Jon Adler is Senior Director of Development for CNN Original Series at CNN, based in New York City. In this position, he is responsible for cultivating relationships within the creative community and developing original programming across a variety of CNN platforms. He is responsible for the development (and management/coordination thereof)...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

California native Donald Albright is an entrepreneur, producer and cofounder of Atlanta-based content creation company, Tenderfoot TV.

Albright has spent the last 20 years working on a variety of entertainment projects with notable artists including, Jay-Z, OutKast, Usher, DJ Khaled, and many more. In 2016, Albright joined friend and music video...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast

Brandon Allen serves as the Manager of Linear & Digital Development for Fuse Media, a cross-platform entertainment media brand for multicultural youth.

Brandon helps to oversee the development of incoming and internal projects, including all linear and digital content. He is responsible for working with influential members of the creative community...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three

Lauren Appelbaum is the Communications Director at RespectAbility, a nonprofit organization fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for and with people with disabilities. She oversees RespectAbility’s outreach to Hollywood to promote accurate, diverse and inclusive media portrayals on TV and in film. Working with more than 40 partners, she educates studio...show more

Speaking on: Inclusion in Unscripted: Vive La Difference

The pioneer of the Israeli formats industry internationally, and the Founder and CEO of Armoza Formats, Avi Armoza is one of Israel's leading film and television producers.

Avi has been working in the television and film business for more than 20 years. He began his tenure at JCS in 1993 when...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

Betsy Ayala currently serves as the as Vice President of Programming for HGTV, managing the development and production of series and specials for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country.

Ayala has more than 15 years of television and digital programming experience, managing teams in everything from live daily shows and...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three

Hayley Babcock is a highly respected international television executive with an extensive background in formats, development, production, acquisition and management. She has wide-ranging experience overseeing multiple global franchises, acquiring programming and uniting diverse international partners to work as a cohesive team.

Currently, Ms. Babcock is Head of Formats, International Programming and...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Unscripted and Unprepared with World of Wonder

Michael Bancroft is a senior media executive and journalist with experience running multi-platform networks and creating internationally distributed shows at the intersection of business and technology.

He is the co-host and executive producer of the globally distributed television show Beyond Innovation that uncovers the world’s new and emerging technologies changing the...show more

Speaking on: Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game

Coming Soon...

Sam Barcroft formed Barcroft Media in 2003, sensing an explosion in demand from international print media for exclusive content. He has built the company into a leading provider of premium factual content for TV, social and digital platforms.

He has grown Barcroft TV into one of YouTube’s biggest factual channels with...show more

Speaking on: The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model

Renowned producer, television executive, and narrator who created through his company, Original Productions, a reality-tv empire spanning more than 60 series including Storage Wars, Deadliest Catch, 1,000 Ways to Die, Ax Men, Ice Road Truckers and Monster Garage. Most recently, Beers co-founded BoBCat, a multi-platform production company with partners Jeff...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Thom Beers, BoBCat

James Bolosh is currently Vice President Programming & Development for Lifetime and FYI. In his role, he oversees development and programming for FYI and Lifetime, including the hit docuseries franchise Tiny House Nation, Tiny House Hunting, American Beauty Star and the upcoming My Great Big Live Wedding with David Tutera.

Prior...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Shirley Bowers is VP, Sales and Acquisitions for Red Arrow Studios International.

Based in Los Angeles, Shirley is responsible for leading Red Arrow’s sales activities in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. She also works across North American acquisitions, alongside Red Arrow’s Scripted and Non-Scripted acquisitions teams.

Previously to joining Red...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

As vice president of non-fiction & alternative programming for AMC and SundanceTV, Marco Bresaz helps oversee both networks’ original non-fiction programming development and their current portfolio of non-fiction programming. He first joined AMC Networks in 2010 as vice president of original programming and development for SundanceTV, and in 2013, moved...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Rachel Brill serves as the SVP, Head of Unscripted Programming for EPIX where she is responsible for growing the network’s slate of unscripted and factual content, including the premium reboot of MGM and Paramount Television’s The Contender and Unprotected Sets, a late night stand-up series executive produced by Wanda Sykes.

Rachel...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Rachel Brill, Epix; The Doc Boom: Can It Last?

Tom Brisley is co-founder and Creative Director of Arrow Media, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent production companies. A BAFTA and RTS award-winning producer, his creative vision and leadership have played an integral role in establishing Arrow as one of the most admired factual producers in the UK.

Powerful storytelling is...show more

Speaking on: Content Without Borders

Julie launched Bristow Global Media in 2013 and with her creative vision and business savvy, the company has grown exponentially in just a few years. BGM produces premium content for the international market in all genres on multiple platforms. From beautifully stylized returning series like Haunted Hospitals (T + E) and tentpole...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

Pierre Brogan has recently become the Head of Unscripted at Paradigm Talent Agency in Los Angeles.

Before his return to Paradigm, Pierre was an Unscripted Television Agent at Creative Artists Agency for 13 years. There he represented many of the top production companies in reality TV who produced shows such as...show more

Speaking on: The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model

Brie Miranda Bryant is the Senior Vice President, Unscripted Development and Programming at Lifetime where she is responsible for development, series and specials for unscripted programming. A seasoned media and entertainment executive, she has shepherded a string of buzzy, critically-acclaimed series and specials including the record-breaking documentary Surviving R. Kelly,...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

Amy Bucher has helped develop and overseen series and specials at part2 pictures for the past ten years.

In 2009 she began helming the acclaimed series Our America with Lisa Ling for OWN. After five notable seasons she is now overseeing This is Life with Lisa Ling for CNN. She is...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Heather represents showrunners and production companies who have worked for Amazon, Bravo, TLC and other top tier cable networks. Her clients work in documentary TV, food competition, docuseries, crime and more. Currently at Kaplan Stahler, her focus is staffing producers along with packaging unscripted reality television projects.

Prior to Kaplan Stahler,...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Steve Burns is Chief Programming Officer for CuriosityStream, the award-winning streaming and on-demand destination for world-class documentary features and series exploring science, space, technology, history, nature, health and more.

CuriosityStream, founded by John Hendricks, founder of Discovery Communications, premiered in March 2015, and Burns has been in this role since launch....show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Steve Burns, CuriosityStream

As senior vice president of alternative programming and development for NBC, Sahara Bushue oversees shows within the networks’ development slate and their current portfolio of alternative projects. Bushue joined NBC through the Page Program in 2008 and soon became a coordinator in the alternative department. She was elevated to manager...show more

Speaking on: New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game; 30 Minutes With Sahara Bushue, NBC

As the head of programming and development for Travel Channel, Matthew Butler is responsible for cultivating original content for the network and managing its day-to-day program scheduling and ratings performances. At the heart of Butler’s responsibilities is overseeing a program’s shelf life from pitch to premiere. This includes scouting new...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Matt Butler, Travel Channel

Michelle Byars is the director of unscripted series and live events for TBS and TNT. Most recently she was part of the core TBS team that re-launched its unscripted business with comedies Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild and Drop the Mic hosted by Method Man & Hailey Bieber that...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three

Nir Caspi is a non-scripted television agent at WME. Caspi represents a variety of production companies and producers across broadcast and cable, including Scout Productions (Queer Eye), Campfire (The Innocent Man, Jiro Dreams of Sushi), Unrealistic Ideas (Wahlberg, Levinson, Gipps), and Critical Content (Catfish, The Case Of: JonBenet Ramsey). He...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Meghan Cassin is the Director of Development for Nat Geo Wild. In this role she is responsible for specials, character-driven series, SharkFest and BarkFest. In addition to linear programming, Cassin develops digital content for Wild and executive produced the multiplatform series Untamed with Filipe DeAndrade.

