Nat Abraham

President, Distribution

Breakthrough Entertainment

Nat brings to his role as head of distribution at Breakthrough Entertainment more than 19 years of experience in the acquisition and distribution of television programming.

In addition to his 11 years at Nielsen Media Research Canada, as Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Nat also served as Vice President...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Co-Productions & Financing

Alona Abt

CEO

HOP! Channel

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. ...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2; Lunching With...

Finn Arnesen

SVP, International Distribution & Development

Hasbro International

Veteran children’s programming executive Finn Arnesen joined Hasbro Studios as senior VP, international distribution and development, in April 2010. In his role, Arnesen manages Hasbro Studios’ global content sales, distribution, channel and program development activities outside of North America, extending across television, online and other emerging media.

Previously, Arnesen served...Click here for more

Speaking at: Kidscreen Time Machine: A Future-Focused Debate

Evan Baily

President

Consolidated Baily

Evan Baily makes entertainment and builds brands and businesses for kids at the intersection of TV, video games, and digital media. He believes that even as production methodologies, modes of interaction, and delivery systems change, the key to making great stuff remains the same: focusing on characters, stories, and...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitch It!—Engaging the Second Screen; A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Janet Balmforth

Director

DDA Blueprint Public Relations

Janet Balmforth has over fifteen years’ experience in the international television and licensing industries with considerable expertise in PR, journalism, marketing and event organisation, combined with strong industry and media relations.

She is co-Director of DDA Blueprint, a specialist PR agency with a global and renowned client base and a...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants

Charlie Barr

Director of Business Development

Smashing Ideas Inc

Charlie Barr has over a decade of experience developing deep partnerships in the digital and brand ecosphere. Prior to Smashing, Barr helped start and build Pinch/Zoom, a mobile consulting and development agency focused on building market-defining digital experiences for global Fortune 500 companies and consumer brands such as ADP, Deloitte,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

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...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 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.

Under Kay's leadership CBeebies...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitch It!—Engaging the Second Screen; Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Kay Benbow, CBeebies

Jennifer Bennett

Director, Licensing Acquisitions, Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price

Jennifer Bennett currently serves as Director Licensing Acquisitions, Fisher-Price where she is charged with evaluating new properties, securing new licenses and managing relationships with existing licensors. Prior to joining Fisher-Price, Jennifer held senior licensing and branding positions with a number of production and distribution companies including Entertainment One and Alliance...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Licensing

Jim Benton

Owner/Artist

Benton Arts

Jim Benton knows what kids like. He is the creator of the licensing phenomena It’s Happy Bunny, which has sold over three quarters of a billion dollars worth of product at retail. He’s the author and illustrator of the popular series Franny K. Stein, and the New York Times bestselling...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: 6 to 11s

Mark Bishop

Co CEO & Executive Producer

marblemedia

Mark Bishop, Co-CEO and Executive Producer, marblemedia, co-founded The Company with his business partner Matt Hornburg. Now celebrating its 10th year in the business of entertaining audiences around the world, marblemedia remains focused on innovative content creation and distribution for television and digital media with a commitment to telling stories...Click here for more

Speaking at: A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Laurence Blaevoet

Head of Children's Programs and Channels

Canal +

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.

Laurence is a graduate of the Paris School of Journalism, and started her career as a journalist at RTL-Télévision. In 1985, she joined TMC...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Laurence Blaevoet, Canal+ Youth Department

Barry Blumberg

EVP

Alloy Digital

As EVP for Alloy Digital, a leading next generation media company for the 12-34 demographic and a top-10 video network, Barry Blumberg guides editorial strategy and programming development for Alloy Digital-owned sites and video channels under the Alloy Digital Network. They include popular properties Alloy, Clevver TV, Crushable, The Escapist,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—YouTube

Jo Boag

Creative Director

SLR Productions Pty Ltd

Jo is an Emmy Award winning Creative Director and is in charge of developing and overseeing all animation productions at SLR.

These projects include the international bestselling picture book turned preschool show Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare (Scrawl, KI.KA, HR, Disney Junior,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Co-Productions & Financing

Carole Bonneau

VP Programming

TELETOON Canada Inc.

Carole Bonneau is Vice-President, Programming for TELETOON Canada Inc., where she oversees program schedules, acquisitions and original production for four nationwide television networks: TELETOON, TÉLÉTOON, TELETOON Retro and TÉLÉTOON Rétro.

Bonneau joined Teletoon in November, 1996 as Director of Programming and became Vice-President of Programming in December 2001. Since joining...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Carole Bonneau, TELETOON Canada

Jules Borkent

SVP, Programming and Acquisitions, Nick International

Nickelodeon Networks

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....Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitch It!—Engaging the Second Screen; 30 Minutes with Jules Borkent, Nickelodeon Networks

Marty Brochstein

Senior VP

LIMA International Licensing Industry Merchandisers Assn

Marty Brochstein is responsible for LIMA's outbound communications, as well as many of its educational efforts, such as the year-round webinar program and the extensive Licensing University seminar program that takes place each year in conjunction with the Brand Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. He also has spoken at...Click here for more

Speaking at: Rolling With the New Normal

Leigh Anne Brodsky

Managing Director

Peanuts WorldWide

A licensing professional for more than 20 years, Leigh Anne Brodsky recently joined Iconix Brand Group as Managing Director of Peanuts Worldwide, where she will oversee and develop the global Peanuts business and build Iconix Entertainment. She is well known for her role as President at Nickelodeon Consumer Products,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Kidscreen Time Machine: A Future-Focused Debate

Anne Brogan

Co-Director

Kindle Entertainment

Anne has worked at a number of the major UK children's TV companies, including Thames TV and BBC Education. After a short period at Disney International, she moved to Granada Kids as Head of Drama, becoming Controller in 2004 to lead a thriving production department with a broad slate of...Click here for more

Speaking at: Give and Take: A Few Notes on Notes

Tim Brooke-Hunt

Controller ABC Children’s TV

ABC Australia

Previously a producer of Children's programs, Tim Brooke-Hunt joined ABC Television in September 2007 and is responsible for children's content on all ABC platforms, including online. His department looks after program development and commissioning, the acquisition of Australian and international content, the programming and scheduling of children's programs across three...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Tim Brooke-Hunt, ABC Children's TV

Tom Brown

VP of Production

Little Airplane Productions

As Vice President of Production & Operations at Little Airplane Productions, Tom oversees the production, operations and logistics of the individual projects as well as the company as a whole. This includes live-action and animation projects ranging from long form series to short form development. The projects under...Click here for more

Speaking at: Big-League Budgeting: A pro's guide to better production planning

Massimo Bruno

Head of TV Channels

De Agostini (DeAKids)

Massimo Bruno is Head of TV Channels at De Agostini Editore, where he runs DeAKids, DeAJunior and DeASapere (on air on Sky satellite TV platform) and Super!, a DTT TV channel free to air on Italian television.

DeAKids is a channel dedicated to kids and family targets rich of new...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Lunching With...

Miles Bullough

CEO

Miles Bullough has been an executive producer in the kids and entertainment industries for 20 years. Until recently he was Head of Broadcast at Aardman Animations where he executive produced Wallace and Gromit, Shaun The Sheep, Creature Comforts, Timmy Time and many other multi-award winning shows.

