:: IN09 Speakers ::

IN 09 Speakers

Click here for an alphabetical list of speakers by last name.

Dr. Parham Aarabi CEO ModiFace Inc. [Back to top]	Dr. Parham Aarabi is the CEO and founder of Modiface Inc., as well as a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto. In 2001, he received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. In 2005, he was selected by MIT as "one of the world's top innovators". In 2006, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty personally awarded Dr. Aarabi the Premier's Catalyst Award for Innovation. In 2004, Dr. Aarabi received an international award from the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers for "inspiring classroom lectures". In 2006, after 10 years of research in face detection and computer vision, Dr. Aarabi founded ModiFace Inc., the world's leading face visualization company. ModiFace provides patent-pending technologies for visualizing any procedure, treatment, or facial operation. Dr. Aarabi has been featured in media such as the New York Times, MIT's Technology Review Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, the Discovery Channel, CBC Newsworld, Tech TV, Space TV, and City TV.

Hamed Abassi Managing Director Vast Studios [Back to top]	Mr. Abbasi is a founding partner and the managing director at Vast Studios Inc. where he oversees the overall strategic growth and product development. Vast Studios is a casual game company specializing in development and publishing of casual games as well as game related technologies. Prior to operating Vast, Mr. Abbasi held positions in various financial organizations and was the transitional director for Gemma Inc. where he was responsible for the development of sales and marketing campaigns for prestigious institutions such as Sunlife, MBNA, CIBC and CITI bank. Mr. Abbasi was also the senior account manager for wayspa.com. Since inception in late 2007, Vast has released �Hard Hittin� Hockey�, �Fashionista� and �Jenguu� and is set to release 6 more games throughout 2009.

Faisal Anwar 360EXtEndEd [Back to top]	Faisal Anwar is a digital media artist living in Toronto with diverse backgrounds in theatre, film, media, interactive art and graphic design. He is currently the director of an interactive art and design studio call DGDIP and is working as a new media director at Mammalian Diving Reflex. Anwar's art practice explores fictional, sociopolitical and edutainment narratives. Anwar is interested in creating multiple layers participatory experiences and challenges the conventions of viewing art and environment. His projects often bring together art and technology in an odd configuration to explore human perceptions towards architectural space, surveillance and social interactivitiy in modern urban cultures. He has shown and performed nationally and internationally. Anwar is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre's Habitat-LAB, Interactive Arts and Entertainment Program 2004, Anwar did his Bachelors in graphic design from the National College of Arts Pakistan 1996, he is one of the pioneers of The Puppeteers theatre group in Pakistan and worked on many performances addressing social awareness in Pakistan. Faisal currently volunteers on the Programming Committee of SAVAC (South Asian Visual Arts Centre) and teaches part time at Centennial College.

Stephan Argent Vice-President of Digital Media CTV [Back to top]	Stephan Argent was appointed Vice-President, Digital Media in August 2007 and is responsible for CTV's overall digital media strategy. He oversees the company's initiatives across all digital platforms which comprise Canada's online network, extending across the nation's strongest media brands. Having worked in England, the United States and Canada, Argent brings multi-dimensional and award-winning strategic, business and creative skills to CTV's digital media group. Prior to his appointment at CTV, Argent led CHUM's interactive team. He's also worked with some of the world's leading advertising agencies. He began his career as a business planner with Lowe Lintas in London before moving to Canada to join BBDO where he worked with companies such as Bell, Daimler-Chrysler, FedEx, Campbell's Soup and Sony. In 1993, he became Creative Director at ICE (Integrated Communications and Entertainment) working with Air Canada, Apple, Bank of Montreal, IBM, Iomega and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Following his successes with ICE, Argent moved to Chicago to work with Organic Inc. to reshape the brand of Target's online environment. As Executive Creative Director, he led a team of 30 designers, writers, information architects and production artists. While working with Organic and Target, Argent was honoured for his work with a Communications Arts Award and a Silver Award at the New York One Show in the Business to Consumer category. During his career, Argent has also been recognized with multiple honours including an EVA Best in Show Award for his work with Janssen Pharmaceutical and an Internet World Impact Award for Air Canada's corporate website. Currently, Stephan oversees all CTV's digital operations across all brands over 110 sites, mobile and iTunes offerings. CTV's online video offering streamed more than 330 million videos last year, more than five times greater than its' closest Canadian competitor.

Kelly Lynne Ashton Director of Policy Writers Guild of Canada [Back to top]	Trained as an entertainment lawyer, Kelly Lynne has held executive level positions at Atlantis Films and Owl Television, and was the Director of Collective Bargaining and Research at ACTRA. She gained expertise in digital media when she served as Senior Producer for interactive production company Big Orbit. Kelly Lynne also operated her own entertainment law practice for many years, representing writers, performers, producers and broadcasters. In addition to over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Kelly Lynne brings extensive expertise in new digital platforms and the business side of television and film production and distribution to the WGC.

Joel Auge Owner/Partner HitGrab [Back to top]	Joel Auge is the co-owner and co-founder of HitGrab Inc, a leader in social gaming. In March of 2008, HitGrab created MouseHunt, which is now one of the most successful and engaging games on Facebook. In December of 2008, HitGrab's efforts on MouseHunt were rewarded with funding by Facebook and it's investment partners.

Barbara Bailie Director Interactive Astral Television Networks [Back to top]	As Director, Interactive for Astral Television Networks, Barbara Bailie is responsible for the strategic direction and production of interactive properties for eight television networks - Family, Disney Playhouse Canada, The Movie Network, HBO Canada, Mpix, Viewers Choice, Super 'cran, and Cin'pop. These networks serve a variety of audiences ranging from children to adults in both the English and French markets in Canada. Ms. Bailie was responsible for launching Astral Media's first website, family.ca, in May 1997. Under her guidance, family.ca has now grown to become one of the most popular Canadian kids' web sites. According to Comscore, family.ca consistently ranks as the #1 kids entertainment site against its key Canadian competitors. Targeted to kids 8 to 14, the site features games and activities, short and full-length broadband video contests, program mini-sites, moderated message boards, and user-generated content submitted by kids. All of the websites under her direction have won numerous awards which include a 2007 Gemini Award for the Life with Derek mini-site on family.ca and 17 Gold, Silver and Bronze BDA/Promax Awards in a variety of categories such as best consumer site, best game, best micro-site, and best viral marketing campaign. She has also been one of the driving forces behind a number of innovative projects that recently include a proof-of-concept mini game, Carnival Craze, that can be played and viewed in natural 3D, without glasses, on Apple's iPhone. This is an Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) project in collaboration with Spatial View Inc. Family Channel, and the Sheridan Visualization Design Institute.

Mike John-Baptiste CEO Peerset [Back to top]	JB has spent the last 14 years fueling technology companies where his emphasis has ranged from b2c and b2b digital media to financial technology. In all cases JB has played key roles in steering his companies into new markets with new partners. As CEO of Peerset, JB is responsible for evolving the Company's product set, expanding the marketplace for customers and partners and seeking additional investment capital for future growth. Before joining Peerset, JB held the position of Senior Vice President at JumpTV(TSX:JTV), a publicly traded company which operates the largest global live and on-demand video publishing network and the second largest company selling publishing platforms to US-based and International sports brands such as Duke University and the NHL. While at JumpTV JB reported to the CEO and President and was accountable for a multi-million dollar revenue business. He managed a 23-person team which was responsible for sports content acquisition, distribution alliances, client relationship management and technology sales.

