Moderator: Josie Dye

On air host, iHeart, CHUM Toronto

Josie Dye is a radio and television personality who is doing an afternoon show called "Josie and Jamar" on CHUM-FM in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to joining the station, she was a personality on CFNY-FM (102.1 The Edge), and later the morning host on CIND-FM (Indie88), in the same market, and worked in television at Corus Entertainment for both W, CMT Canada and host of OH SO COSMO. 

Josie Dye and Cynthia Loyst of The Social, have a podcast called Cynthia and Josie’s Unmentionables where over 250,000 people have downloaded their first two seasons!

Speaker: James Cridland

Radio Futurologist, Editor of Podnews

James Cridland is Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter. He is a radio futurologist - a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio’s future.

James has worked in audio since 1989 as an award-winning copywriter, radio presenter, and internet strategist.

He launched the world’s first streaming radio smartphone app in March 2005, for the original Virgin Radio in London, launching daily podcasts earlier that year.

In 2007 he joined the BBC working on the BBC iPlayer for radio, achieving a dramatic increase in the service’s audio quality.

Part of the team that laid the foundations for the UK Radioplayer, he has since worked for a variety of businesses across the world, including Canada’s Vista Radio, receiver and silicon manufacturers Pure and Frontier Silicon, talkSPORT, the ABC, and a variety of media companies in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia; helping them focus on the benefits and challenges that new platforms bring to their business. He was an advisor to podcast host Captivate, which was acquired by Global in December 2021.

One of the organisers of Next Radio, the UK radio ideas conference, James has worked with the world’s largest radio conference, Radiodays Europe, since its inception. He’s also part of the programming team for Radiodays Asia and Podcast Day 24.

A founder of the hybrid radio technology association RadioDNS, he is an Associate Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and was made an Honorary Life Member of the UK’s Student Radio Association.

Born in the UK, James lives in Brisbane, Australia with his wife and daughter.

Speaker: John Parikhal

John Parikhal + Associates

John Parikhal is a media expert with global success in helping businesses and individuals to optimize their media regardless of platform - including radio, TV, podcasts, and most forms of digital content and communication. Known as a practical futurist, he helps people and organizations to anticipate change and capitalize on it. His experience includes successfully helping radio stations all the way from North America to Europe and Australia. As a creator and communicator, he created a hit TV show for NBC while writing and launching radio shows around the world. As a marketer and researcher, he has helped clients ranging from Disney to Pepsi, along with hundreds of radio stations. He won the Summit International Gold Medal in Marketing in 2022 and continues to blend futurism, research, and creative imagination to reach the hearts of customers while generating business growth for clients. As a generational expert, he authored "The Baby Boom" which analyzed Boomers' motivators and predicted how their world would unfold. These days, he is heavily involved in helping people and businesses capitalize on the unfolding future of AI in media, marketing, and communications.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-parikhal/

Moderator: Fabiola Melendez Carletti

Podcast Coordinating Producer, CBC

Fabiola Melendez Carletti is a Senior Producer at CBC Podcasts, focused on growing the next generation of public podcasting fans. Working within the new audience growth hub, she collaborates with CBC News shows — from brand new series to legacy radio programs — helping teams connect with new audiences and memorably express their unique value propositions. A Toronto-raised Latina with Salvadoran roots, Fabiola is also the proud mama of a hilarious three year old.

Speaker: Dan Misener

Co-Founder, Bumper

Prior to co-founding Bumper, Dan served as Director of Audience Development at Pacific Content, where he worked with brands like Slack, Adobe, Charles Schwab, Ford, Dell Technologies, Morgan Stanley, Red Hat, and Atlassian.

Prior to that, he spent a decade working in public radio at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), both on-air and behind-the-scenes. He was involved in the CBC's earliest podcasting efforts, and served as producer on many national and local news and current affairs programs.

Dan has taught podcasting and audio storytelling at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University, and through the Podcast Career Accelerator program at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival.

Dan is host and producer of the independent live event and podcast series Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids, which has won several industry awards and been downloaded more than 10 million times.

Moderator: Nik Goodman

Consultant, Bounce UK

Nik Goodman kickstarted his radio journey alongside iconic record producer Pete Waterman at Radio City in Liverpool, England in the late '80s. Armed with a Radio Production degree, he returned to Radio City as a producer, quickly ascending to host his own show. Progressing from presenter to programmer, Nik became the Executive Producer for the Breakfast Show at Kiss 100 in London, rocked as the Head of Music for Virgin Radio, steered the ship as Programme Director at Radio Forth in Edinburgh, and then took the helm at the globally renowned Capital FM in London.

Nik went on to launch a consultancy, specialising in music, programming, and audio content, collaborating with top-tier radio stations and media giants across Europe and beyond. In addition, he co-founded 'Bounce,' a cutting-edge production company crafting music, sound, and content for heavyweight clients, including the likes of the BBC and Sky. Nik continues to be a passionate advocate of radio and the power of audio.

Speaker: Christopher Frederick

Morning Host, 103.5 Kiss FM, Chicago USA

Fred – Host, ‘The Fred Show’, 103.5 KISS-FM, Chicago Christopher Frederick, known to his fans as “Fred,” is host of The Fred Show – the

nationally-syndicated morning show originating from iHeartMedia Chicago’s 103.5 KISS FM (WKSC-FM). Each morning on the popular, long-running program, Fred and his unique cast of characters, including Kaelin, Rufio, Paulina, Showbiz Shelly, Jason Brown and Keke, bring

lots of laughs to listeners every day. 

