Speakers + Hosts

Alona Abt

CEO, Hop! Channel Ltd

Alona Abt founded The Hop! Channel, the world’s first dedicated preschool channel that is today Israel’s flagship media destination for children through age 7. Zebra Communications operates several channels on cable and satellite platforms around the world, combining the best of international children’s programming with award-winning original productions. At the forefront of technology and its convergence with content, Zebra also creates content for mobile and emerging media platforms, as well as operates several internet sites aimed at diverse audiences.

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Michael Acton Smith

CEO, Mind Candy

Michael has been described by the Daily Telegraph as "a Rock Star version of Willy Wonka" and by the Independent as "a polite version of Bob Geldolf". He is the CEO, Creative Director and founder of online games studio Mind Candy. The company created Moshi Monsters which has over 50m players online and is now expanding offline into books, toys, music, trading cards, TV and film. Mind Candy's first project was the Transmedia game Perplex City that played out across different media including websites, text messages, magazines, live events, skywriting and multiple helicopters. Prior to Mind Candy, Michael co-founded Firebox.com (online retailer of gadgets, games and gifts), Berwickstock (boutique music festival) and Silicon Drinkabout (a weekly networking event in London's Silicon Roundabout).

Speaking at Digital Debate: Does a Narrative Paradigm Shift Cometh?

Robin Agranoff

Vice President, Programming, Disney Channels, Disney Channel

Robin Agranoff is responsible for managing program planning and scheduling for basic cable ratings leader Disney Channel and its programming block for preschoolers, Disney Junior. Robin joined Disney in 2005 from Discovery Kids, where she was Director of Programming and Operations from 2000 to 2005. During her five-year tenure, she built a strong reputation as a programming strategist. Robin was part of the ABC Television Network team in New York from 1998 to 2000, working in research for Daytime and Children’s Programming before transitioning to Discovery Kids. From 1994 to 1998, she did a stints at Turner International and Turner Entertainment Group—booking guests on the late-night cartoon talk show Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and then later working in the Research Department. Robin has a degree in Radio/TV/Film from Northwestern University’s School of Speech, and is a volunteer big sister for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of L.A., where she resides.

Speaking at Scheduling Showdown: The Programming Stuntmasters

JJ Ahearn

Managing Director, Licensing Street

JJ is a veteran of the licensing industry and currently serves as Managing Director of Licensing Street LLC. Licensing Street's clients include some of the world's leading companies including American Greetings, National Geographic Kids, and Paramount Pictures. Previously JJ served as Director of Licensing and New Business Development for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, as well as CBS Television, working on such hit properties as: SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, South Park, Chappelle’s Show, Survivor, CSI, Beverly Hills 90210 and Star Trek. Before relocating to New York, JJ served as General Manager of Memcorp Asia in Hong Kong, manufacturers of Memorex consumer electronics. As General Manager he established licensing agreements worldwide for Memorex brand including Canada, Mexico, Latin America, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and more. JJ has an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a BSBA from the University of Florida.

Speaking at Cracking the Character Code

Ronit Alkon

Director of Acquisitions, ZEBRA TV CHANNELS - HOP! & LULI & PARENTS CHANNELS

Ronit Alkon is Director of Acquisitions for Zebra TV Channels Ltd. a leading media company in Israel, which provides contents for multiple platforms and sustaining a 360 degree spectrum as an innovative pioneer, operating specialty channels on cable, DBS, internet, and VOD services.

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Donna Andrews

CEO & Partner, Sticky Pictures Pty Ltd

Donna’s extensive experience in television broadcasting includes senior management positions at Network Ten, ABCTV, Nickelodeon and Channel [V]. In 2000 Donna moved into independent television production and is a founding partner and the CEO / Executive Producer of Sticky Pictures Pty Ltd.

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Speaking at (11:00-11:30) Mentor Meeting: Development & Pitching, Co-pro Catch-up: Canada and Australia

Bill Anker

VP, Business Development & Licensing, D3Publisher of America Inc

Bill Anker brings more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment software business to D3Publisher. In his role as vice president of business development and licensing, Anker oversees D3P’s content and product acquisition activities on a global basis and manages the company’s relationships with licensors to develop quality interactive entertainment based upon licensed franchise brands.

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Speaking at (10:30-11:00) Mentor Meeting: Licensing

Sarah Aspinall

Head of Kids TV, BT Vision Kids

Sarah is the current Head of Kids TV for UK based Freeview and VOD platform BT Vision, currently the fast growing digital platform in the UK. In her capacity Sarah overseas and implements all strategy, planning, scheduling and acquisitions for the children's content offering on the BT Vision platform.

