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April 15, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Rose 32% During March
o Ruling Favors InterTrust Over Macrovision in Anti-Piracy Patent Dispute
o Customer Sues Comcast for Disclosing ID to RIAA Without Court Order
o BBC-Led Group Launches "Creative Archive License"
o FBI Arrests Four Chinese Nationals Over Counterfeit Nintendo Games
o CNET: Frustrated Labels Turning to Cell Phones for Digital Music Profits

> DMW Announcements:
--Games & Mobile Forum - April 21, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Amazon.com - Netflix - Blockbuster, Apple - 350 million iTunes songs, Verizon - Starz Entertainment Group, Joe Perry - DualDisc-exclusive album, Australia - "NARC" video game ban, Fund4Games - Acclaim Europe, Konami - "Yu-Gi-Oh Online," Namco - "Pac'N Roll," Codemasters, Gameloft - Boost Mobile, Kompakt - MP3 store
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Inside Sales Representative
--Video Games Producer, MTV.com
--Software Engineer
--Account Executive/Senior Account Executive
--Director Of Marketing
--Account Executive/Senior Account Executive
--Business Development Manager
--Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning
--Principal - Project Manager
--Marketing Researcher
--IT Director
--XML Consultants And Sales Professionals
--Talented Software Developer
--3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005 
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Rose 32% During March

Los Angeles -- U.S. video game sales were up 32% in March, bolstered by Sony's "Gran Turismo 4" and titles for its PSP handheld console, which was released on March 24 but still counted 1.1 million games sold during the month, Reuters reported, quoting analysts who cited data from market research firm NPD Group. Sony sold 620,000 PSP consoles during the last week of March, while by comparison Nintendo's rival DS handheld has sold 428,000 units so far this year. Sony also sold 495,000 PlayStation 2 consoles during the month, compared with sales of 277,000 Microsoft Xbox consoles and 94,000 Nintendo GameCubes.
http://tinyurl.com/9a7u8 
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o Ruling Favors InterTrust Over Macrovision in Anti-Piracy Patent Dispute

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- InterTrust, the developer of digital rights management technologies acquired in 2002 by Sony and Philips for $453 million, has won key aspects of a patent infringement proceeding against rival Macrovision. The United States Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences ruled this week that certain of InterTrust's patents have priority over Macrovision's claims, which could eventually lead to a large settlement and license agreement. Macrovision said that other portions of the interference action are still under review. "We look forward to eventually prevailing on the merits," said Macrovision CEO Bill Krepick, adding, "We will be considering our appeal options." Macrovision also plans to launch a licensing program later this year, based on its overseas patents and the portions of its U.S. patents not affected by the recent ruling. InterTrust sued Microsoft for infringement of the same patents in 2002, also claiming the company's Media Player, Windows operating system and other technologies borrowed InterTrust technology. That lawsuit was settled in April 2004 when Microsoft agreed to license InterTrust's patents and pay the company $440 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050415/155136.html 
http://tinyurl.com/7w3ca 
http://tinyurl.com/94d5y 
http://www.macrovision.com 
http://www.intertrust.com 
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o Customer Sues Comcast for Disclosing ID to RIAA Without Court Order

Seattle -- A Seattle-area woman has sued the nation's largest cable TV operator, Comcast, for allegedly disclosing her identity to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) -- without having been compelled to by a court order, or first notifying her of the disclosure -- Reuters reported. Dawnell Leadbetter reportedly learned of the record industry's intentions only after she was contacted by a collection agency and told to pay a $4,500 settlement, or face a copyright infringement lawsuit. "Comcast should respect the rights of privacy who pay them monthly bills," Leadbetter's attorney, Lory Lybeck, told Reuters.
http://tinyurl.com/d8cal 
http://www.comcast.com 
http://www.riaa.com 
____________________________________________

o BBC-Led Group Launches "Creative Archive License"

London -- A group led by the BBC, Channel 4, the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Open University (OU) announced this week that it has launched the Creative Archive License. The BBC said the announcement took the group a step closer toward the creation of a platform that will eventually allow the public to download films, TV programs, radio archives and digital content on the Internet -- legally and free of charge. The group said it wanted to fuel creativity activity across the U.K. as people use the downloaded material in personal projects, classroom presentations and their own artistic creations. The group also called on other media and arts organizations to join them in their endeavor to build a "public domain of audio-visual material".
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B46F254EA 
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o FBI Arrests Four Chinese Nationals Over Counterfeit Nintendo Games

