Dr Horst Stipp is Senior Vice President of Strategic Insights & Innovation in the Research department of NBC Universal, where he oversees strategic marketing and consumer research for NBCU, including NBC, News, Sports, USA, SciFi, Bravo and NBCU Digital. In addition to his role at NBC, Stipp teaches at Columbia University Business School on audience measurement models. He will provide insights from NBC’s consumer research and testing during 2007 and will outline how viewers have been interacting with video online and the impact this has had on consumer recall of advertising. In addition to this he will give a glimpse into the how the research insights have impacted NBC’s strategy for the future.

Elizabeth Schimel serves as Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Comcast Interactive Media a division of Comcast Corporation that develops and operates Internet businesses focused on entertainment, information and communication. Elizabeth is responsible for content development and management of the teams who operate CIM’s core products, which include ziddio.com, a national user-generated video sharing website; gameinvasion.net, an online gaming destination and fancast.com a site dedicated to entertainment news, information and content. She also oversees content development for Comcast.net, the company’s award-winning portal. Across all of CIM’s products, Schimel has leveraged industry relationships to bring dynamic, relevant, video rich content to consumers.

Stephanie Fried is Associate Director of Digital Insights and Development at NBC Universal where she oversees custom research for NBCU websites and for digital sales. Stephanie’s past experience includes designing and executing research for Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods and financial services companies at a boutique research vendor. She also founded her own wholesale jewelry company, where she managed all sales, marketing and research efforts. Stephanie received an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from the Honors College at the University of Michigan.

A seasoned executive with more than 20 years of senior management experience. His positions include: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors for public and private companies. Charle's focus on operations and sales has resulted in significant growth in revenue and earnings. He is an advocate of a strong technology infrastructure as a foundation to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Hardie oversees the production and development of online content for fox.com and the Fox network’s shows including House, 24, Prison Break, and The Simpsons. He has managed online content and interactive projects since the days of 300 baud modems and BBS’s including Apple’s eWorld, the official webcast of the Grammy Awards, the Moxi DVR cable box media center, and Yahoo!’s entertainment properties.

Dmitry Shapiro founded Veoh Networks in late 2004 and now serves as the company’s Chief Innovation Officer. Dmitry started Veoh a very short to-do list: First, democratize. Open the business of television—once strictly a members-only deal—to a virtual community of broadcasters. Second, connect those broadcasters with new, global audiences, hungry for a limitless world of compelling programming to fill every niche interest, and desire. Before he imagined Veoh, Dmitry built Akonix Systems, one of the leading P2P network security companies with over 1.5 million deployed enterprise licenses in companies such as Viacom, Disney, Newscorp, and Cingular. Before that, Dmitry led the technology groups at CollegeClub, a 4 million member online college community and Fujitsu Telecommunications. During his youth in Atlanta, Dmitry learned English by watching lots of television, lost most of his Russian accent and gained a B.S. in electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech.

Scott Brown is senior vice president responsible for strategic relationships, marketing and technology for Nielsen Media Research. Scott focuses much of his time on establishing and managing business relationships with advanced technology and new media companies. He is one of the key company spokespersons for evolving television technologies, advanced metering systems, and new technology development. Scott provides the company vision and leadership for the new world of digital convergence, as well as directing related projects such as the TiVo/Nielsen measurement service, the convergence panel, extended home measurement, DVR timeshifting, and development of on-demand services.

Jordan Hoffner is currently the head of premium content partnerships at YouTube. He is mainly responsible for establishing content partnerships with all verticals in the television & broadcast sector, including networks, station groups, cable networks and multi-service operators as well as the vast community of professional content producers and distributors. Jordan transferred to the YouTube team shortly after the company was acquired by Google to help drive new partnerships for the next generation video platform. At Google, Jordan led the premium, archival and information video content efforts, focusing on cable television, music, and university videos. Jordan began his career at NBC in 1992. During his tenure there, he served as a production assistant, producer, Director of NBC Corporate Development, Vice President and General Manager of NBC Weather Plus, and Vice President of Digital Programming and Operations.

