Dan Ackerman

Journalist, Author, Speaker, Broadcaster, Newsroom Exec

New York native Dan Ackerman is a journalist, speaker, author, TV talking head, and media exec. He is currently Editor-in-Chief for Micro Center, the iconic tech retailer, and previously served as Editor-in-Chief of tech news publication Gizmodo and Editorial Director at CNET.Dan’s non-fiction business/gaming history book, The Tetris Effect (Hachette/PublicAffairs) has earned rave reviews from the New York Times (“The story shines”), Fortune, WIRED, LA Review of Books, and many other publications. Buy The Tetris Effect here.> Newsletter: danackerman.substack.com
> Threads: threads.net/@danackerman
> Bsky: danackerman.bsky.social
> LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danackerman
> TikTok: tiktok.com/@danacknyc
> YouTube: youtube.com/danackerman
> IG: instagram.com/danack
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Work

Drawing from my leadership roles as Editorial Director at CNET and Editor-in-Chief at Gizmodo, I now shape the editorial vision and content strategy at Micro Center. This includes founding an entirely new consumer tech publication, MCN, with insightful product reviews, practical shopping advice, and the latest industry trends. Key focus areas include AI tools, PC hardware, and tech guidance for professionals, gamers, and creators.At Gizmodo, I helped redefine the publication’s editorial voice, driving growth and engagement through sharp news judgment, strategic analysis, and a deep understanding of tech, science, and culture. Before that, I led teams at CNET that covered everything from laptops and gaming to home entertainment, all while personally testing and reviewing hundreds of products in our New York testing lab.I also founded and co-hosted the CNET Book Club podcast, where I interviewed authors including Walter Mosley, Jeff VanderMeer, Neal Stephenson, and Andy Weir.Besides being a regular TV talking head guest, my writing has appeared in Men’s Journal, Maxim, SPIN, and more, and I've been in interviewed in or quoted by The New York Times, USA Today, The Atlantic, and many other publications.

Speaking

With years of experience as a speaker, panelist, moderator, fireside chat host, and interviewer, I bring deep industry insight, sharp storytelling, and an engaging stage presence to events around the world. I’ve spoken at SXSW, New York Comic-Con, The Brooklyn Book Festival, CES, and more, covering topics that bridge technology, media, gaming, AI, and digital culture.My speaking engagements have taken me across the US, UK, China, and Saudi Arabia. Whether discussing the future of AI in journalism, the evolution of gaming hardware, or the intersection of pop culture and technology, I tailor my approach to fit each audience, keeping discussions informative, dynamic, and thought-provoking.I’m available for:> Keynotes & Speaking Engagements – Covering technology, AI, gaming, media, and the future of digital culture.
> Panel Discussions & Moderation – Bringing sharp analysis and expert facilitation to industry conversations.
> Fireside Chats & In-Depth Interviews – Hosting conversations with industry leaders, authors, and creatives.
> Podcasts, Radio & TV Appearances – Offering expert commentary on the latest in tech and culture.
If you're looking for a speaker who can connect big ideas to real-world impact, break down complex topics with clarity and humor, and bring a fresh perspective to your event, let’s talk.Please email danacknyc at gmail.com for details.

Contact

Want to talk about a tech news or product review opportunity? Book me to speak at your event? Have me on your podcast or media program? Just ask what laptop you should buy? Please drop me a note via the form below.

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