DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT FORUM
TITLE SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
SVGDIGITAL
MARCH 20, 2024
Live Production with clipping, and real-time editing, empowering dynamic content creation and monetization across platforms
Content Management System with flexible curation, freeing resources to focus on attracting new viewers and strategic content creation.
Flawless Playback on a variety of devices with real-time analytics
One Pre-Integrated Streaming Ecosystem. Edgio makes it possible.
Learn more at edg.io.
The future of streaming is here.
AGENDA
8:45 a.m. REGISTRATION OPENS
9:20 – 9:30 a.m. WELCOMING REMARKS
PRESENTERS:
Eric Black, Edgio, CTO and General Manager
Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital; SVG Digital Engagement Forum Program Director
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. FAN ENGAGEMENT AND VIDEO: A State of the Industry Conversation
When it comes to embracing new technologies and building unique experiences for fans in 2024 and beyond, how does a professional make the right investments for their brands? Key sports media industry leaders share how the proliferation of live streaming, the dominance of mobile, and the desire of fans to get more from their sports is providing our industry with a wealth of opportunity.
MODERATOR: Ken Kerchbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
PANELISTS:
Joe Caporoso, Team Whistle, President
Brian Fitzsimmons, Barstool Sports, Director, Licensing and Business Development
Chris Foster, NHL, VP, Digital Business Development
John Turner, FloSports, VP of Content
Mike Wargo, SNY, VP, Digital Platforms & Strategy
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. PRIME VIDEO, TNF, AND NEXT-LEVEL STREAMING: A
Keynote Conversation
Over the past few years, Prime Video has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in live sports, both in the United States and globally. With the second season of Thursday Night Football under its belt — and with a wealth of other live sports properties to deliver — what innovations are the emerging powerhouse delivering to drive deeper engagement in the live game? Prime Video’s Eric Orme joins the event to offer an industry insider’s look at Thursday Night Football, Prime Video Sports, and the present and future of live sports streaming.
SPEAKER: Eric Orme, Prime Video, VP, Live Sports Product and Engineering
MODERATOR: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital; SVG Digital Engagement Forum Program Director
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. NETWORKING BREAK
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. SPORTS MY WAY:
Data, Interactivity, and Personalization in Live Streaming
Users expect more from their live sports streaming experience. From real-time data overlays to alternate feeds to the ability to interact with games or chat with friends, the live sports streaming experience is taking engagement in the broadcast to new depths. Industry leaders share their experiences in enhancing the live game and offer their opinions on what future innovations are worth looking into further.
PANEL INTRODUCTION: Paolo Cuttorelli, Evergent, SVP, Global Sales
MODERATOR: Chris Wagner, OTT Advisors, Managing Partner
PANELISTS:
Chris Allen, Red5, Co-Founder and CEO
Mike Allen, Bally Sports, Chief Product Officer
Eric Black, Edgio, CTO and General Manager
Matt Duarte, YES Network, VP, Strategy and Business Development
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. AI, MACHINE LEARNING, AUTOMATION, AND FEEDING THE CONTENT BEAST ON MOBILE AND SOCIAL
Fans appetites for sports content — live, highlights, or otherwise — is insatiable. How do we keep up affordably and practically? Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and other tools are fueling a more sophisticated era of automation in live content. How are sports content owners using them to generate more content than ever and what does the future look like?
PANELISTS:
Mitch Askenas, Comcast Technology Solutions, Executive Director, Sales, Streaming, Broadcast & Advertising
Dave Giancola, USGA, Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation
Andrew Reich, AWS, Senior Consultant, Sports, Professional Services
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. NETWORKING LUNCH
1:45 – 2:25 p.m. INNOVATION IN-VENUE: Leagues, Teams, and Realtime Experiences
Competition with the at-home viewing experience is fierce. Simultaneously, though, sports fans are valuing in-person experiences in today’s world. Whether its video delivery made possible by 5G, hyper-personalized content offerings for users on mobile, or simply keeping fans updated with everything they’d want to know from around the venue or around the league: how are technologies bringing a new layer of excitement to attending a live sports event?