Prior to Aardman, Miles was...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitching Clinic; Mentor Meeting: Pitching & Development; Pitching Clinic

Michael Carrington

Head of Content & Production

Turner Broadcasting System International Inc

As Chief Content Officer (CCO), Michael oversees the development and creation of all original series, co-productions, and program acquisitions for Turners portfolio of children's channels within the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Michael has worked with many different formats, including live-action drama, game shows, and animation production. He has...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Cecilia Persson & Michael Carrignton, Turner Broadcasting EMEA

Brian Casentini

SVP Development & Production

Saban Brands (VORTEXX)

Brian Casentini oversees all original and acquired programming for Vortexx, a new multi-platform kids entertainment brand that delivers high-energy action, adventure and comedy, both on television with a 5-hour Saturday morning kids block on The CW broadcast network and online with a 24/7/365 robust digital experience at www.MyVortexx.com. Additionally,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Brian Casentini, Saban Brands

Scott Chambers

SVP, Worldwide Media Distribution

Sesame Workshop

Scott Chambers serves as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Media Distribution at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. He is responsible for supervising all aspects of the digital, traditional, and mobile media businesses worldwide, including publishing, interactive, television, home video and audio.

Chambers joined Sesame Workshop in 2002...Click here for more

Speaking at: Kidscreen Time Machine: A Future-Focused Debate

Sarah Chumsky

Vice President Insight Kids

Insight Strategy Group

Insight Kids is a research and strategic consulting company dedicated to the development of innovative, impactful, and inspiring experiences for kids and families. Sarah has been with Insight since 2005, guiding a team that talks to kids and parents every day, on subjects ranging from action figures and SpongeBob to...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants

Jesse Cleverly

Creative Director

Connective Media

Jesse Cleverly runs a Connective Media a creative solutions Company working with a range of companies and clients including Teletoon, Aardman Animations, Nerdcorps, Disney, Working Partners, Warner Bros, TV Globo, and Method Films creating new IP based brands, usually optimised for transmedia exploitation. Prior to founding Connective in 2009, Jesse...Click here for more

Speaking at: Kidscreen Time Machine: A Future-Focused Debate

Rick Clodfelter

Director of Acquisitions

Cartoon Network US

Rick Clodfelter is director, content acquisitions and co-productions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang. In this capacity, Clodfelter is responsible for acquiring pre-produced series, specials, short-form product and series co-productions that fit the Cartoon Network and Boomerang brands for exposure on all platforms. He represents the U.S. networks at all major...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 4

Joel Cohen

Writer & Producer

Joel Cohen found success in the corporate world before making a completely illogical career move into comedy writing. Luckily for him (and taxpayers who fund the welfare system), it worked out: he became an Emmy-winning writer for The Simpsons. Cohen's experience as both a "creative" and a "suit" has not...Click here for more

Speaking at: Keynote: The Tao of Homer—Lessons in Creativity and Innovation From The Simpsons

Eric Coleman

SVP, Original Series

Disney TV Animation

Eric Coleman is Senior Vice President, Original Series, Walt Disney Television Animation, a role he's held since February 2008. He oversees the animated television development and current series for Disney Channel and Disney XD, including the top-rated Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls and Fish Hooks, as well as TRON:...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Eric Coleman, Disney TV Animation

Richard Collins

CEO

Big Tent Entertainment

Richard K. Collins, co-founder & CEO of Big Tent Entertainment, has operated successfully across many industries in a career spanning over thirty years, much of it in senior management positions.

In 2002 Mr. Collins co-founded Big Tent Entertainment as a boutique agency focused on execution of marketing and licensing...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Licensing

Victor Coolman

VP, Programming, Nickelodeon Northern Europe

Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe

As VP Programming for Nickelodeon in Northern Europe, Victor Coolman is responsible for all programming and acquisitions for the 18 Nickelodeon branded channels within this territory, as well as oversight of the Nick Jr. global feed and the Nickelodeon affiliate feed, each available in more than 25 countries. Based in...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4

Geoff Cooper

Consultant Live Action Commissioning

ABC Australia

Geoff Cooper is Consultant, Live Action Commissioning for ABC Childrens TV Australia. Originally from the US, Geoff has built his 20 year film and television career in Australia, the last 15 working primarily in Children's Television. As an ABC Network Executive Producer Geoff has overseen several productions including...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4

Joe D'Ambrosia

VP, Original Programming, Disney Junior

Disney Junior

Joe D'Ambrosia is Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Junior. He oversees production and creative development of entertainment and learning-based television properties including cable's #1 series among Boys 2-5, the Annie Award-winning Jake and the Never Land Pirates, the Emmy-nominated Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the popular short-form series Minnie's Bow-Toons and the...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool; 30 Minutes with Joe D'Ambrosia, Disney Junior

Carla de Jong

Executive In Charge of Production and Development CBC Children's and Youth Programming

Kids’ CBC

As Executive in Charge of Production for Kids' CBC, Carla is responsible for overseeing the development, production and daily management of Children's programmes, both commissioned and in house for Canada's public broadcaster. Prior to her current role, Carla was Head of Commissioning and Development of Children's Content for Australia's public...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Lunching With...

Tiphaine de Raguenel

Head of Children and Youth Activities

France Télévisions

Aged 40, Tiphaine de Raguenel graduated from l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Paris Institute of Political Studies). She started her career at Carat / Aegis Media Group as a consultant, then became Deputy Director in charge of consultancy assignments for producers and broadcasters. In 2006, she joined the children’s and...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Tiphaine de Raguenel, France Télévision; Lunching With...

Paul DeBenedittis

SVP, Programming, Scheduling, Multiplatform, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide

Disney ABC Television Group

Paul DeBenedittis is Senior Vice President, Programming Strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide. He joined the company in 2008 after 10 years at MTV Networks in New York.

DeBenedittis leads the planning, scheduling, acquisitions and co-production teams in the U.S. and is responsible for over 300 hours of televised programming across the...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Paul DeBenedittis, Disney Channels Worldwide

Sebastian Debertin

Head of Fiction, Acquisition & Co-Productions

KI.KA

Sebastian Debertin helped create and launch KI.KA - Der Kinderkanal of ARD & ZDF in November 1996. As Head of Fiction, Acquisitions and Co-productions, a position he has held for more than 15 years, Sebastian oversees all international acquisitions, productions and co-productions. Sebastian has won several national and international awards...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Sebastian Debertin, KI.KA

Michael Dee

Director of Content

Coolabi

Michael Dee is Director of Content at London-based Coolabi. With more than twenty years of experience in developing content, brands and properties in the media and entertainment industries, he is responsible for all creative content for the children's group portfolio. He is currently a development and executive producer on the...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Pitching & Development

Elie Dekel

President

Saban Brands

Elie Dekel serves as the president of Saban Brands, an affiliate of Saban Capital Group. Formed in 2010, Saban Brands acquires and develops a world-class portfolio of consumer properties and capitalizes on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing these brands through content, media and marketing....Click here for more

Speaking at: Kidscreen Time Machine: A Future-Focused Debate

Steven DeNure

President & COO

DHX Media Ltd.