Previously, Cassin has worked in development,...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three

Courtny Catzel is the Co-Head of New York Non-Scripted Programming at ICM Partners, a talent and literary agency representing clients in the fields of motion pictures, television, publishing, music, theater branded entertainment, and digital media. ICM Partners, a privately held corporation, is one of the predominant agencies in the United...show more

Speaking on: The Agent’s-eye View

John Cavanagh is an Executive Producer for Smithsonian Channel. Since joining Smithsonian in 2016, he has produced over a hundred hours for the channel including the first two seasons of America in Color, the innovative no-narration history strand The Lost Tapes, and the surviving disaster series Make it Out Alive....show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Stewart Cavanagh represents a variety of production companies, producers and on-air talent for network television, cable and syndication.

Prior to joining Gersh, Stewart was an agent at Rebel Entertainment Partners. "Belief in our clients, is the only constant of note. It’s possible.” Stewart received joint honours from the University of Glasgow...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Working closely with Sam Sniderman and and Laura Michalchyshyn, Julie Chang is focused on the identification, structuring and closing of content creation and financing opportunities for Blue Ant Media’s production businesses around the globe. Prior to joining Blue Ant Media, Julie was the Senior Vice President of Business and Legal...show more

Speaking on: Content Without Borders

Dolyn Dobro is Director of Production and Development for CNBC Primetime Alternative Programming, based in New York City. In her role at CNBC Prime group, Dolyn oversees development and production of original content with a business and money focus. She is responsible for finding new formats and working with independent...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

A native New Yorker, Matt Chazen is an agent in the TV-Alternative and Digital Packaging Departments at CAA.

Upon graduating from Davidson College in Davidson, NC in 2009, Matt immediately started working as a Page at NBC in New York City. After his stint in the Page Program, Matt moved over...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Philippa Chuter leads DCD Rights factual acquisitions drive, developing the company’s relationships within the international television production community, as well as working closely with the sales team to further expand its content slate. Philippa leads DCD Rights’ successful collaborations with renowned production companies across a range of genres from Blue Marlin...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Sean Cohan serves as president of Wheelhouse Entertainment, the media and marketing company founded in January 2018 by producer and entrepreneur Brent Montgomery, that includes in-house production label Spoke Studios. At Wheelhouse, Cohan is responsible for driving content and marketing opportunities across multiple businesses and platforms, including talent, brand and...show more

Speaking on: The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model

Stuart Coxe is President of the eOne Podcast network, based in Toronto. He is also the owner of Antica Productions, which works with eOne on various television and digital projects. His career has spanned broadcast journalism, documentary and reality TV - as well as, for the past four years, the...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast

Previously, she was President of T Group Productions where she created, sold and produced over 50 series, pilots and presentations to a wide range of networks including over 100 episodes of Mystery Diners (Food), Storage Hunters (truTV), A Wicked Offer (CW), Hollywood and Football (E!) among many more. T Group’s...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Jenny Daly, Critical Content Studios; The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model

Geoffrey Daniels is the Executive Vice President of Global Unscripted Entertainment. In this role, Daniels oversees all development and production for unscripted programming for both National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD. Daniels reports to Courteney Monroe and is based in National Geographic’s Washington, D.C., headquarters.

As part of his responsibilities,...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive!

Jesse Daniels is one of the Executive Producers of Surviving R. Kelly and Vice President of Development at Kreativ Inc. 

Prior to joining Kreativ Inc. in February 2017, Daniels was the Director of Development for Entertainment One’s unscripted television division. While at eOne Daniels was behind the development of Growing Up Hip Hop, Atlanta (WeTV). Daniels has also had executive roles at...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

Nancy Daniels is Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual, where she oversees all creative and brand strategy, development, production, multiplatform, communications, marketing and day-to-day operations for Discovery Channel and Science Channel in the U.S. Previously Daniels was President of TLC, where she led the company's flagship female-focused channel, overseeing all...show more

Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual

Thomas Dey is Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder of ACF, a leading international Investment Bank, specialized in selling, buying, fundraising and post deal services for businesses in intellectual property, content creation and international distribution.

With offices in the UK and USA, ACF have advised on more than...show more

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?

Jayson Dinsmore serves as President, Alternative Programming and Development for Fremantle in North America where he leads domestic and global development strategy for the unscripted genre, both by mining the company’s catalogue of titles and creating new formats.

Fremantle’s current portfolio of unscripted content includes America’s Got Talent (NBC), Family Feud...show more

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?

Mary E. Donahue is Senior Vice President, Development and Programming, History. She is responsible for managing all production of History’s non-fiction series, specials, and megadocs, including the new hit competition formats Knife or Death and Truck Night in America; History’s record breaking Evel Live special; and megadoc series, including Men...show more

Speaking on: 50 Shades of Premium; Cocktails With Mary Donahue, History Channel

Toby Dormer is an experienced Executive Producer and currently the Senior Vice President for Entertainment One in Canada. He leads the unscripted television team producing series for broadcasters across the globe. Current productions include a slate of three True Crime series (ID and CBC), a two-part documentary about the Apollo...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Stephanie Drachkovitch is Co-founder and President of Peabody, Emmy®, Gracie and GLAAD award-winning non-fiction producer 44 Blue Productions.

A former studio executive, Stephanie is the leading force behind 44 Blue’s dynamic slate of programming. During stints as Senior Vice President of Development for Warner Bros. Telepictures, and Disney’s Buena Vista TV...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Stephanie Drachkovitch, 44 Blue

Tim Duffy is a multiple Emmy Award-Winning producer, an Emmy-nominated Director, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, and Co-President of Ugly Brother Studios with his twin brother, Mike. Since the launch of Ugly Brother, Tim’s created and produced shows across an array of genres including reality, documentary/factual, variety, and comedy....show more

Speaking on: Reality of Mindfulness

Kristina Edwards is a Development Executive at Facebook Watch based in Los Angeles, CA. In this role she is responsible for developing and overseeing non-scripted projects for the platform working on series such as The Real World (both domestically and internationally), Kelly Ripa & Rachel Harris’ Head & Faces, &...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three

As chief creative officer at ITV America, David Eilenberg is responsible for guiding the company’s creative strategy, leveraging intellectual property, and identifying and managing emerging cable, broadcast and digital platform growth opportunities across the group. He also works closely with ITV’s UK-based team to exploit a range of formats for...show more

Speaking on: Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game

Havva Eisenbaum is the Los Angeles-based Head of Unscripted Television Development at Monami Productions, the New York-based Production company behind VH1’s Love & Hip Hop franchise.

Havva is an award-winning producer and television executive who has been working in Non-Fiction, Reality TV and Documentary Development for almost two decades. Notably, she...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Marc Etkind is General Manager of Science Channel. In this capacity he oversees all aspects of development, production, brand strategy and day-to-day operations for the network. Marc is based in New York.

During Marc’s tenure at the helm of Science Channel, the network achieved its highest ratings ever—for four consecutive years. This...show more

Speaking on: Cocktails With Marc Etkind, Science Channel

Bio Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive!

