Elevate Your Brand. Showcase Your Innovation

The nomination arises from a critical need in today’s increasingly virtual workplace: remote workers, particularly those with ADHD, face unique challenges in maintaining focus and engagement. Empy.ai, led by the nominee, addresses this gap by offering an AI-driven platform that structures meetings, provides real-time focus cues, and tracks engagement for individuals who struggle to stay present in digital environments. This innovation emerged during a pivotal period when remote collaboration became the norm, spotlighting a growing demand for tools that promote inclusivity and productivity. By combining advanced AI with a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the nominee successfully transformed a recognized problem—underrepresented support for ADHD professionals—into a high-impact solution that redefines how remote teams function.

Developed by Alena Astravukh and her team, Backlinks360 is revolutionizing SEO by solving a looming challenge: fragmented, inefficient backlink management. This cutting-edge SaaS platform centralizes, automates, and optimizes backlink tracking and reporting, eliminating manual SEO professional and agency work. Streamlining workflows and enhancing agency-client collaboration, Backlinks360 introduces a brand-new communication strategy allowing clients to receive and approve potential backlink opportunities. With its real-time insights, Backlinks360 boosts efficiency, improves rankings. It’s a game-changer in digital marketing that frees up businesses to focus on strategy rather than tedious link management.
The Challenge
Backlinks are a SEO staple, yet professionals face several related challenges including:
Disorganized Link Tracking: Spreadsheets create inefficiencies and increase the risk of lost data.
Inconsistent Client Reporting: Agencies lack streamlined tools to efficiently generate branded, professional-quality reports.
Limited Accessibility: High-cost SEO tools make advanced backlink management inaccessible to freelancers and small businesses.
Ineffective Monitoring: Existing platforms lack real-time link status updates, leading to missed opportunities and diminished SEO performance.

So much more than just a software tool, Backlinks360 represents a revolutionary SEO link management shift. More specifically, the platform:
Eliminates Operational Bottlenecks
Reduces manual tracking and reporting time so SEO professionals can focus on higher-value tasks
Enhances SEO Data Transparency
Provides real-time insights that strengthen client trust and campaign accountability
Democratizes Advanced SEO Tools
Removes financial barriers, making enterprise-grade backlink management accessible to freelancers, agencies, and corporations alike
Improves SEO Efficiency & ROI
Helps teams detect issues faster, optimize strategies, and improve search rankings—all without additional staff or the need to outsource
Provides Full Backlink Investment Visibility
Allows SEO teams to track and manage only the approved backlinks they pay for, ensuring greater transparency, smarter budget allocation, and more strategic collaboration with agencies.

Proven Success: Client Testimonial
SOFTSWISS SEO Team Lead Nikita Trutsko speaks to the proven impact of Backlinks360:
“With Backlinks360, our team has finally found a solution that streamlines every aspect of link tracking and management. The centralized dashboard, real-time monitoring, and automated reporting have saved us countless hours of manual work. The ability to generate professional, branded reports has improved transparency and enhanced stakeholder communication. Unlike expensive competitors, Backlinks360 provides a straightforward, scalable, and cost-efficient experience. This tool isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changer.”

Before this project, VTB clients could only check and update their personal data in person at a bank branch. Remote modifications were impossible due to high fraud risks, internal security concerns, and the lack of secure digital interfaces for customer interactions. However, the growth of digital services and the rise of fraud schemes involving identity theft required a secure and reliable solution for remote data management. The primary goal of the project was to create a system that would allow clients to verify and update their personal data remotely while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation by fraudsters. To achieve this, the bank integrated its systems with the national digital profile via state services such as ESIA and SMEV. The use of National ID ensures secure identity verification through official government sources, preventing fraudsters from making unauthorized changes. Now, any update to personal data requires additional authentication through state services, significantly enhancing security. The project not only improved client access to their personal data but also significantly reduced fraud risks. When applying for a loan, mortgage, account, or bank card, the system automatically verifies client data against government records. Additionally, built-in regulatory compliance checks and interdepartmental data exchange detect suspicious activity and prevent fraudulent data modifications. The key innovation of this project is the ability to securely update personal data remotely without compromising security. By leveraging National ID, the bank ensures that it always works with accurate and verified client information, protecting customers from fraud and financial crimes. This initiative has strengthened cybersecurity and set a new standard for secure digital identity management in banking.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards. I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning. Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses. My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.

