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Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City
www.televisionconference.com


September 3, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o Video Game Publisher Acclaim Files for Ch. 7 Bankruptcy
o Judge Allows Trademark Claims Against Google Keyword Ads to Proceed
o Disney Delays Expansion of MovieBeam Video-on-Demand Service
o Report: More Than 25% of European Women Play Video Games

o Note to Readers: Labor Day Holiday

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television: Next Generation - November 19, 2004
 --Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards - Nov. 4-5, 2004

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Micropayments Conference - October 5, 2004
 

o Briefly Noted: Hitachi - 1.8-inch microdrive, PanelLink Cinema - HDTV makers, Electronic Arts - Digital Bridges, Rockstar Games - Interscope Records - "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment - Global Star Software - "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," NCube - Siemens, Jamdat Mobile - Nickelodeon, Atari - "Duel Masters," U.S. Copyright Office - "Induce Act" revisions
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--IR Professional
--RealNetworks - Counsel (Tracking Code 1363)
--Media Relations Professionals - Mid Level Positions
--Account Manager - Multimedia Sales 
--Marketing and Sales Assistant
--Manager of Information Architecture (Combat ID Programs) 
--Outside Sales Representatives
--Analyst - Network Security Engineering Firm
--Finance Senior Associate
--Contracts Manager
--Small Payments Make It Big - Micropayments Conference - Oct. 5, 2004
--CTIA & MMA's Mobile Marketing Roadshow - October 14, 2004 Boston, MA
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Video Game Publisher Acclaim Files for Ch. 7 Bankruptcy

Glen Cove, N.Y. -- Struggling video game publisher Acclaim Entertainment announced that it has filed for Ch. 7 bankruptcy in the Eastern District Court of New York, after failing to secure a replacement loan for its expired agreement with GMAC Commercial Finance. Under the Ch. 7 filing, the company -- which listed debt of over $100 million -- will have its assets, listed at between $10 and $50 million, liquidated, with the proceeds distributed among creditors. It is not clear yet what will happen to titles that were soon to be released, such as "100 Bullets," "Juiced" and "The Red Star." In addition to its inability to secure a new lender, New York-based Acclaim recently restated results from the past three years after discovering an accounting error, experienced weak sales of its titles, and was sued by celebrity partners including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and BMX rider Dave Mirra. The company employed 600 developers and staff in the U.S. and U.K.
http://biz.yahoo.com/e/040902/aklm.pk8-k.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/040902/leisure_acclaim_2.html
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/news.php?aid=4251 
http://www.acclaim.com 
_____________________________________________

o Judge Allows Trademark Claims Against Google Keyword Ads to Proceed

Alexandria, Va. -- A federal court has ruled that insurance provider Geico can pursue a trademark infringement case against keyword advertising providers Google and Overture Services, over the sale of ads linked to keyword terms like "Geico" that users type into search engines. Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia denied a motion from Google and Overture to dismiss the trademark infringement charges, but did rule out other Geico claims of tortious interference and statutory business conspiracy. The matter will now go to trial. If found guilty of trademark infringement, Google and Overture would likely have to make changes that could hamper their lucrative keyword advertising sales businesses.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?C63042639 
http://makeashorterlink.com/?P14023639
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o Disney Delays Expansion of MovieBeam Video-on-Demand Service

San Francisco -- Disney has said that it will delay the expansion of its MovieBeam video-on-demand service from this fall until next year, as it finalizes plans on delivery devices, CNET News.com reported. Disney said the service has received favorable reviews among consumers in the three cities where testing has gone on since October 2003, and said in May it would enter three new markets in the fall. "We're postponing the launch of the MovieBeam service (into new markets) for the moment until we finalize the specific device strategy for a more national launch in 2005," Salil Mehta, executive vice president of Disney's corporate business development, told News.com. "We're having conversations to embed or include the MovieBeam technology in (third-party) devices," perhaps including PCs. MovieBeam delivers films to a proprietary set-top box in consumers' homes over an unused portion of the broadcast spectrum using a technology called "datacasting". Before the service is expanded further, Disney also plans to simplify the user interface software and add free content including short films.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?L1BE25539 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57289-2004Sep2.html
http://www.moviebeam.com 
____________________________________________