Steven Graham DeNure, President and Chief Operating Officer of DHX, is responsible for overseeing overall operations of DHX and its subsidiaries. Mr.DeNure also serves as Executive Producer on many of the Company's television and interactive media projects. Mr. DeNure co-founded Decode Entertainment in 1997 and in 2006 merged the operations...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dollars: Finding the real money in digital distribution

Frank Dietz

Head of Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Super RTL

Frank Dietz joined Super RTL in 2000, and currently manages the channel's programming supply for daytime and primetime, as well as content for off-air platforms such as merchandising, mobile and online services.

Super RTL is Europe's leader in children's television and is jointly owned by RTL Group and Walt Disney International...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...

Jennifer Dodge

VP & Executive Producer

Spin Master

As Vice President and Executive Producer for Spin Master Entertainment, the toy company’s film and television subsidiary, Jennifer Dodge oversees the development, financing and production of all on-screen entertainment content for existing Spin Master brands and newly created intellectual properties. Dodge joined Spin Master Entertainment after serving as VP...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Pitching & Development

Jackie Edwards

Executive Producer, Animation & Acquisitions, CBeebies

CBeebies

Jackie Edwards started her career as an animation producer and consultant working on many prestigious and award-winning animated series and specials in the Independent Sector, from Bafta, RTS, Prix Jeunesse and Prix Danube winning The First Snow of Winter, for BBC1 through to Frankenstein's Cat winner of Cartoon on the...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4

Ted Ellis

VP Head of Kids and Family Programming

Corus Entertainment Inc

Speaking at: Scheduling Showdown: The Multiplatform Masters

Kirsten Fallon

Vice President Retail Development

Big Tent Entertainment

Kirsten Fallon is a specialist in sales, brand management, licensing, advertising/promotions and retail development for evergreen and emerging brands, both domestically and internationally. As VP Global Business for Big Tent Entertainment, Kirsten is charged with licensing Domo in international territories, including Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Russia....Click here for more

Speaking at: Retail Revolution

Graham Farrar

Co Founder

zuuka

Serial entrepreneur Graham Farrar is co-founder of zuuka, publishers of iTalk and the award-winning iStoryTime interactive storytelling and educational apps and ebooks. With multiple best-selling storybooks including Puss In Boots, The Smurfs and Kung Fu Panda 2, Graham has worked to create the largest multi-platform library of mobile children’s entertainment....Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

Fred Fierst

Partner

Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg LLP

A graduate of Tufts College and Columbia Law School, Fred Fierst is a well known entertainment, intellectual property, and licensing attorney with a worldwide clientele. Perhaps best known for his representation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles property from the late 1980’s through its sale to MTVN in 2009, Fred...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants

Carla Fisher

President & Founder

No Crusts Interactive

Carla Engelbrecht Fisher, Ed.D. is a game designer with a research obsession and the founder of No Crusts Interactive, a children’s game design firm that focuses on creating educational and developmentally appropriate interactive experiences. Having spent nearly fifteen years making children’s digital goods, she’s designed, produced, researched, and consulted on...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

Steve Fowler

President

The Licensing Shop

Steve Fowler is co-founder and President of The Licensing Shop, Inc.; a brand licensing agency established in 2006 which specializes in the strategic development of consumer products based on entertainment, fashion, talent and lifestyle brands. The Licensing Shop's clients include Sesame Workshop, Moose Toys, CBS Consumer Products, 9 Story Enterprises,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Income Property: Tapping into your IP's back-end potential

Julie Fox

Managing Director

Awol Animation

A Froebel trained B.Ed grad of Trinity College, Dublin in her first life. Three years and 45 kids in the classroom later, ran away to see the world. Did, then moved to Paris taking first steps in the animation business at L&M entity, VIP, in 1993. Enthralled by the mix...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitching Clinic; Pitching Clinic

Amy Friedman

President

Redhead Consulting

Amy Friedman is the President of Redhead Consulting, a brand creation and content development company, focused on new models of producing, packaging and distributing content.

Current Redhead clients include MTV, Scholastic, Bonnaroo and Common Cents. Recent clients include companies small and large across media, fashion, and finance. Redhead...Click here for more

Speaking at: OMG, Teens Today: Understanding the Trendsetters; Leaders Breakfast: Having it All—Maximizing Your Leadership and Your Life

Donna Friedman Meir

President

Lemonade Creative Consulting

Donna Friedman Meir is the owner and founder of LEMONADE Creative Consulting, a strategic consulting firm focused on building cross-media experiences for kids and families. An accomplished brand builder, producer, programmer and marketer of children’s media content, her career has been dedicated to creating inspiring entertainment experiences for children...Click here for more

Speaking at: Twisted Pitchers: A Speed Development Challenge; Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants; Leaders Breakfast: Having it All—Maximizing Your Leadership and Your Life

Peter Gal

Head of Television Development

Dreamworks Animation

Peter Gal is currently serving as Head of Television Development at DreamWorks Animation. Prior to DreamWorks Animation, he spent three years as Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox Feature Animation, where he served as the production executive on Rio! and also worked on the Angry Birds Rio...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; 30 Minutes with Peter Gal, DreamWorks Animation

David Glen

Executive Producer

ABC - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

David manages online and interactive for the ABC Children’s television channels ABC4Kids (pre-school) and ABC3 (school-aged). ABC Children’s online content and services are produced internally and through commission, co-production and acquisition with a focus on games, on demand video and community activities. David was previously Head of Multimedia at Antenna...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

Joe Godwin

Director

BBC Childrens

As Director of BBC Children's Joe Godwin is responsible for all of the BBC's services for children – the two digital channels, CBBC and CBeebies and their websites, as well as children's blocks on BBC ONE and BBC TWO.

After reading History at Manchester University, Joe joined the BBC in...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Cheryl Taylor & Joe Godwin, CBBC

Marc Goodchild

Founder and Creative Director

IpDipSkyBlue

Marc Goodchild is the Founder and Creative Director of IpDipSkyBlue is a new digital consultancy and cross-platform production house specialising in children’s and family content in the UK and beyond. Having cut his teeth in the late nineties as a Series Producer in Children's television at the BBC and Disney...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitch It!—Engaging the Second Screen; Second-Screen Success: Mapping your IP's digital media future; A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Sean Gorman

Vice President Development

American Greetings Properties

Sean Gorman is Vice President, Development and Production for American Greetings Properties where he oversees entertainment around the company's classic brands such as The Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake as well as its newer IP including Packages from Planet X for Disney XD and Teletoon, Boy, Girl, Dog, Cat, Mouse,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Linda Granath

Head of Children's Acquistions

SVT Swedish Television

Linda Granath joined Swedish Public Broadcaster SVT in 2010 and started her role as Head of Children Acquisitions at SVT's niche childrens channel Barnkanalen in beginning of 2012. Linda oversees all international acquisitions and co-productions.

Speaking at: Lunching With...

Jeff Grant

SVP Research

Turner Broadcasting

Jeffrey Grant is senior vice president of research for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s (TBS, Inc.) Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media (AYAKM) group. In this capacity, Grant is responsible for all aspects of research for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and AYAKM digital extensions and consumer products, including organizing, analyzing...Click here for more

Speaking at: What Do Kids Find Funny?

