Published to clients: February 2, 2026 ID: TBW2135
Published to Whisper Club: February 2, 2026
Whisper Email Release:
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract:
“This Whisper Report investigates what IoT innovation will redefine smart living in 2026. Researched on‑site at CES 2026, it explores how emerging technologies are reshaping home experiences in ways that blend intelligence, responsiveness, and new forms of interaction. Designed to spark curiosity, the report brings forward perspectives from Perfect Corp.’s Dr. Wayne Liu, X‑Origin’s Szeyu Wong, RiseLink’s Dr. Pengfei Zhang, and LG Electronics’ Chris DeMaria.”
“This Whisper Report investigates the next data breach our industry isn’t ready to handle. It captures urgent insights from Put Data First revealing how emerging threats are reshaping risk landscapes. These include AI pipeline compromises, indirect prompt injections, company chat exfiltration, and deep fake-driven social engineering. Expert perspectives explain why traditional defenses fail. The report urges proactive strategies to secure data integrity across every stage of AI-driven operations before vulnerabilities escalate.”
Published to clients: December 30, 2025 ID: TBW2114
Published to Readers: December 31, 2025
Whisper Email Release:
Public/Video Release:
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
“This Whisper Report investigates the biggest supply chain risk CIOs ignore. It captures urgent insights from Retail, Supply Chain, and Logistics Expo revealing how external shocks, demand disconnects, and fragmented systems quietly erode resilience. Industry leaders share candid perspectives on tariffs, inventory pitfalls, and costly tech missteps—issues that can derail growth overnight. If you think your supply chain strategy is future-proof, this report may challenge everything you assume about stability.”
Published to clients: December 23 2025 ID: TBW2128
Published to Readers: December 24, 2025
Whisper Email Release: TBD
Public and Video Edition: TBD
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
“Aftermarket innovation in 2026 faces three critical blind spots: workforce training lagging behind rapid tech adoption, supply chain visibility gaps impacting profitability, and misinterpretation of EV battery health undermining consumer trust. These challenges, identified through expert insights at AAPEX and SEMA 2025, demand proactive strategies to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness in an evolving automotive landscape.”
Published to clients: December 16, 2025 ID: TBW2118
Published to Readers: December 17, 2025
Whisper Email Release: TBD
Public and Video Release: TBD
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
“This Whisper Report investigates the biggest fintech risk CIOs are underestimating. It captures urgent insights from Money 20/20 USA 2025, revealing why incremental improvements won’t protect enterprises from disruption. From rapid shifts in payment models to vendor lock-in, integration hurdles, and data complexity that derails AI ambitions—these risks demand immediate attention. Future-proofing architecture and optimizing data fabric are no longer optional. Read on to uncover strategies that redefine resilience before the next wave hits.”
Published to clients: December 9, 2025 ID: TBW2110
Published to Readers: December 10, 2025
Whisper Email Release: TBD
Public and Video Release: TBD
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
“This Whisper Report investigates the biggest 5G myth tech leaders still believe. Insights from MWC Las Vegas reveal why common assumptions—like 5G being only about bandwidth, too costly, or reserved for telecom giants—are wrong. These misconceptions can stall innovation and strategy. Explore how 5G is enterprise-ready, cost-effective, and far more transformative than most expect. If your roadmap relies on outdated beliefs, this report will challenge and reshape your perspective.”
Published to clients: November 28, 2025 ID: TBW2098
Published to Readers: December 1, 2025
Whisper Email Release:
Public Release Date:
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
This Whisper Report reveals nine overlooked AI risks in HR—from loss of human connection and identity challenges to compliance, data quality, and black-box concerns. Insights from HRTech2025 experts stress the need for ethical design, integrated systems, and AI literacy to safeguard trust and organizational resilience.
