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Cori Abraham is the Senior Vice President of Development for Oxygen Media, responsible for the oversight of both the East and West Coast development teams. Abraham is the creative executive behind the development of series’ creative concepts, innovative formats, and fresh talent.
Abraham’s keen eye for projects that reflect the...show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
Louie Anderson is one of the most versatile and successful comedians working in Hollywood today, loved by the television audiences who never missed his nightly hit series Family Feud or his appearances on late night chat shows. He is adored by standing-room-only crowds in Las Vegas and respected by readers...show more
Speaking on: Realscreen Awards & Cocktail
Jeff Apploff is President and Executive Producer of Apploff Entertainment.
Apploff creates, develops and produces formats for both broadcast and cable networks. His credits include the Kevin Pollack hosted game show Million Dollar Money Drop (Fox), the Keegan-Michael Key hosted sketch game show Big Saturday Night (GSN), the Jaleel White hosted...show more
Speaking on: Who's Got Game
Doug Bailey is responsible for broadening and contemporizing Travel Channel programming while identifying key new shows to bring to the lifestyle network. Executing on the strategic vision that Bailey contributes to the development team, he produces and manages innovative television programs. Using his strong history of launching successful entertainment series,
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Doug Bailey, Travel Channel
Mathew Baxt serves as director of development for the rapidly growing cable network truTV. In this capacity, he is responsible for finding and developing new programming for the network. Baxt is based in New York and reports to Marissa Ronca, vice president of development for truTV.
Baxt joined truTV
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
As Director of Development of AMC unscripted programming, Andie Beckerman is responsible for developing new unscripted series and is the current development executive of Comic Book Men, Small Town Security and Talking Dead. Beckerman started her career at AMC as a Creative Executive and has won numerous Promax and BDA...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Thom Beers was named CEO of FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) on September 1, 2012. As CEO, Beers is responsible for the company's overall management and business performance and oversees the development, production and business operations of over 600 hours of network, cable and syndicated programming. These programs includeAmerican Idol(FOX),The X...show more
Speaking on: Props Shop
Andy Berg serves as vice presi¬dent, development, at Animal Planet where he helps oversee development strategy, the con¬tent slate, and conceptualization and creation of series, specials, stunts and other programming initiatives.
He joined Animal Planet in March 2012, after spending the previous seven years as the senior director of non-fiction and...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Jim Berger's passion and leadership has established High Noon Entertainment, with operations in LA, NY, and Denver, as one of America's most prolific creators of reality television, scheduled to deliver more than 300 hours of programming to 18 networks for the 2013-14 television season.
Mr....show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
Gail Berman is co-owner and founding partner of BermanBraun. Prior to BermanBraun, Berman was the first and only female executive to hold the top posts at both a major film studio and television network.
Berman became President of Paramount Pictures in 2005 and was responsible for the studio’s annual slate of...show more
Speaking on: Props Shop
Yvonne joined Beyond Distribution in 2002, having previously headed up Tapestry International, Ltd’s distribution arm in New York, following 8 years with CBC International Sales. Based in Beyond’s London office, Yvonne is responsible for sourcing programming from around the world to add to Beyond Distribution’s commercial catalogue. Beyond is looking...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Named as one of Esquire magazine's "10 Men," Billy Bush is anchor of the nationally syndicated daily entertainment newsmagazine, Access Hollywood, which is now in its 17th season and provides the most fun, smart and comprehensive coverage of entertainment news and personalities on television.
Bush joined Access Hollywood as East
Speaking on: In Conversation With Howard T. Owens
Paul Cabana oversees H2, the #1 emerging entertainment network in cable in its key demographic of Adults 25-54, growing 38% in 2012. As a companion network to History, H2 provides a deeper perspective on history, experienced in unexpected, entertaining ways. Cabana has led the creative and strategic direction for the
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted
Darren Campo serves as senior vice president of programming, production and development, for truTV. Based in New York, he supervises the unit responsible for more than 30 original series, totaling more than 500 episodes a year. Campo has overseen several breakout hits for the network, includingHardcore Pawn,Impractical JokersandLizard Lick Towing.