Kevin Bartus President, Ideon Media [Back to top]	Kevin Bartus has been a leader in the Canadian interactive media space for over a decade. A transplanted American with strategy consulting roots and slightly too much education, Kevin founded Blue Spark in 1998 with Byron Wong and built many of the early generation websites for large Canadian media companies like Rogers Media, Harlequin, CBC, TVO, and The Score. After selling Blue Spark to OnX in 2005, Kevin went on to run Rogers Media's digital media business as the VP Digital Media, reporting to the CEO and successfully doubling sales and boosting profits. Most recently, Kevin launched Ideon Media with the ambition of creating a genuinely new digital-centric Canadian media company. Kevin has a Canadian scientist wife and two terrific sons, both of whom share Kevin's Chicagoan affection for basketball. 'The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party, but they say nothing, and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them silently away.' Ralph Waldo Emerson, journal entry, May 1847"

John Bessai Director / Producer Cinefocus [Back to top]	�'The days come and go like muffled and veiled figures sent from a distant friendly party, but they say nothing, and if we do not use the gifts they bring, they carry them silently away.� � Ralph Waldo Emerson, journal entry, May 1847" CineFocus combines entertainment with insight into social issues, art & popular culture, and biography, with a particular emphasis on global themes. CineFocus projects create viable product for truly integrated cross-media content, focusing on local community interests while taking advantage of the growing global community forming around social networking, mobile devices, the internet, and conventional broadcasting. A graduate of the Interactive Project Lab at the Canadian Film Centre, John produced the interactive documentary, "Visions from the Wilderness: The Art of Paul Kane" that is permanently installed at the Royal Ontario Museum as well as the Juno nominated documentary Buffy Sainte-Marie: A Multimedia Life". Currently, CineFocus is in pre-production of a compelling web/TV crossover production GreenHeroes that provides tools to inspire, motivate, as well as reward users who want to take action on environmental issues. This upcoming cross-platform program was developed in association with TVO and SUN TV, with the support of Canada�s Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund, the Banff New Media Institute, and the Canadian Independent Film and Video Fund.

Thomas Bidaux CEO ICO Partners [Back to top]	Thomas Bidaux's career started at France Telecom, within the GOA team where, in 1999, he was recruited to manage their online games. He grew the activity from a one-man team in charge of the first French MMORPG Lan4eme Prophetie, to the European organisation in charge of the most successful MMORPG at the time in this market, Dark Age of Camelot. In 2004, he left France Telecom and Paris, to set up the European subsiduary of the Online Game giant NCsoft. Acting as the Director of Development for the company, he managed the team who brought many online games to the European market, including Guild Wars and City of Heroes. Participating to the NCsoft Global Portfolio Steering Committee, he led the company's efforts to expand its game portfolio with European-based development, through various 3rd party deals and the creation of a Brighton-based studio as well as heading the European team evaluating the group global projects. In late 2008-2009, he created the consulting agency ICO Partners with other NCsoft veterans, focusing his efforts in taking independent developers further and help them reach their full potential across the globe. He is also acting as VP of Strategy for the Austrian based studio Avaloop and is working on the development of their critically acclaimed virtual world Papermint. He has also been an active participant in many industry-related events, sharing his expertise as often as possible and working on democratizing the development of online games in Europe.

Mark Bishop Executive Producer / Partner marblemedia [Back to top]	As partner and co-founder of marblemedia Mark is responsible for building strong relationships with broadcasters, content developers, technology partners and investors. Mark plays a key role in developing both television and interactive projects that tell unique stories across multiple platforms. Recently at the 2008 CNMA's Mark was named Producer of the Year and marblemedia was named Company of the Year, an honour shared with business partner Matt Hornburg. Mark is the Executive Producer of This is Emily Yeung and This is Daniel Cook (Treehouse, TVO), now both airing in over 85 countries including Playhouse Disney in the U.S., Germany and Japan, and ABC in Australia. This is Daniel Cook and This is Emily Yeung also have a DVD collection, a series of six books and a Juno nominated CD available at retail locations across North America. Mark is a creator of new marble projects such as: The Adrenaline Project (season 1 and 2), a high-energy, reality series for teens/tweens airing on YTV; Taste Buds a kids cooking and food adventure series on TVO and The Dating Guy, an interactive animation series coming to TELETOON's The Detour 2009. Projects in development also include Waiting in the Wings, The Invasion and Camerahead (CBC).

Ted Brunt Sr. Consultant marblemedia [Back to top]	Ted Brunt has been working in interactive media since 1992, after a career writing, producing and editing television for TVOntario, TSN, NBC, CBC and Global. Following the launch of TVOntario's Online Group and helping create tvokids.com, he moved to the Independent Learning Division as Chief Technical Officer. In 2003, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to work with CBC.ca and Children's and Youth Programming as Chief Producer for Kids digital content. He performed a number of roles at the CBC, including Director of Arts & Entertainment Interactive and Sr. Director of Digital Entertainment Programming. He now works as Sr. Consultant for marblemedia Interactive. Ted has always been interested in the fusion of technology, audiences and content, and spends far too much time fiddling around online.

Marilyn Burgess President Burgess Consultants [Back to top]	Marilyn Burgess is the president of Burgess Consultants, which provides research and strategic positioning advice to cultural industry organisations. The former Director of Policy, Planning and Research at Telefilm Canada, she has a PhD in Communications Studies and over twenty years' experience in the arts and digital media. She is the architect of the New Media Initiative, a partnership between the Canada Council for the Arts and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and was instrumental in shaping the Canada New Media Fund for Telefilm Canada. She recently partnered with Maria De Rosa of Communications MDR to produce a study for the Canadian Association of Broadcasters on private broadcasters' online activities, for the CRTC review of new media broadcasting. She has just completed an international review of policies, programs and initiatives aimed at preparing film producers to compete in the digital media environment, for Telefilm Canada. Dr. Burgess is also active in the academic space, where she has helped universities develop major funding applications for digital media research initiatives involving multiple university and industry partners.

Mike Burns CEO Fuel Industries [Back to top]	As CEO and co-founder of Fuel Industries, Mike Burns leads one of the most advanced interactive agencies in North America, one unique in its ability to blend the capabilities of an advertising agency, a game developer, an animation house and a video and special effects studio. After eight years of leadership at Fuel, Burns has developed the reputation as one of the top creative minds in branded entertainment. Since its inception in 1999, Fuel Industries has constantly broken the boundaries of online marketing. Spurred by the rapid change in online media and fuelled by Burns' forward thinking and creativity, Fuel grew from a small Web design and multimedia firm into one of the most respected creators of branded entertainment, attracting a client list that is enviable even by Madison Avenue standards. Mike has been recognized for both his creative approach to branded entertainment and his business achievements, and has had numerous professional recognitions, including the Ottawa Business Journal's Top 40 under 40, and Ernst & Young's top 50 entrepreneurs in the Canada. His leadership has also resulted in dozens of awards for Fuel Industries, including three Billboard DEMMX awards for branded entertainment, and an award from Marketing Magazine naming Fuel Industries one of the top ten agencies in Canada. Fuel was also named one of Canada's 100 fastest-growing companies in the June 2008 issue of Profit Magazine. Constantly striving to keep Fuel years ahead of the competition, Mike actively leads the development of the company's licensed properties, the first of which made its debut in 30,000,000 McDonald's Happy Meals across Europe. Upcoming properties for a range of ages from 5 to 45, such as the newly launch virtual world Spark City, will keep Fuel on the cutting edge of digital entertainment for years to come. Mike is an energetic and highly requested speaker and panelist for marketing and entertainment conferences across North America, and most recently spoke at Digital Hollywood in Los Angeles, KidScreen Summit in New York and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Paul Burns VP Video & Mobile Canwest [Back to top]	Paul Burns is currently the Vice-President of Video & Mobile at Canwest Digital Media and has responsibility for all aspects of Canwest's Video & Mobile strategy. Paul is an established industry leader with a compelling vision for enabling rich multi-platform media experiences. Paul joined Canwest from his prior career with Sympatico MSN as Director of Mobile \| IPTV \| Broadband where he launched Canada's first Mobile Media Lab project. Paul has also led the global digital marketing team for Nokia Mobile Phones out of London, UK and worked for a variety of new media start ups and dot com's over the last 10+ years. Paul lives in Toronto with his wife and 6 month old son and enjoys playing blues guitar and the occasional soapbox rant on his blog electricartist.typepad.com. Paul holds a Degree in Marketing from York University's Schulich School of Business.

Mike Carter President & CEO MyThum Interactive [Back to top]	Michael Carter is the President and CEO of MyThum Interactive, a leader in interactive mobile media. With direct connections to all Canadian wireless operators and access to all major US carriers, MyThum enables brands and media companies to build relationships with more than 250 million consumers through their mobile phones. Since 2002, Michael and his team have launched hundreds of initiatives, many the first of their kind in North America. MyThum powers the direct-to-consumer mobile content storefronts for Warner Music Canada, Universal Music Canada and Best Buy USA and interactive television solutions for broadcasters such as CTV, CanWest Global, the CBC and Rogers Sportsnet. MyThum has also been engaged by many of Canada's leading brands such as Molson, Nike, Mitsubishi and Shoppers Drug Mart to develop and deploy various mobile marketing solutions. In his leadership role at MyThum, Michael draws on more than a decade of wireless, e-commerce, interactive entertainment and management consulting experience.