Alan Gregg

Director of Original Content

TELETOON Canada

Alan Gregg, Director, Original Content for TELETOON Canada inc., joined TELETOON in 2010. Gregg oversees original content development and production for TELETOON's English and French networks and their respective multiplatform services. He also leads TELETOON's Original Production team and works closely with TELETOON's production partners. With 19 years of experience...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 4; Lunching With...

Devin Guinn

Director, Merchandising - Specialty

Fab

Devin Guinn is a Merchandising Director for Specialty Products at Fab, the fastest growing ecommerce destination on a mission to help people better their lives through design. Day in and day out, Devin sources products in categories including Vintage, Art, Novelty, Tech, Media and Pets from around the world across...Click here for more

Speaking at: Retail Revolution

Sarah Haasz

Production Executive Family Disney Jr. & Disney Xd

Astral Kids

As Production Executive for Family Channel, Disney XD Canada and Disney Junior Canada, Sarah Haasz oversees the creative aspects of development and production for all networks, including series and movies such as The Next Step, Wingin' It, Really Me, Vacation With Derek, Stella and Sam and Justin Time. With...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Sarah Haasz, Astral Kids; Speed Pitching 4

Nina Hahn

SVP, International Production & Development

Nickelodeon International

As Senior Vice President, International Production & Development, Nina Hahn oversees international content development and co-production partnerships for Nickelodeon outside of the US.

Based in London, Hahn coordinates and drives the development process, spearheading new production models, managing productions from pilot through to series, and working in direct partnership...Click here for more

Speaking at: Talentspotting

Melanie Halsall

Development Producer

Melanie has over 15 years' development and editorial experience in TV and film, spanning preschool to teens as well as adults. She knows the industry inside and out, having worked for broadcasters, distributors and independent producers. Melanie is currently on a career break from CBBC where she develops and produces...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Pitching & Development

Jocelyn Hamilton

VP Original Programming Kids, Comedy & Drama

Corus Entertainment

As Vice President, Original Programming, Kids, Comedy, Drama, Jocelyn Hamilton is responsible for overseeing original programming from development to production in the genres of Kids, Comedy and Drama for Corus Entertainment's specialty and pay networks, including Movie Central, HBO Canada, YTV, Treehouse, W Network, ABC Spark, OWN Canada and CMT....Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Jocelyn Hamilton, Corus Entertainment

Jacqueline Harding

Founder

Tomorrow's Child

Jacqueline set up Tomorrow's Child (a specialised film production and media research company) following a successful career as BBC education editor; government consultant; head teacher, and author of best selling books for children and adults.

Internationally known as a leading child development expert, she has extensive experience of advising programme makers,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants

John F. Hardman

Director Development and Production

Saban Brands (VORTEXX)

John Hardman serves as the director of development and production at Saban Brands. In this role, Hardman is responsible for the creative development and production of all brands, including Power Rangers, Paul Frank, Vortexx, Zui, Julius Jr., Digimon and Popples. Hardman has held numerous executive positions over the past...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...

Bob Higgins

EVP, Kids & Family Entertainment

FremantleMedia North America

A longtime champion of children's programming, Higgins is Executive Vice President of Children's & Family Entertainment at FremantleMedia Enterprises. Higgins oversees the creative direction for FME's kid's business, as well as manages content, including acquisitions, development and sales of TV and digital programming. Current programming includes My Babysitter's...Click here for more

Speaking at: Talentspotting

Henrietta Hurford-Jones

Director of Children's Investment

BBC Worldwide

Henrietta Hurford-Jones is Director of Children's Investment at BBC Worldwide. Reporting to SVP Programming & TV Channels, David Weiland, she is responsible for developing and investing in a new stream of original programme content for the international CBeebies channel. She also manages the global investment process for all children's programming...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4; Lunching With...

Stacy Isenhower

SVP, Programming & Scheduling

Cartoon Network

Stacy Isenhower is senior vice president of programming and scheduling. In this position, Isenhower is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day scheduling and strategic positioning of all on-air content for Cartoon Network and Boomerang, as well as on-air promotion for Adult Swim. Her duties also include overseeing the scheduling...Click here for more

Speaking at: Scheduling Showdown: The Multiplatform Masters

Oliver Jeffers

President

Oliver Jeffers makes art that involves asking questions and telling stories. From figurative painting, collage and installation to illustration and picture-book making, Oliver Jeffers practice takes many forms.

Illustration clients include The New York Times, TED Talks, The Guardian, Lavazza Coffee, Newsweek International, Kinder and the Irish Times for which he received...Click here for more

Speaking at: In Conversation With Oliver Jeffers

Christina Jennings

Chairman & CEO

Shaftesbury

Christina Jennings is one of Canada’s most accomplished producers of original content for film, television and digital platforms. With offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, Shaftesbury is an award winning creator, producer and distributor of original content for television and multiple platforms in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Shaftesbury is known...Click here for more

Speaking at: Showrunning Show & Tell: Producing kids series the US network way

Debra Joester

President & CEO

Joester Loria Group

Debra D. Joester serves as president/chief executive office of The Joester Loria Group, a company she founded with partner Joanne Loria in August 1999.

Debra Joester has led the international licensing agency to the forefront of its field. Recognized as a licensing and merchandising industry leader, Joester has more...Click here for more

Speaking at: Rolling With the New Normal

J.J. Johnson

Partner

Sinking Ship Entertainment Inc

J.J. Johnson, 30, captains the creative aspects of each Sinking Ship Entertainment series from development and production to writing and directing. After discovering Daniel Cook in 2002, J.J. went on to create, direct, write and co-produce the 2005 Alliance for Children and Television Grand Prize winner This is Daniel...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—Amazon Studios

Julie Kane-Ritsch

Talent Manager

The Gotham Group

Since joining The Gotham Group in 1999, Julie Kane-Ritsch has been instrumental in developing animated and family entertainment projects for television, feature films and publishing as well as creating strategic business plans for the company. She served as a co-producer on The Spiderwick Chronicles, based on The New York...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Third-Party Consultants

Eric Karp

Head of Licensing

Lima Sky

Eric Karp is Chief Licensing Officer of Lima Sky, an award-winning video game development studio and creator of the bestselling app Doodle Jump. A 20-year veteran of the licensing and merchandising industry, Karp has held senior management positions at Mind Candy, Chorion, MGM Studios and Saban, and has served on...Click here for more

Speaking at: Rolling With the New Normal

Nicole Keeb

Head of International Coproductions and Acquisitions, Children & Youth

ZDF

After dabbling in experimental animation featuring Playmobil figures at the age of six, Nicole decided to study film (and sculpture and history) at the Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Braunschweig. She worked for pubcaster WDR on the Show with the Mouse for two years and completed an internship at...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Nicole Keeb, ZDF

David Kleeman

President

American Center for Children and Media

David Kleeman is President of the American Center for Children and Media, an executive roundtable that leads the US industry in developing sustainable and kid-friendly solutions to long-standing issues. The Center also promotes the exchange of ideas, expertise and information as a means for building quality. It looks worldwide for...Click here for more

Speaking at: Twisted Pitchers: A Speed Development Challenge

Tamra Knepfer

President & CEO

TK Brand Group, Co-President, Knockout Licensing

Tamra Knepfer is Co-President of Knockout Licensing, a joint venture between TK Brand Group and CopCorp Licensing. Based in New York City, Knockout Licensing handles all aspects of consumer products licensing for popular properties including the Facebook phenom Boo - The World's Cutest Dog, NBC Universal's Downton Abbey, the bestseller...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Licensing

Yann Labasque

Head of Children Programs

TF1

Yann Labasque joined Eurosport International in 1997 at the Audiences and Programming Research department. Two years later he became a Programme Buyer and Project Manager for Eurosport International Senior Management.