Campo...show more
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Chris Coelen is the founder and CEO of Kinetic Content (Betty White's Off Their Rockersfor NBC,The Tastefor ABC). Kinetic is backed by Red Arrow Entertainment, a subsidiary of European broadcasting powerhouse, ProSiebenSat.1 Media, boasts exclusive programming ventures with UK broadcasters STV and Channel 4, and is the American creative partner...show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
Previously, Cubillo served as Content Manager and Creative Director at Univision Studios. In this role, he was Executive Producer and Creative Director of reality programs includingNuestra Belleza LatinaandMira Quien Baila,among others. From 2009-2011, he was Content Manager, Head of Development and Executive Producer at MCM Magnum Contenidos Multimedia, where he...show more
Speaking on: Connecting With the U.S. Hispanic Audience
Dan Cutforth was born and raised in England. He started his career at the BBC in 1990 as a researcher in the quaintly-named “Light Entertainment” department. He moved to independent production company Planet 24 to join the team that started up The Big Breakfast, an anarchic and influential morning show....show more
Speaking on: Props Shop
Since Jenny Daly established T Group in 2010, T Group has produced hits such as Storage Hunters for TruTV, Invention USA for History Channel, Mystery Diners for Food Network, and Popped for Fuse. In addition to these shows T Group has multiple series and pilots with such networks as Oxygen,...show more
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Nancy Daniels has served as Executive Vice President of Production and Development, West for Discovery Channel since 2011. In January 2013, she expanded her duties and was also named General Manager of Discovery Fit and Health. Daniels now oversees all operations for the network, including development...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Nancy Daniels, Discovery Channel
As Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Series Development for E!, Dogan oversees the development of programs, collaborates with the outside creative community and forges key relationships within the entertainment industry on behalf of the network. Dogan has led the development for some of E!'s most popular reality series, including...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Damla Dogan, E!
Elise Doganieri is an nine-time Emmy® award-winning producer best known for co-creating and producing CBS’s reality TV juggernautThe Amazing Race. Together, with Bertram van Munster her producing partner, they run Profiles Television, an award-winning full-service production company that develops and produces programming for the worldwide marketplace.
The Amazing Race is currently...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, Profiles Television Productions
Mary Donahue is Vice President, Development and Programming for History, a position she assumed in September 2010.
Known as a hands-on executive, Mary Donahue joined HISTORY in October 2008 and was part of the team that developed and launched mega hit series, Pawn Stars; she served as its executive producer for
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Mary Donahue, HISTORY
David Eilenberg serves as senior vice president of unscripted development for TBS and TNT. Joining the networks in this newly created role in July 2012, Eilenberg oversees all unscripted original programming for TBS and TNT, which are in the process of expanding their original series lineups significantly to a fill...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH David Eilenberg, TBS and TNT; Luncheon Roundtables; Who's Got Game
Marc Etkind is senior vice president, content strategy for Destination America, the only network dedicated to the people, places and stories of the United States. Etkind is the senior leader for the brand, with primary responsibility for developing new content and business strategies. Joining the portfolio of Discovery
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted
Alan Eyres is an award winning producer and executive, currently SVP Programming and Development, National Geographic Channels. As head of LA and NY offices of National Geographic Channel, Eyres’ oversees production and development across 200 hours of television, responsible for some of the most high profile series on the network
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Alan Eyres, National Geographic Channels
Manu Feildel has become one of the most popular new personalities on Australian television as co-host of the successful My Kitchen Rules series on Channel 7, which debuted in 2010. The third series went to air in February 2012, and has been another hit for Seven. Manu won the 2011...show more
Speaking on: Joining the Food Fight
As Executive Vice President of Programming for Cineflix, Jodi Flynn generates content for original and returning reality series for major cable networks, alongside Programming Eexecutive Vice Presidents Joe Houlihan, Lisa Levenson, and Charles Tremayne. Jodi reports to Simon Lloyd, CEO of Cineflix Productions.
Jodi joined Cineflix from Screaming Flea...show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
Mariana Flynn has been with TLC since 2007, and is tasked with building and nurturing key relationships in the production community while managing the different creative and business need of the development process. During her time with TLC, Mariana has developed a diverse slate...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Mark Freeman joined Veria Living in 2012 as a Programing Executive and Executive Producer for the Network. He oversees a number of the studio and field shows on the network, as well as developing new programs, finding on-air talent and coordinating show support with public relations, marketing and online.