Jack Wakshlag, chief research officer for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), is among the leading research and performance analysts in media today. He directs the company’s audience development, marketing, distribution and ad sales research supporting the domestic and international businesses of the CNN News Group; the entertainment networks TBS, TNT, Court TV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Boomerang, GameTap and Turner Sports and their digital extensions. In addition to supporting these businesses he is responsible for research supporting Turner initiatives in innovation and new delivery platforms. Previously executive vice president and head of research for The WB, Wakshlag oversaw all research related to the network’s programming, distribution, publicity, marketing and sales. He joined The WB in 1995 from CBS, where he served as director of research for CBS New Media and Television Stations, from 1988 to 1994; and director of primary research for CBS Television Stations, from 1986 to 1988.

Mitchell Oscar currently holds the position of Executive Vice President, Director of CaratDigital. Carat Digital is a new division of Carat focusing on new digital platforms and the integration of interactive TV, wireless and online applications with traditional media. Its mission is to explore the potential value of interactive media applications and technologies for the development and execution of advertising models by Carat clients. Prior to joining Carat, Mitch was SVP/Director of Media Futures at Universal McCann whose responsibility was the creation and management of a media division dedicated to the investigation, strategic positioning and execution of new digital media. Since 1991, Mitch has been president of HocusFocus, a media and marketing consultancy whose primary focus is interactive television and television distribution technologies.

Scott oversees the ITV programming group that is responsible for designing, managing and marketing the DISH Network’s iTV channel – DISH Home. The iTV group has launched over 45 interactive TV programs covering news, sports, entertainment, lifestyles, games and customer support to over 12 million households. In addition, Scott is responsible for the Echostar Audience Reporting System that collects anonymous viewer data and reports on subscriber viewing. .Recently, the iTV group was expanded to design, produce and launch DishONLINE as an entertainment portal for Dish Network subscribers. Prior to working at DISH, Scott has worked in the software, TV, and music industries. At OpenTV, he was General Manager of the US that produces interactive programming for the OpenTV platform. Scott was responsible for the development process that included design, licensing content data, development and delivery of interactive programming. At Electronic Arts, he was an Executive-in-charge of Production where he oversaw EA’s interactive properties NCAA Football, Jane’s military simulations, the Strike series, Future Cop and Fantasy Sports.

Gilles BianRosa is the Chief Executive Officer of Azureus, Inc. As CEO, Gilles is driving the evolution of the company from the popular, award-winning peer-2-peer application to the Vuze global distribution and exchange platform for high-resolution digital content. Prior to Azureus, Gilles was with McKinsey and Company where he led mission-critical initiatives related to product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies for venture-backed technology companies including Microsoft, HP, BEA, SAP.Prior to McKinsey, Gilles facilitated the launch of Vivendi's media and services Internet platform for health professionals. Gilles also founded MileStone, a software company serving the retail industry.Gilles holds a MS in Computer Science from EPITA School of Engineering, Paris, and an MBA from Harvard University.

Stephen Smyth is responsible for the Reuters Media business in the Americas, driving revenue and audience for the online, mobile, interactive TV, signage and digital syndication services in the region. He oversees advertising sales, advertising operations, business development, programming and signage operations. Prior to his current role, Stephen led Reuters mobile, video, and digital signage products globally. He was responsible for maximizing revenues and brand value from the company’s presence in these emerging media and oversaw relationships with key technology providers and distribution affiliates across the globe. In addition, he launched and managed Reuters Labs, a public showcase of the latest consumer product innovations from Reuters. Previously, Stephen was responsible for media strategy and business development for Reuters. Before joining the company in January 2003, he was a Director of Business Development for Bertelsmann, the media group. At Bertelsmann, Stephen worked for a number of divisions including the RTL Group, Bookspan and the firm’s E-Commerce Group and worked on a number of properties including American Idol and partnerships including Napster.