Mila Tkachuk has earned her recognition in the Digital Marketing Leader of the Year category through consistent, high-impact contributions to the SEO and digital strategy field across a wide array of industries—from tech and eCommerce to healthcare, finance, and travel. With over six years of progressive experience, Mila has established herself as a results-driven strategist and team leader, combining deep technical SEO knowledge with a creative and analytical mindset.

Currently leading the SEO function at New Media Services Pty Ltd, and consulting as a Senior SEO Specialist at Heyday in Los Angeles, Mila has successfully managed complex optimization projects, improved site architecture, and guided cross-functional teams toward measurable digital growth. She’s known for building SEO strategies from the ground up—integrating on-page and off-page tactics, link building, content development, user experience enhancements, and performance tracking into one cohesive system.

What sets Mila apart is her ability to lead with both vision and precision. Her work spans global and local markets, with a strong focus on aligning business goals with organic growth strategies. She is certified in digital marketing, content strategy, and SEO, and has recently completed an advanced program at UCLA Extension.

Creating an IT School: steps to reach educational horizons In a world where information technologies are rapidly developing, the importance of education in this field cannot be overestimated. The idea of creating an IT School was proposed by the PR team, as well as by Karapet Hakobyan, an experienced web developer from DataArt. His more than ten years of experience became the basis for creating this unique educational program aimed at helping new professionals eventually expand their technical knowledge and skills. As part of DataArt’s commitment to education and empowerment, the QA for the Women of Artsakh program provided women who were forcibly displaced from their homes in Artsakh with an opportunity to gain valuable IT skills. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants learned the fundamentals of Quality Assurance (QA), helping them transition into the tech industry and rebuild their professional paths. The program not only equipped them with technical knowledge but also fostered resilience and new career opportunities in a supportive community. Classes are held twice a week, allowing participants to balance their studies with other responsibilities. The focus is on the offline format, which creates an opportunity for face-to-face interaction between instructors and students. This approach promotes better learning and allows for a friendly classroom atmosphere. Each course has specific requirements, which makes learning more structured and effective. A basic knowledge of English is a prerequisite for admission. This is a crucial factor, given that most modern technologies and resources are available in this language. Thus, IT School participants not only gain technical knowledge, but also develop their international communication skills. The project focuses on the creation of QA School for Artsakh Women, a course specifically aimed at supporting the socially vulnerable group of “Artsakh women”. This course has been designed to help women who find themselves in difficult circumstances and provides them with new opportunities for employment and professional development. QA School for Artsakh Women provides access to training in the field of software quality assurance, which opens new horizons for the participants in the IT field. The training is on the same terms as other courses: free of charge and in a convenient format, making it even more accessible to the target audience. Supporting socially vulnerable groups in such difficult times is an important aspect of IT School’s work, which emphasizes the importance of social responsibility of educational initiatives. In addition, the project was made possible thanks to a highly qualified team of organizers and marketing specialists ready to take care of recruiting participants and promoting the program. It is also important to note the presence of a senior staff member who shares their experience and supports students throughout the program. IT School has become not just an educational project, but a real platform for creating communities where people can share experiences and inspiration. This project aims to create a new generation of professionals capable of making a positive contribution to the world of technology. Thanks to the commitment of the organizers, the inspiration of the mentors and the participants’ desire to learn, IT School has turned into a significant event in the educational space. Thus, we take pride in the impact of our IT School programs, which provide hands-on education, career opportunities and industry-relevant skills to aspiring tech professionals. By equipping participants with essential knowledge and connecting them with mentors, we help shape future IT specialists and foster growth in the tech ecosystem. We look forward to achieving even greater successes and contributing to the advancement of the industry.

Oleg Mikhelson is a distinguished software engineer specializing in backend systems and automation. He is the sole author of PostgreCare, a lightweight, high-performance PostgreSQL automation toolkit designed to bridge the gap between inadequate scripts and over-engineered enterprise solutions. The success of PostgreCare is rooted entirely in Oleg’s engineering insight, personal initiative, and technical mastery — making him a standout innovator in infrastructure reliability for e-commerce.