Based out of LA, Faulkner is responsible for Unscripted Originals on Watch. Formerly a VP of programming and development for A+E Networks, he began his career as a journalist with BBC Radio and rose through the ranks at ITV UK before moving to the US 14 years ago as an...show more

Speaking on: New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game

John Feld is the Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production for Discovery, Inc.’s lifestyle brands HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country. In this role, he is responsible for developing and supervising specials, series and tent-pole events for the networks.

Feld came to Scripps Networks Interactive (now Discovery, Inc.)...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game

Coming Soon...

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Cynthia Fenneman, American Public Television & Create TV; Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three

In July 2018, Laura Fleury was named Senior Vice President, A+E Networks Unscripted Programming and Co-Productions. In this new role, Laura collaborates on projects with A+E Originals (A+E’s unscripted production unit), as she develops and oversees projects, identifies potential talent and works with Corporate Development to develop projects with the...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Laura Fleury, A+E Networks

John Ford is general manager of NPACT, the trade organization serving producers of nonfiction entertainment content. With 100+ member companies, including production companies of all sizes, as well as allied services companies, NPACT members collectively produce the majority of all non-fiction content for US broadcast, cable television and digital platforms.

Ford...show more

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?

Jimmy is a two-time Emmy-winning producer and president of All3Media-backed production company Main Event Media.

He is the co-creator and Executive Producer of CNN’s United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell which has received six total Emmy nominations and four NAACP Image Award nominations. Main Event Media also produces the...show more

Speaking on: Unscripted and Unprepared with World of Wonder

Zara Frankel works in PBS Programming as the Manager of Programming and Development.  Zara collaborates extensively with filmmakers, production companies, and new talent to develop interesting and innovative content across genres for PBS. Prior to her current role, Zara served as an Assistant Director in PBS Programming, evaluating submissions and...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Sara Geater was appointed Chief Operating Officer of All3Media in 2015, joining the senior executive team created after the acquisition of the business by Discovery and Liberty Global. Sara works closely with the businesses in the Group to drive growth, both organically and through acquisition. She brings her expertise as...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Sara Geater, All3Media; Inclusion in Unscripted: Vive La Difference

As WE tv’s executive vice president of development & original programming, Lauren Gellert is responsible for developing and producing brand-defining original series’ that drive viewership, build buzz and support the network’s overall business and revenue goals. She leads the network’s efforts in finding fresh new unscripted originals and oversees the...show more

Speaking on: Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game

As executive vice president of non-fiction programming for AMC and SundanceTV, Eliot Goldberg is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations for both networks’ original non-fiction development, current programming and non-fiction content for the company’s growing studio business. He first joined AMC in 2013 and added Sundance TV to his purview...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Eliot Goldberg, AMC & SundanceTV

Debra Goldfarb is the Head of the Alternative Television Department at The Gersh Agency, with offices in both Beverly Hills and New York. Prior to joining Gersh in November of 2017, Goldfarb spent 15 years at Rebel Entertainment Partners, becoming both a Partner and Co-Owner. Prior to her years with...show more

Speaking on: The Agent’s-eye View

Seth oversees unscripted content for Snapchat shows. Over 10 billion videos are viewed on Snapchat every day by 187 million daily active users.

Before joining Snap, Seth was an award-winning reality TV producer responsible for creating and Executive Producing hundreds of hours of prime-time cable content for all of...show more

Speaking on: Cocktails With Seth Goolnik, Snapchat

Jennifer joined TLC in October 2014. As Vice President of Development, she creates and conceptualizes series, specials and programming initiatives for the network. Since joining TLC, Jennifer has brought in a variety of new series, such as OutDaughtered, Family by the Ton and Lost in Transition and has worked on...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three

Sean Gottlieb is Vice President, Development and Programming for A&E, where he oversees development and production of non-fiction programming for the network.  He joined A&E in April 2014.

A seasoned producer with over 20 years’ experience, Gottlieb developed and is Executive Producer of Live PD, the new hit series that airs live...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION; Luncheon Roundtables; Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive!

Lucas Green joined Banijay Group in January 2018. As Head of Content across the Group’s footprint of 16 production territories, he is responsible for creativity and championing new and existing formats. Hits in the group’s catalogue include enduring global formats such as Survivor, Temptation Island, Secret Life of 4 Year...show more

Speaking on: Fighting the Brain Drain

Abby Greensfelder is Co-CEO and Executive Producer at Half Yard Productions. With business partner, Sean Gallagher, Greensfelder’s passion for compelling television, unforgettable storytelling and her interest in social anthropology spurred her to start independent production company Half Yard Productions in 2006. Since inception, Half Yard has made hit series for...show more

Speaking on: 50 Shades of Premium

Melissa Grego is CEO of Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS), the leading television and media networking, education and career development association.

HRTS maintains a 70-year tradition of providing an unparalleled forum for fostering conversation and community through regularly scheduled member events, a thriving mentorship program and other initiatives in Los...show more

Speaking on: Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back

Leslie Greif, former CEO and Founder of Thinkfactory Media is known for his deep bench of television series – from CBS’s long-running Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris, and History’s multiple, Emmy-winning miniseries Hatfields & McCoys starring Kevin Costner, and Texas Rising starring Bill Paxton, to CMT’s period drama Sun...show more

Speaking on: The Agent’s-eye View

Allison Grodner is a founding partner at Fly on the Wall Entertainment.

A word-class content creator specializing in formats and live events, Fly on the Wall develops, sells and produces across all unscripted genres for broadcast and cable networks, both domestically and internationally, as well as digital platforms. Since its launch...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive!

As Senior Vice President of Development and Production for Nat Geo WILD, Janet Han Vissering is responsible for over 150 hours of programming commissioned each year globally.

In her role, Vissering manages WILD’s development team, working with the world’s leading independent producers, distributors, creative agencies and strategic broadcast partners to create...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Janet Han Vissering, Nat Geo WILD

Creative Director of FirstLookTV in the UK, Will Hanrahan has show-run Entertainment, Factual Entertainment and Comedy formats for the UK market alongside a raft of Specialist Factual and and Investigative brands for the U.S. cable and digital channels. Having spent 20 years working for or supplying the BBC and ITV,...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

Jennifer Harkness is Senior Vice President of Sales and Development USA for Toronto based Cream Productions. Amongst their many credits include The Dictator’s Playbook (PBS, NGCI), Fear Thy Neighbor (Discovery ID), Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan (Travel Channel) and Blood and Fury (America’s Civil War (AHC).

In her role, Harkness is...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

With a penchant for bringing strong, often international teams together, Kate is involved in all aspects of production at Cream; from the development of a kernel of an idea to financing, production and final tweaks in an editing room. She is always cultivating new projects and partnerships, and her numerous...show more

Speaking on: Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up

Brent Hatherill fulfills a critical role on the content strategy team for Investigation Discovery, overseeing the conceptualization and development of ID’s original programming. Since joining the ID team full time in 2016, Hatherill has been responsible for developing projects with A-list names that resonate with ID’s fanbase, from bringing famed...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Adam has led development at Raw since 2012. He has created developed and won commissions from numerous broadcasters including CNN, Discovery, Netflix, Showtime, History, A&E and Nat Geo. Highlights include CNN’s Race For The White House, and The Kennedys, A&E’s Waco, and Discovery’s Harley and The Davidsons and Taking Fire. He has also worked as Executive Producer on the...show more

Speaking on: The Doc Boom: Can It Last?

