Retail runs in Alison Dodson's family. Her grandfather ran a general store in Hampton Roads, Virginia, and her mother, Alice, opened an antique shop in the 1970s. She began her career in New York City with Anthropologie and LVMH, where she managed brands including Givenchy and Donna Karan. In 2003 she moved home to Virginia and founded A. Dodson's. The "A" is for her mother, Alice, and "Dodson" was her father's longtime nickname. The store sells clothing, gifts and home décor, and is known for merchandise displays that tell a story.

Trudi Bartow is Vice President of Growth & Business Strategy at the Unemployed Philosophers Guild and founder of TRB Insights, an AI learning and consulting company helping retailers and industry leaders use AI in practical, approachable ways. Based in New York City, Trudi began her career at art book publisher Harry N. Abrams before spending 15 years in publishing developing sales opportunities with retailers including Neiman Marcus, Barneys, and Crate & Barrel. She is an industry speaker and educator focused on helping independent businesses save time, make better decisions, and work more confidently with AI.

Twenty-four years after joining Dallas Market Center, Cole Daugherty is currently SVP Marketing Communications and shapes the messaging, promotion, and outreach across the company. After experiencing more than 600 markets and trade events at DMC he still looks forward to meeting retailers, discovering what's new with exhibitors, handing out local restaurant tips, and building a community of support. Cole is a fifth-generation Texan who grew up in the Dallas area.