Mark was...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching One
Jackie French is Senior Vice President of Series Development for MTV (a division of Viacom) and a driving force behind many of MTV’s hit series including Jersey Shore, The Real World and Snooki & Jwoww, among others.
Ms. French oversees creative development and production on numerous MTV series including Snooki &...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Jackie French, MTV Networks
Eden Gaha, a veteran TV producer and executive, was named President of Shine America in May 2011. Gaha is responsible for oversight of all the company's unscripted, music and creative development initiatives.
Since joining Shine America in 2011, he has has worked to revamp the company’s unscripted development team and overhaul...show more
Speaking on: Joining the Food Fight
As senior vice president of original production & development for WE tv, Lauren Gellert is responsible for developing and producing brand-defining original series that drive viewership, build buzz and support the network's overall business and revenue goals. Named to the position in April 2012, Gellert is the executive in charge...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Lauren Gellert, WE tv
Bruce Gersh co-founded FishBowl Worldwide Media with Vin Di Bona in January 2010 and serves as President and CEO, responsible for setting and executing the company's vision. Prior to joining FishBowl, Gersh was Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations, Intellectual Property at the William Morris Agency where he worked with...show more
Speaking on: Screen Time
Leslie Grief is an Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated producer, creator, writer and director and is one of the most prolific figures in the entertainment industry. Leslie has a tremendous amount of versatility and production experience, and is a top creator of high quality entertainment content across a diverse range
Speaking on: A+E's Big Three
Fred Grinstein is a Senior Director of Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming for A&E Network and BIO. Since 2010 he has been responsible for overseeing the development and production of A&E and BIO’s real life series, serving as executive producer on hit A&E series including Storage Wars, Storage Wars: Texas, Storage...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching Three
David Gross is the Vice President of Development for Oxygen Media and is responsible for developing a selection of the network’s original programming. Gross reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Development for Oxygen Media, Cori Abraham.
Gross joined Oxygen in May of 2011 and has been an integral part...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH David Gross, Oxygen
A graduate of Loyola Law School, Deirdre Gurney founded Gurney Productions 7 years ago along with her business partner and husband Scott Gurney. Deirdre has created and is currently Executive Producing A&E's hit series Duck Dynasty. Gurney also has several hit series running in production for Spike, Syfy, Discovery, The...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Deirdre Gurney, Gurney Productions
Scott Gurney is an executive producer, writer and director. Scott along with his business partner and wife Deirdre, founded Gurney in 2005. Since then, the company has produced well over 30 different shows and series for Spike, Syfy, Discovery, A&E and Animal Planet amongst others, including A&E's hit Duck Dynasty....show more
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Marion Said is Associate Producer at Discovery Networks International (DNI) where she is currently responsible for developing factual program content for global commissions. In this role, Said serves as the point of contact for US-based independent production companies for developing content to air across DNI’s portfolio of networks in Europe,...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
As Head of Original Programming for Esquire Network, Matt Hanna oversees the network’s current development slate for original series and specials, creating first-run programming for the network across all genres and dayparts, including formats, reality, docu-series and competition. Hanna’s slate is focused on diverse program categories that appeal to the
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted
Tim Healy is Vice President of Development and Programming for HISTORY, a position he assumed in February 2012. Tim serves as the executive producer of hit series American Pickers and American Restoration. He is spearheading a number of new series scheduled to premiere later in 2013. Additionally, he is developing...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
As Senior Vice President, Acquisitions, Cineflix Rights, Noel Hedges drives the division’s ambitious third party acquisitions strategy, expanding its catalogue of scripted, formatted and factual content. Noel joins Cineflix from Shine International, where he served as Senior Vice President of Acquisitions. Prior to Shine, Noel held roles including SVP, Americas...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Colin Helms is Senior Vice President of Connected Content for MTV at Viacom Media Networks. In this role, he leads both the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic growth of MTV’s multiscreen initiatives, including the programming and production of original video, editorial, games and apps for MTV.com and related digital platforms....show more
Speaking on: Screen Time
Eli Holzman is the President of All3Media America. He began his career at Miramax Films where he co-founded the company’s television department, helped to create the documentary series Project Greenlight and created Project Runway. He left Miramax in 2005 to run Ashton Kutcher's 20th Century Fox-based Katalyst Films where he...show more
Speaking on: Who's Got Game
Dirk Hoogstra is Executive Vice President, Development and Programming, for HISTORY® andH2™. He previously served as Senior Vice President, Development and Programming for HISTORY since 2010. He reports to Nancy Dubuc, President Entertainment and Media, A+E Networks.
