Agenda

PANEL DISCUSSION
Cultivating Engagement and Monetisation in OTT

• Consumer access and engagement in OTT
• Monetisation models in OTT
• The transformative impact of FAST on streaming
• Exploring ad trends in the OTT landscape
• Content personalisation and recommendation
• Utilising data analytics for OTT content

Moderator: Guy Spivack, Director Sales, Comcast Technology Solutions

Confirmed Panelists:

• Karim Morgan, Head of Digital Technology, Asharq News
• Nadine Samra, Chief Business Officer, OTT-Weyyak
• Pankaj Krishna, Founder & CEO, Chrome Data Analytics & Media Private Limited
• Zahra Zayat, Chief Commercial Officer, evision I e&Life – e& group

PANEL DISCUSSION
OTT Technologies: Building, Securing, and Delivering Content

• Examining OTT platform infrastructures
• Analysing video encoding and cross-platform support
• A look at efficient content delivery methods
• Safeguarding content through anti-piracy measures
• Leveraging data-driven Insights in OTT
• Addressing technical challenges associated with live streaming

Moderator: Dan Steele, VP, Sales EMEA, Brightcove

Confirmed Panelists:

• • Dominic Farrell, CTO- Shahid at MBC Group
  • Faraz Arshad, CTO, StarzPlay
  • Jean Louis Lods, VP Media and Monetisation, Ateme
  • Rama AlDairi, VP Digital, beIN Media Group

PANEL DISCUSSION
Mastering Virtual Production

• Exploring hardware and software tools for virtual production efficiency
• Exploring the potential of LED walls and virtual sets in VP
• Motion capture advancements
• Real-time rendering and game engines
• Data management in virtual production

Moderator: Daniel Käfer, Associate and Supertrends Expert, Supertrends Institute

Confirmed Panelists:

• • Fadi Radi, Chief Creative Officer, Blinx
  • Olaf Sperwer, Business Development Virtual Production I XR Stage, ROE Visual Europe

PANEL DISCUSSION
Broadcast Tech Trends: IP, Cloud, AI and Edge Computing

• What does the transition to IP-based broadcasting entail?
• IP standards and trends in migration
• Hybrid cloud solutions for enhanced resources
• AI for metadata, indexing, generating content and addressing ethical concerns
• Edge computing for low-latency streaming
• Future technologies in broadcast

Moderator: Nicolas Hans, Partner, Middle East, Broadcast Solutions

Confirmed Panelists:

• Ayman Khatib, Managing Director, Ideal Systems Middle East
• Hejar Berenji, CTO, Rudaw Media Network
• Phillip Badenhorst, Director of Data & Strategic Planning, Shahid, MBC Group
• Sammer Elia, Director of Sales and Business Development (MENA), Viaccess-Orca (VO)
• Suhail Ahmed, Advisor Technology and Strategy, International Media Investments

PANEL DISCUSSION
Game-Changing Trends in Sports Broadcasting

• OTT’s transformation of sports broadcasting
• Data-driven fan engagement in sports
• Immersive tech (VR/AR) in sports broadcast
• Sports partnerships and monetisation
• Globalisation of local sports
• Incorporating player perspectives in broadcast
• Emerging technologies in sports broadcasting

Moderator: Karim Saade, Sports Media expert (Dawri Plus, STC TV, Jawwy TV) – Intigral

Confirmed Panelists:

• Danny Bates, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder, STARZPLAY
• Fadi JUMAA, Business Development Director Middle east , VITEC
• Peter Van Dam, Chief Operating Officer, Saudi Pro League Media House

PANEL DISCUSSION
The Future of Content Creation in MENA: Trends and Business Practices

• Scripted vs. unscripted and which one has more commercial success
• Attracting international productions to the Arab world
• Trending formats in Arab content production
• Adaptation of international formats for local markets
• Partnerships and co-productions
• Funding and financing models

Moderator: Badih Fattouh, CEO, Creative Venture

Confirmed Panelists:

• Ayham AL-Zyoud, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Charisma Group
• Nader Shehata, VP – Production and Creative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises
• Ralph Matar, Managing Partner, M For Media
• Tony Saab, SVP Content & Strategic Partnerships, StarzPlay
• Ziad Srouji, SVP of Business and Content Development · Rise Studios

PANEL DISCUSSION
Managing Through Constant Disruption

• How has the shift to streaming altered the business model of linear channels and content producers?
• How do you balance the focus and relationship between linear and streaming viewers?
• Given the diversity in MENA markets, how are advertising budgets being allocated between linear and streaming?
• Is FAST the new FTA?
• As investment in original content is accelerating, how is it impacting profitability?
• How will GenAI alter the media company of today?

Moderator: Karim Sarkis, Partner, Strategy&

Confirmed Panelists:

• Joe Kawkabani, Chief Executive Officer, OSN
• Khalifa AlShamsi, Chief Executive Officer, e& life
• Paul Edwards, General Manager, Asharq Discovery
• Nadim Samara, Chief Commercial Officer, MBC Media Solutions