Published to clients: November 10, 2025ID: TBW2125
Published to readers: November 11, 2025 am
Published to Email Whispers: November 11, 2025 pm
Public with video edition: November 12, 2025
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
ABSTRACT
AAPEX and SEMA brought together over 161,000 from the Automotive sector to Las Vegas for live presentations, interactive demos, training, education, and networking. TBW Advisors LLC captured over 140 minutes across 61 segments including two live streams and 2 miles of walkabouts across the various exhibit halls and lots. Leveraging over 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and additional 1 million square feet outside of the LVCC in neighboring areas including the Westgate, the event concludes with a public event, SEMA Fest.
AAPEX and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association Show) Consistently attract over 161,000 to Las Vegas including over 70,000 buyers and 3300 media and 2400 exhibiting countries form 140 countries.
The event leverages 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and additional 1 million square feet outside of the LVCC in neighbouring areas including the Westgate.
Cautions
Friendly reminder: this research provides examples of what was shared with us at the event, not an evaluation, validation, or recommendation of the given technology.
After almost 30,000 steps, including some 500 minutes of standing, 2 Vegas loop rides, 61 video segments including 2 live streams and 140 minutes of content, our coverage of AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association Show) closes. AAPEX and SEMA consistently attract over 161,000 to Las Vegas including over 70,000 buyers and 3300 media and 2400 exhibiting countries form 140 countries. The event leverages 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and additional 1 million square feet outside of the LVCC in neighbouring areas including the Westgate.
Featuring over 1500 vehicles in booths and throughout the convention center and over 3,000 new products, it is THE place to be in those in the automotive sector. The combined events feature live presentations, interactive demos, training, education, and networking within the global automotive industry. That means the event featured a lot of virtual garage space.
AAPEX leveraged the full Venetian Expo lower hall, the entire upper hall including leveraging rooms for meetings and sessions. The usual Venetian eateries were available including the café, the food marketplace and the bistro! In addition, AAPEX always features the Truck Stop downstairs and a Beer Garden near the bridge to Caesars Forum. Admittedly, it is the only time I noticed the movable temporary eateries named something reflecting the nature of the conference. AAPEX also formally leverages all of Caesars Forum for exhibits.
For getting around, those wishing to zip from AAPEX over to SEMA, Caesars Forum has a Monorail station one can leverage. Buses also ran between all AAPEX and SEMA locations. Within SEMA, the West Hall and North Hall are connected via a connecting corridor that hosted the legendary SEMA Art Walk. One can also take the Vegas Loop from South Hall, Central, or West Halls to get to each other or hotels connected.
SEMA spanned the entirety of the Las Vegas Convention Center sans the new Central Hall lobby still under construction; TBW Advisors LLC was able to get a sneak speak of its upcoming grandeur. It is valuable to note that many vendors had multiple booths at both events. While in 2019 the event wasn’t sure what a technologist and data expert would do at AAPEX and SEMA, this year, just as last year featured more and more technology for us to dig into especially in North Hall. North Hall was dedicated to first-time exhibitors, business services and mobile electronics and technology. We were able to capture the Healthy eatery in North Hall while we were there. South Hall lower featured the tire expo as well as wheels and accessories. South Hall upper featured collision repair and refinishing both equipment and tools to execute. Central Hall featured racing, performance, powersports, utility vehicles, hot rod alley and the entire restoration marketplace. West Hall features all the speciality recreating, trucks, SUVs, & off-roads speciality equipment including accessories. As is customary, we also caught the food available in West Hall. SEMA is also very well known for the SEMA SHOW outdoor exhibition of cars – enjoy our walkabout.
We once again live streamed from on site. On Tuesday from AAPEX requesting those attending to find me to answer Questions 1-3, and Wednesday from SEMA SHOW to requesting assistance on your favorite videos for my segment on the November 8 broadcast edition of Computer Talk Radio.
While at AAPEX SEMA 2025, we conducted research for three additional forthcoming Whisper Reports for our clients. The playlists are unlisted but available and will eventually fill in with the video version of the report so you may wish to bookmark these playlists.
Readers and viewers wishing to experience the entire event are encouraged to view the Conference Whispers: AAPEX SEMA Playlist in its entirety. The playlist will be cited in the end screen, description, and as a pinned comment of the video edition.