He joined TF1 Games-Dujardin in 2001 where he headed the editorial team and developed the catalogue. In parallel with his...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Yann Labasque, TF1

Karen Lawler

Executive Manager of Licensing

Hachette Children's Books

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Licensing

Bill Lee

Chief Revenue Officer

Quirky

Bill is the Chief Revenue Officer of Quirky inc. Quirky is a Consumer Products company based here in NYC with a singular objective in mind; to Make Invention Accessible! Bill and his fellow Quirky employees work around the clock to launch the inventions of everyday people into the...Click here for more

Speaking at: Retail Revolution

Curtis Lelash

VP, Comedy Animation

Cartoon Network

Curtis Lelash is vice president of comedy animation for Cartoon Network. In this capacity, Lelash oversees the development and ongoing production of Cartoon Network's animated comedy series, which have helped drive the network to its current standing as the #1 network among boys. Creatively responsible for projects from pilot development...Click here for more

Speaking at: Talentspotting

David T. Levine

VP & GM Disney XD Worldwide

Disney ABC Television Group

David Levine is Vice President and General Manager, Disney XD Worldwide. Levine is responsible for overseeing the multiplatform Disney XD including strategic oversight and scheduling, and works with the Programming team to identify acquisition and co-production opportunities. His operational scope also includes strategic direction for the Disney XD...Click here for more

Speaking at: Scheduling Showdown: The Multiplatform Masters; 30 Minutes with David Levine, Disney XD Worldwide

Layla Lewis

Director, Programming & Acquisitions

Turner Broadcasting Asia Pacific

Layla Lewis is Director, Programming, Acquisitions and Development, for Turner International Asia Pacific Limited.

Based in Hong Kong, Layla is responsible for the development, planning and execution of TIAP's acquisition strategies for its kids' networks in the Asia Pacific region, including flagship channel Cartoon Network, POGO, Boomerang, Cartoonito and...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Joan Lofts

Consultant

Freelance

Prior to stepping away from full-time work, Joan Lofts served as Director of Television at Contender Entertainment Group and was responsible for developing and overseeing the television production division. Recent animated hits that were shepherded by Joan include Tractor Tom, Peppa Pig, Humf, Little Kingdom and Channel 4 special Lost...Click here for more

Speaking at: In Conversation With Oliver Jeffers

Silvia Lovato

Sr. Director Products

PBS KIDS

Silvia Lovato oversees PBS KIDS Digital Products, including the PBS KIDS online and mobile video players, which now deliver over 150 million streams per month. She has spent the past 12 years working with content producers to develop engaging, fun and educational digital content for kids 2-9, from games to...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitch It!—Engaging the Second Screen

Tom Lynch

CEO

Tom Lynch Company

Tom Lynch has been working as a creative, innovative television writer/producer for over three decades. During that time he has created, written, directed and produced some of the most successful, dynamic, and groundbreaking television shows in the world for the youth-centered demographic. The New York Times called him “the creator...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: 6 to 11s

Paulo Marinho

Director

Globosat

Paulo began his career at O Globo Newspaper as a marketing intern from where he moved on to the New Media Unit as an intern in commercial development. After that, Paulo became a trainee at the planning and control division of Globo Television Network. He was transferred to Globo Radio...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Paulo Daudt Marinho, Gloob

Craig Martin

Writer & Story Editor

Craig Martin

Since graduating from the Canadian Film Centre’s Television Writer’s program in 2005, Craig Martin has become an accomplished story editor and writer, having written dozens of episodes on over twenty different series. In fact, were you to watch all the shows he’s written back-to-back straight through you’d probably really...Click here for more

Speaking at: Give and Take: A Few Notes on Notes

Stephanie Masceri

.

Zumba

Stephanie Masceri, MEd, is a national and international education specialist and presenter for Zumba® fitness. She has choreographed for and been featured in the Zumba® Instructor Network DVDs. Stephanie has taught dance to both children and adults for over 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a...Click here for more

Speaking at: Zumba @ the Summit

Stacey Matthias

Co CEO

Insight Strategy Group

Stacey is a founder of Insight Strategy Group and Insight Kids. Her leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to providing clients with "truth, possibility, and inspiration" gained from robust research techniques and thought-provoking strategic insights. Stacey is a child development expert who has dedicated her career to helping...Click here for more

Speaking at: OMG, Teens Today: Understanding the Trendsetters

John May

Executive Producer

Heroic Television Inc.

Heroic Television’s John May has been a writer, director, producer, and showrunner in the children’s television industry for nearly twenty years with nearly 400 produced episodes under his belt. Credits include such international hits as The Magic Schoolbus, The Journey of Allen Strange, Jett Jackson and Life With Derek, among...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: 6 to 11s

Joseph Mazzarino

Writer, Performer

Sesame Workshop

Joseph Mazzarino began working with the Muppets™ in 1989 and has been performing and writing for Sesame Street since 1990. He performs a number of characters on the show including Murray, Stinky the Stinkweed, the Two-Headed Monster, Papa Bear and Horatio the Elephant. Mazzarino's writing credits also include The Upside...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool

Helen McAleer

Chief Global Development Officer and MD

Walker Books Ltd and Walker Productions

Helen McAleer is the chief global development officer for the Walker Group, and MD of Walker Productions, leading a global team responsible for shaping the Walker Group companies and their properties and products in the development, exploitation, marketing, and sale of auxiliary media rights.

Helen left a Deputy MD post at...Click here for more

Speaking at: Talentspotting

Tom McGillis

President, Executive Producer

Fresh TV Inc

Tom McGillis is an executive producer, writer and series creator, specializing in children's and family entertainment. He is president and co-founder of Fresh TV, a world leader in creating and producing family entertainment. Fresh TV develops and produces television content that powerfully connects to kid, tween and teen audiences around...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: 6 to 11s; High on Humor: Getting more laughs with your animated comedies

Grainne McNamara

VP Development and Sales

CAKE Entertainment

Having worked in the TV industry for over 12 years, Gráinne is an experienced development executive and producer. She completed the North by Northwest script editor programme in 2004 and since then has worked on many animation and live-action projects as development executive, script editor and producer. Prior...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4

Jamila Metran

Head of Programming CITV

CiTV

Jamila joined CITV in September 2004 in the capacity of CITV Administrator, working to Estelle Hughes. Over the past 7 years, Jamila’s role has expanded to Head of Programming, overseeing all acquisitions and commissions for the channel and currently working to Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, Angela Jain. ...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Lunching With...

