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January 11, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Apple Releases Flash Memory-Based iPod Shuffle Digital Audio Player
o Yahoo Launches Desktop Search Tool
o Navarre Acquires Japanese Anime Distributor FUNimation for $100 Million
o Report: Online Retail Spending Jumps 29% During '04 Holiday Season
o Mobile Video Developer Hantro Secures Additional $5.2 Million Investment

 > DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  

 > Featured Advertisement:
--MIDEMNET
 

o Briefly Noted: Internet Streaming Media Alliance, Comcast - video IM, Delphi - Ford - Sirius, The Mobile Media Company - Rubberduck Media Lab, LodgeNet, Creative Technology, NPR - HD Radio, Jamba AG - stereo ringtones, Faith West - Dodge, Applian Technologies, XtremeMac, 2ThumbZ Entertainment - UNC Health Care, THQ - "Banjo-Pilot," Atari - Talib Kweli, "EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath," Sony - "The Getaway: Black Monday," 4th Annual Star Wars Fan Film Awards
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Product Marketing Manager- Sorrent (Mobile Games)
--OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit
--HireStrategy - Tax Accountant
--ClearedJobs.Net - Security Cleared Professionals
--Sales, Mktng, And Bus Dev. Executives Association - New England/Boston
--COO/CEO - Baltimore- Washington Metro Area
--Account Executive - Inside Sales
--Senior Marketing Manger, Segment Marketing - Reston, VA
--Sales Executive - Bethesda, MD
--Channel Manager
--Senior Technical Project Manager
--Sr. Java Software Engineer
--eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Apple Releases Flash Memory-Based iPod Shuffle Digital Audio Player

San Francisco -- Apple Computer on Tuesday introduced the iPod Shuffle, a new digital audio player that has no visual display and features flash memory-based storage rather than the hard drives found in its popular iPods. Apple will sell a $99, 512MB version that holds up to 120 songs and a $149, 1GB version that holds 240 songs. "iPod shuffle is smaller and lighter than a pack of gum and costs less than $100," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "With most flash-memory music players users must use tiny displays and complicated controls to find their music; with iPod shuffle you just relax and it serves up new combinations of your music every time you listen." Apple also announced that it has partnered with automakers Mercedes-Benz USA, Volvo, Nissan, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari to offer auto iPod connectivity kits in 2005. Apple said that it sold over 4.5 million iPods during its most recent fiscal quarter, which includes the 2004 holiday shopping period.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/sftu073_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/sftu078_1.html 
http://tinyurl.com/453xt 
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o Yahoo Launches Desktop Search Tool

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo on Tuesday became the latest Internet firm, following Google and Microsoft, to introduce its own desktop search application, a downloadable program that enables users to search through the documents, e-mail, multimedia and other files stored on their PCs. The free public beta test of Yahoo's desktop search tool was launched with technology it acquired from Pasadena, Calif.-based X1 Technologies in December. It includes a sorting function that allows users to launch searches by typing only one or two letters of a search term into a search box. "The beta lets us explore the abundance of opportunities to linking up users' personal data as it exists on Yahoo to their desktop search experience," Bradley Horowitz, director of Yahoo's media and desktop search, told CNET News.com. "It will expand in short order." Both Google and Microsoft have launched desktop search applications in a bid to expand the lucrative search market beyond the Web, where Google currently reigns.
http://tinyurl.com/59bvh 
http://desktop.yahoo.com 
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o Navarre Acquires Japanese Anime Distributor FUNimation for $100 Million