Following on-air stints in Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina, Fred landed his dream job as the morning personality at 103.5 KISS FM in 2011. A wannabe travel blogger, Fred is also a licensed commercial pilot and a volunteer aviator for “Pilots N Paws,” a national organization that assists in relocating adoptable rescue animals to new forever

homes and shelters. He is philanthropically active, participating in boards and events for myriad causes including The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Alzheimer’s Association, Make A Wish, PAWS Chicago and Cal’s Angels.

Speaker: Keke Hampton

Mornings, 103.5 Kiss FM, Chicago USA

Keke is the voice of a new generation of leaders - KeKe Hampton. She is an award-winning on-air personality from iHeart Chicago's 103.5 KISS FM and 107.5 WGCI.

KeKe began her radio career as an intern at iHeartmedia Chicago. She excelled in several behind the scenes roles until she began her on-air journey as a weekend talent on 107.5 WGCI. KeKe is a member of the nationally syndicated morning show, "The Fred Show," on 103.5 KISS-FM. She also continues to host 'Weekends with KeKe" on 107.5 WGCI in Chicago, Q93.3 in New Orleans, and Party1077 in Virginia. 

KeKe is a 2024 "Gracie Award" winner, selected as a "Rising Radio Star" by Radio Facts Magazine and a "Future African American Radio Leader" by Radio Ink Magazine. Keke continues to create viral content and deliver compelling celebrity interviews. She has made multiple appearances on ABC 7 Chicago and FOX 32 Chicago. In 2023, she made her first appearance on BET and guest starred on the nationally syndicated morning show "The Breakfast Club." She is a co-host of the popular "What More Can I Say" podcast. When she’s not on the microphone, she serves as a youth advocate for underprivileged children in Chicago.

https://www.instagram.com/onairkekeigsh=OHBoM3FidW52d2I=&utm_source=qr

Speaker: James Howard

Senior Vice President of Programming, Chicago IHeart Media

James Howard is the Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Chicago Region and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM WKSC & ROCK 95.5 WCHI. The iHeartMedia Chicago Region has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing six stations comprised of CHR, AC, Hip-Hop and R&B, Rock, and Contemporary Inspirational music formats.  

As Regional Senior Vice President of Programming and Program Director for 103.5 KISS FM, Howard is responsible for all programming and digital operations that deliver a strong return on investment for clients reaching consumers through iHeartMedia’s unmatched assets, including on-air, online, social media, personalities and live events. 

Howard joined iHeartMedia more than 20 years ago and has held programming positions in the Orlando, Albany, Atlanta, Tampa, and Washington DC regions. 

Program Director:

WRAK- Albany, GA

WTZB- Sarasota, FL

KYRK- New Orleans, LA Launched and led station to consistent Top 3 P18-34

WXTB- Tampa, FL…Led station back from #15th P25-54 to #1 for 2009.

WWDC- Washington DC Led DC101 into a consistent winner P18-49.

WBIG- Washington DC Led BIG100 through a transition in format to be a consistent performer M25-54

WKSC- Chicago, IL

WCHI- Chicago, IL Launched in September 2020, is now the #1 Rock Station in Chicago

Former National ROCK Brand Coordinator for iHeartMedia for 5 years. (2013-2018)

Launched over 10 radio stations for iHeartmedia, recently launching WCHI Chicago.

Coached rock talent across the country iHeartMedia. Just built The Morning Mosh Pit on WCHI.

3 Time Silver Done Award Winning Programmer

2 Time Marconi Award Winning Station Leader

2024 Named Top 10 Rock and CHR Program Director in America by Barrett Media.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshowardradio/

Moderator: Alison Broddle

Managing Director, CBC Vancouver

Alison Broddle is an innovative leader who has a passion for evolving and celebrating radio and audio. She has worked at CBC for most of her career, as a reporter, host, producer and manager, covering breaking news as well as producing long-form documentaries and investigative work. She loves facilitating great conversations, both on the airwaves and on stage.

Speaker: April Lindgren

Journalism professor, head of Canadian local news research project, TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University)

April Lindgren is a professor emerita/adjunct professor at the School of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University and the founder and co-director of the Local News Research Project.  She established and led the Local News Data Hub, a reporting initiative (2021 to 2025) that trained early-career data journalists and shored up local journalism by supplying newsrooms with data-driven stories. Lindgren co-created and manages the crowd-sourced Local News Map, which tracks changes to local news ecosystems. Her research also investigates local news poverty, the role of local journalism as critical community infrastructure, and philanthropic support for journalism. Earlier this year The Walrus published her story examining what happens on the ground in communities across Canada when local news is in short supply.

Speaker: Alex Freedman

Executive Director · Community Radio Fund of Canada

In his role at the Community Radio Fund of Canada, Alex leads a team that provides funding to more than 235 eligible community, Indigenous, and campus radio stations.  Alex is a fierce advocate for local news and information as well as the critical role of community media in Canadian broadcasting.

Alex has decades of broadcasting experience having launched CJLO radio in Montreal more than 25 years ago.  He became an investigative reporter and host at the CBC where he worked in Montreal, Winnipeg, and Quebec City.  He left the CBC to take on the role of Chief of Staff first for two Presidents at Laurentian University then supporting the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations.