Elizabeth F. Churchill PhD Principal Research Scientist Yahoo Research [Back to top]	Elizabeth Churchill is a Principal Research Scientist at Yahoo! Research, where she manages the Internet Experiences Group. She previously worked at FXPAL, Fuji Xerox�s Research laboratory in Silicon Valley and at PARC, the Palo Alto Research Center. Elizabeth has has conducted design centered fieldwork in the US, the UK and in Japan, and has designed desktop, mobile and place-based communication and collaboration systems. She has co-edited several books and journal special issues, and has published over 70 articles on various aspects of human centered, interactive systems design. In addition to publishing research papers, she writes a column, P�s&Q�s for the ACM�s interactions magazine, where she explores emerging experiences of the internet in everyday life.

Christian Crews Principal andSpace Labs [Back to top]	Christian Crews is a futurist and strategist with over fifteen years of experience leading teams and projects that enable organizations to sense and use the future. At andSpace Labs, Christian works through customized engagements to help clients surface future points of customer pain, innovate and design new products, services, and experiences, and position their organizations to create sustainable competitive advantage in highly uncertain environments. Prior to andSpace Labs, Christian spent five years in several corporate strategy roles at Pitney Bowes Inc. As Director of Futures Strategy, Director of Growth Strategies, and most recently as Director of Corporate Strategy, he pioneered new methods of using foresight for innovation, organic growth, and corporate strategic intent. New innovation methods spurred hundreds of invention disclosures from employees across the company, and foresight strategy projects resulted in significant corporate investments in new areas of growth for the company. Christian came to Pitney Bowes from the Waitt Family Foundation/Waitt Institute, where as Director of Futures Studies he helped create a global foundation committed to providing the disenfranchised access to appropriate technologies and participate in their development. He began his foresight and strategy career as the Long Range Planner at Toshiba International Corporation. Christian holds a Master of Science in Studies of the Future from the University of Houston - Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of William and Mary.

David Crow Evangelist Microsoft Canada [Back to top]	David Crow is an evangelist at Microsoft Canada. At Microsoft, David helps companies understand emerging technology and design practices for creating compelling digital experiences. He focuses on helping companies to extend their customers' reach with next generation technology for the desktop, digital devices, standards based applications for the Web, and rich media applications. David has been named Toronto's Best Web and Tech Evangelist for his efforts in founding DemoCamp, BarCampToronto, Founders & Funders and StartupEmpire. David blogs at davidcrow.ca & startupnorth.ca.

Patrick Crowe President Xenophile Media [Back to top]	A producer, writer, game designer and filmmaker, Patrick runs Xenophile Media, a Toronto-based cross platform production company with clients ranging from Disney to Cartoon Network and BBC. Xenophile's best-known productions include the Primetime Emmy Award-winning Fallen Alternate Reality Game and the International Emmy Award-winning ReGenesis Extended Reality Game. Xenophile's work for kids includes the Emmy nominated projects: Total Drama Island - Totally Interactive with over 4 million players, the Emmy-nominated M.I. High Game for BBC with a 70% conversion rate from TV viewers to registered online players, a new online game world for the YTV animated series Rollbots and an online documentary based on a the Xenophile written feature film Hana's Suitcase. Xenophile Media's work has also won accolades at the Banff World TV Festival, SXSW, FITC, Gemini and Canadian New Media Awards. As a documentary filmmaker, Patrick has written and directed work on social and historic topics. His writing also includes media theory, animated television series and a feature film co-written with author Carol Shields.

Paulo Castro President Terra Brazil & IAB Brazil [Back to top]	Terra Networks is a global internet network operating in 40 countries in 19 languages, reaching 91 million monthly visitors worldwide. Created by the combination of Terra Networks and Lycos in October 2000, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Spain's Telefonica in July 2005. Terra is available in the United States, Europe and Asia, as a portal to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets and is the number three access provider in the world. In Brazil, Terra is the third largest internet portal reaching 45 million out of 64 million spectators per month. Although it reaches the whole country, most of it's audience comes from Sao Paulo, the largest and most important city in the country. But it is also very popular in the Southern region, where it was founded and where part of the press room is located. Around 85% of it's spectators are looking for news when they access the website. Terra is considered the most reliable source for people looking for news, entertainment and sports. Paulo Castro, 42, is the Terra General Director in charge of Brazil since January, 2006. He has been working for the company for 17 years. He is also part of the team that started Terra in this country. Originally hailing from the South part of Brazil. He majored in Computer Science from UFRGS (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul) and also has his post-graduatate degree in Business by FGV (Getalio Vargas Foundation). Furthermore, Paulo Castro is the president of the IAB council (Interactive Advertising Bureau) in Brazil. IAB is an association which promotes the Brazilian internet boost and online investments.

Laurie Densen Director of Business Development Whyville [Back to top]	After receiving a masters degree in education from Columbia University, Laurie Densen taught fine art to middle and high school students at one of NYC's most innovative private schools for five years. In 2003, Ms. Densen left the classroom to pursue a career in children's media with the goal of combining her interests in education, kids and entertainment. Her experience in production ranges from TV and documentaries to gaming and Internet, including the highly acclaimed, Emmy-nominated PBS preschool series, It's a Big Big World. Ms. Densen brings 15 years' experience of working with tweens and teens to Numedeon Inc, creators of Whyville, the leading educational virtual world for children ages 8 to 15. Ms. Densen has managed production on numerous immersive games, activities, and educational campaigns within the virtual world of Whyville. She currently heads up east coast sales and business development for Numedeon.

Alain Dolium CEO OBAD Mobile Marketing [Back to top]	Since January 2007, Alain has held the position of CEO of OBAD Mobile Marketing. Prior to OBAD he was the Strategy, Innovation, Marketing & Communication Director for CBS Outdoor France. He has held positions on the Executive Board France, the Marketing & Sales board of Viacom Outdoor Europe and is a member of the Executive Committee of Affimetrie (company in charge of audience measurement of external advertising). In his position with CBS, he reported to the President of Viacom Outdoor France. From 1997-2004 he worked with DHL Express France, and from 2003-2004 held the position of Business Unit Director, as well as being a member of the Executive Board of DHL Worldwide France and was on the Sales & Marketing Executive Committee of DHL Express France. He is a graduate of Amiens Business School and HEC Montreal.

Adam Dunn President Monster Factory [Back to top]	Adam is a founding member and the president of Monster Factory Inc., a Toronto based toy company. Under Adam�s creative direction, the Monster Factory has spent the past five years developing a small art project into Canada's premiere designer toy brand. To date, Adam has helped create over 100 original characters with the Monster Factory design and writing teams. Currently, Adam is serving as Monster Factory�s supervising producer in the development of its brand as an entertainment and licensed property.

Aron Dunn Director of Creative Development Portfolio Entertainment [Back to top]	Aron has turned several years of development and a lifetime of playing videogames into a dream job. While it may look like he's playing games on company time, Aron is actually responsible for the acquisition of new intellectual properties and their management through the development process. He works closely with Portfolio's executive and creative teams to craft shows with universal appeal, while incorporating a high level of interactivity to enhance the audience's engagement. He will also be responsible for extending Portfolio's brands into multiple platforms. While a comprehensive knowledge of programming trends and a formidable rolodex of broadcaster contacts is vital, Aron feels that recognizing and championing talent is what gets great shows on television. Needless to say, Aron's screen never reads: 'Game Over'. Aron has previously held positions with Sullivan Entertainment and Slanted Wheel Entertainment.

Dr. David Ellis Professor York University [Back to top]	Dr David Ellis is an educator and technology marketing consultant. Over the last 25 years, he has written and consulted extensively on the transition from old to new media. He has worked and lectured across Canada, as well as in the US, Europe and Hong Kong, and has testified as an expert witness in several reguatory proceedings. Since 2005, he has taught courses on broadcasting, digital media and social issues in York University's Communication Studies Program. David received his university training in Canada, England and France, earning his doctorate from the Sorbonne Nouvelle. David wrote the first Canadian book on the roots of the Information Highway ('Split Screen') and the first oral history of computer networking in Canada ('A Nation Goes Online'). He is working on a new book about the growing conflict in the communications industry between customer lock-in strategies and those built on sustainable customer loyalty. He is also developing a new consultancy whose mission is to help media and IT clients re-shape their business models around the intensely personal nature of digital platforms. In December, David filed a private intervention to the CRTC's new media proceeding, in which he argues for radical changes in Canada's approach to cultural and telecommunications policy, and a much greater investment in the future of broadband.

