While the sports production industry has made great strides in the live cloud-based production of sports events in recent years, there is still much work to be done – and much discussion to be had. This forum provides the SVG community with a chance to gather, collaborate, and share insights on the current state of live cloud-based production, the cloud’s place in the sports production ecosystem, and what the industry needs to do in order to leverage cloud-based tools and services in more pragmatic and beneficial ways. Topics will include SaaS solutions and tools, virtualized infrastructure, remote production workflows, the role of AI and ML, public vs. private vs. hybrid cloud, best practices for working in the cloud, and much more.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Registration
9:30 – 9:40 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks by Title Sponsor, AWS
9:40 – 10:05 a.m.: NHL: Adventures in Live Cloud Production
10:05 – 10:45 a.m.: Getting Started in the Cloud
10:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Networking Break
11:15 – 11:45 a.m.: AWS: Cloud Service Provider Perspective
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Grabyo Case Study
12:00 – 12:25 p.m.: Adventures in Live Cloud Production: ESPN
12:25 – 1:15 p.m.: Networking Lunch
1:15 – 1:45 p.m.: Microsoft: Cloud Service Provider Perspective
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.: LiveU Case Study
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: Live Cloud Production & Orchestration Tools
2:40 – 3:00 p.m.: Networking Break
3:00 – 3:30 p.m: Cloud Service Provider Perspective: TBA
3:30 – 4:10 p.m.: The Big Debate: Public vs. Private Cloud vs. Hybrid Workflows
4:10 – 4:25 p.m.: Grass Valley Case Study
4:25 – 4:50 p.m.: PGA Tour Entertainment: Adventures in Live Cloud Production
4:50 – 5:45 p.m: Networking Reception
Featured Speakers
Keith BickfordSony Electronics, Solutions Architect, Networked Solutions
Scott BoundsMicrosoft, NorthEast Region Media CTO
Brad CheneyFox Sports, VP, Field Operations and Engineering
Brandon CostaSVG, Director of Digital
Patrick DalyDiversified, Principal Engineer
Robert EricksonTag Video Systems, Vice President of Sales, Americas
Nick GarvinMobile TV Group, COO
Kristian HernándezSVG, Senior Editor
Ken KerschbaumerSVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
Greg MacchiaRiedel Communications, VP, Business Development, Live Production
Janel MoorefieldLiveU, VP of Sales, Sports
Grant NodineNHL, SVP, Technology
Andrew ReichAWS, Senior Consultant, Sports, Professional Services
Anthony RendaPGA TOUR, Director, Content Publishing & Media Workflows
Scott RothenbergNEP Group, SVP, Technology & Capital Planning
Claudia SouzaAdvanced Systems Group (ASG), Chief Cloud Officer
Chris StrongESPN, Director, Specialist Operations
Jason TaubmanGame Creek Video, SVP, Technology230 Fifth Penthouse
230 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Website
NOTE: This venue has a new entrance at 1150 Broadway. If you reach the 230 5th lobby, there will be signage showing directions on how to reach the new entrance (or ask the building doorman).
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Registration
9:30 – 9:40 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks by Title Sponsor, AWS
9:40 – 10:05 a.m.: NHL: Adventures in Live Cloud Production
The NHL continues to embrace new cloud-based live productions, most recently using the cloud to create a main broadcast as well as an alternate feed. The NHL’s Grant Nodine and AWS’ Andrew Reich take to the stage to discuss the project, the technologies involved, and what it means not only to the NHL but the entire industry.
Moderator: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
Confirmed Speakers:
Grant Nodine, NHL, SVP, Technology
Andrew Reich, AWS, Senior Consultant, Sports, Professional Services
10:05 – 10:45 a.m.: Getting Started in the Cloud
This panel is designed for both beginners and veterans who are eager to initiate their voyage into the cloud and unlock the vast potential it offers for live sports production. Don’t miss this introduction to the fundamental principles, practical considerations, and strategic approaches for navigating the cloud.
Moderator: Kristian Hernández, SVG, Senior Editor
Confirmed Panelists:
Ian Cobb, Alpha, Senior IT Systems Architect
Patrick Daly, Diversified, Principal Engineer
Claudia Souza, Advanced Systems Group (ASG), Chief Cloud Officer
10:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Networking Break
11:15 – 11:45 a.m.: AWS: Cloud Service Provider Perspective
More information coming soon!
