Michael Tchong

Michael is a dynamic and engaging speaker renowned for his high-energy delivery and passion for his topics. With an impressive track record of speaking at over 500 global gatherings, he consistently captivates audiences by giving them extraordinary insights into consumer and business lifestyles, social media, technology, and digital marketing trends.

In addition to his speaking engagements, Michael serves as an adjunct professor of innovation at the University of San Francisco. His expertise lies in identifying disruptions that have the power to reinvent markets, making him a trusted authority in his field. Embodying his trademark motto, “I help you catch the next wave before it catches you,” Michael is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to stay ahead in an ever-changing landscape.

During his talks, Michael takes his audience on a thrilling roller-coaster ride through the “landscape of now,” illuminating the transformative impact of what he refers to as “ubertrends” on society. These powerful waves reshape society, and Michael expertly showcases innovative brands, products, and services that leverage these ubertrends to gain a competitive edge in the market.

As a catalyst for change, Michael doesn’t just inform, he inspires. His talks are a call to action, challenging attendees to unleash their creativity and inventiveness. By striking the perfect balance between information and entertainment, he engages the human mind’s emotional and rational aspects. This unique approach fosters a new culture of innovation, guiding individuals and organizations toward breakthrough thinking.

Michael’s ability to decode the future has earned him recognition as “America's most influential trendspotter” by The (U.K.) Daily Telegraph. His expertise has been sought after by numerous publications and television shows, including Access Hollywood, Ad Age, Bloomberg TV, BusinessWeek, CNET, CNN, Telegraph (U.K.), The New York Times, PBS, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury-News, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.

Educated in economics at Fordham University in the Bronx, Michael’s passion for innovation has been evident from an early age. He excelled academically during high school at Colegio Arubano in Aruba, graduating at the top of his class.

Michael’s career began at prestigious ad agencies on Madison Avenue, including DDB and Chiat/Day, where he honed his creative skills. As the founder of five start-ups, most notably MacWEEK and ICONOCAST, he was pivotal in pioneering groundbreaking shifts such as desktop publishing, CRM, internet analytics, and online marketing. His innovative spirit and forward-thinking approach have cemented his status as a pioneer in the industry.

Michael founded Ubertrends LLC, which delivers cutting-edge solutions designed to empower individuals. An accomplished author, he has written books such as “Trendscape 2004” and “Social Engagement Marketing.” His 2019 book, “Ubertrends—How Trends and Innovation Are Transforming Our Future,” further establishes Michael as an industry thought leader. In May 2024, he published a White Paper entitled “Generative AI — Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Revolution.”