Speaker: Lesley Lotto

CEO Remote News Service, USA

Lesley Lotto is the founder and creator of Remote News Service, which started after one too many small market moves across the country and a little, snarky podcast. She has worked in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years as a talent agent, coach, talk host, podcaster, news reporter and anchor. Her passion for news reporting and truth telling led to several network anchoring opportunities at a few world renowned news networks; she also has a side hustle as Yoga Teacher.

Moderator: Nora Young

Technology journalist and broadcast host, CBC

Nora is a tech journalist and broadcaster with CBC. She is currently senior technology reporter with CBC's Visual Investigations unit. Nora created and hosted Spark, a fun and informative look at new technology, which aired on CBC Radio for 17 seasons. She was the founding host of the CBC Radio show, Definitely not the Opera, where she often focused on new media and technology. As a journalist and author, Nora explores how new technology shapes the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. She is the author of The Virtual Self, which explores the explosion of data about our behaviours, opinions, and actions. Her favourite technology is her bicycle.

Speaker: Sonali Verma

Media and Technology Executive Consultant

Sonali Verma leads INMA's Generative AI Initiative, surfacing practical use cases at news brands and sharing her expertise with the INMA community through conferences, newsletters, webinars, and workshops. She is an executive media consultant who worked at The Globe and Mail for 15 years, where she led a mind shift in getting journalists to understand how data and AI could make them more effective in attracting and retaining subscribers. She also collaborated with The Globe’s data science team to build Sophi.io, a machine-learning platform that is now used by media companies on five continents. She was Sophi’s senior product manager and director of customer success, and also oversaw marketing efforts that won several international awards. She previously worked as a journalist at Reuters, CNBC, and Bloomberg in Asia, North America, and Europe. She was a visiting fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University and an advisor to Harvard's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.

Speaker: Rhonda McEwen

Professor at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information and Technology- University of Toronto

Dr. Rhonda McEwen is the 14th President and Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto; Canada Research Chair in Tactile Interfaces, Communication and Cognition; a Professor of Emerging Media & Communication; and a faculty member at the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information & Technology. With an MBA in IT, an MSc in Telecommunications, and a Ph.D. in Information, Dr. McEwen combines communication studies, and applied and behavioral sciences to examine the social and cognitive effects of technologies. Her pioneering approach to communication research employs experimental techniques, eye tracking, observations, sensor data, and interviews to investigate Human-Machine Communication. Dr. McEwen has worked with and researched digital communications media for over 20 years, both in companies providing services, and in management consulting to those companies.

Speaker: Tracy Johnson

Moderator: Sarah Thompson

Mantis Group

Sarah is a dynamic integrated strategist, business leader, and innovative product creator with expertise in media (including radio and audio), analytics, creative thinking, and communications planning. She has worked across various industries, including telecommunications, retail, automotive, technology, banking, insurance, consumer packaged goods, electronics, and B2B. Sarah was the former President of Media for Dentsu Canada, Chief Strategy Officer for Mindshare, and Vice President of Creative Strategy at Cossette. She is passionate about advocacy, responsible media practices, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Sarah advocates for collaborative approaches that benefit all stakeholders, particularly in the context of data monetization and AI strategies for publishers and media owners. She has spoken at prestigious institutions and contributed to industry conversations around media ethics, data, and the supply chain. Additionally, Sarah is dedicated to local media, quality journalism, pop culture, and the evolving landscape of radio and audio.

Speaker: Gerry MacKrell

President, Canadian Broadcast Sales

I have been President of CBS since 2017. This role involves working with approximately 45 Broadcast groups and 450 stations to provide national radio sales solutions for leading advertisers. During this period, we were excited to launch leading digital audio service AudioVelocity as a complement to our OTA offer.

Prior to that, I was SVP Sales at Corus Entertainment. In this regard I have responsibilities variously across conventional and specialty television, national radio, revenue management and consumer research. During this period, I also had the opportunity to contribute as a member of Numeris' Board of Directors.

Speaker: Krystal Seymour-Marconi

VP Buying, Jungle Media

Krystal is a buyer of all things audio & video, and has been maximizing radio investments on the agency side for 20+ years. She has worked on a wide variety of clients, which has provided her with extensive knowledge on what a wide breadth advertisers are looking for and how they measure success. Krystal’s passion lies with building the right plans and buys that will not only achieve, but deliver tangible results for her clients.

Speaker: Pierre Bouvard

Chief Insights Officer Cumulus/Westwood One

Pierre Bouvard is Chief Insights Officer for Cumulus Media and Westwood One and leads their Audio Active Group, a media and creative advisory service. The Audio Active Group is a full-service advisory offering national brands media planning recommendations, creative best practices, and measurement services. The Audio Active Group publishes weekly audio case studies and insights on their blog: www.westwoodone.com/blog

Previously, Pierre was SVP of Sales for TiVo Research & Analytics, where he led cross-media measurement engagements for Procter & Gamble, Comcast, Turner Broadcasting, and NBCU. As President of Sales and Marketing for Arbitron Inc., Bouvard launched Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) and created the out-of-home and custom research divisions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrebouvard/

Speaker: Derrick Gray

Chief Research & Operations Officer Numeris

Dr. Derrick Gray brings over two decades of global experience, spanning two continents, in measuring video, audio and digital audiences. He has deep experience leading Research, Data, Product Leadership and Operational Groups using different methodologies and technologies. Dr. Gray holds a Doctor of Business Administration (Management Information Systems) where his award-winning research focused on the innovation and application of big data in the Canadian Media Industry. He also holds a Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Toronto.

