Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. Robert Rippee

Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Innovation Hub & UNLV Incubator

Moore’s Law Meets Hospitality: How AI’s Exponential Growth is Redefining the Guest Experience

Keynote Title

Moore’s Law Meets Hospitality: How AI’s Exponential Growth is Redefining the Guest Experience

In this visionary keynote, Dr. Robert Rippee explores how the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence—guided by the principles of Moore’s Law—is transforming every facet of the hospitality industry. From hyper-personalized service to predictive analytics, Rippee will unpack the groundbreaking technologies reshaping the guest journey and reveal what the future holds for hospitality leaders who embrace AI-driven innovation. This session is a must-attend for anyone ready to reimagine the guest experience in an era of exponential change.

Bio

Robert Rippee, MBA, Ph.D.

Executive Director, UNLV Black Fire Innovation Hub & UNLV Incubator powered by Hughes Center
Faculty, Executive Development Program, UNLV & UNR
Former Director, Hospitality Innovation Lab, UNLV
Former Director, Esports Lab, UNLV
Former Senior Vice President of Marketing, Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Founder, FORMO Marketing Agency
Board Advisor and Director

Dr. Robert Rippee is a visionary leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Executive Director of UNLV’s Black Fire Innovation Hub. With a focus on advancing economic development through business acceleration and commercialization, Dr. Rippee has transformed the Hub into a dynamic collaboration space that bridges academic research with industry partnerships.

Under his leadership, the Black Fire Innovation Hub has attracted sponsorships and donations from over 70 technology and hospitality companies, fostering an ecosystem that has catalyzed the development of more than 100 startups—a transformative milestone for both UNLV and the Las Vegas region. Dr. Rippee's ability to cultivate relationships and drive market-ready solutions has been instrumental in this success.

Since November 2021, Dr. Rippee has overseen the successful launch of over 100 startups across multiple industries through key programs such as ASPIRE, a cohort-based hybrid accelerator for faculty researchers, and the Innovation Launchpad, a collaboration with Zero Labs, Inc., focusing on early to mid-stage startups.

Previously, Dr. Rippee held key leadership positions at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, where he directed the Hospitality Innovation Lab and the Esports Lab, guiding early-stage innovation in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. His tenure as Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Las Vegas Sands Corporation played a pivotal role in shaping the marketing strategies of one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. His role at Las Vegas Sands was the capstone role for a 25+ year career in Hospitality and Tourism.

Dr. Rippee holds a Ph.D. from UNLV, an MBA from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. A decorated U.S. Navy veteran, he served as a pilot during his military career, exemplifying leadership and dedication in high-staked environments.

Beyond his academic roles, Dr. Rippee is a sought-after board advisor, Director, and speaker. He is also the host of UNLV’s Rebel Revolution podcast, where he explores innovation and entrepreneurship across industries.