Bryan Burns, Vice President, strategic business planning and development, currently serves as the head of the company’s high-definition services, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD. Burns has been an integral part of creation of the two services from the business planning prior to the announcement of ESPN HD in 2002 to the flip of the switch of ESPN2 HD in January 2005. Burns is also charged with directing the growth of high definition telecasts within ABC Sports programming. During his time with ESPN, Burns has been responsible for the conception of a wide variety of ESPN’s video products, including ESPN Game Plan, the company’s pay per view product for college football, ESPN FULL COURT for college basketball, and MLS/ESPN Shootout for Major League Soccer. He also designed ESPN Today, ESPN NOW and ESPN EXTRA, video and interactive channels that are designed for digital cable and the expanded capacity of Direct Broadcast Satellite carriers. Burns also was responsible for ESPN’s special markets efforts to non-residential distributors such as commercial establishments and hotels plus the company’s overall relationships with DIRECTV and Echostar.

Immediately prior to co-founding Sequent Partners LLC as a brand and media metrics consultancy, Jim served as President of ARF, The Advertising Research Foundation, for seven years. Under Jim's leadership, ARF expanded its scope to incorporate all aspects of market research practice on a global basis. Recent ARF priorities of relevance to the venture include Marketing and Media ROI, CRM, Brand Valuation, Digital Marketing and the transformation of the research function from a business focused social science to a business discipline focused on value creation through the application of social science technology. Jim and his team established ARF's mission as profitable business through effective research and insights.Prior to his leadership role at ARF, Jim spent over a decade developing new research tools to improve clients' business performance. He has also led the media research and planning function at General Foods

As general manager of VOOM HD Networks, Greg Moyer oversees the day-to-day operations of VOOM HD Networks' high definition channels and directs all efforts as they relate to program development, production, scheduling and marketing. VOOM HD Networks comprise the world's largest suite of high-definition content for distribution through satellite and cable operators. Produced exclusively in true high-definition and 5.1 Dolby digital surround sound, VOOM HD Networks carry programming in categories as diverse as sports, movies, fashion, music and art. VOOM HD Networks' 15 HDTV channels are available in the U.S. on Echostar's DISH Network. A 24/7 linear VOOM HD channel is available internationally and is currently distributed in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Select VOOM HD programming is also available worldwide and has been licensed to viewers in more than 50 countries. Previously, as president, regional programming for Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, Mr. Moyer managed all operations, strategic planning and business development for the company's regional programming which then included News 12 Networks and MetroChannels..

Richard Kanee Director, Digital Business Development Toronto – Richard Kanee is Director of Business for CTV Digital. He joined the company in 1999. Kanee oversees all aspects of digital strategy and business development across the family of CTV television and radio properties with a focus on digital content acquisition and distribution, mobile and web platform development, emerging content formats and digital marketing. In previous roles within the company, Kanee has been a leader in developing the Canadian mobile landscape. His accomplishments include the launch of Canada’s largest cross-carrier ringtone store, the MuchMusic branded mobile phone and PunchMuch, a text-messaging powered video jukebox TV channel. In addition, Kanee was instrumental in the development and release of MuchAXS broadband video channel and Show Me Yours, a user-generated content platform for MuchMusic, Canada’s premiere music and youth brand. He was also the supervising producer for the interactive elements of VJ Search, MuchMusic’s reality television show. Most recently, Kanee led CTV in the launch of iTunes Television in Canada. Kanee has a BFA in Film from York University and is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Media Lab. Kanee is a frequent speaker and lecturer on convergent media and the impact of digital media on the broadcast industry.

Jim Kite is charged with setting the vision of consumer insight initiatives and general research services for MediaVest and its clients. He also serves as a member of MediaVest’s executive team. In addition to his duties at MediaVest, Jim is responsible for developing and overseeing consumer insight tools for Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) in Canada and Latin America. A recognized leader in driving innovative research, Jim not only spearheads groundbreaking studies on many of the industry’s hottest topics such as consumer engagement, word-of-mouth metrics, Video on Demand, in-store media, single-source data, but more importantly translates findings into tangible results for clients. Critical to his role is the management oversight of 33 dedicated MediaVest researchers on accounts such as Wal-Mart, Kraft, Coca-Cola and Comcast.

