9:00 am
Registration and Coffee
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
9:00 am - 9:40 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
9:00 am - 9:40 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
9:40 am
Coffee Talk: How Live Programming Continues To Dominate the Media Landscape
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
9:40 am - 10:00 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
9:40 am - 10:00 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
In an era of on-demand content and algorithm-driven recommendations, live programming remains one of the few media formats that reliably delivers mass audiences and real-time engagement. Whether it’s sports, news, awards shows, or tentpole cultural events, live content continues to drive ratings, fuel ad revenue, and shape viewer habits across platforms. This “pregame” session featuring a leading industry analyst will provide a brief overview of live programming’s place in the media environment.
10:00 am
Welcoming Remarks
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
10:00 am - 10:05 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
10:00 am - 10:05 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
10:05 am
Opening Keynote: Jim Bell
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
10:05 am - 10:30 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
10:05 am - 10:30 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Few individuals exemplify the intersection of sports and entertainment more than Jim Bell. Currently SVP of media for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 24-time Emmy Award winner has been trusted with some of the most iconic brands in media, including NBC Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show. Known for championing innovation, collaboration, and storytelling that resonates, Bell sits down for an intimate chat to discuss his storied career, media plans for LA28, and how he sees live programming thriving in the future.
10:30 am
Networking Break in Exhibits Area
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
10:30 am - 11:10 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
10:30 am - 11:10 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
11:10 am
Mastering Ceremonies: Bringing Awards Shows, Festivals, and Other Tentpole Events to Life
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
11:10 am - 11:50 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
11:10 am - 11:50 am - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
From awards ceremonies and sports honors shows to festivals and fan conventions, tentpole events captivate audiences with a blend of live performance, spectacle, and prestige. Behind the scenes, these iconic productions require immense coordination, cutting-edge tech, and creative storytelling to deliver unforgettable experiences across broadcast, streaming, and social platforms. Go inside the planning, production, and execution of these high-profile events with top producers, directors, and technology/operations leaders.
Panelists:
Melanie Fletcher, Done+Dusted, CEO – North America
Linda Gierahn, Silent House Productions, Chief Content Officer & Head of Production
Craig Lazarus, ESPN, Vice President and ESPYS Executive Producer
Josh Mark, SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, and Hollywood Park, VP, Broadcast Operations & Production
Jonathan Mussman, Netflix, VP of Production
Melanie Fletcher, Done+Dusted, CEO – North America
Linda Gierahn, Silent House Productions, Chief Content Officer & Head of Production
Craig Lazarus, ESPN, Vice President and ESPYS Executive Producer
Josh Mark, SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, and Hollywood Park, VP, Broadcast Operations & Production
Jonathan Mussman, Netflix, VP of Production
11:50 am
Beyond the Lens: How Virtual Production is Transforming Creative Flexibility in the Studio Environment
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
11:50 am - 12:05 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
11:50 am - 12:05 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Virtual production is transforming the media and entertainment space, enabling content and experiences that are more immersive and engaging than ever before. Sony’s Jaime Raffone and the WWE’s Joseph Solari discuss the innovative solutions, flexible process and versatile use cases that are unlocking new possibilities in sports entertainment while driving business efficiencies and outcomes in and out of the ring.
Presenters:
Jaime Raffone, Sony Electronics, Senior Manager – Cinematic Production, Imaging Products & Solutions – Americas
Joseph Solari, WWE, VP of Studio Operations
Jaime Raffone, Sony Electronics, Senior Manager – Cinematic Production, Imaging Products & Solutions – Americas
Joseph Solari, WWE, VP of Studio Operations
Sponsored by:
12:05 pm
The Future Is Live: Tech Innovations Driving Real-Time Sports & Entertainment Production
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
12:05 pm - 12:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
12:05 pm - 12:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
As audience demand for immersive and high-quality live programming increases, the technologies powering real-time sports and entertainment production are evolving at a rapid pace. Whether it’s cine broadcast cameras and lenses, AI-driven automation, cloud-based workflows, or next-gen virtual graphics, innovation is reshaping how live content is created and delivered. Hear from industry leaders about today’s cutting-edge tools and strategies that enable faster turnaround, greater flexibility, and more-engaging live productions.
Panelists:
Pino Barile, Riedel Communications, SVP of Sales, North America
J. David Hoffman, Blackmagic Design, Business Development Manager, Americas
Jamon Lomax, Canon USA, Senior National Sales Manager
Jason Newman, NEP Sweetwater, VP, Sweetwater Film TV
Deena Sheldon, Camera Operator / Innovator; Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer
Pino Barile, Riedel Communications, SVP of Sales, North America
J. David Hoffman, Blackmagic Design, Business Development Manager, Americas
Jamon Lomax, Canon USA, Senior National Sales Manager
Jason Newman, NEP Sweetwater, VP, Sweetwater Film TV
Deena Sheldon, Camera Operator / Innovator; Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer
12:45 pm
Lunch in Exhibits Area
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
1:45 pm
FIFA x Global Citizen: Uniting Music, Sport, and Social Impact on a Single Stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
1:45 pm - 2:05 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
1:45 pm - 2:05 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
After delivering an unforgettable Halftime show at the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, Global Citizen Global Citizen will produce a first-of-its-kind Half-Time Show next summer at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final — one that blends music, sport, and advocacy to inspire millions to take action. FIFA and Global Citizen are working together as part of a four-year partnership to improve access to sport and quality education for children worldwide. In this fireside chat, industry Veteran Lee Rolontz goes inside plans for the historic World Cup Halftime Show production, what's driving Global Citizen's broadcast and content aspirations, and how the sports and entertainment sectors have never been more closely aligned.
