RGC Names Former Mattel Innovation Chief as Discovery 2026 Keynote

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) has selected Ramy Nassar, former Head of Innovation at Mattel and current AI governance consultant, as the keynote speaker for its Discovery 2026 conference. The announcement positions responsible innovation at the center of discussions about gambling harm prevention as the industry grapples with emerging technologies.

Nassar will address international stakeholders on April 15, 2026, during the three-day conference at Delta Hotels Toronto. His presentation will examine how innovation and emerging technologies intersect with gambling harm prevention strategies across jurisdictions.

Innovation Leader with Entertainment Industry Credentials

Nassar brings significant experience from reimagining consumer experiences at scale. During his tenure as Head of Innovation at Mattel, he contributed to the production team behind the $1.5 billion Barbie movie, helping transform one of the world's most recognizable brands. His current consulting work spans major corporations including Apple, TD Bank, TELUS, and the Government of Canada, focusing on AI adoption and innovation strategy.

"Ramy brings a unique perspective at a critical moment for our sector. 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."

— Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council

With over 25 years developing enterprise AI agents and advising governance teams, Nassar combines technical expertise with strategic oversight. He authored The AI Product Design Handbook and teaches at universities across Canada and Europe.

Conference Framework Emphasizes Collective Action

Discovery 2026 operates under the theme "Diverse Voices, Shared Innovation: Preventing Gambling Harm Through Collective Action." The April 14-16 conference brings together researchers, regulators, operators, treatment providers, and individuals with lived experience to address harm prevention challenges.

The comprehensive program includes:

• 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
• Direct input from people with lived experience informing prevention strategies

Registration and Venue Details

The conference takes place at Delta Hotels Toronto (75 Simcoe Street), with convenient UP Express access from Toronto Pearson Airport. Special accommodation rates of $389 CAD per night (plus taxes) are available until March 23, 2026, or until capacity is reached.

Early bird registration remains open 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 and program details are available at the conference portal.

Strategic Implications for Harm Prevention

The selection of Nassar as keynote speaker signals RGC's recognition that traditional harm prevention approaches must evolve alongside technological advancement. His background bridging entertainment innovation with responsible AI governance offers operators and regulators insights into managing emerging risks while preserving innovation potential.

The timing proves particularly relevant as jurisdictions worldwide implement new regulatory frameworks for digital gambling products. Nassar's experience with global-scale consumer technology deployment provides applicable lessons for operators balancing innovation with responsible gaming obligations.

For compliance officers and product managers, the keynote presents an opportunity to understand how established consumer brands approach responsible innovation. The intersection of AI ethics and gambling harm prevention remains largely unexplored territory, making expert guidance from adjacent industries increasingly valuable. The conference's emphasis on collective action reflects growing recognition that effective harm prevention requires coordination across stakeholder groups. Nassar's presentation will likely address how technological solutions can enhance rather than complicate existing protective frameworks.

According to Responsible Gambling Council.