Mark Jechura joined JP Morgan Chase in September 2007 as Marketing Director for Chase Credit Card Media and Communications Planning. Previously, Mark worked at Procter & Gamble for 10 years in Brand Management within company’s Beauty and Heath Care business unit. At P&G, Mark developed his marketing expertise working on a number of the company’s efforts in the area of the “Future of TV” and increased use of emerging media in the communication mix of many of its brands

Rich Reiter is responsible for the digital media distribution of Bloomberg News’ radio and television broadcast assets. In this role he executes and manages content partnerships across mobile, internet and emerging new media channels. In 2007, Reiter directed and led two new initiatives for Bloomberg Television: the development of a video clip distribution platform to the internet, and the global re-launch of a mobile website. Both of these projects are anticipated to go to market in early 2008. As a 20-year broadcast veteran, Rich brings a wide spectrum of experience into focus, having worked in programming, marketing, sales and syndication with several national broadcast companies. His current team role at Bloomberg Television charges him to work closely with executive leadership across multiple departments and regions in order to drive viewer ship, secure new distribution and maximize brand value.

Bin is responsible for Mobile Broadband Product and Partnership Management. He leads the product management, product marketing, strategic partnership and eco-system development across devices, Internet services, business and consumer applications, and content management and delivery. Previously, Bin led the wireless broadband strategy, planning, market development and incubation activities at Sprint. He played an instrumental role in defining the vision of Wireless Interactive Multi-media Services, completion of the next generation mobile broadband business plan and the selection of Mobile WiMAX as Sprint’s 4G technology platform. Prior to this position, Bin was a Senior Director of Broadband Management at Nextel Communications where he led the next-generation service program activities for Nextel. Prior to joining Nextel, Bin was a Manager with Deloitte Consulting’s Strategy Practice and served as Manager-Worldwide Marketing, for Eastman Kodak Company’s Business Imaging Systems. Mr. Shen has a MBA from the University of Rochester and a BS degree in Finance from Golden Gate University.

Mr. Juhani Kivikangas has worked about 9 years in TeliaSonera. His current position is Vice President of New Content Businesses in TeliaSonera Group where his responsibilities include bringing new content services like Mobile TV to Nordics, to Baltics and to Spain. He has had an active role Mobile Portal, Music, Gaming, Search, Advertising, Instant messaging, Location Based Services and different User Generated Content services to the market. Previously Mr. Kivikangas has worked as a Head of Content and as a VP of Partnerships and Alliances in TeliaSonera Finland and before joining to TeliaSonera he has worked 10 years in IT business in different sales and marketing management positions, lately at Sybase and Oracle. He holds a degree in MBA (USC).

Russell Zack is responsible for the strategic direction and definition of Anystream media related products. Zack was the COO of Cauldron Solutions, where he was responsible for the overall management of the company. Before co-founding Cauldron, he built several technology companies focused on large vertical industries, such as automotive, media and entertainment and telecommunications. Previous industry-related experience includes his time spent as president and CEO of DragonFly Mobile Inc., a mobile data optimization and application company he founded in 2000. Russell also co-founded the interactive media company Sigma6 in 1994. He holds a BS/BS degree in Digital Multi-Media from the University of Michigan

Robert Leighton is Senior Vice President, Programming for Liberty Global, a position he has held since July 2007. In his current position, Mr. Leighton is an executive officer of Liberty Global and he sits on the Company’s Executive Management Committee. Mr. Leighton is a 28 year veteran of the television industry. Most recently, he was a consultant on programming issues to Liberty Global, as well as Comcast Cable. Prior to this, Mr. Leighton was EVP, Programming for Starz Encore Group (now known as Starz Entertainment) for 7 years. At Starz, Mr. Leighton was responsible for all programming functions for 13 channels, including film acquisition, original program development, production, on-air promotion, and technical operations. Mr. Leighton earlier was at HBO for 17 years. From 1991, he was based in Eastern Europe for HBO and oversaw the earliest development, launch and operation of various pay and basic cable channels throughout the region. Previous assignments at HBO during the 1980’s in New York included Director of Programming, Cinemax and Director of Audience Research. Mr. Leighton began his television career at Young & Rubicam where he bought advertising time on both broadcast networks and ad-supported cable channels. Mr. Leighton holds a B.A. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University