Hoogstra oversees the networks’ programming teams,...show more
Speaking on: A+E's Big Three
Gordon Hvolka is a packaging agent at ICM Partners in the International TV and Media department.
He represents top production companies including Brownstone Entertainment (Barter Kings, Eat Drink Love), Ping Pong Productions (Finding Bigfoot), Zoo Productions (Buckwild, Are You...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Amy Introcaso-Davis joined GSN in November 2011 as EVP, Programming & Development, and is responsible for developing and acquiring programming designed to grow GSN's core audience of adult females. During Amy’s tenure, GSN has launched the biggest hit in its 18-year history, The American Bible Challenge, and acquired the highly-rated...show more
Speaking on: Who's Got Game
Based in Los Angeles, Judalena is responsible for the continuing development of original TLC Programming. He joined TLC in 2008 where he worked with the Production team on notable series such as Randy to the Rescue, Say Yes to the Dress, What Not to Wear, American Chopper and LA Ink....show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Matthew Kelly serves as Senior Director of Development, Discovery Channel. In this role, Kelly has developed numerous key series for Discovery Channel, includingGold Rush, Jungle Gold,Yukon MenandAuction Kings. He also developed and co-executive produced Discovery’s most recent hit series,Amish Mafia.Gold Rushcurrently stands as the highest rated series on Discovery Channel...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Endyia Kinney-Sterns is the executive director of programming and development for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. She joined the company in May 2011. Currently she oversees day-to-day development of new original programming for the network.
An accomplished television producer and executive, Kinney-Sterns has over 13 years of entertainment television experience
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Endyia Kinney-Sterns, OWN; Speed Pitching Two
As Director of Development in CBC’s Studio and Unscripted Content group, Sandra is responsible for finding new factual entertainment and sports formats, and overseeing development and production of both formats and original series, with independent and in-house producers. Sandra joined CBC Factual Entertainment when it was created in 2006. There...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Mark is the Founder and CEO of Trium Entertainment a new content company that is focused on creating entertainment properties that provide a launching pad for television, digital, ancillary and global licensing businesses and revenue streams. Mark is the former Managing Director of Reveille, a company he helped launch in
Speaking on: Screen Time
Ladt comes to National Geographic Channel from Renegade 83, where he served as Co-Head of Development for the TV powerhouse. During his tenure, Ladt was responsible for developing and setting up reality projects across multiple networks, including Discovery, Spike, VH1, Style, G4, Syfy and TLC. Before joining Renegade
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One; Luncheon Roundtables
Howard Lee is the Executive Vice President, Production & Development for TLC. A Discovery veteran, he joined TLC in 2008.
He co-developed, created and serves as TLC’s Executive Producer for the pop cultural comedy phenomenonHere Comes Honey Boo Boo. He helped strengthen TLC’s continued success as the #1 destination for...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Howard Lee, TLC
Steven Lerner is the senior vice president of programming for Scripps Networks Interactive's Home Category brands, HGTV and DIY Network. In this role, Lerner oversees all aspects of the creative content for both brands, including 1400 hours of original programming. He is responsible for facilitating original programming ideas, and managing...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; 30 MINS WITH Steven Lerner, HGTV and DIY Network
Sharon Levy serves as executive vice president of original series, Spike TV. Levy joined Spike in 2005 and has overseen the development of many of the network's most ambitious and successful series including Ink Master, Bar Rescue, Auction Hunters, Tattoo Nightmares, and American Digger. Levy is currently developing the
Speaking on: Props Shop
As co-founder and Executive Producer of Authentic Entertainment, Lauren Lexton's vision, character and innovative ideas have guided the company from start-up to becoming one of cable industry's leading creators and producers of non-scripted programming in the US., developing and producing series for the top cable networks including Here Comes Honey...show more
Speaking on: Joining the Food Fight
President & CEO Gary Lico, a 30-plus year veteran of the broadcasting industry, founded CABLEready in 1992 to represent existing program libraries and to develop original program ideas for the exploding number of cable networks in the United States. Mr. Lico, prior to launching CABLEready, spent seven years at Columbia...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Michael Lolato
VP Sales Solutions, Unscripted Series, Global Distribution and International
GRB Entertainment
Mike Lolato oversees international distribution of GRB Entertainment - an established trendsetter of unscripted alternative programming. GRB is the producer of Emmy-nominated Intervention and the upcoming WE TV reality program Pregnant & Dating among several other highly rated unscripted shows to which it retains global distribution rights. Lolato's 20 years...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
As AMC’s Director of Original Programming, Ari Mark oversees non-scripted series from concept to air. Recent and upcoming titles include The Pitch, Small Town Security, The Talking Dead, Comic Book Men, Freakshow, Immortalized, and Showville.