The video edition will conclude with a montage of responses to Question 4 — “What’s the best part about attending AAPEX and SEMA live in Vegas?” — capturing the energy and moments that made the event unforgettable.
Touring the exhibits we captured, we will start with the technology to help auto shop owners be found online in the first place, AutoShop Solutions. Need to get your technicians certified? AVTECC is not just talking about certifications, they to help ensure your team has the right qualifications to meet your customer’s needs. Hunter Engineering was on hand with their portfolio of solution. Their focus is making life easier for technicians, more profitable for owners leading to happier end customers to get the word out. Boasting over 50,000 customers world-wide in 35 countries, klipboard provides solutions form point of sale through inventory management, e-commerce, and catalogue including all data for tire and service companies. If you are seeking diagnostics for anything from automotive, heavy-duty truck, all highway equipment, marine and powersport you are in luck! TEXA revealed their 5 in 1 diagnostics solution including demonstrations in their Bay at Joe’s Garage. If the challenge in your shop is diagnosing and calibrating ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) equipped vehicles, Opus IVS wants their intelligent vehicle support solution on your radar. Opus IVS is literally an entire ecosystem for the automotive aftermarket for diagnosing and calibrating ADAS equipped vehicles.
Instead of going to an Autoshop, perhaps you dream of an auto shop coming to you? Perhaps even insisting they bring OEM equipment? Then Elitek is making your dreams come true! If it isn’t necessarily about repair but a complete rebuild? Even rebuilding heavy trucks? Then LKQ has a solution to fit your needs. They can even help create parts no longer available. Have a big truck and want to avoid accidents or more specifically remove your blind spots? Voxx was very excited to share their revolutionary aftermarket product with you. Perhaps it is not so much about blind spots but recording what is going on around your vehicle? Worried about the solution failing over putting a huge drain on your batter? Having a hard time finding one with decent resolution? Or better yet one with both built in privacy so you can share your videos on line and technology to clean up plates images for accountability? One of the stars from our CES coverage, Vueroid, was back at SEMA with their high-res, never fail dashcam.
Perhaps one is seeking a fast car? Turntide was in Central Hall with their Axial Flux Motor in an All-Electric Sierra Echo-S able to reach a top speed of 140 miles an hour. Electric vehicles on your mind but are more concerned with replacing your EV battery on your car in your garage? Greentec has 35 locations across the US and include recycling capabilities. More of a traditional ‘no replacement for displacement’ combustion motors fan but find the ECU getting in the way of your performance dreams? AutoTune brought their solution able to assist you with over 21,000 different cars.
Finally as denoted, many technology companies were there to support the general business functions of the business including Lyncco with their global logistics solutions. Lyncco proudly shared they can help you optimize your entire supply chain – globally.
*When vendors’ names are shared as examples in this document, it is to provide a concrete example of what was on display at the conference, not an evaluation or recommendation. Evaluation and recommendation of these vendors are beyond the scope of this specific research document. Other example products in the same category may have also been on display.
Published to clients: October 27, 2025 ID: TBW2094
Published to Readers: October 28, 2025
Whisper Email Release: TBD
Public/Video Release: TBD
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract
This Whisper Report investigates the biggest UAV threat CIO’s are not ready for. CIOs are underestimating the scale and urgency of UAV-related risks. From electric infrastructure and jamming threats to data overload and geopolitical embargoes, this Whisper Report captures the 10 most pressing vulnerabilities revealed at CUAV Expo 2025 — and what enterprise leaders must do next.
Published to clients: September 29, 2025 ID: TBW2087
Published to Readers: September 30, 2025
Published to Email Whispers: TBD
Public and Video Release: TBD
Analyst(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Photojournalist(s): Dr. Doreen Galli
Abstract:
“The creator economy is no longer a niche—it’s a strategic force reshaping media, marketing, and consumer expectations. This report explores how businesses can partner with creators to unlock scalable engagement, rival traditional media in quality and speed, and adapt to a market where authenticity and agility win. Insights from NAB Show 2025 reveal why enabling creators isn’t optional—it’s essential. “
Target Audience Titles
Chief Data Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Content Officer, Chief Data Officer
Chief Technology Officer, Chief Digital Officer,
Head of AI/ML for Media or Marketing, Data Scientists, Creator Partnerships Manager, Director of Content Strategy,
Product Managers, Content Managers
Key Takeaways
Creators connect directly with consumers, offering scalable, intimate interactions.