As the SEO Expert for Solomia Home, a luxury furniture brand based in the UAE, I spearheaded a digital marketing campaign that transformed the brand’s online presence from nonexistent to globally recognized within one year, starting in December 2023. Initially, the website had no traffic, no rankings, and zero visibility in the highly competitive luxury furniture market. Facing challenges like frequent Google algorithm updates in 2024, I drove exponential growth in organic traffic by targeting a discerning luxury audience searching for premium furniture brands and interior design solutions. My SEO strategies not only generated clicks and users but delivered a highly targeted audience, boosting Solomia Home’s visibility—including in AI-powered search answers—and establishing it as a trusted name for affluent customers worldwide. This nomination reflects my ability to achieve exceptional results, building a luxury brand from scratch and securing global reach through innovative SEO.

Metro 2.0 is a strategic initiative by METRO to transform its offline retail strengths—such as personalized recommendations, volume-based discounts (BMPL), and social proof—into a successful online business model. This digital transformation enhances the data-driven approach with AL/ML learning & AB testing improves customer experience, increases sales, and strengthens brand loyalty.

Results:
-A 4.17% increase in purchases and 3.02% higher revenue among new users exposed to private label brands recommendations.

BMPL Impact:
-1.65% increase in average order size;
-3.81% growth in purchase volume.

2.5% more purchases and 3.58% higher ARPU (average revenue per user) with social proof tactics.
10% less churn.

First-Impression Advantage: New users unfamiliar with METRO’s assortment discovered own brands organically, reducing reliance on external marketing.
Higher Margins: Private label & BMPL products typically yield better profitability than third-party brands.
Trust Over Information: Prioritized peer validation (reviews) over technical details, aligning with how users make decision.

Metro 2.0 is a digital transformation initiative that bridges METRO’s offline strengths—private label appeal, bulk discounts (BMPL), and trust-building—into online retail:
+4.17% Metro brand sales lift among new users
+1.65% larger baskets via BMPL
+3.58% ARPU growth
Key innovations include cross-category discovery, volume-based discounts, and social proofs. The results highlight METRO’s ability to digitize wholesale advantages while enhancing margins and loyalty.

As a Senior Cloud Quality Engineering Specialist at SAP, I work within the fast-paced e-commerce domain, ensuring the stability and scalability of SAP Commerce Cloud. My achievements, such as reducing solution provisioning times from 6 months to 1 day, implementing proactive monitoring systems, and setting quality standards, address the critical need for reliable, efficient, and customer-focused solutions. These contributions have empowered clients to optimize their operations and maximize their technology investments in a competitive digital marketplace.

One of the unique features of this project was the argumentation of the SEO team’s solutions to the METRO team. Each task was discussed not only from an SEO benefit perspective but also from a business standpoint — how each solution could impact revenue.
This case illustrates the importance of cohesive teamwork. When everyone strives to achieve a common goal, we not only improve and optimize but also work towards business objectives.

We worked on demand, the catalog, and search visibility, achieving results that exceeded our annual plan. In 2024, non-branded SEO traffic to catalog and product pages increased by 27%, while revenue grew by 28%. We calculated revenue based on the entry page — “category|product|dynamic” within a single session.
In December 2024, we recorded a year-over-year traffic increase of 40%, and our forecast for 2025 is already 11% ahead. We have planned even more ambitious goals for 2025 compared to 2024.

In this project, we performed both basic search optimization tasks and came up with ways to scale solutions with minimal effort.
From experience, we know that in e-commerce, it’s crucial to monitor the indexing of pages to ensure that all catalog pages appear in search results. This way, users will see exactly what they are looking for. To achieve this, we set up proper indexing.

I’m a 6 x Certified Salesforce developer with a PHP development background and 13+ years of experience as a Programmer / Team Lead / partly Architect. Almost all my projects were related to e-commerce, business process optimizations, internet marketplaces, etc. My greatest achievement related to the E-commerce award was an excellent optimization of E-commerce processes to ABInbev (the largest beer producer in the world). Regarding my work, that company saves $22.5 million per year on their E-commerce system, which is demonstrated in the recommendation letters. Also, when I was a PHP developer and worked in Gameloft (one of the largest mobile game producers in the world) in the E-commerce department, I made many websites in the EMEA region for selling their games and increased sales in the EMEA region.

Predictive Inventory Profitability System for Auto Parts. This custom-built inventory and data analytics platform was created to transform how auto parts businesses make purchasing and operational decisions. Developed in-house by our team at Straight Six, the system integrates and analyzes data from over 80,000 sales transactions across online and offline platforms, covering every dismantled vehicle since 2021. It offers real-time insights into break-even periods, return on time invested, and forecasted profits over customizable timeframes—monthly, quarterly, annually, or lifetime.