Prior to AMC, Mark worked at Embassy Row where he developed a wide range of series...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
David McKillop was appointed Executive Vice President, Programming, for A&E & BIO Channel in April 2011. In this role, McKillop oversees the network’s Scripted and Non-Fiction programming teams, and is responsible for the development, creation and execution of all programming for A&E and BIO Channel. He is also charged
Speaking on: A+E's Big Three
Campbell McLaren is the CEO of Combate Americas, Inc., the first Hispanic MMA sports franchise that features reality TV, Pay Per View, live events, and mobile programming.
McLaren also serves as the media consultant for The Hispanic Institute, the Washington D.C. based organization dedicated to "an informed and empowered Hispanic America."
McLaren
Speaking on: Connecting With the U.S. Hispanic Audience
Caitlin is Acquisitions Manager for Factual and Factual Entertainment at DRG. She joined DRG in January 2012. DRG is one of the leading independent distributors of content in the world and is interested in primetime lifestyle, accessible history and science, series and one-off, long running factual...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Winona Meringolo is the Senior Director of Development for Investigation Discovery and Military Channel where she is responsible for conceptualizing original series and specials, as well as acquiring completed specials and films. She developed the creative direction forWho the Bleep Did I Marry, Blood RelativesandDates From Hell; as well as...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two
Judy Meyers is Executive Director, Alternative and Short Form Programming, Disney Channels, a position she has held since 2010.
Meyers is responsible for developing and driving short form and long form reality programming and specials across Disney Channel and Disney XD. Among her credits is the development and production of the...show more
Speaking on: Amping Up Unscripted
Brent Montgomery is founder and owner of Leftfield Pictures, a major independent producer of reality and unscripted programming for broadcast and cable networks in the US and abroad.
Best known for creating for History the breakout series and franchise,Pawn Stars, Leftfield Pictures has produced more than 200 episodes of the reality...show more
Speaking on: Growing Your Biz
Rita Mullin was named executive vice president, programming and development at OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in September 2012. Mullin has been the acting head of programming at OWN since February 2012 and will continue to oversee program development and current programming for the network.
Mullin has been instrumental in shepherding
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Widely credited with inventing the modern reality television genre, Jonathan Murray inspires, influences and entertains television audiences worldwide. Since the 1992 launch of The Real World (MTV), he has created and executive produced some of the industry’s most innovative, unscripted television programs. Under Murray’s leadership, Bunim/Murray Productions created the first...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions; Relationship Counseling
As vice president of development & talent for WE tv, Deirdre O’Hearn is responsible for creating brand defining original series and specials that personify WE tv’s position as a destination that spotlights and celebrates modern women who are strong, independent and in control of their lives. She leads the charge...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Three
Howard Owens is an innovative and experienced entertainment executive with a strong reputation for identifying trends and pioneering new concepts. Throughout his career, Owens has uncovered new business opportunities, fostered impressive growth and deftly maneuvered emerging platforms and technologies.
Owens oversees the programming, development, research, scheduling, communications and
Speaking on: In Conversation With Howard T. Owens
David W. Padrusch is responsible for augmenting Travel Channel’s development slate and overseeing the creative process including all phases of pre-production, production, post-production and final delivery of those series. Having creative oversight over a variety of production projects, Padrusch manages multiple external production companies and leads all initiatives that
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Craig Parks is Senior Vice President, Digital & Live Programming for Pivot, Participant Media’s new cable network targeting millennials, set to launch August 1, 2013. Parks is responsible for the network’s live talk show, TakePart Live, which will air in late night five nights a week. He also...show more
Speaking on: Screen Time
Noah Pollack was named Vice President, Reality Programming, for Lifetime Networks in November 2011. Based in Los Angeles, he is responsible for developing and overseeing production of non-fiction projects for Lifetime.
