Speaker Bios:
TODD NIMS, Chair, ACME COMMITTE, Host
An award winning Producer heavily involved in the Gulf region’s film, theater & immersive entertainment development. Notable works include producing movies JOUD and BORN A KING as well as Saudi Arabia’s first large scale fully immersive theatrical production, a supernatural murder mystery, Bait Al Dahaleezi. Mr. Nims is owner of Empty Quarter, a KSA based production and entertainment company; chairs the American Chamber of Commerce’s committee on Arts, Culture, Media and Entertainment in KSA; and is a guest lecturer for Cinematic Science at KAUST.
BRANDIE JANOW, Programs Director, ACME Committee, MODERATOR
An advocate for cultural awareness. Brandie lives by the personal philosophy that through immersing ourselves in new places and learning from others, we can bridge cultures and strengthen communities. A U.S. native living in Saudi Arabia since late 2008. There, she works at Adhlal, a design consulting business focused on the growth of the Saudi design industry. Brandie is an active member of several business development and humanitarian initiatives. Her design work has been featured in Vogue, Glamour Magazine, Urban Outfitters and her social media GIF stickers have over 7 million uses.
Hatem Alakeel, Founder of Authenticate, Panelist
Saudi born Hatem Alakeel gained unrivaled fashion experience on an international scale by working with & advising some of the world's most prestigious global brands. Hatem has designed for such global icons as Mattel's Barbie, Evian, Lexus , Fairmont, Rosewood and the Raffles Ritz Carlton Groups to name just a few. Hatem has dressed the likes of Snoop Dogg , Christian Louboutin, HRH The Duke of Cambridge Prince William to Mayor of Jeddah HRH Prince Khaled Alfaisal.
Moe Bajbaa, Founder of Proud Angeles & Proud X Consultancy, PANELIST
Moe got into the fashion industry in 2014 when living in Los Angeles, California where he spent 8 years being inspired by the city’s individuality, energy and creativity. This lead to the idea to introduce the LA energy not the Saudi and Middle Eastern markets - blending both vibes to create something special. In 2016, Moe launched Proud Angeles and after two years as a retailer decided to move to growing his own brand with community and individuality in mind. The designer has worked with musicians, rappers, DJs, producers, fashion icons, models, photographers, and other local talents to create an initiative called Proud Bars. Additionally, Moe has launched Proud X, a fashion consultancy in 2020 in order to empower local fashion brands through guidance and solutions to minimize risk and maximize success and growth.
Abdulelah Alqabaa, Attorney, PANELIST
An experienced lawyer who possesses a vast wealth of knowledge, having a proven record of providing indispensable advice to clients and delivering positive outcome for them.
Talal Alzeid, Artist AND CULTURAL ADVOCATE, Panelist
Abstract expressionism, classical cartoons, portraits and early graffiti writing are all inspirations for the artist’s work. Throughout his process, he combines the clashing styles together to document everyday life subject matters related to his surroundings, while maintaining a minimal format to balance between chaos and tranquility. The artist showcased his works in numerous exhibitions and art fairs, such as Scope Basel, Vienna Art Fair, Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Art Curial in Paris and more.
khaloud Attar, Founder of KAAPH Media, Panelist
A creative design and digital media enthusiast. Managing several companies for the past 15 years from a creative production house to managing a football team media center, a software engineering company to my humble beginning as a publisher of design magazine 65 issues ago. I believe in our local creative talent.