Discovery 2026 Announces Keynote Speaker: Ramy Nassar to Address Innovation, and Gambling Harm Prevention

TORONTO, ON – [January 14, 2024] – The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is pleased to announce Ramy Nassar, futurist, author, and former Head of Innovation at Mattel, as keynote speaker for Discovery 2026. Nassar will address delegates on April 15, 2026, as part of the conference’s exploration of how innovation and emerging technologies intersect with gambling harm prevention.

Discovery 2026, taking place April 14-16 at Delta Hotels Toronto (75 Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6), offering convenient access from Toronto Pearson Airport via the UP Express. A special room rate of $389 CAD per night (plus taxes) is available until March 23, 2026, or until room capacity is reached.

Discovery 2026 brings together researchers, regulators, operators, treatment providers, and people with lived experience under the theme “Diverse Voices, Shared Innovation: Preventing Gambling Harm Through Collective Action.”

“Ramy brings a unique perspective at a critical moment for our sector,” said Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council. “As the player experience is transformed by new technologies in gambling products, we need leaders who can help us understand both the opportunities and risks. Ramy’s track record of building practical solutions at global scale, combined with his deep understanding of responsible AI governance, makes him the ideal voice to challenge our thinking.”

Nassar helped reimagine one of the world’s most iconic brands as Head of Innovation for Mattel, contributing to the production team behind the $1.5 billion Barbie movie. Today, he works with organizations including Apple, TD Bank, TELUS, and the Government of Canada on AI adoption, innovation strategy, and futures thinking. He is the author of The AI Product Design Handbook and teaches at universities in Canada and Europe.

With more than 25 years of experience developing enterprise AI agents, advising AI governance teams, and launching innovation labs, Nassar brings hands-on technical fluency alongside strategic insight.

The keynote is part of a comprehensive program featuring:

• Sessions on AI ethics, digital harm prevention, and youth protection

• Practical workshops on implementing evidence-based interventions

• Case studies from international jurisdictions navigating regulatory change

• Voices from people with lived experience informing prevention strategies

Early bird registration rates remain available until February 27, 2026:

• Early Bird In-Person Ticket: $850 CAD (regular price: $1,050)

• Early Bird Virtual Ticket: $325 CAD (regular price: $400)

Registration Information

To register for Discovery 2026 or learn more about the conference program, visit https://reg.eventmobi.com/discovery2026.

About the Responsible Gambling Council

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting safer gambling by influencing positive change and advancing responsible gambling standards in Canada and internationally. For 40 years, RGC has worked with regulators, operators, and the gambling public to ensure that gambling safeguards are in place to support the wellbeing of people and communities.

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