David is the most influential international advocate for escape rooms and immersive games, and has been since founding Room Escape Artist with Lisa in 2014. In this role, he has spoken to many dozens of audiences of all types about escape rooms. As co-host of Reality Escape Pod (podcast), he has spoken with a cross-section of creators in this, and adjacent, industries, all of which continually shapes his perspectives on the future of this industry.

He believes that the industry needs a dedicated event for learning, challenging assumptions, and community building. In creating RECON, he applied his professional skills as a digital experience designer to his experience speaking at conferences to design an event around the needs of escape room and immersive gaming professionals.

David is most involved in programming including producing the talks, designing conversation elements such as facilitated discussions, and creating each RECON game. He empowers the RECON team and the RECON guides (volunteers) to make an exceptional event for all who attend. He is always pushing building sustainably, while trying new things and taking calculated risks so that RECON never stands still.

Gijs Geers is the visionary founder and lead designer behind DarkPark. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Gijs has been at the forefront of the escape room industry for over a decade. His innovative approach and dedication to creating immersive experiences have earned DarkPark numerous international awards and accolades, including 15 Terpeca Awards.

As a designer, Gijs excels in weaving intricate narratives with challenging puzzles, ensuring that each game is not only a test of wit but also a deeply engaging story. His ability to craft environments that feel both authentic and fantastical transports players into entirely new worlds, where they become the heroes of their own adventure.

Gijs’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of DarkPark’s games, from the meticulously designed sets to the clever and original puzzles. His work has set a high standard in the escape room industry, inspiring countless other designers and providing unforgettable experiences for players around the globe.

Whether you are a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, experiencing a game designed by Gijs Geers is an adventure you will not soon forget. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of what an escape room can be ensures that DarkPark remains at the cutting edge of immersive entertainment.