Amber Lee Ettinger Obama Girl BarelyPolitical & BarelyDigital [Back to top]	Since rising to fame as the "Obama Girl," Amber was named E!'s #1 Hottest Woman of the Web in 2008, and has been featured on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and is a regular guest on Fox News and MSNBC. Amber has appeared in GQ, TIME, People and Wired, among other publications and her videos have been viewed more than 100 million times globally. Amber has a Jewelry Line called "Inspired by Amber", and recently released a music EP titled "Queen of the Web." More on Amber can be found at www.amberleeonline.com.

Dan Fill Head of Multiplatform Production ABC Australia [Back to top]	Dan Fill is the Head of the Multiplatform Production division of ABC TV. In this role Dan is responsible for overseeing ABC TV's development on new emerging platforms for all Genres of television. ABC TV offers Australia's number one Internet Broadcasting service iView, the number 1 Video Podcasting service, the top Childrens Portal and Australia's leading television website. ABC Multiplatform has launched a strategic partnership with the CBC and BBC's Multiplatform divisions to further develop new and exciting collaborative initiatives. Prior to joining the ABC, Dan was the Vice President of Interactive at Toronto-based Decode Entertainment. Dan is the recipient of a number of international award accolades for innovation including a British Academy Award nomination, accolades from Yahoo and Shockwave, The Japan Award Nomination, 2 Geminis, 8 AIMIA Awards including the Best of the Best, while in Canada named Canadian New Media Producer of the Year, and most recently in Australia named 2008 winner of The Australian Digital Media Award.

Wesley Fok Writer / Web Developer Clear Sky Media [Back to top]	Wesley Fok is a front-end web developer at Clear Sky Media, home of the popular Canadian bargain-hunting site RedFlagDeals.com and price comparison engine PriceCanada.com. He is also a freelance writer who currently reviews software and writes the weekly Apps We Love column for the Globe and Mail's technology site. In his spare time, Wesley assists the feminist, teen-focused Shameless Magazine as their webmaster.

James Fox Director of Original Productions and Development, Turner Broadcasting International (UK) [Back to top]	James Fox is Director of Original Productions and Development, International at Turner UK. With a background in design, illustration and music, he moved into digital entertainment in 1999. While working at Deepend UK he was on the team that created the multi award winning Cartoonnetwork.co.uk website, shortly after, he joined Turner and created an online game show called, Skatoony. He's spent the last few years developing Skatoony into various different interactive forms. From it's conception as a web game into channel continuity, then into a live animation show, in which kids could talk directly to the animated hosts, followed by a toy lottery show and eventually into a the worlds first Kids verses Toons sitcom game show! Skatoony has been hugely successful in the UK and was nominated for a BAFTA. It'�s now growing internationally, with a Hindi version already in its second season and a Canadian version about to start production this month. James is currently creating new shows for the Turner kids networks, all with the aim of creating new ways to involve the audience, but most of all, impressing his three amazing, young children.

Pete Forde Partner Unspace Interactive [Back to top]	When not discussing iPhone development at IN09, Pete is a partner at Unspace Interactive. Unspace is best known as the first Ruby on Rails consulting studio, but they are also responsible for Score Mobile (top iPhone sports app) and iWik, which sold over 50,000 copies before being purchased by Wikipedia. Pete was a curator of the punk rock inspired RubyFringe conference, and is busy working hard on the follow-up: FutureRuby happens July 9-12, here in Toronto. Pete hosts the long-running monthly Toronto Rails Pub Nite. He can be frequently spotted crashing parties and going places he is not supposed to go, Polaroid camera in hand.

Simon Foster VP, Business Development GlassBOX Television Inc. [Back to top]	Simon leads the digital property development and digital content distribution strategy at GlassBOX Television. GlassBOX is an Emmy winning cross-platform broadcaster. Simon brings 8 years of digital media leadership to his current role. As Vice President of Strategic Development at Snap Media, Canada's leading interactive entertainment agency, Simon led the development of digital business strategies for clients such as CHUM, CBC, and CTV. As Director, Business Development at QuickPlay Media, Simon developed content revenue streams and strategies on mobile devices for key clients such as Research in Motion (RIM), and XM Radio USA. Simon is a graduate of the London School of Economics.

Tom Frencel President Capybara Games [Back to top]	Tom Frencel is the President of Capybara Games Inc., a Toronto based video game developer. As head of the company, Tom has been responsible for guiding the rapid growth of Capybara and helped to recently transition the company from mobile to console focused. Overseeing the development of over fourteen projects in just 3 years has given Tom a unique perspective on the unique challenges and opportunities in the video game market. Tom has been involved in both AAA licensed mobile games, including Cars, Happy Feet, and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as successful original IP titles, including Pillow Fight, Super Shove It!, and the award winning Critter Crunch.

Claude Galipeau Senior VP - Digital Media Rogers [Back to top]	Claude's background includes working for Alliance Atlantis Communications, as Vice-President, Broadcasting, and heading business development at Salter Street Films. Claude has also worked as a senior advisor to the Government of Ontario's Cabinet Office, Premier's Office and Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs; a senior advisor and lobbyist at the World Association of Newspapers based in Paris; an independent media consultant; and, from 1990-1991, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Administration at the University of Ottawa. Claude has a PhD from the University of Toronto, an MA from Queen's University and a BA from Bishop's University. He is the author of Isaiah Berlin's Liberalism (Oxford, 1994), as well as numerous articles on political theory and Canadian politics and public policy.

Kim Gibson Program Consultant - Interactive Digital Media OMDC [Back to top]	Kim Gibson joined the Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC) in 1999. An agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture, the OMDC facilitates economic development opportunities for Ontario's cultural media industries including the book publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, magazine publishing, and music industries by promoting, enhancing and leveraging investment, jobs and original content creation. In her current role as a Program Consultant - Interactive Digital Media with the OMDC's Industry Development Group, Kim is responsible for the conception and management of initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of Ontario's content creation companies. She has been involved in the design and operation of a number of programs, most recently: the OMDC Export Fund, the OMDC Interactive Digital Media Fund and the OMDC Screen-based Content Initiative. In addition to functioning as the primary contact for the agency's interactive digital media programs and providing direction to the OMDC's initiatives for this sector Kim also contributes to programs targeted at Ontario's broader entertainment and creative cluster industries.

Mike Gibson Writer / Director / Producer Zapdramatic [Back to top]	Michael Gibson studied architecture and made movies before becoming president of Zapdramatic, a division of the Stitt Feld Handy Group. Zapdramatic produces serious games and simulations for entertainment and life skills development. Zapdramatic is a winner of the Canadian New Media Award for Excellence in Learning and the Vortex prize at the McLuhan International Festival of the Future. Michael Gibson is frequently invited to speak on serious games, interactive narrative and e-learning simulations.

Brady Gilchrist President Admodo Group [Back to top]	Brady Gilchrist has been in the digital business from the beginning. Brady is a sailer, pilot, photographer, writer and entrepreneur. His ﬁrst business was creating mobile applications - before mobile was a buzz word. The technology he created was sold and a non-compete brought him into the internet business in the early 90s. His second business was one of Canadaʼs ﬁrst online agencies. He has been involved in a number of interesting projects including �A Digital Life� when in 1999 he wired up a 27 foot sailboat to the Internet and accidentally became one of the ﬁrst bloggers. He traveled up the coast of Africa on the Microsoft, Sony and Stern sponsored Starship Millennium voyage as part of a crew making a multimedia record of our world at the turn of the century. As Brady says he has been fortunate to be at the right times and right places for serendipity to take him in interesting directions. In his professional life he has been a Senior Vice President at GJP advertising, Executive Vice President and CSO at Fuel Industries and is now President of the Admodo group. His responsibilities these days are investing, inventing and evangelizing very new things. His business endeavors have taken him around the world. He currently sits on the board of directors for Sketch, is a member of S&P Vistaʼs Society of Industry Leaders and has major online advertising award.

