Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized metaverse executive and tech futurist that has worked with HTC VIVE, Magic Leap, and AWS. She leads Journey's Metaverse Studio helping brands with metaverse/Web3 strategies, NFTs, gaming, and virtual couture. Her team created Walmart Land and Universe of Play for Walmart in Roblox, and she produced Electric Fest, a virtual concert in Walmart Land. She styled Kane Brown, Madison Beer, and Yungblud in virtual couture looks for the festival. In 2023, Cathy will be launching several luxury web3 connected fashion collections and will dive deeper into virtual fashion. Cathy is one of the world’s leading collectors of virtual fashion collectibles and NFTs. She was included in the inaugural Vogue Business 100 Innovators list, a group hand-picked by Vogue Business’ team of editors of changemakers that are challenging what it means to be successful in the worlds of fashion and beauty.

Cathy has been writing about the Metaverse and the Direct to Avatar trend since 2020. She was the chairwoman of the inaugural Metaverse Fashion Week and her new book, “Into The Metaverse: The Essential Guide to the Business Opportunities of the Web3 Era” was just launched in Davos when she spoke at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting. Cathy has been dubbed the “Godmother of the Metaverse,” and is the host of Adweek's award-winning Metaverse Marketing podcast.