Ruth Crowley

Ruth Crowley has diverse experience across industries enabling a unique ability to see business differently and serve businesses more effectively. Industries include Experience Design, Retail, Hospitality, Theme Parks, Entertainment, Brand Design, Licensing and Consulting. Ruth has worked with iconic brands including Lowe's Home Improvement, Universal Studios, Harley-Davidson, Nickelodeon, M&M Mars and Host Marriott in the US and Global Markets.

Currently Ruth works with Hudson Group, a division of Dufry International, the largest Travel Retailer in the world. Previously Ruth was head of Customer Experience Design at Lowe's, a Fortune 100 Company. She has held positions across functions including Store Design and Visual Merchandising, Brand Strategy, Product Design, Concept and Portfolio Development, Merchandising, Operations, Marketing and International Business Development. Yet, she will tell you she is a continuing student - "life is a learning journey".

Ruth has been actively involved with the University of North Texas College of Retail, Hospitality and Digital Retail for over 20 years as a Student Mentor, Executive in Residence and Board Member.

Dr. Ellie Min

Dr. Min is an assistant professor in the college of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism at the University of North Texas. Dr. Min earned her Ph.D. degree in Hospitality Administration from Texas Tech University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Min’s research interests include hospitality financial and revenue management, tourism economics and consumer behavior. Dr. Min has published articles in several international journals including top-tier hospitality journals. Dr. Min has had many positions in the hospitality industry and worked for leading hospitality companies, such as MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio casino and hotel, Korean Airline in Las Vegas, Puffing Billy in Australia, and Sofitel Ambassador hotel in South Korea.

Dr. Judith Forney

Dr. Judith Cardona Forney, Professor of Merchandising and Digital Retailing, University of North Texas (UNT) holds the Ph.D. in Consumer Sciences and Retailing from Purdue University where she is a distinguished alumna. Forney is Director of Research, UNT Global Digital Retailing Research Center, and Program Coordinator, B.S. in Consumer Experience Management. She has held faculty and administrative positions at UNT, San Francisco State University, and Auburn University. Her research examines the influence of values, efficiencies, culture, and personal attributes on consumer expectations, engagements, and experiences in marketspaces. Forney co-authored the 1st college textbook on consumer experience – Experiential Retailing: Concepts and Strategies that Sell (Fairchild, 2007); authored or co-authored 60 refereed journal articles and over 100 refereed scholarly presentations; gave Keynotes in the U.S. and abroad; is recognized as a distinguished scholar; and received research funding from industry, federal agencies, and professional associations.

Jiyoung Kim