Robert Stead
Co-Founder & Managing DirectorRob is the driving force behind Sense Media, has been working in B2B conferences for 15 years and ran the Image Sensors conference in London each March for the eight years prior to setting up Sense Media. He has in-depth knowledge of the B2B conference world and extensive management and strategic experience across Production, Marketing, Operations, Sales and New Product Development. Rob is the face of Sense Media and has extensive connections across the digital imaging, automotive and medical device marketplaces. A scientist at heart, Rob has an academic background in physics with a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Nottingham and a firm believer in the power of technology to improve and save lives across the world. As well as running best-in-class events, outside of work Rob likes to play golf, cycle long distances, walk in the hills, and tinker with his classic car.
Sophie West
Marketing Director & Co-FounderSophie co-founded Sense Media in 2015. She has 13 years conference marketing experience including other roles. She has worked across many different industries and verticals in the conferencing world including industrial biotechnology, medical, new technology, pharmaceutical, food contact, paper recycling, media and advertising and finance. She achieved her CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing in 2008, and has always had clear drive and passion for marketing events and conferences. Sophie brings to the table a rare combination of excellent analytical mind and detailed process, alongside a passion for design and creativity. Outside of work, Sophie likes to spend time with her young children and partner enjoying the great outdoors in their yellow campervan.
Hayley Sarson
Operations DirectorHayley brings 7 years of conference production and management experience, as well as very strong commercial insight, operations experience and proven capability of consensus building at an international level. She enjoys working with advisory boards and liaising with event stakeholders to help them get the most out of their events. Hayley relishes the organisational challenges in the lead up to and onsite at events, and seeing everything come together. In her spare time, Hayley loves dancing and is part of an amateur musical theatre company, and also enjoys great food, either through cooking it, or eating out with her husband and friends.
Richard Powell
Head of Business DevelopmentRichard has worked in media for over 15 years, starting with Haymarket and including Trade Associations, Recruitment Consultants, TV, among other events and publishing companies – always hitting targets! His focus on understanding the outcomes that benefit his clients most has enabled him to work closely with partners to overachieve against their expectations. A career break for 3 years of travelling through Asia, Australia and New Zealand almost quenched his wanderlust, but now with his 2 young daughters he focuses on camping in the Alps when possible. Richard enjoys swimming, and spends his ‘quiet time’ catching up on documentaries and ensuring he is up to date with University Challenge!
Khasha Ghaffarzadeh
Chief Technology AnalystDr Khasha Ghaffarzadeh is the Chief Technology Analyst for AutoSens, researching the emerging technology, market, and player landscape across the entire autonomous mobility and perception technology field. His research focus covers the entire spectrum including ADAS and autonomous vehicles and trucks, mobile robots, drones, lidars, radars, thermal vision and SWIR sensing, image sensors, sensor fusion, machine vision AI and neutral networks, advanced AI processing chips and architectures, and beyond. Prior to this, Khasha was a Research Director at IDTechEx, managing its global market research report portfolio and consulting pipeline, and helping run the global analyst team focused on emerging technologies. Khasha was also previously the Head of Consulting at IDTechEx, delivering projects on custom market research, technology scouting, partnership/customer development, technology roadmapping, product positioning, competitive analysis and investment due diligence.
Francis Nedvidek
Principal Technology AnalystFrancis is Canadian and holds a Ph.D in engineering sciences (photonics) supplemented by business training. Francis’ photonic experience extends from classical imaging, to electro-optical devices, guided optics, telecom optical connectivity, spectroscopy, LiDAR and 3D scanning systems. His métier comprises technology development, product commercialization and business model design. After rising to C-Level executive positions in engineering-intensive multinationals located in both North America & Europe, Francis’ focus shifted to startups and high-growth technology enterprises including founding, financing, pivoting and restructuring en route to successful exits and M&A integrations. Most recently, Francis has worked with Technical University of Dresden, collaborated in EU technology transfers and consults to Corporate Ventures and Startup Accelerators.
Lydia Sheldon
Event Marketing ExecutiveLydia joined Sense Media in 2020 with a background in marketing and graphic design, having previously worked in the fintech industry. She is passionate about brand and high-quality events, bringing these together with a flair for creativity and organisation. Outside of work Lydia loves interior design, and can almost always be found painting, designing or making something. In between projects she loves running, yoga, and exploring the countryside with her horse, husband and dog.