DOMAINfest was excited to have Ben Mezrich join us for a fireside chat that included some incredible real-life stories. Ben has created his own highly addictive genre of nonfiction, chronicling the amazing stories of young geniuses who became wealthy against tremendous odds while skirting the edges of morality.

His stories captivated everyone in the DOMAINfest audience, especially those who think of themselves as risk-taking entrepreneurs. Our audience also heard his unique insights into the development and evolution of social media and why this medium is one of the most critical channels for businesses today.

Ben's latest book, “The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal,” was released in 2009 and was optioned by Sony Pictures. Aaron Sorkin adapted the screenplay into the critically acclaimed and globally successful movie, “The Social Network,” directed by David Fincher.

Mezrich is the author of eleven books, including the wildly successful “Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions.” This best seller was on The New York Times Best Seller List for 63 weeks and sold over two million copies in twelve languages.

In the span of his career, Ben has brought readers into new and startling worlds, sometimes by surprising methods. During his research for “Bringing Down the House,” he taped $250,000 to his body and smuggled it with some of the most notorious card-counters in the world through airport security. While writing Ugly Americans, he visited exclusive “Japanese Only” underground sex clubs in Tokyo and juggled roadblocks and run-ins with the Japanese mafia.

Ben joins a roster of incredible minds who have participated as featured speakers in past DOMAINfest Global events. Last year, Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh provided perspective on consumer behaviors, the value of employee motivation and the development of a unique culture that promotes the brand. The year prior, Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak was featured at the conference in a fireside chat that included a discussion about the future of the internet, and how geniuses work to create revolutionary products.