Christopher “Chris” Dela Cruz is an event professional and graduate student pursuing his Master’s in Meeting and Event Management at San Diego State University. With experience supporting large-scale conferences, corporate events, and global programs, Chris is passionate about the intersection of hospitality, technology, and the evolving attendee experience. His graduate work explores how AI and data can help event professionals work more efficiently, make stronger decisions, and reduce burnout without losing the human connection at the heart of hospitality. He is also the creator of EP Labs AI, an emerging concept focused on AI-powered event operations, and host of The EP Debrief, a podcast connecting pop culture with real conversations about the events industry. Chris brings the perspective of both a working professional and graduate student navigating—and helping shape—the future of events and hospitality.

Christopher “Chris” is panel expert of the Student Voices panel.