Minneapolis -- Navarre Corporation, a publisher of video games and other entertainment software, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired FUNimation Productions, a leading distributor of Japanese animation and children's entertainment in the U.S., for over $100 million in cash and over 1.4 million shares of Navarre. Texas-based FUNimation distributes home video and arranges U.S. TV licensing for brands including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu Yu Hakusho, Beyblade and Cabbage Patch Kids. In 2003, FUNimation saw sales of $81.6 million and net income of $30.5 million. Minnesota-based Navarre's products include video games developed by its Encore subsidiary, in addition to PC software, music CDs and DVD video. "The FUNimation acquisition is consistent with our overall business strategy and will significantly increase our publishing offerings, establishes long-term relationships with new vendors and customers, and solidify our position as a premier provider of published and licensed home entertainment products," said Navarre's chief operating officer of publishing and licensing, Cary Deacon.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050110/cgm052_1.html 
http://www.navarre.com 
http://www.funimation.com 
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o Report: Online Retail Spending Jumps 29% During '04 Holiday Season

South San Francisco -- Retail spending by online consumers grew by 29% this holiday season, surpassing market researcher comScore's initial expectation of 23-26% growth, the firm said on Monday. Online consumers spent $15.8 billion on non-travel items during November and December, helping drive the total online spending in 2004 to a record level of more than $117 billion, up 26% from 2003. "While it's clear that a broad range of online merchants saw a strong season, multi-channel retailers were standouts this year," said Dan Hess, the senior vice president of industry analysis at comScore Networks. "Many of the nation's leading retail brands flexed their muscle this season, with strategies including faster delivery options, significant site redesigns and effective cross-channel promotions."
http://www.comscore.com/press/release.asp?press=546 
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o Mobile Video Developer Hantro Secures Additional $5.2 Million Investment

Helsinki -- Hantro Oy, a Finland-based provider of video enabling technology for mobile handsets, announced this week that it has secured a further $5.2 million investment. A group led by CapMan, Nexit Ventures and Menire led the round. Hantro said it would use the investment to strengthen its position in the global marketplace. "Throughout the last year, it has been increasingly obvious that video services are forming a central part of the network operators' strategies for increasing average revenue per user (ARPU)," said Hantro founder and CEO Eero Kaikkonen. "Whilst we have heard some mention of proprietary formats for video compression, it is clear that the preference is for standards based technology, such as MPEG4 Simple Profile, H.263 and MPEG4 AVC / H.264." Hantro's current customers include Nokia, Agere, Freescale, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Alcatel, Quanta and Mtekvision.
http://www.hantro.com 

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>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

Digital Music Forum is the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music. The annual event brings together decision-makers from records labels, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to examine the role of digital technologies in the future of music.

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • THE STATE OF THE DIGITAL UNION: The Outlook for Online & Mobile Music Markets
  • LAWYERS, GEEKS & MONEY: The Clash Between Technology & Copyright Law
  • THE ONLINE MUSIC MARKET: Competition, Business Models & Courting Consumers in a Crowded Market
  • THE MOBILE MUSIC MARKET: What Does the Future Hold for this Booming Market?

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Pre-registration rate: $295 (until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Register online at http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092

Phone registration: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:


 

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o Briefly Noted:

(San Francisco) The Internet Streaming Media Alliance (ISMA), a non-profit trade group formed to accelerate the adoption of open standards for streaming media, announced on Tuesday the release of its 2.0 specification, which adds support for Advanced Video Coding (AVC), High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding (HE-AAC) and the MP4 multimedia file format. Members of the ISMA include AOL, Apple, Cisco, HP, IBM, Philips and Sun. "The specification cuts through the confusing choices for audio/video codec profiles and levels, the multiple choices for network protocols and signaling, and establishes the interoperability points to assure robust delivery of audio and video over IP in a multi-vendor environment," said ISMA board member Yuval Fisher. The ISMA is seeking comments on the new specification by Feb. 15, 2005.
http://www.isma.tv

(Philadelphia, Pa.) Cable TV operator Comcast plans to launch an instant messaging application that includes the ability to send webcam video messages by mid-2005, CNET News.com reported. Similar services are currently offered by rivals AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft's MSN. In addition to IM video, Comcast soon plans to offer Internet telephony services to its 6.5 million high-speed Internet subscribers.
http://tinyurl.com/68gkn 
http://www.comcast.com