MODERATOR: Kristian Hernández, SVG, Senior Editor
PANELISTS:
Chris Allen, Red5, Co-Founder and CEO
Alex Leafer, New York Islanders, Director of Content Production & Technology Innovation
Matthew Marcus, The Famous Group, EVP, Proprietary Technologies
Tim Stevens, Verizon Business Group, Global Leader, Strategic Innovation, Media & Entertainment
2:25 – 2:45 p.m. FEATURED CASE STUDY: HBS – Finding Authentic
Voices on the Digital Frontlines
HBS is one of the world’s largest host broadcasters, overseeing the global production and distribution of massive events, scaling up to as large as the FIFA World Cup. How is HBS emphasizing the collection and distribution of digital and socialtargeted content and how have influencer partnerships played a role?
SPEAKER: Tim Stott, HBS, Executive Producer, Digital
MODERATOR: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital; SVG Digital Engagement Forum Program Director
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. ESPN, ANALYTICS, AND POWERING NEXT-GENERATION CONSUMPTION EXPERIENCES: A Keynote Conversation
As the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN is at the forefront of building and delivering new and exciting ways for fans to consume their favorite sports live. How are technology and analytics fueling these experiences and what opportunities remain for the future?
SPEAKER: Allison Loucks, ESPN, Director, Business Development & Innovation
MODERATOR: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital; SVG Digital Engagement Forum Program Director
3:15 – 3:45 p.m. NETWORKING BREAK
3:45 – 4:30 p.m. FAST’S SPORTS ARRIVAL: Streaming Comes Full Circle
FAST (free advertising supported streaming television) is exploding across the entertainment industry and major sports brands are beginning to either explore their options or making the leap. What are the business opportunities offered by FAST, what technologies are fueling the services, and how are media companies utilizing them as a valuable product in their digital distribution portfolio?
MODERATOR: Jason Dachman, SVG, Editorial Director, U.S.
PANELISTS:
Mark Davis, TAG Video Systems, Director of Sales – Americas
Paul Finster, Amagi, VP, Business Development
Adam London, CBS Digital, EVP of Business Development & Partnerships
Zack Malet, ESPN, Senior Director, Business Development & Innovation
4:30 –
5:00
p.m. TECH PERSPECTIVES: The Maturation of Streaming Services
With opportunities aboard a core truth remains in the world of live streaming and digital video delivery at scale: performance matters. How are technologies under the hood of the some of the industry’s most successful streaming services evolving and what new developments will help move the business forward? Leaders from some of the industry’s leading tech vendors offer their latest updates.
MODERATOR: Ken Kerchbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
PANELISTS:
Jean Macher, Harmonic, Senior Director, Global SaaS Solutions
Michelle Munson, Eluvio, CEO and Co-Founder
Emeka Okoli, Zixi, VP of Customer Success and Solutions
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. NETWORKING RECEPTION
SPONSORED BY
PRESENTED BY SPONSORED BY SVGDIGITAL DIGITALENGAGEMENT FORUM
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS
CHRIS ALLEN, Red5, Co-Founder and CEO
Allen boasts an impressive 20-year career in video streaming software. He now leads a talented team at Red5, where their TrueTime Solutions enable a wide range of interactive, real-time streaming applications for companies such as NVIDIA, Sony, and Accenture, as well as drive new and exciting experiences in professional sports.
MIKE ALLEN, Bally Sports, Chief Product Officer
Allen is responsible for the Bally Sports digital portfolio across multiple media platforms. He oversees all aspects of Bally Sports digital products, including Bally Sports+, the direct-to-consumer subscription service available to fans in all Bally Sports regional markets. Prior to Bally Sports, Allen worked for the NBA where he oversaw the League’s digital portfolio.