o Report: More Than 25% of European Women Play Video Games

London -- According to new figures from the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), a U.K. trade association for the gaming industry, European women are becoming increasingly interested in video games. The study shows that Western European women are now the fourth most-avid gamers in the world after women in Japan, the U.S. and Korea, who account for 36.8%, 39% and 65.9% of their local gaming markets, respectively. "To say that computer and video games have been a totally male province would perhaps be somewhat disingenuous," said ELSPA Director General Roger Bennett. "However, it is clear that there is a huge untapped market out there, and it is largely female." Aleks Krotoski, the author of the ELSPA report, said women approach video games differently than men do, and that the industry needed to recognize these differences when designing and marketing their games. "Diversity in gaming can only be positive, for everyone," he said.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?M61E32439 
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o Note to Readers

Digital Media Wire will not be published on Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday in the U.S. The next edition will arrive on Tues., Sept. 7.

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 > DMW Events:

Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City

www.televisionconference.com
Phone Registration Available Now
323-822-0936

OVERVIEW
Last year 370+ attended Future of Television Forum, which included keynotes from Mark Cuban (Chairman, HDNet / Owner, Dallas Mavericks), Joshua Sapan (President & CEO Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.), and David Zaslav (President, NBC Cable). This year's event is scheduled for November 19, 2004 at NYU's Stern School of Business and will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and cutting-edge topics focused on the "Next Generation" of television.

REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration: $295
(until November 12)
Registration: $395 (after November 12 & at Door)
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1074

Phone: 323-822-0936


Entertainment is constantly evolving. It is tied to no particular platform, format or place in time, but shaped by the visionaries, innovators, entrepreneurs and brand developers who embrace technology, look to the future and inspire creativity. As a result, new ideas and art forms are brought to life.

The Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards honor this vision, along with innovation, entrepreneurship and brand development in digital entertainment. With awards in 30 unique categories honoring achievements involving games, music and film, television and video, Billboard recognizes the cutting-edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of entertainment.

 

The Conference will feature provocative panel sessions on current digital entertainment issues.  Approximately 70 industry leaders will be speaking at the 2-day conference and awards.

Keynotes include:

Mark Cuban - Chairman, HDNet, Owner, Dallas Mavricks
Seamus Blackley
- Agent, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) /
Co-Creator of the Xbox game platform


Confirmed speakers and judges include:
Keith Boesky - Head of New Media & Videogames, ICM
Vince Broady - SVP, Consumer Media, CNET, Co-Founder, GameSpot
Jay Cohen - Vice President of Publishing, Ubisoft
Ted Cohen - SVP, D3 - Digital Development & Distribution, EMI Music
David Del Beccaro - President and CEO, Music Choice

Marc Geiger - SVP & Agent, Contemporary Music Dept, William Morris Agency
Jay Frank - Head of Artist and Label Relations, Music, Yahoo!
Brian Garrity
- Senior Business Writer, Billboard
Marc Geiger - SVP & Agent, Contemporary Music Department, William Morris Agency
Mark Ghuneim - SVP, Online Services, Sony Music

David Goldberg - Vice President & General Manager, Music, Yahoo!
Jim Griffin
-
CEO, Cherry Lane Digital
John Hogan - CEO, Clear Channel Radio
Shahid Khan - Managing Director, BearingPoint, Inc. (formerly KPMG Consulting)
John Kilcullen - President, VNU Music and Literary Group, Publisher, Billboard
Mark Lam
- CEO, Live365

Steve Leeds
- Principal, Neo Entertainment Consultants

David Leibowitz - Managing Partner, CH Potomac
Brian Levin - CEO, Mobliss

Don Levy - SVP, Marketing & Communications, Sony Pictures Digital

Al Lieberman - Executive Director, EMT Program, NYU Stern School of Business
Rick Mandler - VP & GM, Walt Disney Internet Group & ABC Enhanced TV
Alexander Marquez - Strategic Investment Manager, Media & Entertainment, Intel

Greg Martin
- Principal, Redpoint Ventures

Ben Mendelson - President, Interactive Television Alliance

Julia Miller - Director, Xbox Live, Microsoft
David Nathanson - VP, Advanced Services & Channel Development, Fox