(Detroit) Delphi, a manufacturer of car stereos and other electronics, announced on Tuesday that it will supply Sirius Satellite Radio receivers to Ford Motor Co. for the company's planned offering of Sirius as a factory-installed option on select 2006 Ford and Lincoln Mercury models. Ford will offer Sirius on the Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Mark LT and Mercury Mountaineer beginning this summer.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/detu003_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com 
http://www.delphi.com

(Oslo, Norway) The Mobile Media Company, a distributor of mobile entertainment content, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with U.K.-based Rubberduck Media Lab to provide live, streaming TV signals to cell phone and wireless devices. Already streaming TV signals in the Scandinavian market, Rubberduck plans to offer service in North America on 2.5G and 3G wireless networks in the first quarter of 2005.
http://www.mobilemedia.com 
http://www.rubberduckmedialab.com

(Sioux Falls, S.D.) LodgeNet, a provider of in-room broadband and entertainment services to hoteliers, announced on Tuesday its list of the top 10 video-on-demand titles purchased in its nearly one million guest rooms during 2004. The company said Fox's "The Day After Tomorrow" was the top performer, followed by "Shrek 2" and "The Bourne Supremacy." South Dakota-based LodgeNet said Fox was the top-performing studio, garnering five of the top 10 VOD titles.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/cgtu008_1.html 
http://www.lodgenet.com

(Singapore) Consumer electronics firm Creative Technology announced on Tuesday that it sold more than 2 million of its MuVo and Zen Micro MP3 players in its recent financial quarter, which included the holiday shopping season. Accordingly, the company raised its revenue guidance for the quarter from $325 million to $360 million, a 45% increase over the $250 million in sales from the same period last year. Singapore-based Creative also announced that it recently generated cash proceeds of $61 million through the sale of 2 million shares of its holdings in SigmaTel.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/sftu066_1.html 
http://www.creative.com

(Washington) National Public Radio (NPR) recently announced that it plans to offer four new music and talk programs broadcast digitally using iBiquity Digital's HD Radio technology. NPR also said it plans to purchase up to 50,000 HD Multicast receivers. There are currently 50 NPR member stations broadcasting in HD Radio, while a total of 312 stations are committed to converting to digital in the coming months.
http://www.npr.org 
http://www.ibiquity.com

(Berlin) Jamba AG, a Berlin-based mobile entertainment publisher, announced on Tuesday the launch of its master ringtones in stereo sound. The company is currently offering over 80 stereo ringtones -- for use with UMTS-mobile phones with a stereo function, such as the Motorola E1000 -- for about $2.60 each.
http://www.jamster.co.uk

(San Francisco) Wireless entertainment publisher Faith West said on Tuesday that it has partnered with automaker Dodge to offer ringtones and images for cell phones that promote Dodge vehicles. San Francisco-based Faith West, a unit of Japan-based Faith, Inc., will offer ringtones including the "Hit It" audio tag from Dodge's ad campaigns, while Dodge will distribute promotional codes good for free wireless content.
http://www.faithwestinc.com 
http://dodge.modtones.com

(San Francisco) Software developer Applian Technologies on Tuesday introduced a new application that can record streaming music broadcast on Internet radio stations, and tag files with artist, title and album information using Gracenote's MusicID database. It is unclear whether the recording industry will approve of San Francisco-based Applian's $49 Replay Music software, in light of current copyright laws.
http://www.appliantechnologies.com 
http://www.replay-music.com

(San Francisco) XtremeMac, an Apple accessories manufacturer, on Tuesday introduced its AirPlay FM transmitter for Apple's iPod. The $39 device requires no additional software to be downloaded, and is designed so that it does not obscure the iPod's "Hold" switch.
http://www.xtrememac.com/photos/airplay.shtml