David Michel

GM, Marathon Media

Marathon Media

David Michel is GM of Marathon Media, part of Zodiak Kids. With a background in Political Science (IEP Paris) and Business (Harvard Business School), David started the company with CEO Vincent Chalvon Demersay in 1999 and has developed it over the last 13 years. The partners also created hit series...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—YouTube

Ann Micka

VP, Scheduling and Program Planning

Sprout

Ann Micka is Vice President, Scheduling and Program Planning 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. Ann is responsible for scheduling, program strategy and media planning for Sprout's digital cable channel, video-on-demand...Click here for more

Speaking at: Scheduling Showdown: The Multiplatform Masters

Luca Milano

Head of Marketing and of Animation Production

RAI Fiction

Luca is Manager at RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana, the Italian public broadcaster.

Head of Marketing and Animation of RAI Fiction, the department of RAI-RadioTelevisione Italiana in charge of producing and co-producing TV fiction and animation programmes for all the channels of the Rai Group.

He has been working at RAI for more than...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with... Luca Milano, Rai Fiction; Lunching With...

Karen K. Miller

Vice President, Programming Strategy, Acquisitions, & Co-Productions

Disney Channel

Karen K. Miller is Executive Director, Worldwide Programming Strategy, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney Channels Worldwide, a role she was promoted to in 2012.

Miller is responsible for directing the development of overall scheduling strategies to ensure regional and local programming plans are consistent with global priorities. She also oversees the...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 1

Kenny Miller

Founder and Executive Creative Director

thekmco

Speaking at: A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Karen Mitrega

Head of Children's Content

SUPER RTL/RTL DISNEY Fernsehen GmbH

As Head of Children`s content, Karen Mitrega is responsible for the development, co-production and acquisition of new series and magazines for the target audience 3-13 years. Before joining Super RTL in 2004, Karen has been working as production manager for several international feature film productions. Karen has a degree in...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Karen Mitrega, Super RTL

Kevin Mowrer

Meta Story Producer

Mowrer LLC

Kevin Mowrer has been in the kids and all-family entertainment and product business for over 25 years creating, producing, managing or partnering on most major formats and categories of IP expression across a number of the industry's mega-brands. This broad view into the specific success conditions of each format was...Click here for more

Speaking at: We've Ticked All the Boxes, Why Isn't It a Franchise Yet?

Sarah Muller

Head of Acquisitions & Drama Development, CBBC

CBBC

Sarah Muller is currently Head of CBBC Acquisitions and Drama Development. Passionate about both drama and animation, commissioned projects include Spirit Warriors, Dr Who - Dreamland, Halfmoon Investigations, My Almost Famous Family, Tracy Beaker Returns, Strangehill High, Sadie J, Wolf Blood, Just William and Muddle Earth.

Previously, she was Managing...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Lunching With...

Kerry Novick

President

Small Screen Distribution

Kerry Novick has nearly 20 years of global program distribution experience, including stints at Nippon Television (NTV), Fox Lorber Associates, and five years distributing Sesame Workshop’s programming to Asia and the Americas.

Small Screen Distribution was formed in 2004 to provide consulting services and sales representation in Asia for top-tier children’s...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitching Clinic; Pitching Clinic

Lisa O'Brien

VP Original Development and Production

Sprout

Lisa O'Brien has experience as a writer/ producer and children's television executive including overseeing all the day parts for YTV Canada, Creative Director for kids at Fox Family Channel, Creative Director at Disney Channel and, her current position, VP of Development/ Production for Sprout.

She has extensive experience in...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 4

Natalie Osborne

EVP, Business Development

9 Story Entertainment Inc.

As EVP Business Development for 9 Story, Natalie Osborne oversees all worldwide sales, consumer products and strategic partnerships.

Natalie has worked with some of the world's top media companies. While at NBC Universal in London, she managed the worldwide sales and marketing rollout of the Studio's children's programs and...Click here for more

Speaking at: Pitching Clinic; Pitching Clinic

Adam Peltzman

Writer

Adam Peltzman

Adam Peltzman is an Emmy-winning writer and producer. He is the creator of a new half-hour animated series for Nick Jr. which is scheduled to premiere in 2014. Adam has served as head writer on numerous series, including: The Electric Company (Emmy awards for best writing in...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool

Cecilia Persson

VP Acquisitions & Co Productions, EMEA

Turner Broadcasting EMEA

Cecilia Persson is Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions for all Turner Broadcasting’s kids’ channels across EMEA, including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, Cartoon Network Too and Boing.

Cecilia joined Turner Broadcasting in 2005 as Director of Acquisitions and was promoted to Vice President of Programming, Acquisition and Presentation in...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; 30 Minutes with Cecilia Persson & Michael Carrignton, Turner Broadcasting EMEA

Jamie Piekarz

Director Original Programming Kids

Corus Entertainment

As Director of Original Programming, Jamie Piekarz has played an integral role in the creation, development and production of a variety of programs including: Mike the Knight, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, My Friend Rabbit, 4 Square and Ask Me. Some of her production executive credits include: Mr. Young,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 4

Adina Pitt

VP, Content Acquisitions & Co-Productions

Cartoon Network

As VP of Content Acquisitions and Co-productions for Cartoon Network and Boomerang, Adina Pitt helps develop acquisition strategies that support current and long-term programming plans. She negotiates and acquires series, films and interstitials for the brands; solicits, screens and evaluates acquisitions submissions; solidifies new content partnerships; maintains relationships with distributors;...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Adina Pitt, Cartoon Network

Gary Pope

Director

Kids Industries

Gary trained as a teacher, leading an English Department at an inner London school before entering the world of Change Management. Bizarrely this led him back to the family market and in 1999 Gary founded Kids Industries.

Kids Industries is the only global end-to-end service provider specifically created for brands...Click here for more

Speaking at: The Global Child

Michael Poryes

Executive Producer, Writer

Michael Poryes is an executive producer and writer for television best known for co-creating the two hit Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana and That's So Raven. Poryes also created and serves as executive producer on the YTV global hit series Life With Boys. A four-time Emmy nominee, Poryes has written...Click here for more

Speaking at: Showrunning Show & Tell: Producing kids series the US network way

Roy Price

Director

Amazon Studios

Roy Price is the director of Amazon Studios. In his role, he oversees the development and production of original film and television properties for Amazon. Since joining Amazon in 2004, Price worked with the Amazon Instant Video team where he oversaw the launch of Amazon's digital video store,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—Amazon Studios

Jean-Philippe Randisi

EVP, Consumer Products

ITV PLC

Jean-Philippe Randisi is Executive Vice President & Director of Consumer Products. He leads the division's full consumer products strategy with responsibility for gaining maximum value from the business's existing intellectual property portfolio and future content brands.