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Grabyo Case Study
12:00 – 12:25 p.m.: Adventures in Live Cloud Production: ESPN
Over the past two years, ESPN has pushed the boundaries of live cloud-based production with several real-world deployments and a plethora of behind-the-scenes tests. Now, ESPN is focused on building a robust baseline to operate different cloud-based workflows from. In this fireside chat, ESPN technology leaders will discuss how they are working towards IAC (infrastructure as code), building out their “golden image”, and working with internal security teams in order to lay the ground for a cloud-based future.
Speaker: Chris Strong, ESPN, Director, Specialist Operations
Interviewer: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital
12:25 – 1:15 p.m.: Networking Lunch
1:15 – 1:45 p.m.: Microsoft: Cloud Service Provider Perspective
Presenter: Scott Bounds, Microsoft, NorthEast Region Media CTO
1:45 – 2:00 p.m.: LiveU Case Study
Presenters:
Samantha Kandell, SNY, Senior Producer/Editor, YouTube Manager
Janel Moorefield, LiveU, VP of Sales, Sports
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: Live Cloud Production & Orchestration Tools
With the NAB Show in Las Vegas still top of mind, this session explores the cutting-edge tools and technologies that drive seamless and efficient live content production in the cloud. From orchestration to automation, equipment manufacturers and software providers will dive deep into the innovative solutions shaping the current landscape of live cloud production.
Moderator: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital
Panelists:
Keith Bickford, Sony Electronics, Solutions Architect, Networked Solutions
Colin Bonzey, BitFire, Director of Technical Operations
Robert Erickson, Tag Video Systems, Vice President of Sales, Americas
Greg Macchia, Riedel Communications, VP, Business Development, Live Production
2:40 – 3:00 p.m.: Networking Break
3:00 – 3:30 p.m: Cloud Service Provider Perspective: TBA
More information coming soon!
3:30 – 4:10 p.m.: The Big Debate: Public vs. Private Cloud vs. Hybrid Workflows
Industry experts engage in a spirited debate on one of the most critical decisions media organizations face in their cloud strategy: Public vs. Private Cloud vs. Hybrid Workflows. This conversation will explore the merits, challenges, and strategic considerations associated with each approach, providing decision makers a roadmap to create agile, scalable, cost-effective cloud-based workflows of their own.
Moderator: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
Panelists:
Brad Cheney, Fox Sports, VP, Field Operations and Engineering
Nick Garvin, Mobile TV Group, COO
Scott Rothenberg, NEP Group, SVP, Technology & Capital Planning
Jason Taubman, Game Creek Video, SVP, Technology
4:10 – 4:25 p.m.: Grass Valley Case Study
Confirmed Presenters:
Jeremy Dujardin, Tata Communications / The Switch, CTO, Global Media & Entertainment Services
Dave Herfert, Grass Valley, Senior Director of Sales – Service Providers, New Media and Enterprise
4:25 – 4:50 p.m.: PGA Tour Entertainment: Adventures in Live Cloud Production
The PGA TOUR is taking some major technology leaps in 2024 and 2025, first with a new dedicated truck fleet built by NEP and then with a new 167,000 sq. ft. facility in early 2025. Those efforts allow TOUR’s use of cloud-based production to continue to expand, whether it’s the “Every Shot Live” production or the use of cloud production tools to lessen the need for racks and rack of equipment in the new facility and the trucks.
Speaker: Anthony Renda, PGA TOUR, Director, Content Publishing & Media Workflows
Interviewer: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
4:50 – 5:45 p.m: Networking Reception
Keith Bickford, Sony Electronics, Solutions Architect, Networked Solutions
Keith Bickford is a solutions architect with Sony’s Imaging and Professional Solutions – Americas (IPSA). He serves as a pivotal technical leader overseeing the design and deployment of next-generation production and contribution solutions.
Bickford has been in the broadcast industry for over a decade, starting in local television in his hometown of Portland, ME. Over the years, he has been instrumental in various aspects of the field, encompassing news production and live production, where he has orchestrated the implementation of file-based workflows and SMPTE ST 2110 routing systems.