Alexis Godais Co-Founder la Cartoonerie [Back to top]	Alexis Godais is the Co-Founder of la Cartoonerie, a digital agency specialized in user generated content and communities. Originally, la Cartoonerie (ToonWay.com in English) was a Website that let tweens create and share their own animations on the Web and for free. Over 215 days of content have been created so far. This success has led la Cartoonerie to work with major content companies (TV Networks, Telco) in Canada and in France, and expand its expertise to comics (bubblaka.com, to be launched March 2009) and videos. Alexis has spoken at several conferences in Business and Multimedia Schools in Paris, France, and won several entrepreneurship awards along with his partners Berenice Louis and Julien Mession.

Christopher Golda Founder BackType [Back to top]	Christopher Golda is a co-founder of BackType, a conversational search engine for blogs and other social media. BackType indexes millions of online conversations so people can find, follow and share comments from across the web. BackType received seed funding from Y Combinator and True Ventures. Christopher holds a B.A.Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Jay Goldman Technologist, Designer, Speaker, Author [Back to top]	Jay has been providing a human side to technology for over ten years, as a technologist, user experience specialist, and visual designer. His career has been focused on the interaction between people and technology, and his insights have helped to greatly improve products on mobile, web, and desktop platforms, including IBM DB2 and Mozilla Firefox. He led Radiant Core's Professional Services Team on a wide variety of award winning engagements across many industries, and is now helping tech startups to change the world as a consultant on products, technology, and design. Jay has proudly been published in the Harvard Business Review and has written for The Facebook Cookbook for O'Reilly Media, and has been instrumental in the continued growth of the BarCamp community in Toronto. He had the privilege of being one of the co-conductors of the very successful TransitCamp event held in partnership with the Toronto Transit Commission.

Alex Gueriguian Co-Founder & Digital Director Fidel Studios [Back to top]	Meet Fidel... Fidel is an independent interactive and creative studio that combines animation, live action, online gaming, interactive and digital media to create unique experiences. The fusion of a vast range of disciplines is always analyzed before starting any project. A solid background in entertainment, animation and multimedia combined with agency and production experience, allows Fidel Studios to provide its clients and talent with an intimate environment for ideas to be developed and achieved. Alex Gueriguian, Co-Founder and Digital Director, has served the film and advertizing industries in terms of digital content. With a background in storytelling, design, animation, online gaming and entertainment, his expertise come to play in terms of how to develop and deploy content across digital platforms to maximize exposure and user experience. Before founding Fidel Studios, he worked in Paris and Montreal as a multimedia, film and animation producer and director. With over 50 productions, he developed a variety of content for television, film and the web.

Nathon Gunn CEO Bitcasters [Back to top]	Nathon has built successful and award-winning web-sites, games, technologies and television shows for leading entertainment companies such as MuchMusic, BMG and Disney. His games have had over 150-million plays, including the recent and successful Storm Hawks Squadron (40-million plays and counting). Nathon has helped launch several successful businesses including CHUM's Interactive Division and Miramax New Media. His innovations have included some of the first enhanced CDs, the first backstage Grammy's webcast in 1994, "blogging" or citizen-journalism at events like the 1995 Toronto Film Festival, the user-generated video channel Bitcast in 1998, online campaign technology in support of Al Gore in 2000 and running net strategy for former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in 2002. Nathon has developed one of Canada's first Serious Games with the History Canada Game and has just launched an action-based 3D MMORPG for kids based on the global animated hit show Storm Hawks. The primary focus of Nathon's current work is social gaming and to this end he is preparing the beta launch this fall of Social Game Universe, a connected universe of social games in which media industry titans Michael Cohl, Moses Znaimer and Clive Smith have invested. Nathon is a graduate of Ryerson University with a double major in Film/Photography and Computer Animation and has won awards for various films and music videos.

Roland Harwood Director of Open Innovation NESTA [Back to top]	Roland is Director of Open Innovation at NESTA. All his work is underpinned by the idea that the best innovations happen through extreme collaboration. Flagship projects include working with Tim Berners Lee on the future of the web, successfully implementing open innovation with P&G, Oracle and Virgin, and working with Imperial College and the RCA on an interdisciplinary Business Incubator. He also sits on various boards and committees including Distance Lab, Design London, EPSRC, and several start-up technology companies. Graduating with a PhD in Physics from Edinburgh University, he started his career as a research scientist focusing upon ultrasonic imaging. Then, he went on to develop new joint ventures with BT & IBM. More recently he developed and launched gateway2investment, which has helped hundreds of tech start-ups raise venture capital in excess of '26m. He also led the launch of London's first '6m Proof of Concept Seed Fund with 24 Universities. For the past 12 years he has also worked freelance as a music producer for SonyBMG, writing soundtracks for TV and film, including for American Psycho, Property Ladder and the Cosby Show.

Fred Hasson Executive Director RedBedlam (former CEO and founder of TIGA) (UK) [Back to top]	Fred Hasson has an extensive experience of TV, web-media and games sectors. Hasson was until recently Founder and CEO of UK Game developers trade body, TIGA (2001-8), he recently joined RedBedlam, a Brighton based MMOG and Virtual World developer as Executive Director, who have developed one of the few UK produced 3D Virtual World products on the market (www.roma-victor.com) demonstrating where he believes the future of interactive entertainment is heading. He also operates a consulting company. Previously he; Owned a new media consultancy with City analyst Mathew Horsman h2p (Horsman Hasson Productions) Was a Director of new media producer Victoria Real which was acquired by Endemol in 2000 Was Head of Corporate Affairs for BBC Regional Broadcasting Was Head of Regional and Training Policy and Strategy for the Producers Alliance for Cinema and TV (Pact) Was Deputy Director of the Independent Programme Producers Association (IPPA) Was Chairman of the TV and film industry freelance training organisation FT2

Dan Hon Co-founder & CEO Six to Start (photo credit: Matt Locke) [Back to top]	Dan has been at the forefront of alternate reality gaming since its inception in 2001, when he co-moderated the groundbreaking online community Cloudmakers, formed to play The Beast, Microsoft's productionnfor AI. Before co-founding Six to Start with his brother, Adrian, Dannwas COO at Mind Candy, where he worked on the award winning alternate reality game Perplex City. Six to Start, launched in September 2007, recently went public with its first project, We Tell Stories, for Penguin Books, which received great critical and commercial acclaim. The company is now working on interactive, cross-platform projects for the BBC, Channel 4 and other clients. Dan has spoken extensively on both social software and cross media gaming, and was recently a jury member for the BAFTA Videogames and RTS Education Awards. Dan has most recently spoken at The Media Festival, Hello Digital 2008, Sheffield Doc/Fest 2008, WildScreen, South by Southwest 2008, South by Southwest 2007 and the London Games Festival. He appears to be spending most of his free time levelling his Horde Rogue in World of Warcraft to get ready for Wrath of the Lich King.

Matt Hornburg Executive Producer / Partner marblemedia [Back to top]	Named Producer of the Year at the 2007 Canadian New Media Awards, Matt is Executive Producer, partner and co-founder of marblemedia. Matt is responsible for leading creative teams to execute both television and digital media projects. Current initiatives include The Adrenaline Project season 2 which debuted September 2008 on YTV. In this extreme teen reality series contestants compete against one another over the whole season in a 26 episode tournament-style format. The action continues online at TheAdrenalineProject.com with games and exclusive confessional web videos. In addition, Matt is currently leading The Dating Guy, a primetime animated series for TELETOON�s adult Detour block, co-produced with Blueprint Entertainment. The TV series and integrated website launched in 2009. Matt co-created the series with marblemedia partner Mark Bishop. Matt also produced The Art of Seduction, an innovative mobile shorts series with Bravo!FACT, the NFB and Sundance Channel (U.S). The project won a GSM award for Best Made for Mobile Film, Video or TV service, a Banff Award for Best Mobile Program Enhancement, a silver W3 award for ShortsInMotion.com and was nominated for an International Interactive Emmy. Matt�s other producing credits include This is Daniel Cook, This is Emily Yeung, Taste Buds (TVO), a pairing of SwanS DVD by Veronica Tennant, deafplanet.com (TVO) and Burnt Toast (CBC, Bravo!FACT, Channel 4 - UK, and ZDF/ARTE � Germany).