Pollack recently launched Lifetime's docu-comedy Pretty Wicked Moms, a series...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables; Speed Pitching One
Jennifer Quainton currently serves as vice president of programming for both Food Network and Cooking Channel. Part of the Food Network programming team since 2000, she's overseen key day-part scheduling for the brand, managed its VOD strategy, negotiated acquisitions, and managed all financial and legal matters for programming.
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Jennifer Quainton, Cooking Channel/Food Network
Lynnette Ramirez, VP of Programming for NUVOtv, began her career in development with Fountainbridge Films, Sean Connery's production company. In 2002, Lynnette launched Vida Films, an independent film production company. While independent she produced the ensemble drama The Blue Hour, starring Emily Rios, Alyssa Milano and Clarence Williams III. She...show more
Speaking on: Connecting With the U.S. Hispanic Audience
Chris Rantamaki is Vice President, Original Series, at Spike TV where he oversees the development of non-scripted series, further broadening and expanding Spike TV's growing audience with hits like, Ink Master and Tattoo Nightmares, among others. Rantamaki is based in the network’s LA offices and came to Spike TV from...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Chris Rantamaki, SPIKE TV
Marissa Ronca is the vice president of program development at truTV overseeing all aspects of the network’s new programming slate. Ronca joined the network in 2007 as senior director of development and was focused on expanding the brand away from exclusively crime & law enforcement programming. She has...show more
Speaking on: 30 MINS WITH Marissa Ronca, truTV
John Saade was named executive vice president, Alternative Series and Late-Night Programming, ABC Entertainment Group, in June 2011. Mr. Saade heads the department, and prior to his Group title, Mr. Saade had been senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night, ABC Entertainment, since September 2006. He reports to...show more
Speaking on: Props Shop
Edward Sabin is the Group COO for Discovery and TLC Networks. In this role, Sabin has direct oversight for all strategy, network operations, financial and business matters for Discovery's two U.S. flagships, as well as integrated content and break strategy, research, talent management, and the company's Continuing Medical Education business.
He...show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
SallyAnn Salsanois President of 495 Productions and the creative force behind each of the company's shows.
Known as "SA" (pronounced "ESS - eh") by her colleagues, friends and family, Salsano grew up an avid reality television fan. In 1996, she was nearly cast onThe Real World: Miami, becoming a finalist after...show more
Speaking on: Relationship Counseling
Gabriela has over 14 years of experience in entertainment development and programming. At BMP Latin, she's developing projects starring Paulina Rubio and Daddy Yankee. Recently, she created/executive produced a documentary series starring international superstar, Juanes. Her experience includes marketing strategy at EMI Latin America, programming/talent development for MTV Networks Latin...show more
Speaking on: Connecting With the U.S. Hispanic Audience
Eric Schotz, president and CEO of LMNO Productions, is a nine-time Emmy-award winner whose innovative style and creativity has established him as one of the television industry’s foremost producers/directors of non-fiction and reality-based programming. His extensive credits include executive producing the highly successful hidden camera series of specials for CBS,
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Chachi Senior serves as CEO of Ardaban, a dedicated entertainment format creation company. In March 2012, Senior was named CEO of Ardaban, whose development is exclusively produced by Shine America and distributed globally via Shine International. Senior is one of the leading reality content producers in the TV industry, having...show more
Speaking on: Who's Got Game
Amir Shahkhalili is an agent in the non-scripted television department at WME. He represents notable production companies such as 44 Blue Productions (MSNBC’s Lockup, Animal Planet’s Pit Bulls and Parolees), eOne Televison (WE tv’s Mary Mary, BET’s The Sheards), Scott Free Productions (Nat Geo’s Killing Lincoln), and Craig Ferguson’s Green...show more
Speaking on: Sizzle or Fizzle
Rob Sharenow was named Executive Vice President of Programming of Lifetime Networks in March 2011. In his role, he spearheads all programming activities for Lifetime's scripted and reality series, as well as its original movies. In addition, Sharenow is responsible for managing all programming for LMN and Lifetime
Speaking on: A+E's Big Three
Sandra Smester is vice president of Programming and Programming Operations for Univision Networks at Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America. Ms. Smester is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day scheduling and strategic positioning of all on-air content for Univision. Her duties also include programming administration and various...show more
Speaking on: Connecting With the U.S. Hispanic Audience
Michael Smith is general manager of Scripps Networks Interactive’s newest lifestyle media brand, Cooking Channel. He currently oversees the creation, integration, and programming and marketing of the network, which launched in May 2010 in 58 million homes, making it one of the largest new channel launches in history.