Karin Heijink was appointed Vice President of Channels and Products at Viasat World in 2015. Previously, she worked at MTG AB between 2011 and 2015 as Vice President of Pay TV Channels East. Prior to that she worked for MTV Networks International as Senior Director of Music Content in the...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Sara Helman joined TLC in October 2015 as the Vice President of Program Development, helping to oversee development strategy and programming initiatives for the network. Helman is currently working on the 90 Day Fiancé spinoff series, 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way and has previously worked on shows including 90...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Sara Helman, TLC

Roger Henry is Vice President of Programming for MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity), responsible for overseeing the budget, strategy and scheduling of all original programming and acquisitions for the network.

Henry joined Velocity in November 2015, guiding a programming strategy that has driven the network to exceptional ratings growth during a time...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two; Coffee + Commissioners

Through StoryCentric -- the consultancy he founded in 2007 -- veteran media executive, strategist and producer Ed Hersh provides content networks and producers across all genres with insights on development, production, competitive analyses and storytelling strategies, including the shaping of non-fiction pilots and series.

His clients include the senior management of...show more

Speaking on: Content Without Borders

Mioshi Hill currently serves as Vice President of Non-Fiction Programming for Lifetime and is responsible for developing and overseeing production of non-fiction projects for the network.

Prior to joining Lifetime in December 2015, Hill was Senior Vice President of Development and Creative Affairs at Hudsun Media in Los Angeles. In this...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Mioshi Hill, Lifetime; Luncheon Roundtables

Julian P. Hobbs is co-president of Talos Films, a NY based production company founded with seasoned executive and producer Elli Hakami. Talos is currently producing a feature documentary for HBO, multiple series across Discovery Communications, a scripted series with Issa Rea’s Color Creative and “digital detox” series with Kelly Ripa...show more

Speaking on: 50 Shades of Premium

Beth Hoppe is the senior vice president for Long Form at ABC News, overseeing long-form programming including Lincoln Square Productions, “20/20” and digital features. She is based in New York and reports to ABC News President James Goldston.

Prior to joining ABC News she was the chief program executive and general...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Beth Hoppe, ABC News

Will Horowitz is an agent in ICM Partners’ unscripted and broadcasting departments.

Horowitz represents top unscripted showrunners on series for Netflix, Apple, Amazon and a number of other networks. His clients run the gamut from personalities on NBC News and ESPN to production companies with series at Fox, Bravo and Facebook...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Born in Mainz in 1968, Nikolas Hülbusch studied Theatre, Film and Television, as well as Slavic studies, at Bochum (Germany) and Katowice (Poland) Universities from 1989 to 1995. He published several articles and two books on documentary and feature film history.

After first experiences in various TV companies, he joined the...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Marcie Hume is Senior Executive Producer for A&E, responsible for developing, creating and overseeing new series for the network. She joined A&E in August 2017.

Her current projects for A&E include the limited original docu-series, The Devil Next Door, which looks at the secretive Word of Faith Fellowship Church and shocking...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION; Speed Pitching Two

Marissa Hurwitz is an agent in WME’s digital department. Her focus is on representing digital native talent, building out digital businesses for traditional talent, podcasts, and packaging projects for new distribution networks. She works with podcasters including Noor Tagouri (Sold In America), Jason and Carissa Weiser (Myths & Legends), Rayna...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast

Speaking on: 2019 Realscreen Awards (Fuse 1)

Maria Ishak is Vice President, Sales North America at all3media International and works closely with the company’s factual producers in finding co-production opportunities between the UK and US on premium unscripted projects. Ishak also heads up all tape and format sales of all3media’s growing 11, 000 hours of content, which...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Elliot is responsibility for the content and marketing strategy for RLTV Digital Video Channels launching in Q1, 2019 and is GM of “Wellness Channel” – the new name is currently embargoed.

In addition Elliot continues to oversee the programming development, production and acquisition, marketing and digital teams for RLTV’s linear channel...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three; Coffee + Commissioners; 30 Minutes With Elliot Jacobson, RLTV & RLTV Digital Video Channels

Based in Los Angeles, Tania Jacobson is SVP Sales for Endemol Shine International, managing all of ESI’s Canadian business, including local productions of MasterChef and Big Brother.

Prior to the Endemol Group and Shine Group merger, Tania was SVP Sales and Acquisitions, Americas for Shine International for four years, working with...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Jay James joined Game Show Network in 2017 from Conveyor Media, where he was co-founder and the Executive Producer of several series including Bargain Mansions for the DIY Network, the GLAAD Award-nominated New Girls On The Block for Discovery Life. Prior to Conveyor, James was the Executive Vice President of...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Jay James, Game Show Network

Brett-Patrick Jenkins is a Critic’s Choice award winning producer and television executive based in Los Angeles, and the Head of Development at Propagate Content. After studying art at the University of Texas at Austin, Brett-Patrick joined Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios and contributed to films including Hell Boy and The Haunted...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast

Kitti Jones is known for her radio voice throughout Dallas, Texas in past years. After many years of silence regarding her personal abuse story, she’s now focused on advocacy against domestic violence and lending her voice to national PSA campaigns such as Stop Violence Against Women for Lifetime. Being a...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

Marc Juris is a uniquely talented creative executive with a proven track record of creating and developing brands and compelling original content for television and digital platforms across numerous networks.

As president and general manager of WE tv, Juris oversees all aspects of the network’s creative and business functions, including original...show more

Speaking on: Cocktails With Marc Juris, WE tv

Phil has been sharing stories in front of a TV camera for over 30 years in over 130 countries on more than 1,500 program episodes and is arguably the most traveled host on the planet. He is currently serving as host and an executive producer of CBS’s multi-Emmy Award-winning reality...show more

Speaking on: Keynote Conversation: Nancy Daniels, Chief Brand Officer, Discovery & Factual; SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION

Richard was one of the most successful BBC4 Channel Controllers in its history, winning Channel of the Year twice. He has earned numerous awards, including Oscar, BAFTA, RTS, Grierson and Emmys. Among his many international documentary successes, is the Oscar winning, Man on Wire. He now oversees all Plimsoll’s documentary...show more

Speaking on: The Doc Boom: Can It Last?

As an Emmy-nominated television executive, Timothy Kuryak has developed, produced and overseen thousands of hours of programming for both broadcast and cable networks here in the United States and abroad.

Currently, Timothy serves as the SVP of Production & Development for UPtv, where he oversees all unscripted development and current programming,...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Timothy Kuryak, UP TV

Jenn is an accomplished senior media executive with a career spanning both creative and business aspects of the international entertainment industry across production, distribution and publishing. She joined Brunico Communications as Executive Director of the Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) & Associate Publisher of Playback in 2017, spearheading strategy and...show more

Speaking on: Inclusion in Unscripted: Vive La Difference

Based in the New York office, Harrison Land oversees Jupiter Entertainment’s ever-growing development department. With his passion for world-class storytelling, ability to secure fruitful partnerships, and unparalleled expertise in innovative business deals, he has successfully developed and sold over twenty series and specials across a variety of genres to multiple...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

A 15-year veteran of programming and development at Discovery Inc., Jane Latman currently holds a dual executive role as general manager of Travel Channel/Destination America and executive vice president of development and research for Investigation Discovery.