The system automates 99% of data processing tasks, reducing manual labor to near zero. It is structured as an intelligent spreadsheet-based platform that continuously consolidates financial and operational metrics—including cost of goods sold, sales performance, and cash flow—from all available channels. This has enabled the business to scale rapidly, with no added personnel, while increasing strategic accuracy in procurement.

What sets this solution apart is its adaptability: it can be reconfigured to fit different industries, languages, and company sizes, from single-operator businesses to enterprises with 1,000+ employees. The platform has become the foundation of our company’s exponential growth and is now being prepared for patenting, with interest already expressed by multiple external companies eager to implement it in their operations.

By turning raw transactional data into clear, actionable strategy, this system empowers data-driven decision-making at every level of the business. It not only reveals which investments generate the highest returns in the shortest time but also helps predict future profitability, enabling smarter, faster decisions. It is a living model of operational intelligence built from the ground up—by a business, for businesses.

The case study details the collaboration between 4ocean – a mission-driven company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis – and Maestra – a marketing platform for e-commerce.

4ocean is a sustainable brand with a unique model (removing 5 pounds of trash from oceans for every product sold, with over 36 million pounds removed since 2017)​. To engage its community of contributors, 4ocean wanted to provide personalized “impact reports” showing each supporter the tangible environmental impact of their contributions. However, their previous marketing tool (Klaviyo) could not support the real-time personalization and complex calculations required for this initiative​. The case study in question, “4ocean’s Personal Impact Report Now Possible after Switching to Maestra from Klaviyo,” serves as an example of how innovative marketing technology can drive engagement for a sustainable cause. It provides rich context on the challenges faced and the solutions implemented, making it a strong contender for Best Digital Marketing Case Study Publication.”,”Innovative Personalization Campaign: The case study documents the successful launch of a real-time personalized email campaign for 4ocean. This campaign enabled individualized impact reports emailed to each contributor, a feat not previously possible with standard tools. Achieving this level of one-to-one personalization in marketing communications is a notable innovation.

Measurable Engagement Results: The publication highlights outstanding results – 49.3% of active contributors read the new impact report emails, which is double the engagement rate of 4ocean’s regular email campaigns​. This high open/read rate, uncommon in email marketing, evidences the excellence of the strategy and is clearly attributed to the Maestra-powered personalization.

Mission-Driven Impact: By tying marketing metrics to mission metrics, the case shows that digital marketing can directly support a social cause. Contributors receiving their personal impact data were more motivated, effectively increasing their participation in 4ocean’s mission. This alignment of business goals (engagement) with social impact (ocean trash removal) stands out as a breakthrough approach for sustainable brands.

Comprehensive Case Study Publication: From a publication standpoint, the case study is thorough and educational. It not only reports on the results but also transparently walks through the challenges, solutions, and technical implementation. It serves as a model case study for the industry, illustrating how challenges were overcome by strategic use of technology. The clarity and depth of this write-up under my editorial guidance have been praised within both Maestra’s team and by external readers (the case has been shared by marketing professionals on platforms like LinkedIn as an example of effective storytelling in martech).

Establishing Thought Leadership for Maestra: As one of the flagship “Success Stories” on Maestra’s blog, the 4ocean case bolstered Maestra’s reputation in the past year. It has become a reference point for prospects in the sustainable e-commerce space, showing real-world proof of Maestra’s capabilities. This elevates Maestra’s content marketing portfolio and demonstrates my role in delivering content that drives brand credibility.”,”Challenges-Led Narrative: The strategy began with a clear identification of 4ocean’s challenges. Traditional marketing metrics didn’t suit 4ocean’s needs, since success is measured in pounds of trash collected rather than just dollars or conversion rates. The case study outlines these unique challenges (e.g. calculating impact in pounds, setting personalized goals for each contributor, tracking “Plastic Neutrality” status)​. By framing the narrative around solving these challenges, the publication immediately connects with readers interested in advanced personalization and purpose-driven marketing.