Previously, Smith worked...show more
Speaking on: Joining the Food Fight
Brian Speiser is an agent in APA’s Alternative & International Television department, where he represents production companies and on-camera talent, and specializes in talent-based television packaging. Speiser’s expertise for identifying and cultivating on-camera personalities, along with his own experience as a television producer, make him a unique player in the...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Geoffrey Suddleson is an agent in the Alternative Television Department of United Talent Agency, one of Hollywood's leading talent and literary agencies. A former MTV development executive, Suddleson most recently worked at Fox Sports Net where he was a development executive creating original programming for the national network. Prior to...show more
Speaking on: Meet an Expert
Sarah M. Thompson is the Manager of Development for Animal Planet.
In her current role, Sarah conceptualizes and creates programs for the Animal Planet network, including series, stunts, specials and other programming initiatives. Most recently, she developed Off the Hook, which returns for a second season this summer, and Treehouse Masters,...show more
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Rebecca Toth Diefenbach is president of Sirens Media, a full-service television production company, which she founded in 2005 with producing partner Valerie Haselton. Creating innovative, bold, and compelling content, Sirens Media has produced hundreds of hours of top-rated programming for major cable networks, including Bravo’s hit series The Real Housewives of...show more
Speaking on: Growing Your Biz
Bertram van Munster is a nine-time Emmy® award-winning producer, director, and reality television pioneer. With more than four decades spent developing and producing entertainment content across the globe, he is one of the industry’s most respected and creative forces.
Together with Elise Doganieri, his producing partner, van Munster runs...show more
Speaking on: Meet a Mentor: Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, Profiles Television Productions
As a television executive, Cathy began her career at Fox Television Studios in 2000 managing development and production on various unscripted shows includingTrash to Cash with John DiRestaandDriveshaftfor FX,Beverly Hills Vet for Animal Planetand A&E’sInkedas well as FOX’s late night showTalkshow with Spike Feresten.
In 2007, Cathy moved over to 3...show more
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Barry Walsh is editor of international trade publication realscreen, published by Brunico Communications Ltd. Launched in September of 1997, realscreen has established itself as the world's foremost authority in non-fiction film and television, and is the brand behind the internationally renowned Realscreen Summit, the world's biggest non-fiction/factual entertainment conference, held...show more
Speaking on: Growing Your Biz; Amping Up Unscripted
As the vice president of programming and development for Food Network and Cooking Channel, Todd Weiser is charged with developing new series, specials and tentpoles, as well as overseeing current programming for both of Scripps Networks Interactive’s lifestyle food brands.
Previously, Todd served as the director of program development for Animal
Speaking on: Speed Pitching Two; Luncheon Roundtables
Colin Whelan is the Vice President of Alternative Programming at Syfy. In his role he oversees a variety of current reality shows such as Haunted Collector, Stranded, Scare Tactics and Destination Truth. Additionally charged with development, recent efforts include Deep South Paranormal, Viral Video Showdown and the upcoming
Speaking on: Luncheon Roundtables
Courtney White is the vice president of program development and production for Scripps Networks Interactive’s Home Category brands, HGTV and DIY Network. In this role, White oversees the program development for both brands, including strengthening the category’s ties to the production community. She is responsible for facilitating original programming ideas
Speaking on: Speed Pitching One
Karrie Wolfe is the Senior Vice President at Kinetic Content. She is responsible for the development of original programming for domestic cable and broadcast networks, as well as adapting international formats for the US market.
Wolfe oversees Kinetic’s partnerships with ProSeiben, STV, and C4 and liases with...show more
Speaking on: Joining the Food Fight