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Speaking at (4:00-4:30) 30 Minutes With...Sarah Aspinall, BT Vision Kids

Justine Bannister

International Business Development, PGS Entertainment

Speaking at Pitching Clinics

Emily Barclay

Senior Producer Development, Disney Interactive Media Group

Speaking at (12:30-1:30) Lunching With...

Andrew Beecham

SVP Programming, Sprout

Andrew Beecham is Senior Vice President, Programming for Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on-demand and online for kids ages two to five and their parents and caregivers. Beecham is responsible for program and digital strategy, original programming, scheduling, program operations and acquisitions for Sprout’s digital cable channel and video-on-demand (VOD) and online offerings.

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Speaking at (1:00-2:00) Lunching With..., (3:00-3:30) 30 Minutes With...Andrew Beecham, Sprout

Kay Benbow

Controller CBeebies, CBeebies

Kay was appointed Controller, CBeebies in May 2010 and is responsible for commissioning all content for the under 6’s across all platforms – TV, Online and Radio. Kay has over 20 years experience in Children's programming, primarily at the BBC but also in the Independent sector.

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Speaking at Channel Team Spotlight: BBC Children's, (4:00-4:30) 30 Minutes With...Kay Benbow, CBeebies, (12:30-1:30) Lunching With..., (2:00-2:30) 30 Minutes With...Kay Benbow, CBeebies

Carlos Biern

Executive VP Coproductions & Worldwide Distribution, B.R.B. Internacional, S.A.

Executive in charge of setting up international creative teams for the development and financing of animation series in BRB. His experience includes more than 20 coproductions in Europe, Northamerica and Asia with series such as Iron Kid, Bernard, The Imp, Khuda-yana, Suckers, Zoobabú, Kambu or Canimals. Aside of coproductions he is right now responsible for heading audiovisual, merchandising and digital/new technologies distribution of the BRB group.

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Brenda Bisner

USA Sales Representative, PGS Entertainment

Speaking at (4:00-4:30) Mentor Meeting: Distribution & Sales

Laurence Blaevoet

Head of Children's Programs and Channels, Canal + - Youth Department

Laurence Blaevoet was appointed Director of Programming for the Canal+ Group’s youth unit in 2010, after spending 10 years operating in the same role for Canal+ Channels.

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Speaking at (11:00-11:30) 30 Minutes With... Laurence Blaevoet, Canal+

Sophie Boé

Head of Animated Programmes, Canal +

Sophie Boé is responsible for all family and kids co-productions and presales for Canal+ Group Channels including Canal+, Canal+ Family, Piwi and TéléTOON. She has been with the French broadcaster for 13 years, getting her start as a Production Executive on Le Dessin Anime in 1998. Before that, Sophie worked in cultural and artistic events production.

Speaking at (1:00-2:00) Lunching With..., Speed Pitching 3

Carole Bonneau

VP Programming, TELETOON Canada Inc.

Carole is VP of Programming for TELETOON Canada, where she oversees program schedules, acquisitions and original production for four nationwide television networks: TELETOON, TÉLÉTOON, TELETOON Retro and TÉLÉTOON Rétro.

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Speaking at (3:00-3:30) 30 Minutes With...Carole Bonneau, TELETOON

Julien Borde

General Secretary of Programming, France Telévisions

Julien Borde has been overseeing children’s and youth programming across all of France Télévision’s channels since October 2008, when he was promoted into the expanded role from his previous position as Director of the youth department at France 3.

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Speaking at (12:30-1:30) Lunching With..., (3:00-3:30) 30 Minutes With...Julien Borde, France Televisions

Jules Borkent

SVP, Global Acquisitions & Programming, Nickelodeon

Based in New York, Jules Borkent oversees program acquisitions worldwide for Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons, as well as programming strategies for Nickelodeon’s international networks. Working in close partnership with Nickelodeon creative teams around the world, Jules identifies programming and cross-promotional opportunities to best leverage Nickelodeon’s programming and brand portfolio.

Speaking at (1:00-2:00) Lunching With..., (12:00-12:30) 30 Minutes With...Jules Borkent, Nickelodeon

Deirdre Brennan

GM and Director of Channels and Branded Services, Australasia, BBC Worldwide

Deirdre Brennan joined BBC Worldwide Australia as the Director of Television for its Channels business in August 2010. She is responsible for production, programming, acquisitions, on-air promotions and presentation for BBC Worldwide's portfolio of channels within Australasia: UKTV and UKTV NZ, BBC Knowledge and CBeebies.

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Speaking at Channel Team Spotlight: BBC Children's, Channel Team Spotlight: ABC Children's