(Research Triangle Park, N.C.) Mobile entertainment publisher 2ThumbZ Entertainment announced on Tuesday a long-term partnership with UNC Health Care, to develop and distribute health, wellness and fitness applications for cell phones and wireless devices. The applications, available for between $4.99 and $7.99 each, include a Calorie Counter, Carb Counter, Pedometer, Personal Trainer and Stop Smoking Aid. Each application allows users to save data on the Internet, to keep track of progress and compare personal information to national averages.
http://unc.2thumbz.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ on Tuesday shipped its "Banjo-Pilot" title for Nintendo Game Boy Advance to retailers. The title was developed by Microsoft Game Studios' U.K.-based Rare Studios unit, and is based on Rare's "Banjo-Kazooie" franchise.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050111/latu076_1.html 
http://www.rareware.com 

(New York) Game publisher Atari announced on Tuesday that it has signed hip-hop artist Talib Kweli to provide voice talent as the lead character in its upcoming graffiti art game, "Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure." Developed by Newport Beach, Calif.-based The Collective for release in September for PlayStation 2, the game is being produced in conjunction with former graffiti artist-turned urban apparel designer Marc Ecko.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050111/115203_1.html 
http://www.eckounltd.com 
http://www.collectivestudios.com

(San Diego) Sony Online Entertainment said on Tuesday that it will launch "EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath," an expansion pack for its "EverQuest" massively multiplayer online roleplaying game, in February in the U.S. and Europe. The title will be available both at retail and as a download for $29.99.
http://www.dragonsofnorrath.com

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America on Tuesday shipped its "The Getaway: Black Monday" title for PlayStation 2 to retailers. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's Team Soho, the game is a sequel to the three million unit-selling "The Getaway." The game features a score performed by the Nimrod Studio Orchestra, which was remixed by artists on the Ninja Tune and Big Dada record labels.
http://www.speakgetaway.com

(San Francisco) Short film distributor AtomFilms and "Star Wars" producer Lucasfilm on Tuesday announced the launch of its 4th Annual Star Wars Fan Film Awards. The companies are now accepting submissions, which will consist of fans' creations that edit footage from the "Star Wars" movies into new original spoof films and documentaries, until March 8. Finalists will be chosen on March 29 and director George Lucas will himself award a $2,000 prize to the winning filmmaker.
http://starwars.atomfilms.com 
 
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Product Marketing Manager- Sorrent (Mobile Games)

Leading wireless gaming company that's fast-growing and ventured backed. Creates and publishes mobile content all over the world. Candidates will manage product marketing needs for multiple entertainment products. Oversee brand management to build value in mobile. Work with carriers and sales to tailor product scope to meet market needs. 3-5 years experience in consumer marketing or advertising. Entertainment or wireless marketing a plus. Must be active mobile user. Email resumes to jobs@sorrent.com.
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> OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit

The OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit is the source of Linux deployment information. This unique conference brings together Linux system administrators and architects, corporate developers, ISVs and vendors who want to explore practical solutions for accelerating Linux deployment and increasing Linux business across the enterprise. Jan 31- Feb 2, 2004, Hyatt Hotel, Burlingame, California http://www.osdllinuxsummit.org/btw
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> HireStrategy - Tax Accountant

Position will assist in the preparation of all Federal and State income tax returns, including calculation of quarterly estimates and extensions and will maintain tax depreciation schedules. He/she will research and prepare responses to state and other tax notices. A BS/BA in Accounting is preferred; the candidate must be a CPA or eligible to sit for the CPA exam, with four years of relevant experience. Attention to detail with good organizational skills is required. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire238.asp
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> ClearedJobs.Net - Security Cleared Professionals

ClearedJobs.Net, one of the fastest growing career portals dedicated to the security cleared community seeks individuals for permanent and contract opportunities with a wide range of defense firms in the D.C. Metro Area. Current openings include: Oracle DBA's, Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, System Administrators, Network Engineers, and many others. Learn more by visiting our Cleared Professionals Marketplace at http://www.ClearedJobs.Net Send resumes to recruiting@clearedjobs.net
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> Sales, Mktng, And Bus Dev. Executives Association - New England/Boston