His appointment created a unified consumer products team with responsibility for exploiting ITV Studios Global...Click here for more

Speaking at: Rolling With the New Normal

Jillianne Reinseth

VP of Creative Affairs

Nerd Corps Entertainment Inc

As VP of Creative Affairs, Jillianne Reinseth is responsible for overseeing the development of all original IP and co-productions as she builds out Nerd Corps' stable of kids entertainment properties. Since joining the company in 2012, her slate of development work has included Endangered Species and two new additional properties...Click here for more

Speaking at: Give and Take: A Few Notes on Notes

John Reynolds

Group Commercial Director

Millimages- Bac Films

John is the Group Commercial Director of Millimages SA, one of the leading independent producers/distributors of children’s animation programming. In his role he oversees the worldwide commercial activities of the company whilst managing some of their key broadcast relationships.

With over 20 years experience in the kids industry John began...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Co-Productions & Financing

Anne Richards

Partner

No Crusts Interactive

Anne Martin Richards is the Creative Director of No Crusts Interactive. A writer, producer, and game designer, she specializes in educational children's content, combining rigorous integrated curricula with great entertainment value. Anne's recent projects at No Crusts include acting as a game designer and on multiple Sesame Street Nintento Wii...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

Brian Robbins

Founder & President

Varsity Pictures/Awesomeness TV

Brian Robbins is one of the entertainment industry's most prolific producers of television, film and digital media. As the founder and president of Varsity Pictures, Robbins is best known for executive producing numerous popular and critical television hits aimed at teens and young audiences, including the long-running CW series...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—YouTube

Chris Rose

Commissioning Editor Animation

ABC Australia

After fifteen years in broadcasting and production, Chris joined ABC Television in May 2012 as the Commissioning Editor for Animation. Chris is responsible for sourcing, developing and executive producing commissioned animation for the ABC's two dedicated children's channels, ABC 3 and ABC 4 Kids. Prior to joining ABC Television,...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 2; Speed Pitching 1

Richard Rowe

Director of Acquisitions & Original Series EMEA

Turner Broadcasting EMEA

I joined Turner in 2002 after completing 2 years media production at the university of Surrey and 2 years of media and information at the University of Brighton. I was hired into the CNUK programming team where I was responsible for putting together the UK schedules for CN, Boomerang...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 2

Donna Sabino

SVP of Kids and Family Insights

Ipsos MediaCT

Donna is currently a Senior Vice President and leader of the Ipsos Kids & Family Center of Excellence working with a variety of clients across categories as they seek to understand and communicate more effectively with today's families. In addition to conducting custom, proprietary studies for specific clients, Donna also...Click here for more

Speaking at: The Next Generation of Digital Consumers

Angela Santomero

Founding Partner & Executive Producer

Out of the Blue Enterprises

Angela Santomero has been changing the way children watch television for over fifteen years. She is a Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC, overseeing the creative development and research of all the company's projects, with a mission and vision to bring educational entertainment...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool

Alyssa Cooper Sapire

VP, Development & Programming, Kids & Family Entertainment

FremantleMedia Enterprises

Alyssa Cooper Sapire is Vice President of Development and Programming for FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment. Prior to FME, she spent ten years with Nickelodeon, helping to launch Noggin and TeenNick with the groundbreaking Degrassi series and overseeing development and production of award-winning series and multiplatform projects. Shows include...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Josh Scherba

SVP, Distribution

DHX Media Ltd.

Josh Scherba, SVP, Distribution joined DHX Media in 2000. DHX Media is a leading international supplier of television programming, with an emphasis on children, family and youth markets. In his role, Scherba oversees the distribution arm of DHX Media with a catalogue that includes programming from all of DHX...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dollars: Finding the real money in digital distribution

Joshua Seldman

.

Joshua Seldman

Joshua Seldman is a leader in the field of Leadership and Executive Performance. After years as a professional athlete and world-class fitness coach, he applied his expertise on stamina and endurance to executive development, co-authoring the book Executive Stamina. As an executive coach to many Fortune 500 CEO’s...Click here for more

Speaking at: Leaders Breakfast: Having it All—Maximizing Your Leadership and Your Life

Josh Selig

Founder and President

Little Airplane Productions

Josh Selig is the Founder and President of Little Airplane Productions. He is the Creator and Executive Producer of The Wonder Pets!, Small Potatoes, 3rd & Bird! and many other preschool shows. Josh has received 10 Emmy Awards for his writing on Sesame Street and he currently writes...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool

Adam Selly

President

Union Media Ltd.

Adam has worked in television for 24 years, specialising in international distribution for the last 20 years and in children’s for the last 15. His introduction to the children’s business was 6 years at HIT Entertainment from 1997 to 2003 where he was Vice President for Asia Pacific, covering all...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Co-Productions & Financing

Craig Shemin

Writer & Producer

Craig Shemin

Craig Shemin is a freelance writer-producer in all media. He created and wrote Disney’s Lou and Lou: Safety Patrol, and wrote the Emmy nominated Tasty Time with ZeFronk, also for Disney. His adaptation of Babes in Toyland has played Lincoln Center for three holiday seasons. He also wrote for the Cartoon...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: Preschool

Paul Siefken

Director of Children's Programming

PBS Kids

As Director of Children's Programming for PBS, Paul Siefken collaborates with producers, co-production partners and distributors throughout development, production, post-production and broadcast to deliver quality, educational, entertaining content on PBS KIDS. He also manages PBS KIDS Web original series and children's content for public TV syndication service PBS Plus. ...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 4

Linda Simensky

VP Children’s Programming

PBS Kids

As Vice President of Children's Programming at PBS, Linda Simensky collaborates with producers, co-production partners, PBS station programmers, and distributors throughout the development, production, post-production, and broadcast phases for PBS KIDS programming. Linda's efforts in transforming PBS KIDS' lineup for preschool- and school-age children over the past several years...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Linda Simensky, PBS Kids; Lunching With...

Ty Simpson

VP, Business Development

CafePress, Inc.

Ty Simpson has served as Vice President of Business Development since August 2012. Mr. Simpson joined CafePress in May of 2011 as Director of Licensing Business Development. Well-regarded as a thought leader in the Ecommerce space and Licensing Industry, he has a passion for clever products and marketing, and is...Click here for more

Speaking at: Retail Revolution

Pierre Siracusa

Head of Animation, Children & Youth Department

France Télévisions

Born in 1968, Pierre Siracusa joined the public service broadcaster in 1993, in the fiction department of France 2. He then became a deputy programme advisor in the same department. In 1996, he moved to the children's and youth department as programmes advisor and then joined France 3 in 1998.

In...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Tara Sorensen

VP, Kids Series Development

Amazon Studios

Tara Sorensen is vice president of children's series development for Amazon Studios. In her role, Sorensen oversees the development and production of original children's programming for Amazon.

Sorensen joined Amazon Studios from National Geographic Kids Entertainment, where she was vice president, development & current programming. During her tenure with National...Click here for more

Speaking at: Digital Dimension Spotlight—Amazon Studios

Geraldine Soto

Head of Acquisitions

Canal +

From 1996 (a year before the launch) to 1999 Geraldine Soto was Acquisition & Programming Coordinator for DISNEY CHANNEL France. Then, in 1999 she joined TPS as Programming Manager for TeleTOON, and launched Eureka! & Piwi in 2003. From 2003 to 2011, she was Head of Programming for the youth...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 3

Guest

Guest Speaker

Caroll Spinney

.