Moderator: Jeremy Sinon

VP of Digital Strategy, Hubbard Radio

Jeremy is a 20+ year veteran in leading media companies through digital transformation, currently driving digital innovation and strategy at Hubbard Radio. His achievements include development of Hubbard’s proprietary streaming platform and mobile apps, enhancing listener engagement through gamification and data-driven insights, and helping lead the company's podcast efforts. His impact on the industry earned him the 2022 Digital Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). He also currently serves as chair of the NAB Digital Officers Committee.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysinon/

Speaker: Phil Mackey

Director of Digital Content Development at Hubbard Radio

Passionate about changing the way local sports media is consumed. An experienced sports talk host (Mackey & Judd + Purple Daily), digital content director (Hubbard Radio) and entrepreneur who is proficient in building digital audiences.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-mackey-ab86a215/

Moderator: Jeff Leake

Speaker: Melvin Sleeking

Managing director, PURE Jingles

As Managing Director of PURE Jingles, I'm passionate about creating awesome audio branding for radio stations around the world. With a lifelong love of radio and media, I lead a talented team that helps our clients tell their stories through sound. At PURE Jingles, we believe in the power of audio branding to create connections that last. Working with a group of talented professionals is a dream come true, and we're all driven to help our clients succeed.

Speaker: Thomas Giger

Branding consultant, PURE Jingles

Thomas is all about radio! With over 3 decades of experience, he's focused on audio branding and format flow, helping you connect your brand to your audience. In radio since 1992 and with PURE Jingles since 2007, Thomas is building connections and consulting clients around the globe. He loves discussing your brand and your ambitions.

Moderator: Sam Bonham

Senior News Editor, BBC News Podcasts

Sam Bonham is a Senior News Editor at the BBC. He has launched and edited some of the BBC’s biggest podcasts, including Newscast, Americast, Ukrainecast and Marianna in Conspiracyland. He is currently editing several BBC Radio 4 programmes, including More or Less, The Bottom Line and The Briefing Room. Previously Sam has worked at VICE, i-D Magazine, Dazed and Digital Radio UK.

Speaker: Rachel Quester

Supervising Producer, The Daily - The New York Times

Rachel Quester is a Supervising Producer for The Daily, the audio news podcast from The New York Times. In her role, Rachel oversees the show’s political coverage, which includes developing and executing coverage plans for both major news events and long-term enterprise targets, as well as editing multiple episodes per week. She also leads editorial planning writ-large for The Daily, identifying editorial priorities across a range of topics. Rachel is one of the founding members of The Daily, joining the team just weeks after the show launched in February of 2017. Before joining The Times, Rachel worked as a producer for both NPR and the Scripps Washington Bureau. Rachel is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, co-teaching a course on investigative narrative podcasting. When she’s not podcasting, you can find Rachel playing tennis or cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Speaker: Noor Azrieh

Host of Canadaland Politics

Noor Azrieh is a journalist, producer, and the host of Canadaland Politics. She is known for her sharp wit, blunt questions, and a strong eye (and ear?) for calling out political BS. Her previous work includes producing long-form documentaries for Commons, and unraveling complex international investigations like The Copernic Affair. She is a graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program. Noor is originally from Lebanon and was raised in Qatar.

Moderator: Nik Goodman

Consultant, Bounce UK

Nik Goodman kickstarted his radio journey alongside iconic record producer Pete Waterman at Radio City in Liverpool, England in the late '80s. Armed with a Radio Production degree, he returned to Radio City as a producer, quickly ascending to host his own show. Progressing from presenter to programmer, Nik became the Executive Producer for the Breakfast Show at Kiss 100 in London, rocked as the Head of Music for Virgin Radio, steered the ship as Programme Director at Radio Forth in Edinburgh, and then took the helm at the globally renowned Capital FM in London.

Nik went on to launch a consultancy, specialising in music, programming, and audio content, collaborating with top-tier radio stations and media giants across Europe and beyond. In addition, he co-founded 'Bounce,' a cutting-edge production company crafting music, sound, and content for heavyweight clients, including the likes of the BBC and Sky. Nik continues to be a passionate advocate of radio and the power of audio.

Speaker: Sarah Cummings

Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio, Bell Media, and Orbyt Media

Sarah has been in radio most of her life. She started in her hometown of Chatham and for the past 25 years has worked throughout Ontario with stops in Niagara, Ottawa, Kitchener, London, Hamilton & Toronto. Sarah started in Promotions and then spent 15 years as Program Director, Format Captain & Regional Director. In 2017 Sarah became the first female Program Director for Toronto’s #1 Radio Station CHUM 104.5. In 2021 Sarah was appointed Director of Radio Content, iHeartRadio & Orbyt Media for Bell Media with a focus on the evolution of audio strategy, national brands and content & talent development. Sarah is the Vice Chair for FACTOR, a recent member of the Audio Executive Committee for Numeris, co-chair of the Program Advisory Committee for the Radio, TV & Film program at Niagara College, an avid mentor and past winner of CMW Program Director of the Year awards and was recently honoured to be part of the inaugural Billboard Canada Power Players & Women in Music.