Vladimir Kochnev’s nomination for E-Commerce Leader of the Year at the ECDMA Global Awards is a recognition of his exceptional achievements in e-commerce brand development, Amazon marketplace strategy, and digital business scaling. As the CEO of Purus Manufacturing, he has built a thriving herbal supplement empire, transforming an initial investment into a multi-million-dollar business while pioneering new approaches to product development, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. In just four years, Vladimir has launched and scaled multiple high-performing e-commerce brands, including Herbamama and Forever Puppy, generating over $53.2 million in revenue and amassing 102,000+ Amazon reviews—a testament to customer trust and brand loyalty. His ability to identify untapped market segments, leverage data-driven marketing strategies, and implement cutting-edge operational processes has established him as a leader in the competitive digital commerce space. Beyond financial success, Vladimir has revolutionized e-commerce product development, introducing 819+ unique herbal supplements tailored to evolving consumer health needs. His strategic expansion of manufacturing facilities from a single 2,500 sq. ft. warehouse to six totaling 15,000 sq. ft. showcases his visionary approach to scaling operations, ensuring sustainable growth and supply chain optimization. Vladimir’s leadership extends beyond his own brands—he is a recognized thought leader in the e-commerce industry, regularly sharing insights through workshops, educational content, and media contributions in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. His commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing has empowered countless entrepreneurs and e-commerce professionals to succeed in the digital marketplace.

Alena Lipina has emerged as a transformative figure in the field of Human Resources, particularly in digital and e-commerce sectors, through her innovative application of artificial intelligence in personnel management. As companies navigate the evolving demands of talent acquisition and retention, Alena’s work stands out as a beacon of modern HR transformation. From pioneering ethical AI practices to ensuring employee well-being while enhancing efficiency, her contributions have resonated within the HR community, marking her as a forward-thinking leader in the digital age. Her active membership in global HR associations such as the American Economic Association and various regional HR networks has positioned her as an influential voice in the discourse on AI integration in human resources. Alena’s leadership in these environments, coupled with her innovative approach to AI application, has contributed to a positive shift in the adoption of advanced HR solutions in the e-commerce landscape.

Alexey Kalmykov, known globally as Alex Bobl, is a trailblazer in digital publishing, content distribution, and online e-commerce strategy. As the Founder and CEO of Magic Dome Books, he has transformed independent publishing into a scalable, multimillion-dollar digital enterprise. Over the past three years, he has expanded his publishing operations internationally, developed high-impact content monetization models, and leveraged platform-driven e-commerce strategies to dominate niche literary markets. His leadership has directly contributed to Magic Dome Books’ position as a market leader in multilingual digital publishing and audiobook production.
Revenue Growth & Market Expansion: In 2022-2024, Aleksey doubled Magic Dome Books’ revenue, expanding its presence in Germany, the U.S., France, Spain, and South Korea through strategic partnerships with Amazon Kindle, Audible GmbH, Tantor Media, and Dreamscape. Audiobook Market Penetration: Successfully launched audiobook production in German, partnering with six professional narrators, and secured exclusive distribution deals with Audible GmbH, ensuring top-charting audiobook sales. Global Publishing & Content Localization: Maintains active contracts with 45 professional translators, ensuring efficient content adaptation across multiple languages and sustaining a 50% market share in the European LitRPG segment. E-Commerce-Driven Publishing Strategy: Leveraged SEO, platform-driven ranking algorithms, and data-driven marketing to maintain a consistent presence in Amazon Kindle’s bestseller categories for niche genres, positioning Magic Dome Books as a leading global independent publisher. Editorial & Production Leadership: Structured two specialized editorial teams dedicated to literary publishing and audiobook production, enhancing content quality, scalability, and monetization strategies.

I am a software engineer specializing in civic technology, with a focus on building open, scalable tools for public participation. Since 2022, I have been a contributor to Decidim—an open-source platform for participatory democracy used by governments and institutions around the world. Decidim powers citizen participation processes in cities like Barcelona, Helsinki, Paris, and Zurich. In 2024, the Brazilian federal government formalized a national-level partnership with the Decidim Association, aiming to bring the platform to millions of citizens. My work has been part of this ecosystem. Over the past years, I have contributed to the platform’s architecture, improved its modularity, and led the development of new features. In 2023, I played a leading role in one of Decidim’s most ambitious technical evolutions: integrating a full digital voting system into the platform. Before this work, Decidim supported deliberative processes, proposals, and participatory budgeting, but it lacked the ability to conduct formal voting within its core. Institutions that wanted to run verifiable digital votes had to rely on external or closed-source tools, which often conflicted with the transparency and autonomy values that define civic tech. I was responsible for designing and implementing the core elements that made voting possible directly within Decidim. That included the backend logic, admin flows, participant-facing voting interface, scheduling system, result display, and public traceability. I worked to ensure that the module followed platform conventions, was easy to adopt by cities and organizations, and could operate without introducing unnecessary complexity. This development has already been used in real-world decision-making contexts, such as the Decidim Association’s General Assembly. At the same time, all of this work was published as free and open-source software. I ensured the module was cleanly structured, documented, and extendable—allowing others to build on it across countries and contexts. My role combined technical leadership with product thinking and a deep understanding of how public-sector technology must work: reliably, transparently, and under public control. This nomination reflects both my technical contribution to a key innovation in Decidim and my broader commitment to building open, civic-focused digital infrastructure that can serve millions of people, today and in the future.