Jeffrey Pollack - Managing Dir. of Broadcasting & New Media, NASCAR
Jonathan Potter - Executive Director, Digital Media Association
John P. Roberts - SVP, Interactive & Online Entertainment, Game Show Network
Ken Rutkowski - Founder & Host, Ken Radio Broadcasting

Thomas Ryan - Mobile Music Consultant
, Virgin Mobile USA
Mika Salmi - Founder & CEO, AtomShockwave Corp.
Steve Schnur - Worldwide Executive of Music, Electronic Arts
Ned Sherman
-
Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Media Wire, Inc. 
Ralph Simon - Chairman Americas, Mobile Entertainment Forum

Howie Singer - Vice President of Technology, Warner Music Group
Robert Tercek - Executive Vice President / Chief Strategy Officer, (M)FORMA Group

John Welch -
President & CEO, PlayFirst Inc. 
Neil Young - VP and Executive in Charge of Production, Electronic Arts
Marcia Zellers - Director of Enhanced TV, American Film Institute
Andy Volanakis - COO, Zingy

For more information, please call 323-822-0936 or visit www.digitalentertainmentawards.com

Online Award Submissions: https://secure.etronica.com/billboard/entries.php
Conference Registrations: https://secure.etronica.com/billboard/conference.php
Awards Gala Dinner Tickets: https://secure.etronica.com/billboard/awardshow.php

Full conference registration fee includes, at no cost, a non-deductible 6-month subscription to Billboard magazine ($155 U.S. value). New subscribers only.

Deadline for Award Submissions: September 15, 2004

Conference & Awards Show: November 4 and 5, 2004

AWARDS CATEGORIES
(click here for category descriptions)
 
AWARDS ENTRY FORM
(click here to download entry form)
 

To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 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:

Building upon the success of last year’s first ever Micropayments Conference, Micropayments ’04 is a forum to educate merchants, payments and technology companies, banks and financial services institutions on the potential of small payments, and to facilitate discussion regarding present and future small payment solutions.

Join more than 200 senior payments, digital and physical retail, and technology executives, eager to learn about market analyses, business trends, and technological advances within the small payments industry. The full-day program features keynotes, six panels, and a sit-down lunch at the Waldorf Astoria.

For more information, please go to www.micropaymentsconference.com or call 323-822-0936.


REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration: $200
(until Sept 30)
Registration: $250 (after Sept 30 & at Door)
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1075

Phone Registration: 323-822-0936
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(San Jose, Calif.) Storage device maker Hitachi Global Storage Technologies this week released a new 1.8-inch hard disk drive for portable consumer electronics that was designed to take up 10% less space than earlier models. Hitachi's new hard drive will have a maximum capacity of 30GB. Hitachi provides the 1-inch drive used in Apple's iPod mini; rival microdrive makers include Toshiba, Cornice, Seagate and Western Digital.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?H1DE42539

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) PanelLink Cinema, a unit of Silicon Image, announced that a number of consumer electronics firms have joined its program that aims to provide consumers purchasing high-definition television (HDTV) sets with a labeling system that will inform them which devices are capable of receiving and playing HDCP content. The High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) initiative is being developed to copy-protect HDTV signals from piracy. Manufacturers that will place PanelLink Cinema labels on their TVs, digital video recorders and other devices include Samsung, Mitsubishi, LG, Sanyo, Pace Micro Technology, MediaTek and Sunplus Technology.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040902/lath084_1.html
http://www.panellinkcinema.com

(London) Game developer Electronic Arts announced that it has named Scotland-based mobile game developer Digital Bridges as its strategic partner for a planned distribution of its games on wireless platforms in Europe. The company plans to develop new wireless titles, as well as distribute three titles yet this year -- "FIFA Football 2005," "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005" and "Need for Speed Underground 2" -- through European wireless carriers including T-Mobile and Vodafone.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040902/25146_1.html 
http://www.ea.com 
http://www.digitalbridges.com

(New York) "Grand Theft Auto" video game developer Rockstar Games announced on Friday that it has partnered with Universal Music Group's Interscope Records to produce the soundtrack for its upcoming "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" title for PlayStation 2. Previous installments in the 32 million unit-selling game franchise have included a range of radio stations with licensed music that gamers can listen to while driving vehicles within the game. The new title is scheduled to ship on Oct. 19.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040903/35072_1.html 
http://www.interscope.com 
http://www.rockstargames.com/sanandreas

