Mirko Lalli

He is an entrepreneur, executive leader, and recognised expert in artificial intelligence, data intelligence, and tourism innovation. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, policy, and business strategy, he is known for transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive sustainable growth and informed decision-making. He is the founder of The Data Appeal Company, an AI-powered analytics firm that he led from startup stage to international scale-up and successful acquisition. Under his guidance, the company pioneered solutions that combined alternative data, sentiment analysis, and geospatial intelligence to support destinations, businesses, and institutions in understanding markets and travellers in real time. His path from startup founder to scaling an international business has given him direct experience in fundraising, building and inspiring high-performing teams, driving strategic expansion, and managing integration after acquisition. Alongside his entrepreneurial career, Mirko has worked as an advisor and independent expert to the European Commission, focusing on smart tourism, data governance, and AI regulation. Earlier, he served in a leadership position in public administration, which gave him a strong understanding of governance and institutional processes. This combination of private and public sector experience allows him to bridge innovation with policy and to foster collaboration between governments, academia, and industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker at major international events, including Phocuswright, ITB Berlin, and Web Summit, where he is recognised for his ability to make complex technological and policy issues engaging and accessible. He also lectures at universities such as Bocconi, Ca’ Foscari, and IULM, sharing his knowledge of AI, digital transformation, and tourism innovation with the next generation of leaders.