Sesame Workshop

Caroll Spinney has been the heart and soul of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since Sesame Street's premiere episode on November 10, 1969. He has loved working on “the Street.” Big Bird hit the road to China with Bob Hope in 1979, and has since danced with the Rockettes...Click here for more

Speaking at: In Conversation with Caroll Spinney

Halle Stanford

EVP of Children's Television

The Jim Henson Company

Halle Stanford began her relationship with The Jim Henson Company in 1993 and has developed and produced many well-known properties for the company since that time. She has most recently overseen, and been one of the executive producers on the PBS KIDS series Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train...Click here for more

Speaking at: Talentspotting

Robin Stein

Writer

Cloud 99 Productions

Robin J. Stein is a Los Angeles-based comedy writer with wide-ranging experience in television. She served on the writing staffs of such series as The Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, Warner Bros.’ Step By Step, the WB’s Mission Hill and FOX’s Harry & the Hendersons.

She has written freelance...Click here for more

Speaking at: Inside the Writer's Room: 6 to 11s; Give and Take: A Few Notes on Notes

Beth Stevenson

Founder - Producer

Brain Power Studio Inc

Beth Stevenson, Founder of Brain Power Studio, is an experienced executive producer specializing in children’s and family entertainment. Well-versed in both live-action and animated production, Beth has served as a producer and an executive producer on over 35 series, many which were international co-productions. As a partner and executive at...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Co-Productions & Financing

Alison Stewart

Head of Production, Animation & Acquisitions, CBeebies

CBeebies

Alison Stewart has worked in TV production for 25 years, first at the BBC and later as a freelance producer, director and scriptwriter. She returned to the BBC in 2007 as an executive producer in CBeebies Production, and moved into her current position in June 2010. She leads a trimedia...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 2

Paula Taborda dos Guaranys

Head of Content & Programming

Gloob

Paula began her career 16 years ago on TV Globo New York. Over the years she worked in research, acquisition, licensing, and product development for companies such as TV Globo, TVE and Rio Filme, besides the independent production market. Paula worked for seven years with content and programming for children...Click here for more

Speaking at: Lunching With...; Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Julina Tatlock

Founder

30 Ninjas

Julina Tatlock founded 30 Ninjas four years ago with Doug Liman and David Bartis.

Recent projects as Writer and/or Transmedia Producer include: Hashtag Killer – an interactive Psych episode (USA Network), Suits Recruits — an interactive Suits episode (USA Network), an interactive video episode: Sights Unseen: A Covert Affairs Prequel...Click here for more

Speaking at: A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Cheryl Taylor

Controller, CBBC

CBBC

Currently Controller of CBBC Channel – Cheryl developed a love of entertainment despite a Quaker upbringing and embarked on a media career in 1987 as a VT Editor at McCann Erickson London. She worked her way to a Commissioner's role at Channel Four via stints in Comic Relief and BBC...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Cheryl Taylor & Joe Godwin, CBBC; Lunching With...

Tone Thyne

Supervising Producer

Little Airplane Productions

As Supervising Producer for Little Airplane Productions, Tone Thyne is focused on producing all aspects of the company's animated series, overall company development, ancillary projects and special events. He oversees recruitment, book development and outreach for the company. An eleven-year veteran of Walt Disney Feature Animation, Tone has contributed...Click here for more

Speaking at: Big-League Budgeting: A pro's guide to better production planning

Giuliano Tranquilli

Partner Programming & Content Development

Switchover Media

Co-founder of Italian independent broadcaster Switchover Media, Giuliano is responsible for the content development and has contributed to make Switchover Media a leading player in the highly competitive market of the DTT business in Italy. Switchover Media operates 4 free DTT networks: K2 and Frisbee both targeting kids and families,...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Giuliano Tranquilli, Switchover Media; Lunching With...

Juliet Tzabar

Managing Director

Plug-in Media

Juliet is Managing Director at Plug-in Media and has worked in digital media for over 12 years. Following an early career in the art department of television drama productions, Juliet moved into interactive content in 2000, where she has specialized in delivering projects with a broadcast tie-in and with...Click here for more

Speaking at: Mentor Meeting: Interactive

Troy Underwood

Director, Current Series

Disney Television Animation

Troy is the Creative Executive for Disney Television Animation's original series TRON: Uprising and Fish Hooks as well as the Disney XD animated series acquisitions Slugterra and the upcoming Max Steel, overseeing the creative direction and output for Disney TVA. Prior to joining Disney, Troy was a manager at The...Click here for more

Speaking at: Give and Take: A Few Notes on Notes

Chris Waldron

VP, Cartoon Network Digital

Cartoon Network

Chris Waldron is vice president, gaming operations for Cartoon Network and is responsible for overseeing Cartoon Network's game development studio, game production, and overall games strategy for Cartoon Network Digital. Waldron is based in Atlanta and reports directly to Paul Condolora, senior vice president, digital for Turner Broadcasting's Animation,...Click here for more

Speaking at: A Practical Guide to the Second Screen

Kim Wilson

Creative Head of TV, Children’s and Youth Programming

Kids’ CBC

Kim Wilson has dedicated her life to children’s programming, beginning with a degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University in Toronto and augmented by a prolonged career in public broadcasting that has included many roles at TVOntario and the CBC.

As Creative Head of Children’s Programming for Canada’s national...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Kim Wilson, Kids' CBC; Lunching With...

Kay Wilson Stallings

SVP, Production & Development

Nickelodeon

Kay Wilson Stallings is Vice President of Preschool Production and Development for Nickelodeon Group. In this role, she has overseen development of such shows as Yo Gabba Gabba!, Fresh Beat Band, and the upcoming new preschool CG series Peter Rabbit and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

During her tenure with Nick,...Click here for more

Speaking at: 30 Minutes with Kay Wilson Stallings, Nickelodeon Preschool

Daniel Wineman

Director, Original Series

Disney XD EMEA

Daniel Wineman was appointed Director of Original Series, Disney Channels Europe, Middle East & Africa in April 2009. He is responsible for overseeing all creative aspects of the production of original animated series and co-productions for Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Wineman reports to Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 3; Speed Pitching 4

Marion Winter

Senior Manager Acquisitions & Co Productions

Super RTL

Marion Winter joined Super RTL, the German Free TV channel owned by RTL Group and The Walt Disney Company, in April 2011. She is responsible for acquisitions for the daytime target demo 3-13 years as well as for the primetime family audience. Before, she held numerous posts within the Program...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Leah Wolfson

Production Executive Kids

Corus Entertainment

As a Production Executive in Original Programming, Leah Wolfson is responsible for overseeing the creative development and production of the original programming slate for Corus Entertainment's YTV and Treehouse networks. Working in partnership with producers, Wolfson has contributed to the success of several popular and award-winning YTV and Treehouse series...Click here for more

Speaking at: Speed Pitching 1; Speed Pitching 2

Nadine Zylstra

VP & Supervising Producer, Sesame Street

Sesame Workshop

As Vice President of Sesame Street Production Zylstra supervises the creative direction of the video content produced for both linear and digital platforms.

Prior to Sesame Street Zylstra worked as a producer, director and writer in South Africa. Zylstra joined the Sesame Street family as a director on the South African...Click here for more

Speaking at: In Conversation with Caroll Spinney