Speaker: "Jazzy" Jim Archer

Program Director, 99.7 NOW FM. 99.7 NOW! - KMVQ San Francisco

A Bay Area native with radio in his DNA, "Jazzy" Jim Archer's journey began at age 8, recording and remixing local radio content. His professional career launched with a breakthrough mixshow on Hot 97.7's JV Night Show, quickly establishing Jazzy as a tastemaker whose musical selections influenced both listeners and industry professionals alike, earning him promotion to Assistant Music Director. Following Hot 97.7's sale, Jazzy joined KYLD, where his weekend overnight mixshows rapidly gained traction, propelling him to Saturday primetime and the creation of the wildly successful "5 O'Clock Traffic Jam." His programming instincts led to promotions as Music Director and eventually Assistant Program Director. When Evergreen acquired KYLD, Jazzy made radio history by simultaneously serving as APD for both KYLD and KMEL—two competing powerhouse stations. His career continued to evolve with roles as KYLD Program Director, and then a move to the upstart KMVQ as Music Director/APD. When Bonneville acquired KMVQ from CBS/Audacy in 2017, Jazzy took the helm as Program Director, where he launched the innovative Big Bay Mornings show. Under his leadership, the station has achieved remarkable ratings success and deepened its community impact, earning KMVQ nominations for CHR Station of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.

Moderator: Andrew Johnson

Content Director at CHYM & Country 106, Kitchener, Ontario

Andrew  Johnson is a seasoned radio programming professional with over 15 years of experience in content strategy, station management, and audience engagement. Currently serving as Content Director for CHYM 96.7 and Country 106.7, Andrew oversees station programming, curates engaging content, and drives audience growth through innovative programming and strategic decision-making. His expertise in content direction also includes work as a Radio Consultant and Production Manager, where he developed and executed impactful programming strategies for various stations. In addition to his industry experience, Andrew is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of broadcasters preparing them for success in an ever- changing media landscape. With a proven track record in both content direction and mentorship, Andrew brings valuable insights into radio programming and station growth.

Speaker: Kurt Johnson

President of Local Programming, Townsquare Media

Kurt Johnson is Senior Vice President of Content and Programming for Townsquare, a leading media and digital marketing company with 357 radio stations across 74 U.S. markets and over 500 live events annually. With over 30 years in broadcasting, Kurt has led top stations in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas, and played a key role in launching the first U.S. Jack FM in Dallas in 2004. He is an expert in a wide array of music formats and genres. A long-time leader in Country music, Kurt is in his eighth year as President of Country Radio Broadcasters and served 13 years on the Country Music Association board. He also sits on the National Radio Hall of Fame board and contributes to the National Association of Broadcasters. Kurt co-founded the All For The Hall Dallas benefit concert, which has raised over $1 million for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He also co-founded A Special Evening, one of Texas’ premier charity events, raising millions for adults with disabilities and featuring artists like Willie Nelson and Tony Bennett. He holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin in Civil Engineering and Communications and lives in Dallas with his wife, Terri.

Moderator: Hollie Taylor

Station Manager, Whiteoaks Communications Group

With nearly two decades of experience in both secular and Christian radio, Hollie Taylor has built an impressive and varied career. She's done it all—working as an on-air host, voice tracker, station manager, promotions coordinator, artist manager, and radio promoter. Whether behind the mic or running the show, Hollie has a knack for making things happen. Currently, she’s the Station Manager for CJMR 1320 and JOY Radio, and also hosts the afternoon drive program, Good Company, on JOY Radio, where she brings positivity and great conversation to the airwaves.

Speaker: James Cridland

Radio Futurologist, Editor of Podnews

James Cridland is Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter. He is a radio futurologist - a writer, consultant and public speaker on radio’s future.

James has worked in audio since 1989 as an award-winning copywriter, radio presenter, and internet strategist.

He launched the world’s first streaming radio smartphone app in March 2005, for the original Virgin Radio in London, launching daily podcasts earlier that year.

In 2007 he joined the BBC working on the BBC iPlayer for radio, achieving a dramatic increase in the service’s audio quality.

Part of the team that laid the foundations for the UK Radioplayer, he has since worked for a variety of businesses across the world, including Canada’s Vista Radio, receiver and silicon manufacturers Pure and Frontier Silicon, talkSPORT, the ABC, and a variety of media companies in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia; helping them focus on the benefits and challenges that new platforms bring to their business. He was an advisor to podcast host Captivate, which was acquired by Global in December 2021.

One of the organisers of Next Radio, the UK radio ideas conference, James has worked with the world’s largest radio conference, Radiodays Europe, since its inception. He’s also part of the programming team for Radiodays Asia and Podcast Day 24.

A founder of the hybrid radio technology association RadioDNS, he is an Associate Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and was made an Honorary Life Member of the UK’s Student Radio Association.

Born in the UK, James lives in Brisbane, Australia with his wife and daughter.