ERIC BLACK, Edgio, CTO and General Manager
Black joined Edgio in 2023 to lead the company’s Media division. A 20+year veteran of the digital video/live streaming industry, Black leads the company’s growth in delivering the highest quality linear, live, and ondemand video experiences. Prior to joining Edgio, Black led NBC Universal’s media technology strategy across a host of digital properties.
JOE CAPOROSO, Team Whistle, President
Caporoso is the president at Team Whistle, a DAZN-owned global sports media and entertainment company, that creates, curates and distributes positive, brand safe and relatable content experiences wherever and however their audiences want to consume content. Caporoso is in charge of the company’s consumer/media business, setting and managing their content strategy on their owned and operated platforms.
PAOLO CUTTORELLI, Evergent, SVP, Global Sales
Cuttorelli brings over 20 years of expertise and knowledge from the media and telco industries, as well as a proven ability to forge long-term strategic partnerships with large and complex accounts globally. Currently, he spearheads global sales for Evergent.
MARK DAVIS, TAG Video Systems, Director of Sales – Americas
Davis’ thorough understanding of the technical aspects behind IP video streaming, broadcast infrastructures, cloud, media, and digital advertising, combined with extraordinary problem-solving skills, have powered his ability to deliver fresh and practical solutions supporting operational excellence and expanded business opportunities.
MATT DUARTE, YES Network, VP, Strategy and Business Development
Duarte identifies and recommends new business opportunities and partnering with YES’ senior leadership to drive overall company strategy. He collaborates with Finance; Affiliate Sales; and Marketing, Programming and Production on a variety of initiatives.
PAUL FINSTER, Amagi, VP, Business Development
As part of his role running the global BD function, Finster is responsible for technical partnerships, channel sales, cloud partners, and Amagi’s partner developer program. Before joining Amagi, he served as head of MediaKind’s Telco Sales and New Business team.
BRIAN FITZSIMMONS, Barstool Sports, Director, Licensing and Business Development
Fitzsimmons drives growth and expansion for one of the most disruptive and influential media brands on the internet. With extensive experience in brand and product marketing, partnership management, content strategy, audience development, and business operations in the digital space, he’s spent the last 5+ years leading strategic initiatives across different categories at Barstool.
CHRIS FOSTER, NHL, VP, Digital Business Development
Foster manages the NHL’s existing digital syndication portfolio and oversees digital fan engagement projects in collaboration with the League’s key innovation partners. He also oversees the business strategy for key third-party digital content partners including Apple, Google, YouTube, and Amazon.
DAVE GIANCOLA, USGA, Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation
Giancola manages the USGA’s digital business including all championship-focused digital products, as well as technology innovations and business development in the space. Giancola began his career at the USGA in 2015 as a member of the Broadcasting & Production department, where he managed production operations and overall relationships with the USGA’s domestic and international rightsholders.
ALEX LEAFER, New York Islanders, Director of Production
Leafer is responsible for the development and execution of industry-renowned productions aimed at redefining the fan experience. With a background in physical, virtual, and OTT-streaming sports experiences, he looks to integrate next-gen technology into every production.
ADAM LONDON, CBS Digital, EVP of Business Development & Partnerships
London is responsible for the division’s strategic licensing, distribution, and partnership deals across a variety of digital properties, including the CBS Sports/CBS News/CBS sites and apps. He also plays a prominent role in the development of CBS’ cross-platform content distribution strategy, in addition to working closely with the CBS Sports and Paramount+ teams on the acquisition and utilization of the company’s broad portfolio.
JEAN MACHER, Harmonic, Senior Director, Global SaaS Solutions
Macher drives the marketing efforts for the company’s SaaS portfolio. Macher brings to Harmonic a wealth of expertise in cloud video and U.S. TV ecosystems, stemming from more than 20 years of experience in solutions and product management.
ZACK MALET, ESPN, Senior Director, Business Development & Innovation
Malet negotiates and manages ESPN’s existing and new third-party business agreements, with a specific focus on strategic innovation, revenue, and technology partnerships. Since joining ESPN in 2012, Malet has worked in Disney Platform Distribution where he managed distribution of Disney properties (including ABC, ESPN, Disney+) with cable and streaming partners and in ESPN’s programming and acquisitions’ content strategy and college sports groups.