Leading the Travel Channel team, Latman has overseen a transition in the established brand to...show more

Speaking on: Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up

Jean-Pierre Laurendeau began is television career in the mid-eighties as production manager for what is known today as the TVA network.  Head of programming for Canal D from 2003 to 2015, he now manages 7 specialty television services for Bell Média in French Canada:  Canal D, for documentary, Canal Vie,...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

David Lee is Vice President of Development and Production for MotorTrend TV (formerly Velocity), responsible for producing the network’s series, specials and live programming events and developing new content.

Lee joined Discovery, Inc. as Director of Development three months prior to the Velocity’s launch in October 2011. Since then he’s been...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With David Lee, Motor Trend Group

Blake Levin serves as Vice President of Programming & Development for USA Network & SYFY, reporting to Heather Olander. Based in Los Angeles, he is responsible for bringing new series to the networks while supervising their development and production. His latest series launches include Temptation Island, Growing Up Chrisley, and...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three; Coffee + Commissioners

As Head of Unscripted Programming at Viacom’s BET Networks, Marisa Levy oversees the development and production of all original non-fiction programming.  She is a consummate storyteller with an impressive track record of understanding diverse audiences and developing content that resonates with them. Marisa’s keen understanding of American and international audiences...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

As Chief Content Officer, Lewinson is responsible for content strategy and acquisitions for Tubi, the largest free movie and TV streaming service. Lewinson heads up Tubi’s Los Angeles office where he manages one of the largest libraries in streaming (larger than Netflix). He oversees more than 200 content partners including...show more

Speaking on: Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back

As Head of Original Content, Canadian Media for Blue Ant Media, Sam brings over 25 years of commissioning and production expertise to the media company’s eight Canadian, specialty television channels including Cottage Life, T+E, Makeful, Smithsonian Canada and BBC Earth Canada. In her role, Sam has overseen original series such...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners; Speed Pitching Two

Joe Livecchi is a seasoned media professional with over 20 years of experience in content creation, programming and marketing. As a Senior Development Executive, he has created and produced dozens of TV shows as well as managed and developed hundreds of hours of content. He’s that rare professional who has...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Podcast to Broadcast

Krista Look is the Director of Original Lifestyle Content for Corus Entertainment in Toronto. In this role, she is responsible for steering the original content strategies and slates for some of Canada’s most-watched specialty networks including HGTV Canada, Food Network Canada and Slice. Krista is also responsible for overseeing reality...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners; Speed Pitching One

Bill Margol has spent over 25 years working in the media industry, covering the ground of writer, producer, editor, developer and executive. A graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Bill was EP of Special Projects at Sci-Fi Channel, overseeing specials, documentaries, stunts and events from 1993-1998....show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Ari Mark is Co-Founder of AMPLE Entertainment, a production company dedicated to hands-on, handcrafted and filmmaker led premium content. Since launching three years ago, the company has produced more than 50 hours of programming including Murder in the Heartland (Discovery ID), Cooper’s Treasure with Amblin Entertainment (Discovery), Cold Case Files...show more

Speaking on: Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up

Daniel Markell serves as senior vice president of development for Big Fish Entertainment, an MGM Company, shepherding the company’s development strategy, pursuing new talent and brand partnerships and managing the company’s development team.

Prior to Big Fish, Markell served as senior vice president of development at Sirens Media, an ITV America...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Joseph has developed, directed and produced high end, prime time documentaries for most of the major broadcasters in Britain and America, working for many of Britain's leading production companies. He started as commissioning editor for SBS in January 2012 and became head of Documentaries in June 2016.

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners; Content Without Borders

Emmy-nominated programming executive, Gena McCarthy, serves as Executive Vice President, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, FYI. She returned to Lifetime in March 2018 in an expanded role to oversee all non-fiction development and production. She developed and executive produces smash franchise Married at First Sight, now...show more

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?

Jennifer McGovern joined Fuse Media in the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Current & Development last summer. Ms. McGovern is based in the company’s Los Angeles office and reports to Chief Content Officer, J-T Ladt. Fuse Media is a cross-platform entertainment media brand for multicultural youth.

Ms. McGovern is...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Jennifer McGovern, Fuse Media

George McTeague currently serves as Senior Vice President in Development for Optomen, producers of the long running Worst Cooks in America (Food) and Mysteries at the Museum (Travel).

In his role, he is tasked with generating new character driven docuseries and creating original formats for both US broadcast and cable networks....show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Erin Mechanic serves as Director, Programming and Development for Game Show Network. Prior to Game Show Network, Mechanic was a former development exec at Spike TV and Ardaban, where she managed the development team and oversaw production on series for networks such as CMT, TLC, A&E and E!, among others.

Previously,...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Caitlin is Head of Acquisitions at Little Dot Studios; Little Dot Studios is a digital content studio and broadcaster specializing in the distribution and monetization of video content across digital platforms. In partnership with producers, TV networks, TV and film distributors, major brands or IP owners, they work across multiple...show more

Speaking on: Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back

Coming Soon...

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Winona Meringolo, Investigation Discovery

Hayden K. Meyer is a Partner, Board Member, Senior Vice President and the Head of Alternative & Factual Programming at APA, one of the largest diversified and privately-owned talent agencies in the industry with offices in Beverly Hills, Nashville, Atlanta, New York, Toronto and London.

Since joining APA in 2006, Meyer...show more

Speaking on: The Agent’s-eye View

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Speaking on: Speed Pitching One; Luncheon Roundtables

Darrell Miller, Chairman of the Entertainment Department at Fox Rothschild LLP has been a trusted advisor and deal-maker for over two decades in the areas of film, television, music and new media, with an emphasis on creating multiple streams of income for individual, production and institutional clients with high brand...show more

Speaking on: The More You Know: Avoiding Liability in the Production Workplace

Angela Molloy is WE tv’s vice president of development, based in the network’s Los Angeles office. She works closely with west coast based production partners and agencies to find fresh new unscripted programming for the network. She is currently an Executive Producer on the Marriage Boot Camp franchise and Bridezillas,...show more

Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION; Luncheon Roundtables

Alex Montalvo serves as Director of Development for Discovery Channel. In this role, he works alongside international and domestic producers to develop prime-time series for both Discovery Channel and Science Channel, while helping to steer strategy for new projects and originating new concepts internally.

Before joining Discovery Channel,...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

Melanie Moreau is Head of Premium Content Development at Complex Networks where she is responsible for the development and oversight of scripted and unscripted content for Complex across premium platforms. Most recently Melanie served as Executive Producer for season 2 of QB1, currently airing on Netflix and Why We Fight,...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Gold Morgan, TV One

Patrick Moses is a leader within the current series and development teams for Viceland. EP credits include Dopesick Nation, Noisey, The Therapist and Black Market with Michael K. Williams. He has also overseen the network's branded projects including Hustle, Beerland, Business of Life and Hungry Hearts with Action Bronson. He...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two; 30 Minutes With Patrick Moses, Viceland

Widely credited with helping to usher in the modern reality television genre with his late partner Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray continues to inspire, influence and entertain television audiences worldwide. Since the launch of The Real World (MTV) in 1992, Murray has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most...show more

Speaking on: Inclusion in Unscripted: Vive La Difference

As SVP of Non-Scripted Content for the international division of Fremantle, Angela Neillis seeks to acquire stand out, non-scripted content for Fremantle’s international portfolio.