(Burbank, Calif.) Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced that Global Star Software, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive, has been licensed to develop and publish games based on the upcoming Warner Bros film, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Developed for consoles by High Voltage Software and for PC by Backbone Entertainment, the game is schedule for release in 2005 alongside director Tim Burton's adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl novel.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040902/25006_1.html 
http://www.globalstarsoftware.com 
http://www.high-voltage.com 
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367594

(Portland, Ore.) NCube, a provider of video-on-demand delivery technology for cable TV and telco network operators, announced that its platform will be used by Siemens to deploy an interactive digital TV pilot with Belgacom, Belgium's largest carrier.
http://www.ncube.com

(Los Angeles) Wireless entertainment publisher Jamdat Mobile said that it has partnered with Nickelodeon to develop mobile games based on the children's network's properties "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clues."
http://www.nickjr.com 
http://www.jamdat.com

(Beverly, Mass.) Atari announced that it will develop a version of its "Duel Masters" title, based on the Wizards of the Coast trading card game, for Sony's PlayStation 2. The new version will be developed by Illinois-based High Voltage Software.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040902/25153_1.html 
http://www.high-voltage.com 
http://www.wizards.com/duelmasters

(San Francisco) CNET News.com reports that the U.S. Copyright Office has drafted its own revision of the "Induce Act," a controversial bill designed to ban file-sharing networks and any other device that might "induce" one to commit copyright infringement. The Copyright Office draft would limit somewhat the broader terms of Sen. Orrin Hatch's (R-Utah) original draft, which critics have said could in theory ban devices like the iPod or even the PC. Mike Godwin, of the "fair use" advocacy group Public Knowledge, was still skeptical of the Copyright Office's revisions. "I think one can read it through pretty carefully and not be sure who will be liable and who isn't. One thing we would like to get out of this process is that if a bill is going to be passed, it's going to be clear," Godwin told News.com.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U1C054639 
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:S.2560
http://www.copyright.gov
 
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> Classifieds -- Ad Postings

> IR Professional

Qorvis Communications, the largest independently owned public relations firm in the Washington area, is seeking an IR professional. The ideal candidate should have 3-5 years of direct investor relations experience, either in the corporate or agency environment, plus exceptional written and verbal communications skills. This candidate will provide a full range of support for our IR clients, including handling the quarterly earnings releases and conference calls, investor presentations and meetings, targeting and marketing to prospective investors, and competitive analysis and trends. Send resumes to Opportunities@qorvis.com
_________________

> RealNetworks - Counsel (Tracking Code 1363)

The SFO office of RealNetworks, Inc. is seeking a lawyer to work on matters related to Real's growing digital music business.The lawyer will negotiate and draft (i) distribution, marketing and promotion agreements with broadband service providers, websites, retailers, audio device manufacturers, mobile carriers and handset manufacturers (ii)music content licensing agreements (iii) various types of technology and Internet agreements. JD with 2-4 years transactional legal experience, preferably in digital music/media licensing and distribution or related areas. Please respond by clicking on RealNetworks job link http://www.realnetworks.com/company/jobs/index.html  and applying directly to this position under "Legal Jobs".
_________________

> Media Relations Professionals - Mid Level Positions

The SheaHedges Group is seeking people from a range of disciplines - journalism, marketing, consulting, public relations and channel sales to join our team. These candidates will have 3-5 years of exp. and an interest in technology. We evaluate applicants according to our TeC model - which stands for talent, experience and culture. We strongly invest in the professional development of our team and are committed to providing a work environment that is both exciting and challenging. We are looking for enthusiastic, conscientious individuals with a flair for verbal and written communication. Please e-mail all resumes to rkouba@sheahedges.com
_________________

> Account Manager - Multimedia Sales

Rebus Multimedia is seeking our first dedicated Sales/Marketing/Account manager with the experience and ability to connect us with our ideal clients across the nation. Rebus is a multimedia (on-screen) graphic design shop specializing in information design, animation, video effects, 3-D modeling, and virtual environments. Our niche is multimedia presentations, from simple PowerPoint to fully interactive Web/CD/DVD. We travel to meetings, conduct workshops and rehearsals, and provide services and equipment for presentation events. All applicants must submit a resume and paragraph explaining why they are uniquely qualified for the position. Visit http://www.rebusmm.com/jobs.html  for details. Send resumes to dave@rebusmm.com
_________________

