If NAB Show’s Conference Sessions are a magnified view of industry trends and new technologies, then its Super Sessions could be considered an aerial view. NAB Vice President of Science and Technology John Marino said the Super Sessions look at topics from a high-level perspective, where as the conference sessions drill down into specifics.
“For example, we have a Super Session titled ‘New Devices, New Opportunities.’ The session examines various products, trends, challenges and opportunities for the near future,” said Marino. “On the other hand, a regular conference session may focus on a specific device, such as an HD Radio, and the opportunities associated with that device.”
Super Session topics include digital signage, IPTV and social networking. Marino said the buzz word for this year’s convention will likely be “mobile,” as companies seek to improve the mobile media products to which professionals and consumers have become accustomed.
“Probably the biggest areas of interest revolve around ‘mobile’ technologies,” he said. “Attendees are seeking new ways to create and deliver content to mobile devices. The mobile environment is a challenge — less than ideal displays, short attention spans and unproven revenue opportunities.”
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So, how are Super Session topics determined? NAB does independent research to determine what will be most interesting for the majority of NAB Show attendees.
“The NAB Show is a technology show that focuses on creating, managing and distributing content. Most attendees work in these areas, so our Super Sessions broadly cover the most relevant issues,” said Marino.
The 2008 NAB Show Super Sessions are:
“Cool Gadgets, Hot Content,” 1–2:30 p.m., April 14
CNET Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley talks about the hottest electronics on the market for consumers, how manufacturers decide which features to include and why some products never had a chance.
“Social Networking and the Democratization of Broadcasting,” 3:30–5 p.m., April 14
John Gage, chief researcher and director of the science office for Sun Microsystems Inc., provides a keynote on today’s “YouTube” era of broadcasting, where everyone can broadcast their own thoughts, ideas and digital creations over various platforms for the world to see.
Panelists include John Bernoff, vice president and principal analyst, Forrester Research; Nick Desai, CEO, Juice Wireless; and Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of Veoh Networks Inc. Peggy Miles, president and founder, Intervox Communications., will moderate.
“New Devices, New Opportunities,” 10:30–Noon, April 15
Rick Ducey, chief strategy officer, BIA Financial Network Inc., leads a panel of experts in a discussion on new opportunities for content creators and distributors in the age of portable, on-demand media.
Panelists include Brandon Burgess, chairman and CEO, ION Media Networks; Gary Gannaway, CEO, WorldNow; Jason Hirschhorn, president, Sling Media Entertainment Group; Tara Maitra, vice president/general manager of programming, TiVo; and David Wertheimer, executive director, Entertainment Technology Center at USC. Kevin Kahn, Intel Senior Fellow, and director, Communications Technology Lab, Intel Corp., provides the keynote.
“IPTV Right Now: Where We Are and What We Have Learned,” 1–2:30 p.m., April 15
Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president, Microsoft TV, provides the keynote address for this global view of IPTV technology. Moderator Vince Vittore leads an executive panel including Brian Levy, vice president and CTO, Hewlett-Packard Co. Media and Entertainment, in a discussion on real-world implementation experiences, lessons learned from content and service providers and an analysis of trends in connected television over the next year.
Art Hair, CTO, The Walt Disney Studios and Dan York, executive vice president, programming, AT&T, round out the list of panelists.
“The New Hollywood! A New World of Entertainment!” 3:30–5 p.m., April 15
Television and radio aren’t the only industries affected by the push to digital. Hollywood also is making the transition on the big screen. Suzanne Stefanac, director, AFI Digital Content Lab, provides the keynote for this look at the digital creation, distribution and presentation methods transforming the entertainment industry. Panelists include Barry Rebo, chairman, Emerging Pictures/Emerging Cinemas; John Honeycutt, vice president technology and chief media technology officer, Discovery Communications; and David Gale, vice president, New Media, MTV Networks.
“Digital Signage and Broadcasters: A New Business Model,” 10:30–Noon, April 16
Can digital signage fill in the revenue and business model gaps resulting from weakening ad content models? This session looks at the new business of digital signage and whether it’s right for every broadcaster and local content operator. Moderator Jimmy Schaeffler, chairman and chief service officer, The Carmel Group, leads a discussion that looks at the hardware, software and operational examples along with the forecasts.
Executive panelists include Joseph Amor, vice president and general manager, Microspace Communications; Lyle Bunn, principal and strategy architect, Bunn Co.; Virginia Cargill, CEO, CBS Outernet; Michael Hudes, executive officer and global director, Digital Media Clear Channel Outdoor; and Michael Tippetts, CEO, Helius/HughesNet.
“A Million Dollar Look on a Thousand Dollar Budget!” 1–2:30 p.m., April 16
Brian Valente, partner, Redrock Micro, hosts this session for those who seek to create quality theatre and broadcast productions on a limited budget. Panelists include Dave Basulto, founder of Clarity Pictures; Alex Lindsay, chief architect, dvGarage Inc.; and Taylor Wigton, director of photography, 447 Productions. Stu Maschwitz, co-founder and CTO, The Orphanage, a visual effects company, provides the keynote.
“Tune-in to India’s Entertainment Economy — From Emerging to Surging,” 3:30–5 p.m., April 16
This session will include a discussion of the issues, challenges and opportunities in India in television, radio, film and new media. A report on the Indian entertainment industry, prepared by Ernst & young, also will be released. Farokh Balsara, industry veteran and national president of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, leads the session.
Other panelists include Dr. Prannoy Roy, chairman and co-owner of New Delhi Television; A.P. Parigi, managing director and CEO of Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENTIL); Jagdish Kumar, COO of Asian media and entertainment company, STAR TV; Sunil Lulla, group CEO, Alva Brothers Ltd.; and Anurag Batra, promoted and CEO, exchange4media.
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