Neillis’ responsibilities include the acquisition, development, financing and co-production of factual, entertainment and lifestyle series. With the aim of securing the most compelling content across all platforms,...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Erik Nelson is the president of Creative Differences. In 2018, Nelson produced and directed the upcoming HBO documentary The Cold Blue, and in 2017, produced and directed A&E and Netflix’s feature documentary A Gray State. In 2005, Nelson produced Werner Herzog’s feature Grizzly Man, Herzog’s 2008 Oscar nominated Encounters At...show more

Speaking on: 50 Shades of Premium

Charles Nordlander joined Travel Channel as director of development and programming in early 2016. His work as developer and executive producer of hit series including Bizarre Foods, Delicious Destinations, The Zimmern List and Man v Food has helped Travel Channel achieve the strongest growth and best ratings in its history,...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

Maria Norman is Head of Production at BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, the makers of world-leading natural history programmes, including the multi-award-winning global hits Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II and Dynasties, which is premiering on BBC America in early 2019.

Maria oversees the production of a large...show more

Speaking on: Trendwatch: Factual Comes Alive!

Sarah North is the Head of Television and Long-form Content at SoulPancake, the award-winning media and entertainment company founded by actor Rainn Wilson. SoulPancake, which was acquired by Participant Media in October 2016, spreads joy and celebrates the human experience by producing and curating uplifting, thought-provoking content that is distributed...show more

Speaking on: Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back

Andrew is an experienced television executive who has worked with the UK’s leading broadcasters. He is currently VP Development and Production at Discovery Channel where his is responsible for working with UK independents looking for the next generation of factual series for the USA Network.

He was recently a commissioning editor...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

As EVP and Head of Worldwide Alternative Programming, Jennifer O’Connell oversees the development and production of Lionsgate’s unscripted slate across all platforms. Ms. O’Connell is charged with growing the Company’s alternative television business and has secured deals with acclaimed reality producers Matt Kunitz (Kevin Hart: What the Fit, Wipeout), K.P. Anderson...show more

Speaking on: Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game

As the SVP of Global Content, Non-Scripted at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, Cecilie Olsen heads up the non-scripted acquisitions team. Olsen also actively seeks out new third party co-production partners, as well as oversees the internal labels' non-scripted programming output for international distribution. Olsen is looking for shows that are...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Sean Olsen joined the GSN team as Vice President of Development in December 2017. Olsen hails from Conveyor Media where he served as Vice President of Production directly responsible for generating and managing the creative vision on series and pilots.

Previously, Olsen made his name as a freelance Executive Producer &...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Mikael Osterby is responsible for non-scripted acquisitions at SVT. SVT (Swedish Public Service Television) is the biggest TV-station in Sweden and publishes over 1000 hours of factual acquisitions yearly. Mikael’s team focuses mainly on acquisitions and pre-buys for the station. In Scandinavia, on-line viewing is the most important focus and...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Nicole Page is a Partner at Reavis Page Jump LLP in New York and practices in the areas of media, entertainment, intellectual property and employment law.  Nicole regularly serves as counsel for film and television productions and negotiates broadcast and distribution deals. In addition, Nicole counsels on a breadth of...show more

Speaking on: The More You Know: Avoiding Liability in the Production Workplace

Brian Pargac serves as Vice President, Development, for Authentic Entertainment, a subsidiary of Endemol Shine North America. Pargac is a writer and producer with over 15 years of unscripted experience. He has extensive knowledge of both field and post production, ranging from his early days traveling for FOX on Trading...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Charlie Parsons is Vice President of Development for the National Geographic Channel, responsible for developing new projects, discovering new talent and serving as one of the network’s main points of contact for the global production community. Since joining the Channel in 2010, Parsons has developed popular series Doomsday Preppers, Inside...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Charlie Parsons, National Geographic

A recognized leader and content creator in the entertainment industry, Scott Paskoff has been bringing to market successful TV and film properties since 1995.

With a reputation for originality, judicious use of resources and a proven track record of results, Paskoff offers a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, managerial skills,...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Having worked as a writer for Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit, Troels Branth Pedersen joined the Acquisitions team with Danish state broadcaster TV 2 in 2007. Three years later he took on the role as Acquisitions Executive within the genres of documentary, factual entertainment and lifestyle procuring programming for Denmark’s leading broadcaster. In addition to...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Caroline Perez serves as Vice President, Development and Production for Science Channel. She is responsible for bringing new series and specials to Science, Discovery and the international channels of Discovery, Inc. She supervises the development and production of new concepts from greenlight to air, and oversees current series through production...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners; Speed Pitching Two

Babette Perry graduated from UCLA as a Communications Major. She was the head of Broadcasting at ICM for many years before leaving to run the west coast Broadcasting division at IMG. Perry is now the head of Alternative/broadcasting and a Partner at Innovative Artists. She specializes in representing entertainment hosts,...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Maggie Pisacane is a partner in WME’s non-scripted television department and co-runs the agency’s documentary group. In her role, she focuses on premium non-fiction and documentary projects, representing directors, producers, production companies and talent.

She works with renowned filmmakers, including: Roger Ross Williams, Chai Vasarhelyi & Jimmy Chin, Heidi Ewing &...show more

Speaking on: The Agent’s-eye View

Noah Pollack is a media consultant and the founder of M.A.P. Media & Consulting. An award winning producer and network executive, Pollack has both extensive domestic and international programming experience, selling and producing series at four American broadcast networks, as well as launching the highest rated shows on three separate...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

Leela Pon is the SVP of Development for E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for daily oversight of the team that works to develop and create new shows and formats for the global pop culture network.

Pon has been integral in developing and overseeing E! series including Busy Tonight, Botched, Ashlee...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Leela Pon, E!

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Kate Presutti, Quibi

Chanel Pysnik serves as Director of Development for CNN Original Series, where she oversees creative development strategy on the West Coast. In this role, she is responsible for expanding CNN and HLN’s Original Series rosters by identifying and executing new non-fiction projects from development through series greenlight. Chanel has increased...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

Jenny Ramirez currently serves as VP, Unscripted Programming for TNT and TBS, helping to oversee unscripted development and current for both networks. For TBS, she most recently oversaw two seasons of Snoop Dogg Presents: The Joker’s Wild, as well as the upcoming comedy game show The Misery Index, featuring Jameela...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Jenny Ramirez, TBS & TNT

Neil Regan serves as Vice President of Programming for HGTV and Food Network where he manages the development and production of series and specials. He came to the networks from Travel Channel, which he rejoined in 2016.

Prior to Discovery, Regan completed a three-year stint as Senior Vice...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Neil Regan, Food Network

Ben Relles is Head of Unscripted Programming for YouTube Originals. In this role he is responsible for the development of unscripted series such as Kevin Hart: What the Fit, Will Smith: The Jump and Mind Field starring Michael Stevens. He has also overseen the launch of several documentaries including Demi...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One; Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back; 30 Minutes With Ben Relles, YouTube Originals

Candace Rice is one of the stars of MTV’s hit new show Floribama Shore. Currently in their second season with heavy potential for a successful 3rd season, the show is rising in viewers with every episode, reaching over 1million+ viewers a night. In addition to the show and her work...show more

Speaking on: Fighting the Brain Drain

Joe Rivadeneira has been leading mitú's Unscripted creative and business development department since January 2017 specializing in broadcast, cable and digital OOT platforms. Being the worlds largest Latino based digital media company, mitu brought Rivadeneira on to focus on developing their social content and creating long-form content licensing opportunities. While...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three

Zoe Rogovin serves as VP of Development at Bravo. In addition to her role on the development team, she is a contributing member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee at NBCU Cable. Her undeniable passion for development and contribution of original ideas, like upcoming docu series Mexican Dynasties based in Mexico City,...show more

Speaking on: New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game

Jane Root is a leading creative executive who has transformed major networks on both sides of the Atlantic. She has built a reputation for innovation, determination and delivery in both television and digital.