New York -- Nintendo of America this week applauded the FBI for its arrest of four Chinese nationals who were allegedly distributing pirated Nintendo video games. An FBI investigation revealed the defendants had imported at least 280,000 "Power Player" counterfeit game systems, capable of playing pirated versions of Nintendo titles like "Mario Bros." and "Duck Hunt." The investigation led to the four arrests, and searches of facilities in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. "Nintendo applauds the actions taken by the FBI. U.S. law enforcement authorities have played an instrumental role in attacking piracy in the U.S. and abroad," said Jodi Daugherty, Nintendo of America's director of anti-piracy. Nintendo said that during the first quarter of 2005, more than 80 worldwide seizures have been conducted that resulted in confiscation of nearly 180,000 counterfeit Nintendo products.
http://www.nintendo.com 
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o CNET: Frustrated Labels Turning to Cell Phones for Digital Music Profits

San Francisco -- The major record labels, frustrated by Apple's reluctance to negotiate on price points for songs on its iTunes Store or license its technology for rival MP3 players, are now looking to the cell phone market as a potentially more lucrative market for digital music, CNET News.com reported. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has reportedly rejected record label appeals to charge less than 99 cents for catalog titles while increasing the price for new releases, and has rebuffed calls to open its FairPlay security technology so that songs purchased on iTunes can play on devices other than the iPod. "We hate the current situation," one top record industry executive told News.com. "No record company by itself can basically tell Steve Jobs, 'You're not going to get our catalog unless you open up FairPlay to Microsoft.' We can't do it together." The labels recognize that many more cell phones than iPods are in circulation, and that wireless carriers are more open to a staggered pricing scheme. Likewise, carriers have been reluctant to subsidize a recent Motorola phone that would have let users upload songs purchased on iTunes from their PCs -- sidestepping potential revenues from the cost of downloading those same songs over their networks. "Carriers subsidize phones and features when they drive network usage," Iain Gillott, a wireless industry consultant, told News.com. "Yet here was a phone that I was supposed to sync to my PC so I could buy music from Apple. Why would the carriers subsidize that?"
http://tinyurl.com/ab9jf 

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>DMW Events:
 



3rd Annual Games & Mobile Forum
April 21, 2005 | New York City
www.gamesandmobile.com

Games & Mobile Forum is the leading executive forum focused on online and mobile games. The annual event brings together decision-makers from online and mobile game publishers, developers, marketers, retailers, content creators, technology providers, advertisers, investment bankers, lawyers and venture capitalists.

KEYNOTES:
John Smedley - President, Sony Online Entertainment
Mitch Lasky  - Chairman and CEO, JAMDAT Mobile

FEATURED INTERVIEWS & PRESENTATIONS:
Lance Ulanoff
Executive Editor, Ziff Davis Media
Vince Broady
CoFounder, GameSpot, SVP, Games & Entertainment, CNET Networks
Jason Ford - GM, Wireless Games & Entertainment, Sprint
Paul Schaut - CEO, Tira Wireless

Gregg Sauter -  Director of Games Publishing, Nokia

PANELISTS:
Eric Albert - Director, Business Development, Gameloft
Jeff Anderson
- President & CEO, Turbine Entertainment
Matthew Bellows
- General Manager, Floodgate Entertainment
George Borkowski
- Head of IP & Tech Practice, MS&K
Erica Chriss - Director, Business Development, Digital Chocolate
Greg Costikyan
- Games Researcher, Nokia Research Center
Mueez Deen - Director, DRAM & Graphics, Samsung Semiconductor
Kenny Dinkin
- Vice President & Executive Producer, PlayFirst
Anders Evju - Vice President & GM, North America, Digital Bridges
Eric Goldberg - Managing Director, Crossover Technologies
Daniel Hart
- VP, Online Games Strategy and Operations, MTV Networks
Mark Litvack
- IP Lit Partner, MS&K / Formerly of the MPAA 
Robert Nashak -
VP of Production, Sorrent
Victor Penev - Vice President, Online, Playboy International
Craig Piddle
-
Director of Marketing, BioWare Corp.
Michael Powers -
CTO, Mpowerplayer, Inc.
Adeo Ressi - CEO & Founder, GameTrust
Don Ryan - General Manager, Microsoft Game Studios
Mika Salmi - CEO, AtomShockwave
Dan Scherlis
, CEO, Etherplay
Ned Sherman - CEO, Digital Media Wire
Brian Taptich - Dir., Mrktg & Bus. Dev., EA Sports & EA Games Online
Rob Tercek
- EVP & Chief Strategy Officer, MFORMA Group
Margaret Wallace - Co-Founder & CEO, Skunk Studios
Mike Yuen - Director, Gaming Group, QUALCOMM
Eric Zimmerman
- Co-Founder & CEO, gameLab