James Joyce is the Executive Vice President, Business Development at 2waytraffic, the creator of world-renowned interactive TV formats such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. James is the inventor of participation advertising, a patent-pending participation TV platform that converts viewers into valuable leads for a broad spectrum of clients, including DirecTV, Vonage, Countrywide and more than a hundred others. Partnering with leading program distributors such as CBS and Twentieth Television, the platform reaches millions of viewers each day, generating millions of leads each year for its clients on a cost per lead basis. Prior to 2waytraffic, James managed a consultancy practice in New York specialized in brokering licensing and integrated marketing deals between European mobile companies such as Nokia and US media companies, such as NBC and 20th Century Fox. James also has an extensive corporate background in product marketing, business development and distribution from roles he has held at Nokia and Intel in the US, UK and Brazil.

Chris Monteferrante is Senior Director Advanced Media Sales at ESPN where he oversees ad sales development of advanced media platforms, specifically interactive television, ESPN On-Demand and bundled iTV opportunities. Chris is also charged with spearheading national cross-distribution iTV partnerships that test new technologies, business models and advertiser opportunities. Chris joined ESPN in 2004 after spending 6 years at Sony Pictures Television as Vice President of Advertising Sales. At Sony, he was responsible for managing sales and business development of DIRECTV’s 100 million dollar ad sales business. Chris, in conjunction with Nielsen, pioneered the initiative to provide advertisers measurement for satellite media schedules which today have been adopted as the industry standard. Prior to Sony Pictures Television, Chris was Director of National Sales at International Family Entertainment, supervising Family Channel’s advertising sales syndication arm and cross platform opportunities.

Amy Friedlander-Hoffman is the senior vice president, Programming, for AT&T Operations. As AT&T enters the video market to compete with cable and satellite, Ms. Friedlander will oversee interactive programming and convergence for AT&T U-verseSM services. AT&T U-verse is the initiative to deliver 100-percent Internet Protocol (IP)-based AT&T U-verse TV, voice and high speed Internet services over the company’s fiber-rich network using fiber-to-the-node and fiber-to-the-premises technologies. Preceding AT&T, Ms. Friedlander headed a strategic consulting practice, Xanthum Partners, which helped clients from around the globe with content strategy, negotiation and acquisition, and programming and packaging development. Ms. Friedlander was previously general counsel and senior vice president of business development for Intertainer, the first VOD service delivered over both broadband and cable, and helped the company raise more than $100 million from companies such as Microsoft, Comcast, Intel, Qwest, Sony, NBC and Thomson Consumer Electronics. She was responsible for negotiating content agreements with the major studios and programmers, distribution agreements with cable companies and telcos, and general technology ventures. In the business development role, Ms. Friedlander was responsible for international development and led her team to implement Intertainer’s strategy related to content distribution and software services. Prior to her tenure with Intertainer, Ms. Friedlander practiced corporate law at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Los Angeles. Ms. Friedlander holds a JD from the University of Chicago and a BA with honors from the University of Michigan

Barry Frey is Senior Vice President, Advanced Platform Sales for Cablevision, where he is responsible for developing and launching VOD, interactive TV, internet and other digital opportunities for the advertising community. Barry and his team have succeeded in leading an array of companies into their first video on demand, interactive television and branded content marketing campaigns. Under Barry’s leadership Cablevision set up its ad-supported VOD in 2006 signing up in a number of blue chip advertisers to the two-way interactive advertising. Barry’s extensive knowledge of the industry and advertising community makes him a unique panelist on the Future of TV Advertising.