My transition from architecture and teaching architectural design to content creation began in 2016 when I started collaborating with hotels as a content and UGC creator and social media manager.
What’s truly interesting is how my architectural background has become an unexpected (even for me) advantage in content creation. I apply fundamental design principles — composition, spatial awareness, and color theory—to create visually sophisticated content that resonates with audiences.

This unique perspective has led to amazing partnerships with over 32 hotels across 15 countries from 2017 (14 for the last 3 years), where I’ve curated content strategies that drive engagement and deliver measurable results in social media traffic and audience growth.
These successes opened doors to collaborations with global brands like Lancôme, Penhaligon’s, Huawei, Lenovo, Yves Rocher, NYX, Milka, Nutella, Purina One, Pfizer, Sony, and many others. Since 2018, I’ve also expanded my impact by developing comprehensive courses on brand collaboration and hotel partnerships. As a mentor to over 1,000 students who now work with industry leaders like Vogue, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental.

The strategy is very simple:
Keep your finger on pulse of marketing, be creative, and develop your powers of observation.
Develop a teaching methodology in which everything will be clear and structured, so students can apply the information as instructed step by step.

Make it Real! is a unique community that brings together leaders and professionals from the digital and marketing industries.

In an era oversaturated with formal events, we have created a space for genuine connections — where ideas turn into projects and acquaintances grow into real partnerships.
We unite participants from leading advertising agencies, banks, FMCG companies, tech startups, and major manufacturers.
We are not bound by contracts or shared employers — we are united by values: a drive for growth, a willingness to support one another, and a passion for moving the industry forward together.
Make it Real! is more than just a meetup

Make it Real! is proof that the future of the industry belongs to real human connections.”,”Since 2022, Make it Real! has hosted over 50 events in Armenia, becoming one of the most recognized platforms for networking and professional development in the digital community.
All events are held in Russian, creating a welcoming space for professionals from different countries to connect and grow.
We originally started as a community for expat marketers — and today, Make it Real! unites not only expatriates but also a growing number of local Armenian professionals and international participants from across the region.

Our lineup includes:
⏺ the first Russian-language marketing hackathon in Armenia,
⏺ 18 meetups on current digital topics,
⏺ 8 large-scale lectures by industry speakers,
⏺ a Digital StandUp show,
⏺ and 20 networking brunches.

Each Make it Real! event is not just about speaker sessions. Every gathering has its own theme and a unique networking format:
🎴 card games for structured introductions,
💬 dynamic chat discussions,
🧠 team quizzes during session breaks,
🤖 interactive engagement through a Telegram bot,
🤝 and dedicated business networking sessions.

We actively develop partnerships, having organized events together with leading IT companies and collaborated with Armenia’s largest HR event — Career City Fest.

Our events have attracted speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, giving Make it Real! an increasingly international reach.

Within our community, we’ve also launched special interest clubs:
🎾 squash,
🎲 board games,
📚 and a bilingual book club focused on cultural diversity (in Russian and English).

Today, Make it Real! brings together over 500 engaged community members.
We help participants discover new career paths, launch collaborative projects, and build meaningful professional relationships that truly transform their lives and careers.
With a growing organizing committee, we continue to expand and strengthen our impact on the professional landscape.
Our meetups are often informally called “”the trendiest events in Yerevan’s digital scene.”,”Strategies we employed:

а) A clear focus on core values:
From the very beginning, we built the community around support, knowledge sharing, and real networking — not around formal speeches or status.

b) A customized approach to every event:
Each event has a unique theme and a dedicated networking mechanic: from card games and dynamic chats to team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking sessions. This keeps every gathering engaging and fresh.

c) Building a high-quality audience:
We attracted participants through personal recommendations, partnerships with IT companies, and collaborations with major events such as Career City Fest.

d) Integrating international expertise:
We welcomed speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Russia, Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, expanding the community’s global reach.

e) Maintaining strong community engagement:
We created internal clubs for squash, board games, and a bilingual book club, ensuring that the community thrives not only during events but between them.