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • ONLINE GAMES: The State of the Industry
  • ONLINE GAMES: Developers' & Publishers' Roundtable
  • MOBILE GAMES: The State of the Industry
  • MOBILE GAMES: Developers & Publishers Roundtable

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Registration rate: $395
Register online at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1093

Phone registration: 323-852-7130


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:

> 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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o Briefly Noted:

(Los Angeles) Reuters reports that online retail giant Amazon.com has approached online DVD rental providers including Netflix and Blockbuster about a potential partnership, instead of launching a competing service of its own. A source told Reuters that negotiations with U.S. services began in recent months. Amazon launched an online DVD rental service in Europe in December, helping fuel industry rumors the company was looking to launch its own U.S. service -- which at the time prompted Netflix and Blockbuster to slash prices for their offerings in anticipation of the competition.
http://tinyurl.com/8oh4b

(Cupertino, Calif.) Apple disclosed in its second quarter earnings report this week that its global iTunes Music Stores have now sold a combined 350 million songs. The company surpassed 300 million downloads in March, and at the current rate may reach 1 billion songs sold before the end of 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050413/sfw093.html

(New York) Telecommunications firm Verizon announced on Friday that it has signed a long-term agreement with Starz Entertainment Group, to carry all 13 of the company's premium movie channels, plus video-on-demand, on the Verizon FiOS TV service. Financial terms were not disclosed. Verizon's FiOS TV, slated to launch later this year in parts of 14 states, will offer video-on-demand, hundreds of digital video and music channels, HDTV and an interactive program guide to subscribers over Verizon's broadband network. Customers will be able to bundle their digital TV service with voice and broadband Internet service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050414/nyth172.html 
http://www.starz.com
http://newscenter.verizon.com/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=86053

(New York) Sony's Columbia Records label said on Friday that Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry will release his upcoming solo album exclusively in the DualDisc format. The disc will feature the album in its entirety in CD format on one side, and a separate version of the album in 5.1 surround sound, as well as a DVD documentary on the other. The DVD side will also feature two tracks recorded in an eight-channel, multi-track "UmixIt" format, developed by Cakewalk software. The UMixIt tracks will allow users to create personalized mixes of the songs on their PCs by recording new instrumental or vocal parts, or adding pre-loaded loops.
http://www.joeperrymusic.com 
http://www.cakewalk.com 
http://www.dualdisc.com

(London) Australia has banned the sale of video game publisher Midway Games' "NARC" title throughout the country, deeming it "unsuitable for a minor to see or play," GamesIndustry.biz reported. The Australian government's Office of Film and Literature Classification, which determines video game ratings, refused to grant "NARC" classification. The title was reportedly banned even though drug use contained in the game, which features undercover narcotics agents, was approved as "justified by context."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=8000 
http://www.midway.com 
http://www.narcgame.com

(Edinburgh, Scotland) Fund4Games, a provider of project financing and management aid to video game developers, announced this week that it has acquired the assets of video game publisher Acclaim Europe, which filed for the equivalent of bankruptcy in 2004. Two of the titles Fund4Games acquired -- "Interview With A Made Man" and "ATV 3" -- are currently continuing development in Manchester by a team who previously worked on the titles with Acclaim, while two others are still being evaluated. Acclaim's U.S. assets were sold at a bankruptcy auction in December 2004.
http://www.fund4games.com