Kevin is Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning for Turner Broadcasting System based in Atlanta. In his role Kevin is responsible for Turner’s corporate, new technology, news, entertainment, sports and animation strategic planning. Prior to this position Kevin served as SVP, Business Development & General Manager of Interactive and Enhanced Television where he was responsible for developing and managing the company's interactive and enhanced television efforts; coordinating all Turner network interactive initiatives; partnering with the networks in Turner’s interactive product creation and design; and exploring external partnerships and furthering affiliate relationships. Cohen managed Turner’s relationships with Wink, AOL TV, Real Networks, Mystro TV, GoldPocket and Visionik, among others, as well as Turner’s interactive/enhanced TV, broadband and wireless distribution.

Michael Steib joined Google in January 2007 as Director of Google TV Ads, an enhanced digital system for buying, selling, measuring and delivering television advertising. Previously, Steib was General Manager of Strategic Ventures for NBC Universal. In this role, Michael founded and led operations for two NBC Universal digital ventures: nbbc (the National Broadband Company)and NBC Weather Plus. Michael began his tenure with NBC Universal in Business Development, most recently serving as Vice President. During his four years with the group, he was part of a team that closed nearly $20 billion in mergers and acquisitions. Mike was selected for TV Week's Hot List in 2006, which spotlights the media industry's top 10 rising stars under the age of 35, and for the Multichannel News 40 Under 40 list in 2007. In addition to his roles Steib is a board member of Career Gear, a national nonprofit organization that helps men successfully transition from public assistance to the workforce, and is a member of the board of directors of the International Radio and Television Society Foundation (IRTS). He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B. A. in both Economics and International Relations.

Todd is charged with leading TiVo's Audience Research and Measurement business which provides advertisers, brand groups, and programmers with detailed insight into how TiVo viewers consume and interact with television programming and advertisements. He also oversees TiVo's internal market research and marketing testing activities. Additionally, he plays a key role in business planning and forecasting, working closely with the executive leadership across all functions. Prior to joining TiVo, Todd built experience across the marketing, finance, and strategy functions. Most recently, he was an operations consultant for the private equity division of Cerberus Capital.

Joan Gillman is currently the President of Media Sales for Time Warner Cable. In her role, Ms. Gillman heads up the ad sales force and leads the effort to deliver advanced advertising and interactive solutions for advertisers and network partners. She joined Time Warner Cable in 2005 as the Vice President of Interactive TV and Advanced Advertising. Ms. Gillman entered the interactive industry in 1995 when she served as the Vice President of Marketing for Physicians’ Online, a healthcare ISP. From there she moved to the UK and headed up the business development, regulatory and legal teams for British Interactive Broadcasting, an ITV joint venture between BSkyB, BT, HSBC and Matsushita. After returning to the US in 2001, Gillman served as President of Static2358, the content and ITV production subsidiary of OpenTV, the largest supplier of interactive TV solutions in the world. Prior to making the jump to business, Ms. Gillman worked in politics for US Senator Chris Dodd, serving as his Legislative Director, State Director, Assistant Press Secretary and Legislative Aide. Gillman is a member of Cable and Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) and WICT and is a Betsy Magness Fellow in Class XV. In 2007, MediaWeek ranked her 18 in the Media Week’s Top 50 All Stars (MW-50) and she was also named a CableWorld’s More Women with Clout and in 2006 a Multichannel News Wonder Woman to Watch. In 2006 she received the itvt Award for Leadership in Interactive Television. She also serves on the Boards of NCC, Adlink, the College of the Holy Cross, The City Parks Foundation (NYC) and the David T. Langrock Foundation (funding programs for the advancement of classical art). She earned a Bachelor of Arts from The College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, MA (1985) and a Master of Arts in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, DC (1991). She currently splits her time between NYC and Westport, CT with her husband, Ted and daughter, Allison.

Mike Bloxham has worked in media research and consulting for seventeen years, advising multi-national corporations, media owners and government agencies on strategic marketing and communications issues on an international basis. His clients have included Microsoft, Cablevision, BSkyB, Le Monde, Procter & Gamble, MTVEurope and the British Government. His focus has been the delivery and exploitation of consumer insight gained through attitudinal and behavioural research with an emphasis on interactive and emerging media. Mike has extensive research experience working with interactive platforms among end-users in content and proposition development, interactive marketing and advertising, user segmentation, usability and media lifestyle profiling. After many years in the commercial sector founding and leading companies in media and marketing research and consulting, Mike became Director, Insight & Research at Ball State University’s Center for Media Design – a consumer and content-oriented Digital Media R&D facility – in 2003.