Why our achievements stand out:

1. Every event is built around genuine engagement, not passive listening.

2. Each gathering has its own unique concept and networking experience.

3. We have created a space where participants feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

4. In just a short time, we evolved from a small expat-focused group into one of the most dynamic international digital communities in Armenia.

5. Our participants naturally become ambassadors for the community, fueling organic growth and long-term impact.”,”Make it Real! is a community and event series for digital and marketing professionals, created to foster real professional connections through open and engaging communication.

What we do:
We organize regular events in Armenia, held in Russian, attracting participants and speakers from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Asia, and Europe.
Our program includes meetups on trending digital topics, expert lectures, networking brunches, thematic quizzes, a Digital StandUp show, and a signature marketing hackathon.
Each event is enhanced with unique networking formats to help every participant build valuable connections and feel truly part of the community.

How we work:
Each event has a specific theme and a carefully designed engagement mechanic.
We use elements like card games, dynamic chat activities, team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking to break barriers and create an atmosphere of openness and energy.

Who it’s for:
Initially, Make it Real! was created for expat marketers who had relocated to Armenia. Over time, the community grew into an international and open platform for all digital and marketing professionals — welcoming both local specialists and international participants.

Our approach:
At the core of Make it Real! is the belief that networking should be genuine and human.
We believe in the power of real human connections and create conditions where people can meet, exchange ideas, support each other, and grow together.
We don’t just host events — we build an environment for personal and professional growth.

The result:
Since its launch in 2022, Make it Real! has united over 500 members, hosted more than 50 events, formed a growing organizing committee, and become one of the most recognizable networking platforms in Armenia’s digital scene.

Sergiu Metgher is a technology executive, AI architect, and founder of ReignCode, specializing in large-scale digital transformation for Fortune 500 companies and international enterprises. He has led the development of AI-powered platforms across fintech, retail, and B2B marketplaces, including nationwide financial systems serving more than eight million users and managing over €250 billion in assets.

Sergiu is the creator of multiple enterprise frameworks and platforms, among them SourceMate PIM, an AI-driven product information system that orchestrates millions of SKUs and powers major European marketplaces. His work emphasizes structural modernization, data governance, and the safe deployment of intelligent automation in complex legacy environments.

Alongside his commercial work, Sergiu has founded education and innovation initiatives that have trained more than 100 professionals transitioning into software careers. He is currently pursuing a PhD in International Law focused on AI, ethics, and digital regulation.

Ruslan Shadenov, founder of RS IMPORT, stands as a trailblazer in the digital transformation of cross-border car trading for private clients in Kazakhstan. In a market historically dominated by opaque processes and intermediaries, Ruslan was among the first to introduce a transparent, client-focused e-commerce model for purchasing vehicles from U.S. auctions. His strategic approach has set new industry standards and created genuine value for thousands of Kazakhstani consumers.

Ruslan’s strategy is built around direct-to-client service, leveraging a proprietary digital platform that simplifies every step—from auction selection and bidding, to logistics, customs clearance, and final delivery. By integrating legal, financial, and operational expertise, RS IMPORT provides end-to-end support with absolute transparency in pricing, documentation, and vehicle condition. This model eliminates hidden costs and risks, empowering private buyers to access the global auto market confidently.

Beyond operational excellence, Ruslan has driven significant advances in digital education and industry literacy. Recognizing a gap in consumer awareness, he launched educational initiatives, including webinars, guides, and expert commentary, demystifying the process of cross-border vehicle purchase. His educational content not only builds trust in the RS IMPORT brand but also elevates the entire market by fostering informed decision-making.

Ruslan’s leadership has helped shape public discussion on regulatory best practices for vehicle importation and digital commerce, positioning him as both an innovator and a responsible industry voice. His dual background in finance and law ensures each transaction is not just efficient, but fully compliant and secure, reflecting a rare blend of entrepreneurship and consumer advocacy.

As RS IMPORT continues to grow its presence both in Kazakhstan and internationally, Ruslan Shadenov’s B2C strategy stands out for its clarity, customer-centricity, and measurable results. By setting new benchmarks for transparency, support, and digital innovation in e-commerce, he has redefined how consumers in Kazakhstan access the U.S. auto market—making global commerce accessible, honest, and secure for all.