Jennifer Jenson Associate Professor of Pedagogy & Technology York University [Back to top]	Dr. Jennifer Jenson is Associate Professor and a Technology Enhanced Learning Chair of Pedagogy and Technology in the Faculty of Education at York University. She is currently co-editor of Loading:The Journal of the Canadian Game Studies Association and president of the Canadian Game Studies Association. Working with Suzanne de Castell (Simon Fraser University) and a team of students, she has co-designed an educational game, 'Contagion' and is currently working on two new games, 'Epidemic: Self-Care for Crisis' and a Baroque music game. She has just completed a 3-year study of gender and digital gameplay, and has begun another on novice players and new game controllers. She has published widely on education, technology, gender, design and development of digital games, and technology policy and is the Primary Investigator of a CFI funded project: Play:CES - Play in Computer Environments Studio.

Mike Katchabaw Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science University of Western Ontario / CATGames [Back to top]	Dr. Michael Katchabaw is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Western Ontario. His research interests include various aspects of game design and development, including character behaviour in games, storytelling in games, the use of music in games, and a variety of other areas. He has successfully led many research projects in the field of gaming, and has numerous publications in the area. He is actively involved in the key professional organizations in this area, the IEEE, ACM, IGDA, and CGSA, and has played key roles in leading conferences and journal publications related to gaming.

Richard Lachman Assistant Professor, Digital Media Ryerson University [Back to top]	Richard Lachman is an Assistant Professor, Digital Media in the School of Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University. The Gemini-award winning producer is also a creative and technical consultant for new media projects, primarily focused on entertainment and convergent media properties. Lachman has worked on some of the most successful Canadian interactive and convergent-media projects in the industry. He is a computer-science graduate from MIT, and holds a masters degree from the MIT Media Lab's "Interactive Cinema" lab in the mid-90's. His research interests include convergent media, interactive documentary, and new forms of storytelling. He teaches classes in digital media, interactive art, animation, virtual environments, and digital culture.

n Albert Lai CEO / Founder Kontagent [Back to top]	Albert Lai is founder & CEO at Kontagent, a viral analytics platform venture. Albert sold his first internet company, the MyDesktop Network while in his teens to JupiterMedia (JUPM) for 7 digits in cash. Most recently he was the founder/CEO of BubbleShare, a photo-sharing company sold to Kaboose (KAB) in 2007. He is now hard at work on Kontagent, his 5th internet startup. Before the internets and website numbers, he pioneered the first CD-ROM yearbook in the early 90s, and also created one of the first "viral" floppy based AdvertGames in Canada. His efforts have been featured twice on the A1 front pages of the largest newspapers in Canada, the front pages of the top 3 newspapers in Canada, as well as CNN, CNBC, Forbes, FastCompany, and Business 2.0 in the US. He helped start and host the first DemoCamp, a tech community "unconference" which now has events now taking place around the world. He has been invited to speak at TED and regularly speaks as a paid keynote speaker to multi-nationals, as a panelist at industry insider events, as a university guest lecturer to volunteer supporter and at student conferences around the world. In his spare time, Albert blogs about disruptive simplicity and other random thoughts at http://simplyalbert.blogspot.com

John Lax Partner Teehan+Lax [Back to top]	Jon has been working in digital media since 1994. He started at Shift Magazine in 1994 where he helped develop the first ad supported site in Canada. In 1995 he received a National Magazine Award Nomination for his writing in the magazine. Jon went on to Grey Interactive in 1996, where he became Sr. Copywriter. Jon was Creative Director at Modem Media Canada from 1998 to 2002. During that time he worked for many Fortune 500 clients, helping them develop applications, marketing initiatives and strategies in the digital channel. Jon has worked with clients like Coca-Cola, Indigo Books, Coors Brewing Company, Scotiabank, General Motors, Kraft Canada, Wendy's, IBM, LCBO and Maritime Life, Heineken and Miller Genuine Draft. He has won Cannes Lions, CMA RSVP Awards, Marketing Magazine and Advertising & Design Club of Canada Awards for his work. He has sat as a judge for Marketing Magazine, CMA RSVPs, London International Advertising Awards and Applied Arts Awards. In 2002 Jon was named one of "30 to Watch: Marketing's Next Generation" by Marketing Magazine.

Jonathan Lister Managing Director and Head of Google Canada [Back to top]	Jonathan is the managing director and head of Google Canada. He is responsible for continuing to build Google's brand and reach in the Canadian business community, as well as for developing and executing the company's market strategy within Canada. He leads the region's advertising sales operations and contributes to the strategic growth of Google's products and services. Prior to joining Google, Jonathan was the senior vice president of operations for AOL Europe, general manager of AOL Canada Inc. and vice president of audience for AOL Canada Inc. Earlier, Jonathan managed the sales team at the start-up Bird On A Wire, a venture focused on creating and monetizing hosted Internet infrastructure. Jonathan holds a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Toronto and an M.B.A. from the Rotman School of Management.

Keith Makse President Cerebral Vortex Games [Back to top]	Keith Makse is the President and co-founder of Cerebral Vortex Games. Keith has been an active member of the video game industry for over 10 years, serving as a Designer and Producer while simultaneously establishing and operating GetGames.ca, an online video game rental service. Keith has also taught at the Video Game Design and Development program at the International Academy of Design & Technology. With hit titles such as Ice Cream Dee-Lites and Word Burst, Cerebral Vortex Games aims to make great games for the casual audience that engage and entertain players while expanding their minds. In 2006, Cerebral Vortex Games won acclaim by placing as a finalist in Telefilm Canada�s Great Canadian Video Game Competition with their premiere title, Ambush! Trivia.

Bill Mohri Executive Director of Marketing & Planning CBC [Back to top]	More information coming soon.

Mark Northwood VP Worldwide Licensing Nelvana [Back to top]	Mark Northwood joined Nelvana as VP of Licensing, North America in 2003, a role which was later expanded to VP Worldwide Licensing. Mark manages the company's North American consumer products team directly, as well as overseeing licensing activity for Europe, Latin America, and Australia/NZ/Asia. In addition to managing underlying rights relationships, Mark negotiates and manages master toy agreements and leads the execution of retail plans across multiple categories and brands. Mark is a seasoned business executive with extensive toy market experience. He has more than 15 years of experience in positions with companies such as Hasbro, Thinkway Toys, and The Walt Disney Company (Canada). Previously, Mark was Vice President, New Business and Technology for Markham-based Thinkway Toys. In this role, Mark worked on product development with the Hong Kong office and developed plans to market Thinkway's product lines both directly in the U.S. and Canada and through distributors across Europe. Mark holds a BA in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, and was recently a member of Corus Entertainment's President's Council.

Juliette Powell Author 33 Million People In The Room [Back to top]	Juliette Powell is a media entrepreneur, a community catalyst and the author of 33 Million People in the Room: How to create, influence and Run a Successful Business with Social Networking (January 2009, Financial Times Press). Drawing on first hand experience as a social media expert and co-founder of The Gathering Think Tank, an innovation forum that connects technology, media, entertainment, and business communities, Powell writes about the patterns and practices of successful business leaders who bank on social networking to win. Powell's background includes a decade of experience in broadcast television as well as in interactive/new media content and formats, and a lifelong interest in people and community building. With her deep knowledge of the people and technologies at the forefront of social media, Powell has gained a solid reputation for discovering the latest developments and distilling their social and business implications. Her consulting services have been employed by corporate, government and new media organizations, including Red Bull, Mozilla, Microsoft, Compaq, Trump International, the United Nations, the Department of Justice, Paltalk, Rocketboom and Nokia. Powell has also assisted in the production of the world-renowned TED Conference. and began her careern as a television producer, interviewer and Founder of Powell International Entertainment, Inc. (PIE, Inc.), an integrated media production and development company that produces cross-platform content with newsmakers such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Sir Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, and Tom Cruise. Clients include The Biography Channel, Women's Entertainment Television, E! EntertainmentnTelevision, Cirque du Soleil, and Bravo. Most recently, Powell was commissioned to create Canada's first cross-platform interactive show designed for TV, Internet, radio, and mobile applications. Capitalizing on her expertise in social media, Powell is currently working on the 'whyTV' global initiative with Nokia. A popular guest speaker, Powell has been featured at MIT's Innovation Forum, NYU's Interactive Technology Program, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Producer's Guild of America New Media Council.