> Marketing and Sales Assistant

Hollywood-based media company has an immediate need for a Marketing & Sales Assistant to work in its cutting-edge events business. This individual will be responsible for assembling marketing/sales lists and materials, managing relationships with media partners, working on online, print and email campaigns, and assisting in all aspects of event production from organizing event-day logistics to interfacing with executives at leading media and entertainment companies about speaking and sponsorship opportunities. Submit resume to jobs@digitalmediawire.com
_________________

> Manager of Information Architecture (Combat ID Programs)

This position will be responsible for managing the engineering content of net- centric situational awareness, blue force tracking and combat identification programs as well as leading the definition, development and implementation of appropriate net-centric information architectures. Master's degree in an engineering discipline, strong knowledge of DoD Combat ID and/or IFF Systems as well as at least 15 years' related exp. for DoD military developmental engineering programs. At least 10 years' technical project mgmt exp including Information Assurance and network systems are required. U.S. citizenship reqd. For further details please visit our website at: www.careers.na.baesytems.com  and search by city location: Greenlawn, NY. BAE Systems is EOE.
_________________

> Outside Sales Representatives

The position is responsible for initial contact with customers, follow-up, proposal preparation, making customer presentations, and seeing the sale through to the signing of a contract. Sell bundled telephony, data and video products to commercial customers. Responsible for developing strategic account plans. Require: Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent exp. and 2 plus yrs exp. in telephony, data, and video systems sales. Exp. in the communications industry or at a major communications equipment vendor. Must have a good driving record and be able to travel to customer locations. Submit resume online at http://www.cox.com/coxcareer  to job # 001928.
_________________

> Analyst - Network Security Engineering Firm

Network security firm seeks analysts with 3+ years of experience in applying analysis, design, and implementation skills to complex system security engineering challenges. Should have experience in Common Criteria /NIAP evaluations, cryptography and key management, intrusion detection systems, cross domain solutions and the analysis and implementation of Security Enhanced Linux policies. BS Comp Sci or related field and U.S. citizenship are required. Send resumes to jobs@tresys.com
_________________

> Finance Senior Associate

Reporting to the VP, this person will assist in all aspects of the development /construction financing process for projects. Responsibilities: Work on all aspects of multiple deals supporting the financing, business development and development management efforts; Develop and maintain relationships with a wide variety of financing parties; Prepare pro forma models and other types of financial analysis for projects; Research financial structures, financing issues, legislation, industries and/or entities to facilitate project initiatives. MBA or equivalent degree reqd. with at least 3-5 years relevant work exp. Please send resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com  or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire211.asp
_________________

> Contracts Manager

OPNET Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of management software for networks and applications has immediate opportunities for a Contracts Manager to be responsible for the preparation, negotiation and acceptance of commercial and government contracts for both domestic and international sales organizations. Send resumes to recruiting@opnet.com and/or smeegada@opnet.com  For a detailed job description visit: http://www.opnet.com/careers
_________________

> Small Payments Make It Big - Micropayments Conference 2004

October 5, 2004 - New York City.  Join more than 200 senior payments, digital and physical retail, and technology executives, eager to learn about market analyses, business trends, and technological advances within the small payments industry. The full-day program features keynotes, six panels, and a sit-down lunch at the Waldorf Astoria. Early Bird Special ($150) ends on August 31st.  For more information, please go to www.micropaymentsconference.com or call 323-822-0936.
_________________

> CTIA & MMA's Mobile Marketing Roadshow - October 14, 2004 Boston, MA

Attend Mobile Marketing Roadshow http://www.mobilemarketingroadshow.com presented by the Mobile Marketing Association and CTIA – The Wireless Marketing Event of the Year! Deliver your message to the right person at the right place & time –and to an audience of 167 million mobile consumers. From text messaging, ringtones, wallpapers & games - learn the strategies, tactics & secrets to generate revenues for your brand. Our first 3 shows in NY, Chicago & LA were attended by leading agencies and brands - don’t miss the final show Oct 14 in Boston, MA.  Any questions, contact Donna Marie @ donna@mobilemarketingroadshow.com  or call 212-330-8381
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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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Executive & Editorial Team
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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