Speaker: Chris Duncombe

Director of Streaming and Podcasting - Corus Entertainment

As Director of Streaming and Podcasting for Corus Entertainment, Dunner oversees streaming across 37 radio stations and Corus Entertainment’s extensive audio and video podcasting initiatives. Prior to this role Dunner worked nationally both as a senior programmer head of

Digital Media. In 2018 he developed and launched Curiouscast: Podcasts for Curious Minds, now an internationally award-winning podcast network having received RTDNA Edward R Murrow Awards, Signal Awards, and recently a British Podcast Award. In addition to becoming one of the fastest growing podcast networks in Canada, Curiouscast is also the home of top True Crime podcast and now hit Global News TV show “Crime Beat”. On the air he hosts “The Curiouscast Podcast Spotlight” a 2-hour weekly radio show focused on Podcast discovery that airs in 6 Canadian markets. 

In his other life as a recording artist and songwriter, he is a Juno Award winner, 9 X Canadian Country Music Award winner, Socan Songwriter Award winner, with 1 platinum and 4 gold records to his name. As a principal member of the country band The Washboard Union, Dunner has shared stages with: Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, Old Dominion, Hardy, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, and more.

Moderator: Cesil Fernandes

Executive Producer of Production and Sound Design for Podcasts, CBC

Cesil Fernandes is Executive Producer of Production and Sound Design for CBC Podcasts, managing titles such as Someone Knows Something and Uncover. Before creating one of the studio’s first original series, Back Story, Cesil traveled Canada and the world for CBC News, covering stories from the Papal Conclave to the Sochi Winter Olympics. He’s covered elections in Canada and the US and his reports from the remote island of Eleuthera shone a light on over-fishing in the Bahamas.

Speaker: Mark Angly

Sound Designer, Mixer & Editor for Podcasts, Film & TV

Mark is a passionate audio nerd who has devoted his life to the pursuit of making things sound better. Mark has spent 14 years journeying the world of Audio Production, recording Anime Voiceover, Foley and ADR, and mixing at Western Canada’s largest Audio Post studio for Film and Television. His latest quest is making Podcasts sound exceptional; he served as a Sound Design lead at Pacific Content, mentoring a team of Sound Designers and teaching Binaural Audio & Dolby Atmos mixing. Mark delights in using Music and Sound Effects to enhance the listener experience, and his work has been recognized by The Tribeca Film Festival, The Webby Awards, Adweek’s Podcast of the Year, and the Signal Awards. Balancing emotion, craft, and technical skill is a challenge he is excited to continue.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-angly-a50a659a/

Moderator: Pooja Handa

Morning Host CHFI FM

Before joining the Pooja and Gurdeep Show on 98.1 CHFI, Pooja worked as a Morning Show Host on CP24 Breakfast. Torontonians have come to know award winning broadcaster, Pooja Handa, as one of the familiar faces greeting them every morning to help start their day with a smile. She has spent almost 20 years working on air in television as a News Anchor, Reporter and TV Host covering everything from politics to entertainment, as well as contributing to major events taking place in Toronto.

As a second generation South Asian Canadian, Pooja has been very active in her community and has made giving back a priority. She has worked with several charities and continues to mentor young women in their career paths.

Instagram: @poojahandatv 

Speaker: Diana Keay

Senior Manager, Strategy & Development Rogers Sports & Media

With a decade of experience in Canadian media, Diana Keay has worked in content creation, strategy, and audience engagement across various platforms. She started her career at Sportsnet, contributing to high-profile sports broadcasts including Hockey Night in Canada. Eventually moving to Rogers Radio, Diana developed a deep understanding of audience development and brand strategy. Today, she leads strategy and development at Frequency Podcast Network, where she uses her diverse background to drive growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving podcast space.

Speaker: Barb McKergow

Senior VP, Advertising Sales at Corus Ent

Barb McKergow is the Senior Vice President of Advertising at Corus Entertainment, where she is responsible for leading the television, radio, digital, and branded content teams Nationwide. Barb also oversees Corus’ social digital agency, client insights and research teams as well as the sales support and revenue management departments. 

During Barb’s tenure with the company, she has played a key role in transforming the sales team, modernizing it to deliver on the Total Corus Audience. Under Barb’s leadership, her teams create strategic and client-focused opportunities, while reducing silos and instilling collaboration, to produce boundary-breaking marketing activations with optimum business outcomes. 

Barb currently sits on many industry boards including Numeris and ThinkTV. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Speaker: Samantha Bruton

Account Executive, Multiplatform at Bell Media in Radio, Digital, Television

With 15 years of media sales experience, Samantha proudly works as an Multi-Platform Account Executive at Bell Media and specializes in Television, Radio, Digital and Astral Out Of Home advertising solutions for small, medium and large size companies. As an advertising consultant, Samantha thrives in creating custom opportunities for clients, effectively helping them increase sales and ultimately achieve their marketing and advertising goals YOY

Samantha’s passion for advertising and devotion in seeing business' grow has helped her achieve 4 President’s Club Awards in 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2023, Bell Media Sales highest and most exclusive recognition program that celebrates the top 50 sales performers in Canada amongst over 800+ candidates coast to coast.  Throughout the years, she’s shown outstanding leadership qualities, resilience by embracing change while setting a high standard of excellence.  She demonstrates unparalleled hustle that has translated into remarkable revenue outcomes throughout her career.

Speaker: Maie Pauts

Announcer: Boom 97.3 in Toronto (Stingray)

Announcer/ interviewer who has spent over 40 years on air in the Toronto market, mainly during middays. The 80's and 90s at CFNY/TheEdge, the 2000's at CHUM FM and since 2010 at boom 97.3 where I have consistently landed in the Top 3 in Toronto Mid-day ratings.