Jelle Prins Founder Moop.Me [Back to top]	Jelle (24) is a graduate student at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands, Europe), currently studying at New York University through an exchange program. His study in 'Information Systems' is a combination between computer-sciences, business management, economics and psychology. He also enjoys his function as a professor-assistant and mentor, teaching undergraduates the basics of interface design, project-management and innovation in various courses. Moop.Me Jelle founded Moop.Me in the summer of 2008 after thinking of their iPhonenhit 'iNap'. Inspired by the possibilities of modern Smartphone platforms, such as the iPhone and Android, the members of Moop.Me work together on innovative projects. Creativity, innovation and ingenuity are key concepts. Mobile applications should fit our lifestyle, be fun to use, and not dictate our daily flow but enhance it! So what does "Moop.Me" stand for? 'Moop' refers to the music band formed by Stan, Kyle and Kenny in the Southpark episode 'Christian Rock Hard'. The band was originally formed to make a million bucks, but due to people illegally downloading their music this seemed impossible. The boys go on a strike to stop people from downloading, but eventually learn that making music for fans to enjoy is much more important than money.

Ben Relles Obama Girl BarelyPolitical & BarelyDigital [Back to top]	Ben Relles launched his political satire website BarelyPolitical.com with the hit video "I Got a Crush on Obama." In total, he has produced over 150 online videos which have been viewed over 200 million times worldwide. Recently Ben launched BarelyDigital.com, an online video network satirizing the world of technology. He has spoken at conferences including Forbes MEET, Streaming Media East,nand NATPE and appears regularly on MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Ben wasnborn in Wisconsin and raised in Philadelphia. After college, Ben co-founded MarketVision where he was a partner from 1997 - 2002. Later, Ben received his MBA from the Wharton School, and has spent time working for Omnicom marketing agencies.

Sylvain Rochon Co-Founder & CEO Sylien Games [Back to top]	Founding Sylien Entertainment in 2005, Sylvain had a vision that players were the ones that needed to be given the tools to get the fun experience they were looking for instead of this being dictated by game development companies. Very early on, he managed to negotiate an exclusive license agreement to do a graphical remake of the famous 25 year old Tradewars(R) game (called Tradewars(R) Rising), which was an ideal and widely known model of a massively multiplayer game that encouraged end-user edits/mods. Armed with an excellent market-entry trademark, a half dozen game industry veterans, and the energy of a purist entrepreneur, he managed to build a business and launch a first flagship game platform using Tradewars as a show-and-tell tool: a game platform that allows players to go as far as design their own game ideas without any coding knowledge whatsoever. Sylien's mottos: "By the players, for the players" and "Engage and inspire."

Jill Rosenberg Director of Interactive doug agency [Back to top]	Jill is currently the Director of Interactive at award winning advertising shop doug agency in Toronto. For the past 15 years, Jill has been at the forefront of the digital scene working for a variety of interactive shops, including her own company Girl From Mars Inc. Jill was also ACTRA's National Organizer for Digital Media where she negotiated agreements for the use of Actor's on a variety of digital platforms such as web, mobile and gaming. In her spare time Jill is the Executive Producer of Darryl's Hard Liquor and Porn Film Festival, a festival showcasing short comedy films, currently running in Toronto, Montreal and London England. Her own short films have been seen around the globe. Jill has 3 kids and by the time this gets published, possibly a dog.

Mark Ruddock President & CEO Viigo [Back to top]	Mark Ruddock joined Viigo as President and CEO after having worked with the team for a number of months in his capacity as Entrepreneur in Residence at Ventures West. Mark came to Ventures West in 2006 after the acquisition of INEA Corporation, a Ventures West portfolio company he founded. At Ventures West he was involved in identifying and evaluating investment opportunities in the Web 2.0 and Mobile sectors. As the founding CEO of INEA Corporation, a software company focused on the Financial Services Industry, he led a fast growing organization that became a key strategic partner to many of the world's leading financial institutions. By 2006 INEA had deployments in over 44 countries worldwide. After the acquisition by the Cartesis Group in June 2005, he joined the Paris based management team as Chief Product Officer, where he led the successful integration of the two companies. Cartesis was subsequently acquired by Business Objects in 2007.

Mike Pohjola Co-Founder the company P [Back to top]	Mike Pohjola is an author, a screenwriter, a game designer, and producer. He is interested in finding ways to make people participate and collaborate in the stories he tells, whether that requires spoken word around a campfire, strange new forms of books, or the most cutting-edge of internet technology. Pohjola is the co-founder of the Stockholm-based production house The company P, that focuses on participative drama. In 2008 the company won an International Emmy for Best Interactive Tv Service for The Truth About Marika.

Alan Sawyer Principal Consultant Two Solitudes Consulting [Back to top]	Alan Sawyer is the principal consultant at Two Solitudes Consulting, which he established in 2006. Two Solitudes focuses on the changing face of entertainment across all media but with a particular emphasis on the television space. Alan has an extensive background in the area of digital content and brings a unique combination of technical and business perspectives to his analysis of the Canadian media and telecommunications industries and of emerging technologies and business models. Alan is pleased to be participating in IN 09. His association with Interactive Ontario's annual conference dates back to his role as a panellist in the first conference in 2006. Alan programmed the event in 2007 and in that year launched and hosted the first iteration of the conference podcasts. He was a moderator at the 2008 conference and was, again, the podcast host. Once again, Alan is hosting the podcasts this year. In addition to his strategy consulting work, Alan is a content creator and entrepreneur. He is also currently developing a unique and highly innovative entertainment property that combines television, the Internet and social media to an unprecedented degree. Alan is a frequent commentator on media and telecom in print and on radio and television and is a frequent participant at many media and media-related industry conferences.

Adam Singer Deputy Chair Content Board Ofcom [Back to top]	Adam Singer was appointed to the Ofcom Content Board in May 2003. He has worked at the most senior levels in broadcasting and telecoms, in the UK, the U.S. and Japan. He launched the Discovery Channel in the UK and Europe and was its first MD. He helped create UKTV with the BBC and is a former Chairman and CEO of Flextech plc, whose portfolio included the Living, Bravo and Trouble channels. For two years he was CEO of Telewest plc, providing telephone, broadband and TV programming. Adam began his media career in a variety of programming roles, with companies such as the BBC, Viacom and United Artists. A former Group Chief Executive of the MCPS-PRS Alliance, he is Chairman of Les50ns(Holdings) Ltd; in April 2006 he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Ofcom Content Board; in April 2008 he became Chairman of British Screen Advisory Council and in August 2008 he was appointed Chairman of the Teachers TV Board of Governors. In September 2008 he was appointed Visiting Professor in Creative Technologies at the University of Ulster, Derry.

Caroline Soucy Director TELETOON Interactive [Back to top]	Overseeing the award-winning teletoon.com which boasts over 100 interactive games and averages over 1.5 million visits per month, Caroline Soucy has extensive and proven experience in reaching kids and tweens through interactive media. Specializing in broadcast interactive environments, she has played an active role in Canada's kids' entertainment and gaming online industries for the last 13 years, having worked on prestigious youth sites such as YTV.com, TVOKids.com and the Microsoft MissionX, during her impressive career.

Richard Stursberg Executive Vice-President English Services CBC [Back to top]	Richard Stursberg was appointed Executive Vice-President of English Services on November 22, 2007. Mr. Stursberg oversees all aspects of CBC's English language services, which includes, among other things, the main network (CBC), Newsworld (a 24-hour all news channel), The Documentary Channel, Bold-TV, CBC.ca, and three national radio networks (one on-line), with a combined budget of more than $770 million and approximately 5,000 employees in 13 major offices across the country and 12 foreign bureaus. Most recently, Mr. Stursberg was Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. Within the last decade, he was President and CEO of CANCOM (Canadian Satellite Communications), and Star Choice. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of the Canadian Cable Television Association. He has also been Executive Vice-President of Unitel (formerly AT&T Canada and now Allstream).

Itay Talgam Conductor [Back to top]	Itay Talgam has conducted some of the world's best ensembles, and studied with and assisted great conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Claudio Abbado. A native of Israel, he studied music in Jerusalem (and Philosophy in the Hebrew University), Siena, and Tanglewood. Itay's main interests lie both in contemporary music and in promoting classical music through developing his own innovative approach to the understanding of music-making as a metaphor for a wild range of social, cultural, and professional processes.

