RGC Taps Mattel Innovation Expert for Discovery 2026 Keynote

The Responsible Gambling Council has secured a high-profile keynote speaker for its flagship conference, tapping former Mattel innovation executive Ramy Nassar to address the intersection of emerging technologies and gambling harm prevention at Discovery 2026.

The announcement, made on January 14, 2026, positions Nassar as the marquee speaker for the April 14-16 conference at Delta Hotels Toronto (75 Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6). He will address delegates specifically on April 15, 2026, bringing insights from his tenure reimagining one of the world's most recognizable consumer brands.

Innovation Pedigree Meets Responsible Gaming

Nassar's appointment reflects the gambling sector's growing focus on responsible AI governance and technology integration. As former Head of Innovation at Mattel, he contributed to the production team behind the $1.5 billion Barbie movie while helping transform the toy giant's approach to digital innovation.

"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

The futurist and author currently advises major organizations including Apple, TD Bank, TELUS, and the Government of Canada on AI adoption, innovation strategy, and futures thinking. His book, The AI Product Design Handbook, and teaching roles at universities in Canada and Europe underscore his academic credentials alongside more than 25 years of experience developing enterprise AI agents and launching innovation labs.

Conference Programming and Industry Focus

Discovery 2026 operates under the theme "Diverse Voices, Shared Innovation: Preventing Gambling Harm Through Collective Action," bringing together researchers, regulators, operators, treatment providers, and people with lived experience. The programming extends beyond Nassar's keynote to encompass:

• 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

The conference venue offers convenient airport access via the UP Express, with a special room rate of $389 CAD per night (plus taxes) available until March 23, 2026, or until capacity is reached.

Registration and Accessibility

Early bird registration remains available until February 27, 2026, with pricing structured to accommodate both in-person and virtual participation:

• 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 accessible at https://reg.eventmobi.com/discovery2026.

Strategic Implications for Operators

Nassar's keynote signals the industry's maturation in addressing technology-driven harm prevention. His dual expertise in consumer product innovation and AI governance positions him to bridge the gap between technological capability and responsible implementation – a critical balance for operators navigating increasingly sophisticated regulatory frameworks.

The conference timing aligns with heightened regulatory attention to AI integration in gambling products across multiple jurisdictions. Operators face mounting pressure to demonstrate not just compliance, but proactive harm prevention in their technology deployment strategies. Research from the Dutch gambling authority finds social stigma blocks addiction help-seeking, highlighting the complex social challenges that technology solutions must address.

For compliance officers and product managers, Nassar's insights could prove particularly valuable in developing frameworks that satisfy regulatory expectations while maintaining competitive technological advantages. His experience scaling responsible innovation at consumer-facing companies offers directly applicable lessons for gambling operators balancing growth with protection mandates.

According to Responsible Gambling Council.