Speaker: Kayla Grey

HOST/ REPORTER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 

Kayla Grey, is an award winning storyteller, personality, entrepreneur and as recognized in 2022 by the Canadian Screen Academy a changemaker in the Canadian media landscape. Grey is the co-executive producer of The Shift with Kayla Grey, and reports courtside for TSN’s live coverage of the Toronto Raptors. She became the first Black woman to host a flagship sports highlight show in Canada when she made her debut on SportsCentre in 2018. The Scarborough native has become highly decorated for her work and impact on broadcasting in Canada. In 2021, she was recognized by Women of Influence as one of the Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada, and in 2022 received the Change Maker Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. That same year she was honoured with The Jahmil French award for Rising Star in Canadian media at the inaugural Legacy Awards. Today Kayla continues her work as a creative through multifaceted intersectional ways that live on traditional platforms , social media and through way of production behind the scenes with her company Kayla Grey Media Inc.

Speaker: Julie Adam

President & CEO, Universal Music

A long-time champion of creative voices who has amplified and supported artists throughout her career, Julie Adam is an award-winning entertainment executive. Appointed President & CEO of Universal Music Canada (UMC) in February 2025, she is known for building culture and leading teams, pairing creativity with business results, and driving revenue through innovation.  

Speaker: Bobby Carter

Host/Series Producer, NPR/Tiny Desk

Bobby Carter is an award-winning creative leader, DJ, and cultural ambassador. 

He serves as host and series producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk, leading the team’s creative vision, direction, and curation across all divisions and platforms. His work has ushered in the media organization’s youngest and most diverse audience, averaging 60 million views per month. Since joining the team in 2014, Bobby’s creative strategy has been at the intersection of music, storytelling, technology, and engagement, forging partnerships with HBO, Amazon, and Google.

Bobby has produced the most viewed Tiny Desk concerts on NPR Music’s YouTube channel accumulating more than 700 million views, including viral moments from Usher, Juvenile, Mac Miller, Anderson .Paak, Sesame Street, Chaka Khan, and Justin Timberlake. He turned a modest celebration of Black History Month into a cross-cultural event combining music, film, photojournalism, and commentary. Carter leveraged this blueprint to pull new teams together to bring a multi-dimensional, multi-continent, multi-platform celebration of Black Music Month, LatinX Heritage Month, Asian American/Pacific Islander Month, and Indigenous People Month.

 Bobby was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a proud graduate of Jackson State University.

Speaker: Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Host, Commotion

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC Radio’s daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Maclean's, Rolling Stone and others. Elamin is the author of Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces, a number one national bestseller, a Globe 100 book, and a New York Times notable book.

Speaker: Thomas Giger

Branding consultant, PURE Jingles

Thomas is all about radio! With over 3 decades of experience, he's focused on audio branding and format flow, helping you connect your brand to your audience. In radio since 1992 and with PURE Jingles since 2007, Thomas is building connections and consulting clients around the globe. He loves discussing your brand and your ambitions.

Moderator: Falen Johnson

CBC Podcast Host

Falen Johnson is Mohawk and Tuscarora from Six Nations Grand River Territory in Southern Ontario. She is a writer and broadcaster. 

Her writing has been featured in the Brick, The Canadian Theatre Review, and Granta Magazine. She has also written for television productions such as, Urban Native Girl (APTN) and Merchants of the Wild (APTN) and the 2020 Indspire Awards (CBC).

Falen has guest hosted Unreserved, Day 6, What on Earth, and Q all with CBC Radio. 

She was also the co-creator and co-host of the award winning podcast The Secret Life of Canada (CBC) which just concluded it’s six season run.

Speaker: Dan Misener

Co-Founder, Bumper

Prior to co-founding Bumper, Dan served as Director of Audience Development at Pacific Content, where he worked with brands like Slack, Adobe, Charles Schwab, Ford, Dell Technologies, Morgan Stanley, Red Hat, and Atlassian.

Prior to that, he spent a decade working in public radio at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), both on-air and behind-the-scenes. He was involved in the CBC's earliest podcasting efforts, and served as producer on many national and local news and current affairs programs.

Dan has taught podcasting and audio storytelling at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University, and through the Podcast Career Accelerator program at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival.

Dan is host and producer of the independent live event and podcast series Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids, which has won several industry awards and been downloaded more than 10 million times.

Speaker: Helen Zaltzman

The Allusionist

Helen Zaltzman is a multiple award-winning podcast host and producer. She is entirely self-taught and works mostly alone, often from bed. Her linguistics entertainment podcast The Allusionist covers topics ranging from oppressed language and queer history, to protest cakes and weird facts about falcons. The live theatrical spin-off has appeared on stages around the world. Answer Me This, the comedy show she began with Olly Mann in 2007, was one of Britain's longest-running and most successful independent podcasts for nearly fifteen years, and has recently returned for a new run. She runs listener communities, teaches and mentors numerous podcasters, and founded the Podcasters' Support Group on Facebook to provide a home for all podcasters' most urgent questions about how to make audio without completely melting down.

instagram.com/helenzaltzman

Speaker: Arielle Nissenblatt

EarBuds Podcast Collective

Arielle Nissenblatt is the founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective, a podcast recommendation newsletter. She is the head of community and content at Audily. She hosts a number of podcasts about the podcast industry, including a podcast dedicated to podcast trailers and another dedicated to podcast recommendations. She is on the board of governors of The Podcast Academy. She’s very invested in helping podcasters their ideal audiences and in getting listeners to find their next favorite podcast.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt-90348356/

Moderator: Warren Kurtzman

President Coleman Insights

Warren Kurtzman has served as president of Coleman Insights since August 2008, following more than 13 years as a vice president since joining the firm in May 1995. He works directly with dozens of clients and oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, which helps companies worldwide build strong brands and develop great content through high quality market research. In 2024, Warren led Coleman Insights through its acquisition by Quest Global Research Group, and the company’s subsequent expansion of its research-based insights offerings beyond its historical focus on audio-based media companies engaged in radio, podcasting, and streaming.