MATTHEW MARCUS, The Famous Group, EVP, Proprietary Technologies
Marcus oversees business development, marketing, strategy, communications, production, and operations of various award-winning fan engagement tools developed at The Famous Group. Among the platforms in his purview include the Vixi Suite which features the first-ever, patented, award-winning Vixi Live Selfie Cam that has been used in thousands of events worldwide.
SVGDIGITAL
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS
MICHELLE MUNSON, Eluvio, CEO and Co-Founder
Munson is the co-founder and CEO of Eluvio and co-creator of the Content Fabric protocol, an open and decentralized Internet protocol for owner-controlled streaming, storage and monetization of digital content at scale.
EMEKA OKOLI, Zixi, VP of Customer Success and Solutions
Okoli is a passionate advocate of Zixi’s customers and products and as vice president of customer success and solutions leads customer care, pre-sales technical consulting, and solutions delivery. Prior to Zixi, he was the CTO and VP of product and information systems at WARM2Kids, a charitable foundation.
ANDREW REICH, AWS, Senior Consultant, Sports, Professional Services
Reich works with customers and partners on migrating their solutions to the cloud, in addition to driving technological innovation in sports. He has led major cloud adoption initiatives and projects involving live and post production, Visual Effects (VFX) rendering, content data and analytics, media pipeline, and services deployment.
TIM STEVENS, Verizon Business Group, Global Leader, Strategic Innovation, Media & Entertainment
Leveraging a deep understanding of business operations, technology, industry trends, and competitive landscape, Stevens is responsible for marketing strategy, product positioning, market intelligence, and business development.
TIM STOTT, HBS, Executive Producer, Digital
Stott has vast experience working for IMG, BBC, and Virgin Media, building a portfolio of global projects. In recent years, working with HBS, he has rolled out digital projects for over 10 global sporting events, focusing on event-time and 360° content for social media platforms, as well as influencer and community activations.
JOHN TURNER, FloSports, VP of Content
Turner is a seasoned media executive and strategist with a record of growing revenue and engagement. He currently leads a team of writers, editors, video producers, and social media specialists. He previously held roles with USA Today Sports Media Group and Sporting News
CHRIS WAGNER, OTT Advisors, Managing Partner
Wagner is the managing partner of OTT Advisors, which was founded in 2018. OTTA helps video rights holders monetize their video rights and the company offers investors, executives, and entrepreneurs services to grow their professional brands, revenues, and customers. He founded internet start-up NeuLion and helped grow the business to $100 million dollars, which sold to Endeavor for $250 million in cash.
MIKE WARGO, SNY, VP, Digital Platforms & Strategy
Wargo joined SNY as vice president of digital platforms and strategy in 2022. In this role, he leads all strategic direction and operation of the company’s digital platforms including SNY’s website, app, and social media handles. Before SNY, Wargo worked at NBC Sports where he most recently served as VP of product and strategy for betting and gaming.
UPCOMING EVENTS APR 30 SVG INDIA SUMMIT Mumbai MAY 16 SPORTS CLOUD PRODUCTION FORUM New York City MAY 23 SVG AUSTRALIA SUMMIT Sydney MAY 29-30 SVG COLLEGE SUMMIT & CSMAs Atlanta JUN 26-27 REGIONAL SPORTS PRODUCTION SUMMIT Denver JUL 24 SPORTS CONTENT MANAGEMENT FORUM New York City SEP 25-26 REMOTE PRODUCTION FORUM Charlotte, NC OCT 8 TRANSPORT New York City NOV 12 ESPORTS PRODUCTION SUMMIT Los Angeles NOV 13 SVG NEXT: AI, XR, & BEYOND Los Angeles DEC 16-17 SVG SUMMIT New York City SVGDIGITAL DIGITALENGAGEMENT FORUM