2:05 pm
The Convergence of Sports and Entertainment: Producing Studio Shows and Live Events on the Field and in the Arena
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
2:05 pm - 2:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
2:05 pm - 2:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Pre/postgame and halftime shows have long been essential components of the live-sports experience, offering analysis, storytelling, and entertainment elements that elevate the main event. However, producing these segments on location often presents unique logistical and operational challenges. Hear firsthand how broadcasters and streamers reimagine shoulder programming to drive viewership, fan engagement, sponsorship value, and storytelling before, during, and after the game.
Panelists:
Guy Carrington, Done+Dusted, Executive Creative Director and Partner
Bob Chesterman, NHL, EVP, Entertainment
Aaron Cooke, Funicular Goats, Partner, Digital Cinema Collective, CEO
Kevin Dobstaff, NBA, Unrivaled, World Sevens Football, and MSG, Live Venue/Broadcast League Events Producer
Brian Gordon, National Women's Soccer League, SVP / Executive Producer
Guy Carrington, Done+Dusted, Executive Creative Director and Partner
Bob Chesterman, NHL, EVP, Entertainment
Aaron Cooke, Funicular Goats, Partner, Digital Cinema Collective, CEO
Kevin Dobstaff, NBA, Unrivaled, World Sevens Football, and MSG, Live Venue/Broadcast League Events Producer
Brian Gordon, National Women's Soccer League, SVP / Executive Producer
Sponsored by:
2:45 pm
Reinventing the Games: How Ateme Powers the Next Generation of Immersive Sports Experiences
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Sports broadcasting is breaking free from traditional limits, with federations and leagues embracing direct-to-fan streaming and XR innovation. Ateme’s end-to-end solutions — from live encoding to immersive 360° and 180° experiences — are redefining how fans experience the thrill of live sports.
Sponsored by:
3:00 pm
Networking Break in Exhibits Area
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
3:00 pm - 3:35 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
3:00 pm - 3:35 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
3:35 pm
Reality, Reimagined: The Role of AR, XR, and Virtual Production in Live Event Production
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
3:35 pm - 4:10 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
3:35 pm - 4:10 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Augmented reality, extended reality, and virtual production are transforming the way live sports and entertainment events are produced, presented, and experienced. These technologies are no longer futuristic novelties; they’re becoming core elements of live broadcasts and immersive fan experiences. From dynamic virtual sets and real-time 3D graphics to immersive environments and XR stage performances, this panel will explore the creative possibilities, technical challenges, and strategic advantages of deploying these cutting-edge technologies for live productions.
Panelists:
Dan Baum, Disguise, VP of Sales, Americas
Zac Fields, Fox Sports, SVP, Graphics Technology and Integration
Dan Pack, Silver Spoon - part of the AE Live Group, Managing Director
Jon Slusser, The Famous Group, Owner and Partner
Dan Baum, Disguise, VP of Sales, Americas
Zac Fields, Fox Sports, SVP, Graphics Technology and Integration
Dan Pack, Silver Spoon - part of the AE Live Group, Managing Director
Jon Slusser, The Famous Group, Owner and Partner
4:10 pm
No More Boundaries: How Onsite, REMI, and Cloud Productions Are Evolving
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
4:10 pm - 4:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
4:10 pm - 4:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
Today’s live productions can be handled from almost anywhere: onsite, from a remote-control room, fully in the cloud, or from an operator’s home. As REMI and cloud-based tools mature, production teams are finding new ways to deliver high-quality content with greater efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. Learn how broadcasters and streamers adapt their approaches to live coverage and how new production models reshape crew deployment, infrastructure needs, and creative capabilities.
Panelists:
Tom Brown, TVU Networks, Head of Solutions, North America
Scott Rehling, L2 Productions, President
Mitch Rubenstein, Savannah Bananas, Head of Production Services, Banana TV
Tim Stevens, Verizon Business Group, Global Leader, Strategic Innovation, Sports, Media & Entertainment
Tom Brown, TVU Networks, Head of Solutions, North America
Scott Rehling, L2 Productions, President
Mitch Rubenstein, Savannah Bananas, Head of Production Services, Banana TV
Tim Stevens, Verizon Business Group, Global Leader, Strategic Innovation, Sports, Media & Entertainment
4:45 pm
Networking Reception in Exhibits Area
Wed 12 Nov, 2025
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm - (All times are in PST Time Zone)