Bickford joined Sony’s Networked Solutions team in January 2023 and directly engages with Sony’s valued clients and partners, collaboratively steering the construction of their next-generation IP and cloud environments.
Scott Bounds, Microsoft, NorthEast Region Media CTO
Scott Bounds is the Microsoft NorthEast Region Media CTO and guides customers on their business transformation to the cloud. Bounds focuses on content creation and production workflows, asset management, and the use of Microsoft AI and openAI technologies in media. He is a 28-year veteran of Microsoft, spending over 15 years in the media industry in a variety of management and technical roles.
Brad Cheney, Fox Sports, VP, Field Operations and Engineering
Brad Cheney manages technical and operational planning for baseball, boxing, and college sports along with transmission services and advanced-technology projects for Fox Sports.
Cheney is a leader in new technology approaches, including IP-based live and post-production centers, IP over RF, UHD, HDR, and UAS systems. His work includes innovative production approaches and executions for in-ground audio, robotic cameras, and home run productions.
Cheney is a six-time Emmy winner and previously worked for MLB Network, the Late Show with David Letterman, Game Creek Video, and Cox Sports.
Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital
Brandon Costa covers the sports video production industry with a focus on live streaming, over-the-top (OTT), social media, and other digital distribution technologies and platforms. He also directs SVG’s internal digital strategies launching the company’s video outfit, ‘SVG On Demand,’ designing and overseeing its mobile application, ‘SVG Mobile,’ and serving as executive producer and host of The SVG Podcast. Costa serves as program director of networking events serving the SVG College and SVG Digital communities. Prior to his time at SVG, Costa spent five years producing digital content for MLB Advanced Media.
Patrick Daly, Diversified, Principal Engineer
As a principal engineer at Diversified specializing in emerging technologies and innovations, Patrick Daly leverages two decades of experience serving the media and entertainment industry. Dedicated to delivering excellence and innovation, he spearheads the engineering behind some of the industry’s largest and most intricate projects—from designing and building entire facilities to reimagining master control and news production systems for local broadcasters.
Daly drives forward-thinking solutions and pushes the boundaries of possible, delivering next-gen and hybrid solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs.
Robert Erickson, Tag Video Systems, Vice President of Sales, Americas
Robert Erickson joined TAG Video Systems in 2023 as vice president of live production & sport and was quickly promoted to vice president of sales, Americas. Backed by 25 years of experience in systems engineering, network design, and RF transmission, Erickson possesses a thorough understanding of emerging and evolving technologies and the know-how to maximize them in the fast-paced broadcast and IT markets. Throughout his career, he has designed and maintained live production systems, most recently focusing on adaptable, scalable, software centric workflow tools, ranging from on-prem to cloud-based infrastructures.
Erickson is an active participant and frequent presenter for 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).
Nick Garvin, Mobile TV Group, COO
Nick Garvin is the chief operating officer for Mobile TV Group (MTVG). This includes all strategic partnerships, management of all day-to-day operations for its mobile unit fleet covering over 4,000 live events annually, and its audio/video manufacturing facility called Colorado Studios. MTVG has led live 4K HDR productions in the U.S. covering the PGA Tour, NBA, NHL, UFC, college football, entertainment, and corporate events for many of the top Fortune 500 companies.
Garvin is also the founder of Stackup, an education technology company that uses artificial intelligence to deliver metrics on students reading and learning on the web to K-12 school districts around the United States. Stackup is among few certified Google partners, and his work on this technology put him into the Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2018.
Garvin holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the Eller College of Management, along with an executive education from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Kristian Hernández, SVG, Senior Editor
Kristian Hernández is currently the senior editor of Sports Video Group. In his role, he is responsible for covering team-based and in-venue productions and various other sports technology topics within the industry. In addition, he is the program director for the annual SVG Venue Summit.
Before joining SVG, Hernández served as co-founder of CHC-TV, the first student-run television studio at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. While at CHC, Hernández produced a daily sports show named “On the Hill with Hernández” — covering all men’s and women’s athletics for the college. Also, Hernández spearheaded the college’s newspaper, “The Griffin”, as its Sports Editor. Hernández graduated with a BA in Communications. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he currently lives in Philadelphia, PA.
Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial
Ken Kerschbaumer is co-executive director of editorial services for the Sports Video Group and SVG Europe. He was a co-founder of SVG along with Paul Gallo and Marty Porter in 2005 and has been writing about how sports networks and leagues use video and audio technology to deliver a quality TV experience since 1991. Kerschbaumer began his career in 1991 at Television Broadcast magazine before joining Cahners where he was founding editor of Digital Broadcasting magazine. In 2000, he joined Broadcasting & Cable magazine as senior editor of technology where he covered all aspects of broadcasting, cable, and internet content creation and distribution.
Greg Macchia, Riedel Communications, VP, Business Development, Live Production
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, VP of Sales, Sports
As the vice president 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.
Grant Nodine, NHL, SVP, Technology
Andrew Reich, AWS, Senior Consultant, Sports, Professional Services
Andrew Reich joined Amazon Web Services in January 2020. He is currently a senior sports consultant for AWS’ M&E Professional Services group. Reich works with customers and partners on migrating their solutions to the cloud, in addition to driving technological innovation in sports. He has led major cloud adoption initiatives and projects involving live and post production, Visual Effects (VFX) rendering, content data and analytics, media pipeline, and services deployment.
Prior to AWS, Reich spent eight plus years working for the MLB and NHL Networks on the media services team. He is a seven-time Sports Emmy award winner and graduated from Syracuse University.
Anthony Renda, PGA TOUR, Director, Content Publishing & Media Workflows
Anthony Renda has worked at the PGA TOUR for 21 years, starting in November 2002 as a post audio mixer. He moved from audio post to video editing/publishing for the TOUR’s website team in 2007, where he worked on the initial launch and continued development of the workflows and processes for creating, transcoding, and publishing videos to PGATOUR.COM.
Currently, Renda oversees the automated publishing and delivery of video highlights for the PGA TOUR O&O platforms and media partners, cloud-based workflows, and technical oversight of PLAYERS All Access “Every Shot Live”.
Scott Rothenberg, NEP Group, SVP, Technology & Capital Planning
Scott Rothenberg is NEP’s senior vice president of technology and capital planning, responsible for coordinating and managing NEP’s global technology roadmap and bringing NEP’s teams together to meet client expectations for the delivery of reliable and creative solutions. In his previous roles, Rothenberg focused on understanding and matching clients’ needs with NEP’s technical capabilities and capacity. He worked tirelessly across all NEP divisions to ensure that the right equipment was in the right place, using the right technology for the client’s requirements — and that NEP was continuously working to develop technical solutions to meet emerging client needs.
Rothenberg started with NEP in 1995 as a maintenance engineer after working as a freelance technician when he provided engineering and operational support for television crews and solved all manner of problems under the pressure of live television. He has been a member of three Emmy Award-winning NEP technical crews (twice for NASCAR and once for PokerDome), and he won a Cable ACE Award in 1995 for his work on “Ripken’s 2131st Game” for HTS.
Claudia Souza, Advanced Systems Group (ASG), Chief Cloud Officer
Claudia Souza is the chief cloud officer of Advanced Systems Group, a cross functionally integrated solutions and managed services provider for media creatives and content owners. The company’s headquarters are in the Bay Area, with offices throughout the U.S. Souza has spent the last six years leading teams at the forefront of media and entertainment’s cloud transition.
Chris Strong, ESPN, Director, Specialist Operations
Chris Strong is the director of specialist operations within the Productions Operations department at ESPN. He oversees a team responsible for technology, innovation, and workflows supporting and executing remote and studio productions. Together with the REMI team, Strong has helped lead ESPN’s journey in Cloud REMI workflows.
Jason Taubman, Game Creek Video, SVP, Technology
Jason Taubman spearheads Game Creek Video’s efforts in truck design and helps service the company’s vast profile of high-profile sports clients including ABC, CBS, ESPN, Fox, HBO, NBC, MLB, NBA, the YES Network, USA Network, NFL Network, and Winnercomm. Prior to joining Game Creek in 1999, Taubman was an engineer-in-charge for National Mobile Television and VTE Mobile Television Productions.