Businesses must support creators with tools, partnerships, and infrastructure.
Creators rival traditional media in quality, speed, and production scale.
The creator economy is reshaping media and consumer expectations.
We took the most frequently asked and most urgent technology questions straight to the Technologists gathering at NAB Show 2025 held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This Whisper Report addresses the question regarding how can we leverage the creator economy to drive business growth? As Latakoo’s Jade Kurian shared, “every single person out there is a content creator right and they all want to be able to take their content in put it one place and do the editing do the transfers do the transcoding.” With all these creators, a shift is coming. As Strada’s Michael Cioni observed, “the creator economy is actually the economy we should be we’re following them now we should emulate.” Figure 1 depicts the four levers of the Creator Economy that we will now dive into.
Creators connect directly with consumers, offering scalable, intimate interactions. As DeepDub’s Oz Krakowski noted, “I think that in a world of creator economy where independent creators have a direct reach to the consumers ignoring that part of the business is a big mistake.” TightRope Dana Healy argued, “we still need to tie these new technologies to stories and creators are really good at telling stories.” Not only are they great at telling stories, but as LucidLink’s Gergana Berman reported, “we really think that the voices of individual creators and independent creators are really the trusted voices out there.” This trusted, storytelling capabilities with a direct reach results in, as Oz Krakowski observed, “unique product that very unique IP where they can reach different types of audiences and the ability to interact to have that level of interaction that is sometimes very intimate with their audiences is extremely scalable.” In conclusion per Tightrope’s Dana Healy, “the creator economy is still very valuable in the organic reach.”
Businesses must support creators with tools, partnerships, and infrastructure. There is a critical question all media vendors should be asking themselves, according to Axle.ai’s Sam Bogoch. “How can we enable them to make better content and how can we help them repurpose and retarget that content better.” Latakoo’s Jade Kurian noted, “creator economy to drive business growth for us it’s really about giving creators on one-stop shopping.” Catering to the creator economy is valuable for as Strada’s Michael Cioni proposed, “they are effectively bigger than professional media and entertainment and so what we need to understand is that consumer tastes have changed and what we have been protecting through our history and traditions for a long time is no longer as relevant.” Finally, and perhaps most critical, Cinnafilm’s Dom Jackson contended, “other piece is that we have to adjust to the way that those people do business we have to make sure that our cost models match their revenue models so that we can make a compelling case that we are tools that fit with their businesses.”
Creators rival traditional media in quality, speed, and production scale. Ross’s David Green emphasized, “The truth of the matter is some of these creators are just doing incredible things and their production quality is sometimes better than those of us who think that we’re the you know the you know the enterprise class content professionals. And when you when you look at some of the biggest content creators in the world they’re truly innovating in terms of how they’re creating this amazing content doing it flexibly doing it fast doing it on the run doing it efficiently.” David was not alone in sharing his enthusiasm for the creator economies scale. Per Dell’s Tom Burns, “size of the creator economy dwarfs what we have thought of for the last 100 years as episodic and feature production pipelines.”
The creator economy is reshaping media and consumer expectations. DeepDub’s Oz Krakowski declares companies must collaborate with content creators, “companies and businesses have to do this in order to cannot basically cannot ignore it.” And why would you ignore it for as Axle.ai’s Sam Bogoch asserted, “the creator economy is the biggest growth area in media right now and not just the official creator economy but also things like user generated content for marketing purposes.” And there is a very good reason creator content is growing. Per Strada’s Michael Cioni, “we have to get over that and meet them where they are because the next generation of consumers 10 and 20 years from now will not be going to see movies in theaters they’re not going to watch traditional broadcast television.”