Making a bad hiring decision can cost you tremendously - in time required to manage that person (and managing the person out) as well as in lost sales, missed marketing results, and under-performing alliances. Come to this interactive session with a panelist of acclaimed speakers who have been featured on CNN, in the Wall St. Journal, Newsweek, and hundreds of other journals on how to hire the best. This is also a great opportunity to network with your fellow executives. Visit NETSEA (http://www.netsea.org) for more information - register today. Send inquiries to ssao@netsea.org
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> COO/CEO - Baltimore- Washington Metro Area

Blogdigger, a real-time search engine for syndication technologies, seeks business partner to join technical founders as COO/CEO. Duties include advancing business plan, seeking equity, developing revenue models, establishing business relationships. Will work closely with founders, who have launched Blogdigger's search engine technology. Should understand the basics of weblogs, RSS/syndication, search, web services. Send resumes to jobs@blogdigger.com
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> Account Executive - Inside Sales

The SAVVIS Account Executive is accountable for selling all SAVVIS managed products to new and existing customers. Responsibilities include generating new opportunities via cold calling and leveraging customer relationships, working with existing customers to find new opportunities, and growing existing services. Required: 2+ yrs of successful business sales experience, cold calling/prospecting experience, and consultative sales experience. Send resume to dloehr@savvis.net
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> Senior Marketing Manger, Segment Marketing - Reston, VA

Develop strategic and tactical marketing programs in the National Accounts space to increase sales/revenue. Programs will be cross industry and will include product launches, executive briefings, events, advisory councils, etc. 10 plus yrs. exp. in launching 4P marketing initiatives and programs a must. Fortune 500 account experience preferred. Send resumes to jean.osterman@nextel.com
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> Sales Executive - Bethesda, MD

Real Magnet (http://www.realmagnet.com), a fast growing, profitable e- mail marketing firm seeks "can-do" salesperson to sell and market its innovative products. Qualifications include: Entrepreneurial, self-starting, 2 or more years experience selling technology products and services and a successful track record. Emphasis on direct calls. Compensation: base (30K to $65K based on experience) plus commission, healthcare provided. Its a white hot market. Send resumes to tpines@realmagnet.com
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> Channel Manager

Netezza is looking a for high energy individual to recruit, manage and expand relationships with System Integrators, Independent Software Vendors and Complementary Technology partners. The ideal candidate has a technical background with experience in channel management, business development, and/or consulting for technology companies focused on the Business Intelligence, Database and/or Storage markets. Send resumes to rrobinson@netezza.com
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> Senior Technical Project Manager

The individual working in this exciting position will provide admin. support to member firms in the new areas of industry technology standards, electronic commerce security, process automation, and innovative systems. He/she will assist in the project mgmt. of tech advances, and products and services which benefit members and their customers, while providing staff support for various Committees. The incumbent must work well with people. Bachelor's degree in engineering and a min of 5 years of exp. reqd. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire235.asp
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> Sr. Java Software Engineer

A commercial product firm seeks a senior software engineer with 7 plus years of exp. The firm strongly prefers a candidate that has experience on both Unix/Linux and Windows platforms and solid experience with at least 2 programming languages and agile programming. This position requires direct contribution in all phases of the life-cycle, including specification, design, coding, unit test, integration and system test, and documentation. Strong skills in developing and executing on business requirements are needed. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire237.asp
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> eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005

The eNaugural.com Ball is the Presidential Inaugural Ball for the Hi-tech community. This spectacular celebration brings together key industry leaders, elected officials and the media to honor and celebrate the overwhelming, positive impact of the new digital age on virtually every aspect of American life. This exciting gala is webcast live to the world, and archived for later viewing on the web. Go to http://www.enaugural.com for more info.
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> New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
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