Robert Erickson, TAG Video Systems, VP, Live Production and Sports

Robert Erickson is the vice president of live production and sports for TAG Video Systems. A member of the TAG team since 2023, he has more than 24 years of experience in the broadcast and IT markets with previous roles covering systems engineering, IT network design, and RF transmission systems. Recently, his focus has been on designing and implementing adaptable, software-centric workflow tools that can scale from on-premises solutions to worldwide, cloud-based infrastructures.  Throughout his career, Erickson’s focus has been on designing and maintaining live production systems based on both traditional and emerging technologies for broadcast customers.

Erickson is an active participant and frequent presenter in many of the major industry associations, including the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), Society of Television Engineers (STE), Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE), and Hollywood Professional Association (HPA).

Erling Hedkvist, arkona, Sales and Business Development

Mike Kelley, Grabyo, President, Americas and APAC

Mike Kelley is a sports & entertainment executive with 25 years of experience working at the intersection of content, distribution, and technology. Currently, Kelley is president of the Americas & APAC for Grabyo – managing a team that works with various sports & entertainment properties, broadcasters, and publishers in North & South America. Grabyo is the leading cloud video production platform in the media industry – providing efficient tools to clip, edit, produce, stream, and monetize content across all major social and OTT channels. Grabyo’s clients include NFL, UFC, WWE, PGA, NASCAR, Univision, Big Ten Network, USTA, Premier League, Formula 1, La Liga, Wimbledon, Formula E, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Chelsea FC, and many others. Ultimately, Grabyo is on the forefront of a quickly evolving media distribution and monetization business for content – that now includes social media platforms, OTT products, and mobile devices.

Prior to Grabyo, Kelley led business development and strategy for the leading OTT platform company, NeuLion, before they were absorbed by Endeavor/IMG. From 2007 – 2013, Kelley led BD for Ensequence, the leading interactive TV provider – working with top networks, broadcasters, and distributors in the U.S. – as internet functionality began to merge into the TV experience. Previously, he was also VP of marketing for Yahoo!’s Media & Entertainment division, having led their partnership with FIFA for the 2002/2006 World Cups, and many other sports & entertainment properties. Kelley was also director of sponsorships for MasterCard for several years, and worked at U.S. Soccer in marketing and broadcasting around USA/World Cup ‘94.

Deon LeCointe, Sony, Director, Networked Solutions

Deon LeCointe is the director for networked solutions at the Imaging and Professional Solutions of America division at Sony Electronics. LeCointe works with television networks and broadcasters to design and build equipment that delivers live content to millions of homes around the world. He leads a team of solution architects, engineers, and marketing professionals that oversee development, sales, and marketing of products designed for news, sports, and entertainment.

After graduating from the University of Miami with a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S. in electrical and computer engineering in 2007, LeCointe joined Sony. He has taken on a number of roles involving post-production workflow technologies, A/V codecs and compression, IP Video transmission, 4K production, and content management systems for broadcast and news.

LeCointe has overseen the deployment of IP systems at CNN Studios at Hudson Yards in New York and Telemundo Studios in Doral, Florida. He also led the deployment of slow-motion video capture and replay systems for Sunday/Monday/Thursday Night Football, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and the World Series.

Greg Macchia, Riedel Communications, VP of Sales and Operations, Americas Simplylive

Gregory Macchia has 25+ years of experience in the live broadcast production industry. Before joining Simplylive in 2017 to manage the region, he was the SVP, Americas for EVS Broadcast Equipment where he spent over 18 years building the Americas sales and technical operations. Macchia holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University.

Janel Moorefield, LiveU, Director of Sales and Sales Group Manager, Sports

As the director of sports sales, Janel Moorefield is responsible for driving the strategy for LiveU’s Sports Group. She has been integral in bringing LiveU Sports solutions to professional teams, sports associations, and production companies, allowing them to create more unique live content and increase fan engagement. Throughout her career, Moorefield has worked with broadcasters, producers, and distributors of sports, entertainment, and news seeking reliable and robust backhaul video services. She is a graduate of Florida State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in business management.

Corey Smith, CBS Sports and Paramount+, Senior Director, Digital, Software Engineering

Corey Smith joined CBS Sports and Paramount+ in March 2022 as the senior director of digital and software engineering. He leads the technical team building the next evolution of advanced production technology, strengthening CBS Sports’ leading cloud-based hybrid television production platform. Smith has been transforming digital television and broadcast systems since 2011, and he previously worked on Microsoft’s Xbox Live team, managed Sinclair Broadcast Group’s digital news publishing operations across the U.S., and tackled the next generation of cloud encoding and distribution systems for Activision Blizzard Esports. His primary focus for Activision Blizzard Esports was on the cloud-based production and broadcasting of Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues globally.

Dave Weiler, Broadcast Management Group, SVP, Sports Packaging and Consulting

Dave Weiler is responsible for all aspects of BMG’s consulting practice, building client relationships, and overseeing the company’s global consulting projects. As a nine-time Emmy winner, he knows what it takes to create award-winning teams. Prior to joining BMG, Weiler was the founder of Media Edge Consultants which advised clients such as CBS Sports Interactive and Flywheel Sports on the development of OTT channels.

Prior to starting Media Edge Consultants, Weiler served as vice president of operations and studio directing for ESPN, managing a team of more than 700 personnel in multiple departments for nearly 20 years. In addition to the ESPN studio complex in Bristol, CT, he managed remote production facilities and personnel in Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Coral Gables, Orlando and South Beach, FL; and Washington, DC. As part of his leadership role at ESPN, Weiler oversaw contract negotiations for facilities and personnel in support of new network launches and for various individual show productions. He built successful operations in both union and non-union environments, domestically and internationally. Weiler’s experience also includes a broad-based background in facility and production design and planning for international locations including, London, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Singapore.

Weiler brings BMG clients a dynamic, highly focused, and results-oriented approach to the media business. A 35-year professional career has garnered him extensive media experience in the areas of production, creative, operations, and management. Weiler is experienced in long-range planning at the corporate level and managing large organizations, as well as small business units. He is recognized for spearheading efforts in implementing new business development initiatives to ensure optimal operational efficiency. Weiler is known for building strong relationships with customers, vendors, and all levels of professionals, which perfectly complements BMG’s goal of building long-term relationships.