The development of the program “Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” is officially protected by patent No. 2025610028, registered with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent). It was created in response to the increasing demand for high-quality user interfaces in mobile applications and is designed for free use. This tool ensures high accuracy and automation of the UI testing process, minimizing display errors across various devices. My goal is to make a significant contribution to the industry by providing iOS developers with an accessible and efficient tool that meets modern quality standards and helps to raise them even further.
“Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” Project Objectives: Provide automated and highly accurate testing of user interfaces for iOS applications. Simplify interface development for various devices and screen orientations. Minimize display errors and improve the visual consistency of interfaces. Project Description: The program is designed for automated testing of user interfaces in iOS applications. It leverages the Snapshot Testing approach to compare visual changes in the interface with pre-saved reference images. This helps developers quickly detect unintended changes and maintain the visual quality of their applications. Key components of the program: Core Module – SnapshotTestCase.swift: Defines the required device and OS version for testing. Configures the visual comparison tool (ksdiff) and disables animations for stable testing. Array+Images.swift Module: Extends arrays to work with snapshot testing strategies. Supports precision and subpixel threshold settings for image comparison. SnapshotTesting+Extensions.swift Module: Adds functionality for testing SwiftUI and UIKit components. Includes methods to test across various devices and configurations. UITraitCollection+Extensions.swift Module: Provides predefined configurations for different iPhone models, including screen orientations. Technical Features: Programming Language: Swift. Frameworks: SwiftUI, UIKit. Testing Type: Snapshot Testing. Devices: Supports iPhones (including various models), iPads, and different screen orientations. Flexibility: Customizable precision parameters and device configurations. Key Benefits: Automated Testing: Reduces manual effort and minimizes human errors. Supports cross-platform solutions for interface testing. Flexibility and Precision: Configurable testing parameters, such as pixel precision and screen sizes. Supports multiple device configurations. Accelerated Development: Identifies errors in the early stages, reducing the time to release updates. Simplifies application maintenance through precise change control. Compliance with Modern Standards: Aligns with Apple guidelines. Utilizes modern technologies like SwiftUI. Implementation Results: Reduced development time by 40%. Increased visual consistency of interfaces to 95%. Improved user ratings for applications utilizing the technology. Accelerated update release cycles and enhanced interface stability. Uniqueness: The project is protected by a patent (No. 2025610028) and offers an innovative approach to user interface testing, making it an indispensable tool for iOS developers. Future Goals: Expand the functionality of the program. Integrate with additional CI/CD tools. Promote the project among developers for widespread industry adoption.

The Eurasian Beauty Guild (EBG) demonstrated that an email campaign doesn’t need a massive list to make a powerful impact. Targeting a niche but highly engaged audience of beauty professionals, EBG launched a personalized member email series designed to drive participation, renewals, and professional involvement — achieving exceptional engagement rates and real-world results.

Rather than relying on generic newsletters, EBG’s campaign focused on creating a sense of personal relevance and professional belonging. The emails were segmented by member status and involvement history (e.g., new member, inactive, or previously nominated), and crafted with a direct, friendly tone that reflected the Guild’s supportive values. Each message included tailored content such as member spotlights, upcoming awards deadlines, invitations to join the jury panel, and curated opportunities for public recognition.

What made the campaign stand out was its format: concise, visually clean, and action-driven, each email featured one clear call to action — whether to submit a nomination, update a profile, or book a member consultation. Personal touches, like addressing members by name and referencing past interactions, helped boost open and click-through rates well above industry averages.

Despite the relatively small database, the campaign achieved:

• Over 75% average open rate
• 40% response or click-through rate on key calls to action

The EBG’s success proves that highly focused, emotionally intelligent email marketing — even to a select group — can outperform mass campaigns when it speaks to the right people in the right way. This nomination celebrates an elegant, effective approach to community engagement through smart, human-centric email communication.

Nataliia Kravchenko is a Recruitment Team Lead at Boosta with over 9 years of experience in technical and non-technical hiring across Europe, CIS, South Africa, the Philippines, and India. She leads a team of 10+ recruiters, builds data-driven hiring strategies, and implements AI-powered tools to streamline processes and reduce time-to-hire.
Nataliia authors industry publications on recruitment automation, AI adoption, and offer-acceptance strategies. Her work focuses on creating efficient, scalable recruitment systems that elevate candidate experience through innovation and analytics.