nextMedia the future of entertainment

The hits keep on coming with nextMEDIA’s newest list of must-see speakers slated to appear at this year’s event!

INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Worldwide Biggies is a Digital Entertainment Studio that’s redefining entertainment by creating original, hit intellectual properties and immersive experiences for kids, young adults and digital families designed to launch and live on multiple media platforms. Join Founder and CEO Albie Hecht—the mastermind behind runaway successes like Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues—for a discussion of the future of multiplatform interactive entertainment.

ONLINE PUBLISHING

VEVO is the web's number one premium music video and entertainment service, with over 1.1 billion worldwide streams and nearly 60 million unique visitors in the U.S. and Canada each month. Recently partnered with YouTube, the VEVO Network is breaking new ground in online syndication and media distribution. VEVO General Manager Fred Santarpia will take the podium to share his experience of the powerful potential of web-based syndication and collaboration.

GAMING

With an impressive roster of critically acclaimed titles like Mass Effect, Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights and an online community of more than 3.8 million registered users, Bioware stands at the forefront of the gaming industry both in Canada and around the world. Don’t miss Dr. Ray Muzyka, Bioware CEO & General Manager and Vice-President of industry giant Electronic Arts offer his insight into the next generation of gaming for diehard and casual gamers alike.

Representing a dynamic cross-section of the digital media landscape, nextMEDIA is proud to announce a line-up of speakers offering an inspiring snapshot of the individuals and companies working to shape the next-generation entertainment marketplace.

Online publishing powerhouse Pitchfork Media is the ideal case study for the future of entertainment. Beginning as a simple online music publication, Pitchfork now includes an annual music festival, an online audio stream and a digital TV channel. Join Chris Kaskie, COO and Publisher, for a discussion about Pitchforks evolution and a glimpse into the future of the brand.

The indisputable king of classifieds Craigslist has moved in a bold new direction with an online TV series featuring the adventures of the people behind some of the more bizarre and compelling ads posted to the site. Drew Brown, Producer of Craigslist TV joins nextMEDIA to talk about the new direction of Craigslist.

Experts in the financing, development and distribution of branded entertainment, GroupM Entertainment works with its subsidiary agencies to deliver entertainment marketing products and solutions worldwide. Last year, GroupM made industry history with the successful licensing of their online series In the Motherhood by ABC. GroupM CEO Peter Tortorici will be on hand to discuss the convergence of advertising and traditional entertainment, and the future of the industry.

Coming this November, nextMEDIA is back and bigger than ever! Since its inception in 2007, nextMEDIA has been the launching pad for the newest products in the digital media industry and the top networking and business development platform for the next-generation marketplace.

Running from November 29th and 30th, nextMEDIA has expanded to include the areas of the entertainment industry most affected by the changing digital ecosystem.

nextMEDIA 2010 Highlights:

• 2 days of learning, strategizing and collaborating across all areas of digital entertainment, including advertising, gaming, TV, film, mobile, music and publishing.
• Facilitated meetings and networking between established industry leaders and emerging new talent from multiple sectors.
• Sessions, discussions and workshops designed to drive your business forward and provide you with the connections and info you need to stay ahead of your competition.
• Insight into emerging technologies and platforms that can change your business.

The Canadian New Media Awards recognize the highest standards of excellence in all areas of Canadian digital media and seek to honour individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements over the past year.

As a CNMA entrant, your work will be seen by industry professionals, sponsors and judges who are  respected leaders in all areas of digital media.

Check out CNMA categories here

nextMEDIA's Digital Hot List is a partnering program that brings the hottest Canadian digital producers, emerging entertainment brands, mobile applications, games and tech companies together with top ad agencies in order to create the next-generation entertainment marketplace.  

2010 Categories are:

• Hot Website - Are digital eyeballs addicted to your online prowess? 
  
• Hot Technology- Are you developing the coolest apps and games that are in a league of their own?
  
• Hot Content – Are you producing the best new online program, series or film capturing audiences?
  
• Hot Ideas – Do you have an idea for the next great digital masterpiece burning in the back of your mind?
  

If you fit into any one (or more) of these categories, enter today!  Fee per entry is $99 CDN.  Final deadline for entries is Friday, October 1st at 5pm EST. Participants will be reviewed by top agencies interested in brand integration opportunities and partnerships. Winners will be selected to showcase live at nextMEDIA 2010!

We’re ready to take your digital hotness to the next level! Are you?