A person is speaking in front of an audience in a darkened conference room, with some audience members using laptops and wearing face masks.

Our Speakers for 2026!

Voices Shaping the Future of Technology, Gaming, and Community

At Future Fest Connect, every speaker takes the stage with one goal: to inspire, educate, and empower.

Our lineup features innovators, creators, educators, and entrepreneurs who are redefining what’s possible in gaming, technology, storytelling, cybersecurity, and investment. They’re not just here to talk — they’re here to connect ideas with action and help shape the next generation of talent, creativity, and innovation.

  • They’re Here to Share What’s Next

    • The future is being written right now 

  • They’re Here to Connect

    • Future Fest Connect isn’t just a conference — it’s a community.

  • They’re Here to Build the Future

    • Our speakers represent the people driving progress in the global and local tech ecosystem — from Durham’s creative economy to the international gaming stage.

  • From the Stage to the Next Generation

    • Speakers take the time to meet with students, review portfolios, and mentor the next wave of creators entering gaming, design, cybersecurity, and business.

  • Be Part of the Conversation

Whether you’re an aspiring developer, a tech founder, or simply passionate about where innovation is heading — the voices at Future Fest Connect are here for you.

  • Design featuring a portrait of a man with short hair and a beard, set against a blurred background. Includes the name Elias Toudrexis in bold yellow letters with a black outline, and logos related to 'Future Fast Connect' with a city skyline and water tower graphic.

    Elias Tourfexis

    Lead Voice Actor

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  • Tanya DePass, featuring a smaller logo for 'Future Fest Connect' with stars, a water tower, and cityscape silhouette.

    Tanya DePass

    Founder & Director

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  • A logo with a dark blue background and red outline featuring three white stars, the words "Coming Soon" in yellow, and a silhouette of a city skyline and water tower at the bottom. Smaller logo in the corner reads "Future Fest Connect" with similar design.

    Toiya K Finley

    Writer/Editor/Game Designer

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  • A logo featuring a dark blue background with white stars and the words "Coming Soon" in yellow text, surrounded by a red border. A smaller version of the logo with the words "Future Fast Connect" and a white city skyline with a water tower is also present.

    Jesse Scoble

    Writer, story editor, and game designer.

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  • A graphic with a black background featuring a blue irregular shape with a red outline, containing the text "Coming Soon" in yellow. Above the text are three white stars. At the bottom, there is a white silhouette of a city skyline with a water tower and buildings, and a smaller logo with similar design elements reading "Future Fast Connect."

    Coming Soon

    Who is behind this curtian?

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