(Tokyo) Japanese video game publisher Konami this week announced the simultaneous launch of its "Yu-Gi-Oh Online" game title in the U.S., Japan and Europe. Based on the popular children's trading card game and animated TV series, the downloadable game requires a subscription fee that may be paid through "Duel Pass" cards purchased at video game retailers and other stores.
http://www.konami.co.jp/press/2005/04/011/r.17.04.11-e.html

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Japanese video game publisher Namco announced this week that it will release its "Pac'N Roll" title for Nintendo DS in the summer of 2005. The game will feature a spherical representation of Namco's classic Pac-Man character, and utilize the DS handheld console's touch screen features.
http://www.namco.com

(London) U.K.-based video game developer Codemasters announced on Friday that company chairman and CEO David Darling has set aside several million dollars for acquiring and funding new game properties from other studios. The company additionally named Peter Zetterberg, former CEO of Swedish developer Daydream Software, as head of acquisitions. Codemasters said it will actively court developers at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles next month.
http://www.codemasters.com

(New York) French mobile game publisher Gameloft announced on Friday that it has signed a distribution agreement with wireless network operator Boost Mobile. Under the terms, Gameloft titles including "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3," "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and "VANS Skate & Slam featuring Geoff Rowley" will be made available to 1.2 million customers for between $2.99 and $6.49.
http://www.gameloft.com 
http://www.boostmobile.com

(Cologne, Germany) German electronic music record label Kompakt this week launched an online digital music store, which offers both the entire Kompakt catalog and tracks from over 50 other labels. The site offers recordings -- many of which have only been released on 12" vinyl -- for about $1.65 each. "We want to reach people in regions of the world where vinyl is not available. To offer a legal MP3 option against all the illegal platforms which currently exist. To protect our music," said Kompakt co-founder Woflgang Voigt. "Kompakt hopes to work together with as many techno labels as possible to become part of our specialized MP3 shop so we can strengthen the scene instead of being made available to every second supermarket."
http://www.kompakt-mp3.net 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Inside Sales Representative

ON24 is currently experiencing record growth and is conducting a search for a top notch Inside Sales Representative to strategically assist in the development of the inside sales group. The ideal candidate will be a well-respected, driven and proven leader who has the ability to meet sales targets and build relationships with a high-level audience.  Contact jobs@on24.com
_________________

> Video Games Producer, MTV.com

Video Games Producer serves as production team lead for MTV.com's video games area & editorial coverage. Responsible for seamless execution & creative vision for area, including design, editorial & video production, wireframes, func. specs, production sched, resource alloctn, must have 4-8 years of exp building web content for major brands and/or video games content. Ideal: knows MS Visio, HTML editing tools (Homesite) & strong affinity to MTV brand (on-air and online), pc and console, gaming culture.  Contact careers@mtv.com
_________________

> Software Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Java software engineer with 3 plus years of programming experience to work in a closely-knit team environment. This engineer will be expected to quickly acclimate to the dynamic environment and be able to take ownership of software development efforts and deliver them within specified time frames. Candidate must possess a positive attitude and be comfortable functioning in a multi-tasking environment. Send resumes to careers@unanet.com
_________________

> Account Executive/Senior Account Executive - Stamford, CT

Environics Communications has an exciting opportunity for a public relations Account Executive / Senior Account Executive with two to six years of experience in an agency or corporate environment. This is a generalist position, though healthcare, technology and corporate communications experience are highly desirable. In addition to demonstrated exceptional media relations skills, the ideal candidate will know how to manage client relationships and work in a fast-paced environment. Visit us at http://www.environicspr.com Send resumes to communicate@environics-usa.com
_________________

> Director Of Marketing

Our client, a very exciting and well funded start-up is looking for a Director of Marketing to develop segmentation and acquisition strategies, work with product development to enhance product offering, define the brand promise, develop strategy to improve the customer experience, and analyze marketing results. Candidate must have 8-10 years of direct marketing experience. Product development and/or brand marketing experience is helpful. If you're interested, please send resume to resumes@hartleyhickey.com.
_________________