In 2008, Root set up her own TV production company Nutopia. With offices in London and Washington...show more

Speaking on: 50 Shades of Premium

David Royle leads the editorial team that launched the Smithsonian Channel, overseeing commissioning, acquiring, producing and scheduling. Smithsonian Channel is now available by satellite, cable and telecom service, as well as on multiple digital and mobile platforms. He is also responsible for Smithsonian Networks international business development and channel distribution....show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With David Royle, Smithsonian Channel; Content Without Borders

Loren Ruch is the Senior Vice President of Programming, Partnerships and Special Events for HGTV. He oversees programming tied to the company’s ad sales-driven initiatives, including custom, cross-network and fully-integrated programs. He also develops and manages series and specials such as My Lottery Dream Home, Brother vs. Brother, Property Brothers...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Loren Ruch, HGTV

Jason Ryan is a Media Professional with over a decade of experience in television production and cable television. He began his television career as producer of the Hampton University television news program, HU on Point, while he studied Broadcast Journalism. Upon graduating from Hampton University, he was hired as the...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

Lynn Sadofsky currently serves as Vice President of Programming and Development for Discovery, Inc.’s Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, Sadofsky works with programmers to develop new series, manage show production and cultivate new talent for the two networks. She also serves as one of the senior liaisons...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Wayne Sampson is Vice President of Programming & Development for USA Network & Syfy.  In his role, Sampson oversees development and production of non-fiction programming for both networks.

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Wayne Sampson, Syfy & USA Network

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Speaking on: SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION

Jessica Schmiedchen is an innovative media executive with close to 20 years experience in content development. In her role in CBC’s Unscripted Content group, Jessica oversees development of formats and original content in the genres of factual entertainment, arts, and doc series - on both linear television and on the...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Joseph Schneier is Discovery Channel’s Vice President of Development and Production, heading the West Coast Development team, based at the Discovery Channel offices in Los Angeles.

Schneier first joined Discovery in 2012. He has executive produced multiple hours for Shark Week and oversaw the hit series Alaskan Bush People and Moonshiners....show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Daniel A. Schwartz joined Travel Channel in 2008 as a director of programming. His work as developer and executive producer of the network’s highest rated series – the original Man v. Food, Ghost Adventures and Expedition Unknown – have helped Travel Channel achieve double-digit ratings growth. Schwartz was promoted to...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

Keren is one of the leading pioneers of the Israeli formats sales market, exporting content of all genres to markets worldwide. Shahar, who joined Keshet in October 2006, is in charge of the company's international sales, including business affairs, and overall strategy of the company's international activities. During her tenure,...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

In this role, he is the creative executive behind the development of original concepts, unique formats, and fresh new talent. Matt is joined IPC from heading development for Asylum Entertainment where he executive produced and shepherded successful series such as To Rome For Love on Bravo, Speed Is The New...show more

Speaking on: New Buyers. New Mandates: Upping Your Pitching Game

Alec Shankman is the Senior Vice President and Head of Alternative Programming, Digital Media and Licensing at Abrams Artists Agency. He started his career in Hollywood at Abrams in 2003 where he personally launched the very successful and quickly growing department. Alec and his team represent many of the top...show more

Speaking on: Fighting the Brain Drain

Evan Shapiro is an Emmy and Peabody Award Winner who has produced or created more than 150 television series, specials or documentaries, including Portlandia, Comedy Bang Bang, Please Like Me, Take My Wife, Shrink, Trapped In The Closet, Harmonquest, Laurie Kilmartin’s 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, HitRecord, Fortitude, Carlos,...show more

Speaking on: Fighting the Brain Drain

Jean Shi serves as the Vice President, Alternative Programming and Development for Fremantle in North America. Shi is responsible for developing and selling original unscripted series, with a focus on global formats for cable. Her role at Fremantle allows her to capitalize on the company’s extensive catalogue of titles, as...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Barnaby Shingleton is the Director of Entertainment and Factual at Sky Vision, the production and distribution company founded by Sky PLC in 2012. The distribution arm represents over 6,000 hours of quality non-scripted programming across all key genres, from Sky Original Productions and independent third party production. Sky Vision also...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

In his role as Chief Business Officer, Jeff is responsible for growing and managing Pluto TV's portfolio of partnerships, strategically positioning the company to achieve its audience and revenue objectives, and identifying and executing key growth initiatives. Shultz has spent nearly his entire 20+ year career at the intersection of...show more

Speaking on: Streamer Wars: AVOD Strikes Back

Pam Silverstein is supervising producer of TV and film at Shopify. Leveraging more than 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Silverstein brings to Shopify a wide range of production and development expertise, encompassing TV, film and digital – including originals, adapted material and branded content.

Silverstein began...show more

Speaking on: Fighting the Brain Drain

Tamra Simmons is the executive producer on the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly which has reached over 24.5 million viewers since its debut on Jan 3. She was previously a producer on Growing Up Hip Hop, Mary Mary and a casting producer for major brands.

Luxury branding and entertainment...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Jon Sinclair, OWN

Jonathan Skogmo is Founder and CEO of Jukin Media. Under his leadership, the company has grown to more than 170 employees with offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and New Delhi. Jukin is the world’s first media company that’s powered entirely by user-generated video content.

Skogmo has been named to...show more

Speaking on: The Way We Work: Evolving the Prodco Model

Betsy Slenzak is the Vice President of Development at E! Entertainment, where she is responsible for the daily management of a multitude of unscripted development projects and creating new hit shows and formats for the global pop culture network.

Slenzak has played an essential role in developing and overseeing E! series...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Since establishing part2 pictures in 2007 in his native New York, David Shadrack Smith has produced over 200 hours of award-winning programming, partnered with a dozen networks, filmed in 60 countries and created thought-provoking content around leading talent such as Lisa Ling, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Tony Harris and LL Cool...show more

Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: David Shadrack Smith, Part2 Pictures

Tori Socha is currently Vice President, Original Programming for Paramount Network.  Since joining then-Spike in 2013, Socha has served as Executive in Charge of current series such as Ink Master and Bar Rescue, developed hit spinoffs Ink Master: Redemption and Ink Angels and oversaw development of series such as Caraoke...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Tori Socha, Paramount Network; Luncheon Roundtables

Nicole Sorrenti is a top creative with over 20 years of television experience as both a Showrunner and an Exec. As the Chief Creative Officer she oversees all of Half Yard’s output, heading up current and development, and leading creative strategy, making shows and developing formats for a wide range...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Amanda Spain is a documentary producer/director with over 15 years of experience. She is the founder of Giving Voice Films which is committed to producing compelling documentaries for both the large and small screen. Most recently, Amanda produced the audience favorite Bathtubs Over Broadway which premiered at Tribeca and was...show more

Speaking on: The Doc Boom: Can It Last?

