included in the Thinkers50 Radar list of 30 management thinkers shaping the future of organizations. Hackl has been featured on the cover of Forbes Latam's 100 Most Powerful Women issue and is listed among the Vogue Business 100 Innovators. USA Today has identified her as a leading predictor of technology trends and habits.

Hackl has contributed to the World Economic Forum's metaverse initiative, authoring white papers on interoperability and value creation in the metaverse. She has taught at IE Business School and SDA Bocconi School of Management, and has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, CES, MWC, and Vogue Forces of Fashion. Hackl is recognized for her expertise in artificial intelligence, immersive technology, gaming, and space commerce.