Warren Tomlin CCO Fuel Industries [Back to top]	As Fuel Industries' Chief Creative Officer, Warren Tomlin provides the solid strategy and creative direction necessary to keep Fuel on the cutting edge of branded entertainment. Bringing over a decade of business and marketing experience to his role, Warren leads Fuel's senior creative team, and is responsible for ensuring that Fuel continues to push creative boundaries and innovate in both its client-driven content and its licensed properties. Warren's extensive prior experience includes leading eBusiness Strategy and Product Development for Canada Post Corporation, a C$5.5-billion Crown Corporation. In that role, Warren defined and led many of Canada Post's innovations including the strategic definition and delivery of canadapost.ca to become the number-one directory website in Canada. An innovative and creative web strategist, he has intimate knowledge of interactive marketing topics including web strategy, social media and mobile marketing. Warren has developed Internet products and marketing programs with industry giants such as Hasbro, Earthlink, General Mills, and Sony Music as Director of Internet Marketing at a Nortel Networks subsidiary (NetActive). Most notable was a marketing program with Disney Interactive and General Mills that bundled 5.5-million Toy Story 2 CDs to Cheerios boxes. This breakthrough deal emboldened these and other marketers to pursue even more innovative, interactive bridge-marketing programs. With an infectious energy and passion for fostering innovation within the marketing community, Warren is an accomplished presenter and speaks on a variety of new media marketing topics. Most recently, he has represented Fuel and spoken at The Millienials Conference, Digital Hollywood Events at CES 2009, and co-presented a keynote on the future of mobile gaming and advertising at the Intel Developers' Forum. Mr. Tomlin holds a Masters of Business Administration from Queen's University at Kingston.

Ivor Tossell Journalist, Globe and Mail [Back to top]	Ivor Tossell has been the Globe and Mail's online-culture columnist since 2005, interpreting everything from passing web fads to the lasting changes that new media has brought. A freelance journalist, his writing about urban affairs and technology has also appeared in the Toronto Star, the National Post, Report on Business Magazine, Toronto Life, and Spacing Magazine, among others. Before joining the dinosaurs of old media, Ivor worked on ICT projects in Africa and worked and ran a small software business, developing web applications.

David U.K. Managing Director, Worldwide Heavy.com [Back to top]	David U.K., a 16-year media veteran is the Managing Director, Worldwide of Heavy.com overseeing Heavy's International operations, including all revenue, ad sales, affiliate relations, content licensing and distribution. David U.K. formerly served as General Manager of Heavy Canada, where revenues tripled since its 2007 launch. Overseeing Heavy's Canadian business, U.K. was responsible for having opened Heavy's Toronto office, the first for the company outside of its New York City headquarters. Heavy is a leading broadband destination in Canada providing an engaging and measurable marketing platform in a television-like environment reaching the elusive 18-49 year old male. Heavy currently reaches 1,360,000 Million Unique Visitors in Canada as reported by ComScore Media Metrix, July 2008. Heavy has doubled its Canadian audience and tripled its Canadian revenue since inception in January 2007. David launched three Heavy TV shows in Canada on Alliance Atlantis Networks - IFC, Showcase Diva and Showcase Action and placed Heavy as a primary content partner with Virgin Mobile Canada. Previously David U.K. launched and managed the interactive media division, Standard Interactive, a Premiere Online Entertainment Network for Canada's largest private broadcast company, Standard Broadcasting. David held the position of Vice President, Sales and Strategic Alliances. David's professional activities include; Professional Speaker; Chair, Video Committee - IAB Canada; Advisory Board, nextMEDIA: Monetizing Digital Media; Member IRC-, Pro-Financial Asset Management Inc. Prior to Standard Interactive, David held international management positions at a number of prominent media companies, including: Promenade Magazine, New York (VP and Publisher), and UGO Networks, Inc. New York (Director of Sponsorships, Sales and E-commerce), Shift Multimedia (East Coast Advertising Manager); and at Time Warner, Hong Kong (Senior Advertising Manager), among other companies. He now resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Catherine Warren Founder & President, FanTrust Entertainment Strategies [Back to top]	Founder and president of FanTrust Entertainment Strategies, Catherine Warren is an executive management consultant to the distribution and digital media industries. Her work has influenced Fortune 500 clients, game companies, producers, and portals, providing them with new ways to captivate audiences, build revenues, secure strategic partnerships and capitalize on innovation and IP. A digital media veteran celebrating 25 years, Catherine leads due diligence on M&A for major game and animation companies, creates fan strategies for blockbuster television franchises such as CSI and advises mobile leaders including Nokia and Orange Telecom. Working in North America, the UK and Europe, Catherine has served as a senior manager for both publicly traded and privately held media companies. She has published more than 25 books and magazine series for adults and children on science and computing as well as produced numerous award-winning Web sites and interactive broadcasts, including the Gemini Award-winning CTVNews.com. Catherine serves on various digital media boards, including the Bell Broadcast & New Media Fund, which has contributed more than $60M to convergence production, including two recent interactive Emmy-award winners. A member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Catherine has a degree in physics from Reed College and a masters from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Her business FanTrust provides media & entertainment brands with technologies and tactics for building Fan relationships & revenues, with new ways to captivate audiences, secure funding, grow through mergers & acquisitions and capitalize on innovation. For best practices in digital entertainment, check out the FanTrust website and blog: www.FanTrust.com.

Jon Walsh Chief Executive Officer, Groove Media [Back to top]	Jon Walsh founded Groove in September of 2001 and has more than thirteen years of video game industry experience. Since inception, Groove has published more than 20 game titles that have been released globally for PC and console platforms, including Playboy: The Mansion, Pariah and Marine Sharpshooter. Most recently, Groove published the Golf.com Pro Challenge in partnership with Sports Illustrated on Facebook. Prior to joining Groove, Mr. Walsh was the Canadian Sales Manager of Activision, the largest global publisher of video games. Mr. Walsh received his Honours BA in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario and his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Matt Wexler Executive Producer Spin Master Entertainment [Back to top]	Matt joined Spin Master more than 10 years ago and was later involved with the creation of Spin Master�s licensing department. Throughout his tenure, he has been an integral member of Spin Master's management team and has helped significantly grow the company's licensing-based revenues. In 2003 Matt worked in Japan helping to build Spin Master's presence in the region, fostering new relationships with partners on some of the company�s strongest brands - including the global entertainment phenomenon BAKUGAN. Following the success of Bakugan, upon which he continues to serve as Executive Producer, Matt has been charged with producing new entertainment opportunities for Spin Master Entertainment, the toy co�s new film and television production division. He is based in Toronto.

Geoff Whitlock Interactive Lead Venture Communications [Back to top]	Geoff works as the Lead Interactive Strategist at Venture Communications in Toronto. For the last 5 years, Geoff has been working with Lifecapture Interactive in many roles online. He has led web development and social media marketing for many national Brands, including Alliance Films, Rexall Pharma Plus, Empire Theaters, Roots Canada, Presidents Choice among others. Geoff has particular experience in Interactive Storytelling, producing many award winning International projects like Crash Addicts, Postcards from Crystal, and Zos World. He sits at the intersection of The Story, The Production, The Development, and the Online Marketing Program.

Ed Williams Senior Analyst BMO Capital Markets [Back to top]	Edward is a senior analyst in BMO Capital Markets' Equity Research Group, covering the interactive entertainment and leisure industries. Edward has hosted our annual interactive entertainment conference, which is considered a premier industry event for institutional investors. Edward publishes GamePlay, a monthly review of the interactive entertainment industry. Prior to joining BMO Capital Markets, Edward spent ﬁve years covering entertainment and leisure companies for Monness Crespi Hardt & Co., Inc. He is a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts. Edward joined BMO Capital Markets in 1999. Edward holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University.

Drew Wilkins Client Services Director fish in a bottle [Back to top]	Drew's career in the digital world began in 1998 when he was working for games company Attention to Detail as a Producer / Team Leader. Drew is now one of the founders and directors of fish in a bottle. He has managed projects for clients such as Disney, Framestore and the BBC. One of his BBC projects, the website build for Children's TV programme In The Night Garden was BAFTA nominated. His involvement in creating a new online character for the cult TV show Heroes showed the character making her way from the web into the show. Drew has also lectured in Computer Games Design and Development at Coventry University since 2005.

Anita Yuen Global Digital Fundraising Specialist UNICEF [Back to top]	Anita is UNICEF's Global Digital Fundraising Specialist, with responsibility for leading international new media fund raising initiatives and providing in-house expertise to over 60 national offices. Prior tonjoining UNICEF, Anita worked as a consultant at HJC New Media advising a wide range of clients on digital fundraising and advocacy techniques. Anita also has first hand experience of driving online fundraising programmes at the World Food Programme in Italy and the International Red Cross in Switzerland. Anita is passionate about using Internet and mobile technologies for social good.

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