> Account Executive/Senior Account Executive

Environics Communications has an exciting opportunity for a public relations Account Executive / Senior Account Executive with two to six years of experience in an agency or corporate environment. This is a generalist position, though healthcare, technology and corporate communications experience are highly desirable. In addition to demonstrated exceptional media relations skills, the ideal candidate will know how to manage client relationships and work in a fast-paced environment. Visit us at http://www.environicspr.com Send resumes to communicate@environics-usa.com
_________________

> Business Development Manager

This position with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development Business Investment Team will proactively function as a Business Ambassador to market Loudoun County as a favored business location. Requires any combination of education and exp. equivalent to Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or public administration or related field, and at least three years related professional exp. working with business, civic and elected leaders. This position requires the ability to work non-standard hours to include early mornings, evenings and weekends (Hiring Range: $38,965 - $58,447/yr) Apply immediately Ref # 05-299. Email resumes to hr@loudoun.gov For more info, visit http://www.loudoun.gov or call Human Resources: (703) 777-0213.EOE.
_________________


> Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning - Silver Spring, MD

Discovery Communications, Inc., the leading global real-world media company with an exciting array of TV networks such as Discovery Channel, has an opening for a process oriented manager with min. ten years exp., including exp. managing engineering teams; operational exp. with a range of network and security equipment and internetworking protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and DNS. Apply at http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/careers.html; Job Req#2001. EOE. Apply online at http://www.discovery.com
_________________

> Principal - Project Manager

Using the VALID methodology, the Principal ensures that projects and tasks are clearly delineated and that milestones are met in a timely manner in order to deliver projects on schedule. Require: Project work plan development and project estimation skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Systems Development project management skills including initiation, envision, design/build and deployment requirement phase experience as well as requirements definition, tracking, testing and defect tracking experience. Coaching and mentoring. New opportunity and business development. Send resumes to resume@digitalfocus.com
 _________________

> Marketing Researcher

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) seeks a researcher to develop and maintain a database of companies, conduct research on firms and business markets. Individual must have a BA, be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access software, a self-starter, well organized, and with strong written and oral communication skills. Salary $38,000 - $46,000 based on experience. See http://www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org for more details or e- mail resumes with cover letter to resumes@fceda.org by March 31, 2005
 _________________

> IT Director

NMS seeks IT Director w/ 8-15 (w/5 plus personnel mgmt) years IT project mgmt/implementation experience. Requirements: Experience developing initiatives/projects that support strategic business objectives; implement IT projects, display measurable business value, build app. development team and SDLC process; understanding of internet search/web tech, online forums, Blogs, MS app. development, JAVA programming, app. development and strong comm. skills Send resumes to resume@newmediastrategies.net For more information please visit our website at http://www.newmediastrategies.net
 _________________

> XML Consultants And Sales Professionals

Software AG is an expert in world-class enterprise modernization and information integration with a focus on two business lines: Enterprise Transaction Systems and XML Business Integration. We are always seeking experienced professionals to join the ranks of both our Sales and Consulting business and our benefits are unmatched. For more information visit http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or send resumes directly to kim.burger@softwareagusa.com
 _________________

> Talented Software Developer

Established company is starting-up a new business venture and seeking a mid to senior-level software developer. Required: OOA&D; SQL DB design (schema and query); full lifecycle, multiple languages; Linux admin and development; ability to lead projects and/or people. Preferred: Multi-terabyte DB design and development with MySQL, PostgreSQL or Oracle; business logic process automation; thread-safe practices; Internet protocols and RFCs; scaling Internet-based applications. Candidate will wear many hats. Send resumes to ptj-jobs@muttsoftware.com _________________

> 3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005

5 Top DHS and DOE CIO's and other insiders confirmed include: Steve Cooper, CIO, Dept. of Homeland Security; Charles Armstrong, CIO, Border Security, DHS; Scott Hastings, CIO, The US-VISIT Program, (which awarded a contract worth up to $10 billion to Accenture), DHS and others. Panel Topics include: DHS Contracting Opportunities, Next Generation Homeland Security and DOD Technologies: Small-Medium Sized Business Opportunities, Homeland Security Contract and Grant Winners: How Your Firm Can Secure DHS Business and more. May 5-6, 2005. Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington VA. For more info or to register visit - http://www.potomactechwire.com/homelandconference2005.html
_________________

> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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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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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
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