Warren’s background also includes 11 years in radio station management and media research with Strategic Radio Research, Arbitron, Inc. (now Nielsen Audio), WUUU/Utica, New York, and WVBR/Ithaca, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Policy Analysis from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University. 

Warren resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife, with whom he has two adult children and a mini goldendoodle named Murphy. He enjoys travel, dining, reading, and is an avid sports fan and participant, the latter of which includes running, cycling, softball, and captaining his ice.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenkurtzman/

Speaker: Troy McCallum

Program Director - Boom 97.3, Brand and Content Leader: Stingray Classic Hits

With over 37 years as a broadcaster, Troy McCallum understands what sounds good, when it comes to radio. As Program Director of boom 97.3, Toronto, “attention to detail” is a must. Whether it’s coaching the on-air team at boom or writing eBlasts, imaging or promos. It’s vital that whatever is coming out of the speakers, sounds good and resonates with the audience.  Blessed with a seasoned on-air team, promotions department, and music director, there is great pride that comes from hearing the product come to life on air - after all the hard work has been done and listened to a hundred times. boom is a conceptual radio station that prides itself on standing out and celebrating everything it can with its wide range of musical styles and multiple decades of music. For over 10 years, the dedication and passion of the team at boom 973 have helped the station become a ratings success. Troy McCallum is the Program Director of boom 973, Toronto and the Brand and Content Leader of Stingray’s Classic Hits stations.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/troymccallum/

Speaker: Jay Stone

Pattison Media

Jay Stone has been programming Canadian radio stations for the past 15 years, with experience in coaching talent & managing formats that include Hot AC, Classic Hits, Top 40, and News/Talk/Sports. Jay is currently the Station Manager & Program Director for 102.3 NOW! radio (named Major Market Station of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards) and up! 99.3, which has become a regular "top-5" rated radio station in the Edmonton market. Jay was named also named Major Market Program Director of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards, and he led the Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper, which united all radio stations across Alberta, collectively raising over $3 Million dollars for the Canadian Red Cross wildfire relief efforts through a province-wide bottle drive.

Speaker: Patti Marshall

Managing Director of Branding and Content, Hubbard Radio, Cincinnati

Patti Marshall, Managing Director of Branding and Content at Hubbard Radio Cincinnati. She has been lucky enough to spend her career in an industry that she loves, working with incredibly talented teams at stations like Q102, B-105, Mix 94.9, and 97.3 The Wolf. Main focus is on creating meaningful, engaging content that connects with listeners and keeps the brand strong in a constantly evolving media landscape.

Moderator: Paul Riismandel

President of Signal Hill Insights

Paul Riismandel is President of audio-first market research firm Signal Hill Insights. Paul has been researching and sharing why and how podcast advertising works since the dawn of the industry. He joined Midroll Media, one of the first podcast ad companies, in its first year of operation, educating the ad community about the unique value of podcasts. As Senior Director of Insights at Stitcher, Paul built a podcast ad effectiveness strategy, reporting on hundreds of campaigns, sharing those insights with the industry. Today he leads Signal Hill Insights as a leader in audio-centric audience and ad effectiveness research. Paul can’t get away from audio even in his spare time – he’s a volunteer community radio DJ and an avid vinyl enthusiast.

Speaker: Farid Haji

Sr Director, Partnerships & Strategy

Eights years of experience with focus on video in podcasting.

Building partnerships with content creators based on transparency and trust has lead to strong and lasting relationships. 

Excited for the path ahead for podcasting as a tool to share stories and information that uplifts and educates audiences.

Speaker: Tori Allen

Co-Founder Sequel Media

Tori thrives on trading the familiar for the unknown.

Starting as a CBC Radio intern, she graduated quickly to on-air columnist, studio director, and founding producer of Q, the internationally-syndicated arts and entertainment show (ask her about the Billy Bob Thornton interview). 

In 2012, Tori traded that steady gig for adventure, moving to Seoul, South Korea, where she dove into freelance reporting, TV news and a lot of K-BBQ. Next stop? Phuket, Thailand, where Tori embraced the role of Chief Household Officer, welcoming three kids into the family over four sleepless years. Craving home, they returned to Canada in 2020, but settled outside Montréal —an unusual choice for a family of anglophones. Joining Pacific Content, Tori transitioned to client work, partnering with brands like Morgan Stanley, OnStar, and One Trust to create podcasts that delight listeners, and build trust and relationships. 

Then, just as she was thinking, "what's next?", Pacific Content shut down in June 2024. Within weeks, cheered on by clients, Tori took the leap into entrepreneurship and co-founded Sequel in July 2024, running productions on day 1.