From boundary-pushing innovations to hands-on workshops, Hackfort celebrates the fun, human side of tech — all while empowering our community to shape the future together.
This year, we’re doubling down on our mission to democratize technology by opening doors for everyone to learn, experiment, and connect. With that, Hackfort is thrilled to present A. Micah Smith and his talk, Quality Control: A Methodology for Meaningful Work. Plus lots of more speakers and panels to come, so stay tuned!
All Hackfort events and speakers require a 1-day or 5-day Festival Pass OR you may purchase a Hackfort Badge for only $45 and get full Hackfort access!
Purchase your Hackfort Badge today! Keep your eyes peeled for more details on the Hackfort schedule in the new year!
A. Micah Smith began his career making shirts and posters for his favorite bands and now advises and creates campaigns for global brands like TED, Target, ESPN, and Pepsi. His work has been featured in books, magazines, and most recently on his mom’s refrigerator.
His talk, Quality Control: A Methodology for Meaningful Work, shares a handful of stories from his career that build to one central idea: don’t stress over what you can’t control, rather focus on the quality of what you can.
You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how to find work that truly resonates with you, inspiration to follow your own path, and maybe even have some fun along the way.
CHRISTIE WRIGHT
Christie is the Chief Customer Officer at Automattic, the company that’s democratizing publishing, ecommerce, and messaging. Her background is in WordPress, cultural anthropology, sociology, and design, and she has spent her career bridging the gap between products and the people who use them. When Christie’s not online, she’s outside—snowboarding, biking, or skate skiing. She’s also a certified Wilderness First Responder, a devoted Goldendoodle owner, and always on the lookout for a great cup of coffee.
JOHN DAVIDSON
John Davidson is a product leader and sculptor who helps companies and individuals navigate their transition to AI-first thinking. After two decades leading and launching successful products at companies like Capital One and Opower, he now builds AI-driven products developed rapidly by working with AI teammates just like he would work with any other great colleague. All of his work, from product development to marketing to design and sales, demonstrates how to get AI to deliver on his vision while retaining full creative control.
KATE HOLGATE
An award-winning creative director who has been at it long enough to see trends repeat, Kate has shaped standout brands brands across a wide range of industries—from education to recreation, healthcare to pet care, transit to yes, even toilet paper. She serves as Partner and Executive Creative Director at Noble West, a marketing agency focused on the future of food and agriculture. She is also the co-founder of secondborn, a creative-first incubator built to support disruptors, do-gooders, and like-minded brands who are blazing trails in the name of health, happiness and sustainability.
With infectious enthusiasm and insatiable curiosity, Kate inspires teams to create bold ideas and rediscover joy in creativity.
When she’s not in ideation mode, Kate is an active community leader and educator in Boise, Idaho. Her experience includes adjunct instruction at Boise State University and serving on two advisory boards for the University of Idaho. She also coaches for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, where eighth-grade girls frequently remind her that she is, in fact, not that fast.
