Chad Nelson is the mind behind CRITTERZ, the first AI-generated Vogue cover, and much more.

Now at OpenAI, he's helping rewrite the rules of storytelling, blending creativity with cutting-edge tech.

📍 San Francisco | May 20–21
upscaleconf.com/#section-get-t…

Game-changer alert: Comfy, creator of ComfyUI, is joining Upscale Conf SF.

From a solo GitHub repo to the go-to UI for Stable Diffusion pros, ComfyUI reshaped how we build with AI images—modular, transparent, powerful.

📍 San Francisco | May 20–21
🎟️ upscaleconf.com/#section-get-t…

Ben Barry has shaped some of the most influential creative spaces in tech.

As former design director at OpenAI and one of Facebook’s first communication designers, he’s spent his career exploring how design can drive culture—and change.

From engineer to visual designer to design executive, Leonardo De La Rocha has built design teams at Spotify and Facebook.

Now, as VP of Design at SimplePractice, he’s tackling some of the most complex challenges in healthcare technology through human-centered design and AI-driven creativity.

For two decades, @claudioguglieri.bsky.social has helped shape how we interact with technology.

From crafting interfaces for Microsoft, Google, and Apple to launching consumer devices at Opal Camera, his career spans industries, platforms, and the evolving landscape of digital design.

GMUNK has spent decades redefining digital art, motion design, and the human connection to technology.

From crafting the iconic Windows 10 wallpaper to designing holographic interfaces for Tron: Legacy and Oblivion, his work blends psychedelic themes, rich textures, and cutting-edge visuals.

Sofía López (@sofialomart.bsky.social) is shaping the way creatives interact with AI.

As AI Growth Manager at Freepik, she helps bridge the gap between technology and creativity, driving adoption of AI-powered design tools across global markets.

What does responsible, human-centered AI look like in the creative industry?

Claire Xue has spent her career answering that question. From training creative teams at LVMH brands like Sephora and Hennessy to leading conversations on AI ethics, she is a driving force in the space.

The way we create is changing. Martin LeBlanc has been shaping that change.

As Chief Experience Officer at Freepik and founder of Iconfinder, he’s built tools that empower millions of designers worldwide.

From crafting immersive digital experiences for the world’s biggest brands to selling AI-assisted art at Sotheby’s, @henrydaubrez.bsky.social has spent his career redefining creativity.

The secret's out - meet our next speaker!

David Jensenius, Media Artist & Developer at GitHub Copilot, likes to cause trouble.

And at Upscale Conf 2025, he'll bring fresh perspectives on AI, creativity, and the unexpected.

Our host is back!

We’re excited to welcome @linusekenstam.com back as the host of Upscale Conf 2025! After leading the conversations in Málaga, he returns to guide us through another edition—this time in San Francisco.

The future of filmmaking isn’t just digital—it’s AI-native.

@jasonzada.bsky.social, award-winning filmmaker, creative technologist, and CCO of Secret Level, is redefining how stories are told.

Our first speaker is here! Thrilled to welcome @johnmaeda.bsky.social, VP of Engineering, Head of Computational Design & AI Platform at Microsoft, to Upscale Conf 2025.

A pioneer in computational design, John has spent his career redefining how AI, creativity, and technology intersect.

Hey Bluesky, we just touched down 👋
We’re Upscale Conf, where AI and creativity meet, on stage and off.
Live from SF this May, and now… here too.
Let’s make cool stuff together.