As Chairman of MediaZone as well as CEO of Entriq, Jan Steenkamp brings his extensive experience in pay television operations, gained from a range of management positions within MIH Limited (MIHL) since 1985. Before joining Entriq and spinning off MediaZone in 2004, Steenkamp was CEO of MIHL’s technology division and Chairman of OpenTV Corp. until August 2002. Prior to this, he was CEO of OpenTV, where he was instrumental in its development as the leading provider of cost-effective solutions for the delivery of digital interactive services to television viewers around the world. Previously, Steenkamp was the Commercial Director of Irdeto Consultants in The Netherlands, and held various management and new business initiative positions at both Irdeto and the MIH Group from 1985 to 1997. During that time, he initiated the introduction of pay television in Greece, managed a project team to establish pay television in Italy, worked with Shinawatra in Thailand to establish digital television, worked with Galaxy in Australia to launch the first DVB digital DTH platform in the world, and was active in the acquisition and development of the European Nethold operations in The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Steenkamp studied electrical engineering at Witwatersrand Technicon in South Africa and has a television broadcasting background. Today, he is a sought-after speaker on the topics of Pay Media over the Internet and the future of broadband.

Rick Mandler, Vice President, Disney/ABC Television, Digital Media Group, is responsible for the strategic development of digital media advertising for the division. This includes such new advertising products as telescoping TV ads, dynamic/targeted TV ads, emerging VOD ad models, and adver-gaming, among others. Overall, Mandler’s role is to help the television division navigate through the technological and business developments in this area. Previously, Mandler was Vice President, General Manager, Enhanced TV for the Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG), responsible for all business development, production, technical, and integrated sales for Enhanced TV fare produced for all Disney-owned broadcast and cable network programming.

Jon Vlassopulos is Vice President, Business Development, Strategic Planning and New Media for Endemol USA. He is responsible for developing new distribution channels and creative revenue opportunities for Endemol’s library of shows as well as developing programming for non traditional platforms such as VOD, broadband, and wireless. Since joining Endemol USA, Jon has been instrumental in the growth of the new media division. Highlights at the company include producing the first show for Comcast to be shown exclusively on their digital platforms, as well as developing the United States first major call-TV show for TBS.

Josh Krane is Senior Vice President, Interactive and New Media. He oversees all aspects of G4’s interactive and new media strategy including G4’s multi-platform, non-linear content offering known as the G4 Multiplex. G4’s Multiplex expands G4’s reach beyond linear television to broadband, podcasting, video on demand, mobile, download to own, third party partnerships and game consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360. During his tenure with the network, Krane has shaped G4’s new media strategy and developed applications, content and programming strategies for all of G4’s interactive and new media platforms. His contributions include developing the network’s Web presence at G4TV.com and guiding programming throughout the network’s non-linear platforms, including VOD, mobile, podcasting and streaming video services. Krane was also behind the development of G4’s digital download-to-own offering with partners including BitTorrent and DiVX, and recently oversaw the launch of G4’s Wii portal, the very first video broadband portal designed specifically for Nintendo’s Wii game console. Prior to joining G4 in 2001, Krane served as the Director of Internet Services for Pseudo Inc., an online television network

Shelly Palmer is Managing Director of Advanced Media Ventures Group and host of the popular blog Media 3.0. Shelly is known throughout the TV industry as an expert on the forces that are shaping the future of TV and audience consumption. In addition this he is also President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Vice-Chairman of the National Academy of Media Arts & Sciences where he oversees the Advanced Media Technology Emmy® Awards. His presentation, entitled “lean forward, lean backward – there must be a middle ground?!” presents at 360° view of the role of peer assisted networks, online video, and the role of the PC in TV consumption in 2008. In addition to this he will also give his perspective on how mainstream media is starting to approach ad-supported video online as a revenue generating model.