Brian Speiser is a Partner at APA and a Vice President in the agency’s Alternative & Factual Programming Department.

APA’s Alternative & Factual Department represents the creative and business interests of award-winning producers, directors, branded personalities and production companies including 10Fold Productions, Cineflix Productions, Collins Avenue, G Unit Film & Television,...show more

Speaking on: Happy Together? How SVODs Have Changed The Game

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Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Carlyn Staudt, EVP, Love Nature Programming & Development leads the global programming strategy of Love Nature’s linear platform internationally and commissions original content to grow the brand’s extensive library of 4K natural history programming. Prior to this, Staudt held numerous roles at National Geographic. As SVP, Global Programming and Managing...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Carlyn Staudt, Love Nature

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Stephanie Steele, Oxygen; Speed Pitching Three; Luncheon Roundtables; Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With David Stefanou, WE TV; SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION

Bo Stehmeier is President of Red Arrow Studios International, the distribution arm of Red Arrow Studios, including TV distributor Red Arrow Studios International, based in Munich, London, Los Angeles and Hong Kong; and US independent film distributor Gravitas Ventures.

Bo joined Red Arrow Studios International in 2016 as SVP Global Sales,...show more

Speaking on: Format Future: Global Trends and Takeaways

Adam Steinman served as Vice President, Non-Scripted International Development & Sales from October 2010 until October 2016 and in November 2016 was promoted to Vice President, Creative, Format, Development & Sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP), where scripted formats have been added to his remit.

In this...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners

Based  in  New  York,  Igal  Svet  is  Senior  Director,  Development  for  the  National  Geographic  Channel,  responsible  for  ideation  and  development  of  original  premium  content  for  the  global  channel.  Svet  is  the  main  point  of  contact  with  the  production  community  in  New  York.  Prior  to  National  Geographic,  he  served  as  Vice ...show more

Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Howard Swartz, Discovery Channel

Rob Swartz is Sr. Vice President of Development and Current Programming at REELZ, a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network connecting its viewers to Hollywood wherever it happens. Swartz leads creative execution of the network’s development and production slate. 

Prior to joining REELZ, Swartz served as President of production company...show more

Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Rob Swartz, Reelzchannel

Susan Taylor is an experienced media executive with an expertise in unscripted content. In her current role as Executive in Charge of Production and Development Susan has been instrumental in helping to build the CBC’s Factual Entertainment Department.

Currently Susan is overseeing season two of The Great Canadian Baking Show, Canada’s...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

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Speaking on: 30 Minutes With Kurt Tondorf, Animal Planet

As President, Cineflix Productions, Charles Tremayne oversees production in Canada and the US from our Toronto and New York offices. His credits include long-running hits American Pickers and Mayday, crime series The Last 24, Secrets of the Morgue, The Eleven, Motives & Murders: Cracking the Case, Surviving Evil, Detectives Club:...show more

Speaking on: Content Without Borders

Upon graduation from Connecticut College in 1993, Mark started working as an assistant to the head of the commercial dept at Abrams Artists Agency, in NY. After 2.5 years, he was promoted to agent; and started up the Host/Broadcast Division. Over the last 2 decades, the department, has morphed into...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Agents

Jane Turton was appointed Chief Executive Officer of All3Media in 2015, following the acquisition of the business by Discovery and Liberty Global. She is responsible for setting and implementing the businesses’ global strategy, and driving growth both organically and through acquisition in the UK and internationally. A main focus is to ensure that...show more

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?

Kathryn Vaughan is President of Good Caper Content, part of the ITV America group, responsible for all development, programming and production across broadcast, cable and digital platforms. Series produced by Good Caper Content include Killing Fields (Discovery) and Evil Twins (ID Investigation Discovery), among others.

A veteran TV showrunner with nearly...show more

Speaking on: Crime TV: How To Stand Out In The (Police) Line-up

Nicole Vogel is director of development at WE tv. She is based in the network’s New York headquarters where she works with production companies, agencies, and potential talent to find and develop new unscripted formats and docuseries. She developed and is currently an Executive Producer on WE tv series Love...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One; SUMMIT SHOWDOWN: INTERNATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION

Speaking on: What Now? What Next?; The Doc Boom: Can It Last?

Jessica Watson is Director of Global Sales & Acquisitions at Boat Rocker Media. In this role, Watson is responsible for cultivating sales and distribution partnerships with producers, broadcasters and global content buyers. Prior to joining Boat Rocker Media, Watson held the position of Manager, TV International Acquisitions at Entertainment One...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Coming Soon...

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two; Luncheon Roundtables

Nina Weinstein is the Director of Development for MSNBC Longform programming. She joined NBC NEWS in 2015, bringing an extensive background in non-fiction television production and development. Prior to joining NBC, she served as Senior Producer for RocknRobin, Robin Roberts’ production company and was a programming consultant for Fusion Television.

Previously...show more

Speaking on: Coffee + Commissioners

Todd Weiser is Vice President of Programming and Development for Food Network and Cooking Channel. In this role, he oversees a talented team developing new series, specials and tentpoles for the networks. In addition to creating new content, he and his team oversee all of Food Network and Cooking Channel’s...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

As Head of Acquisitions at Passion Distribution, Sean Wheatley spearheads the company’s content acquisition activity, working closely with Passion Distribution’s production partners - both with independent producers and the Tinopolis group companies. Since joining the company in June 2018 Sean has acquired a range of high-quality unscripted titles from production...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Jessica Winchell is an executive, executive producer, developer and showrunner with experience in factual entertainment in linear and digital worlds. Having been on all sides of production has made her an intuitive exec that executes at every level. 

At growing media company OZY, Jessica created with a lean team to create...show more

Speaking on: The More You Know: Avoiding Liability in the Production Workplace

Justina Hemperek is the Manager, Factual Acquisitions UK & Europe for Entertainment One Television International (eOne). She presently handles the division’s robust acquisition efforts across Europe. Prior to joining eOne, Hemperek held a similar role at ITV Studios Global Entertainment and has also spent time at All3Media International and RDF...show more

Speaking on: Meet an Expert - Distributors

Keith Wooten is a Los Angeles native, but he left the city for 15 years to attend college and get his start in the entertainment business. While a freshman in college at Clark Atlanta University he began interning in the music business and eventually landed an assistant position in the...show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two

Fay Yu serves as Senior Director of Development for Animal Planet. In this role she is responsible for bringing new series and specials to Animal Planet while supervising the development and production of concepts to green light, in addition to maintaining the quality of current series through production and delivery....show more

Speaking on: Speed Pitching One

Kannie Yu LaPack is Senior Vice President, Publicity and Public Affairs, for Lifetime and Lifetime Movies (LMN). Based in Los Angeles, Yu LaPack oversees the bicoastal publicity team in all consumer, trade, awards strategy and public affairs initiatives for the networks.

Most recently, Yu LaPack lead all the publicity and public...show more

Speaking on: Case Study: How Surviving R. Kelly is Igniting Conversation

Matt Zien is the Vice President of Development for The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), an Emmy-winning production company and industry leader in premium unscripted content. Since being founded in 2016 by Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, IPC has produced more than 200 hours of programming, including the Emmy-winning and/or nominated...show more

Speaking on: Pitching Partners