Samira Panah Bakhtiar is a dynamic leader in tune with the powerful relationship between digital media and technology. As General Manager of Media & Entertainment, Games, and Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), she leads a high-performing, multi-generational team of builders and champions diversity. For close to two decades, her work at AWS and Cisco, where she served as Director of Media Operations, led to strategic alignment and business transformations with some of the world’s largest entertainment companies. She has a proven track record in tech strategy, business development, and sales – focusing on introducing innovation and enhancing operational efficiency in the areas of content production, media supply chain, broadcast distribution, OTT, interactive experiences, and content monetization. Recognized for her exceptional ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts, address cross-functional challenges, and execute complex projects seamlessly, she infuses the AWS executive team with a fresh perspective. Striking the right balance between hitting performance targets and delivering at the highest standards, she’s secured $9B+ in committed contracts during her tenure. Samira also mentors numerous individuals at AWS and advocates for the promotion of team members of all levels within her organization to leadership roles. A visible female force in the entertainement industry, Samira has spoken 20+ internal and external events in the last two years, including the WICT Leadership Conference on Driving Innovation, AWS re:Invent, yearly AWS Kick Offs, and the Metropolitan Police of London’s International Women’s Day Event. Topics ranged from ID&E, Intersectionality, and Career Planning to Owning Authenticity and Building High Performing Teams. Passionate about advancing the status of women in technology, she is a presence in media, tech, and the NYC-based entrepreneurial community, as well as throughout major nonprofits and social impact organizations. Her humanitarian work focuses on the abolishment of human trafficking where she sat on the board of Together1Heart (an anti-human trafficking organization based in Cambodia) from 2017-2020. Samira’s philanthropic work has always been a strong personal driver, and as a result, she launched Bridge2Act in 2015, a venture focused on transforming the giving landscape through the use of technology. A graduate of the prestigious executive development program from the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute (Class 35), Samira continues to find ways to connect and inspire other ambitious women in tech. Samira was the inaugural winner of the Woman to Watch in Technology by The WICT Network in 2017, named a 40 Under 40 by NYC Television in 2019, and a Wonder Woman by Multichannel News in 2023. She is also a member of social organizations such as Soho House, Zero Bond, and Summit, and a Board Member At-Large for The WICT Network. Samira graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Finance and Magna Cum Laude from the Fordham University MBA program. Committed to continual learning, she obtained her Press Speaking Certifications at Amazon in 2022 (and is now an official Spokesperson) and her Solution Architect Certification in 2021. In 2022, she was cited as one of the most anticipated speakers on the IBC 2022 Website, presenting with Media Monk’s SVP on the “Future of Cloud Production.” In her personal time, Samira loves spending time with her family (including her 6-year-old son and 2 year-old daughter), traveling, practicing Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Hot Yoga, and hitting up the culinary scene with her husband, Koorosh, a restaurateur in Manhattan.

Richard Kerris is the industry general manager for media and entertainment at NVIDIA. With a career spanning Apple, Lucasfilm and Amazon/AWS, Richard’s experience combine driving marketing and product development with a focus on bringing new ideas to life. At Apple, he directed developer relations and managed Final Cut Pro, and Aperture. At Lucasfilm, he served as CTO, managing research and development, IT and information services. Richard has given keynote addresses at GTC, Asia Broadcast and China Joy Expo and delivered multiple Apple Worldwide Developers Conference presentations. He currently serves on the Bay Area Board of the Visual Effects Society and as an active member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

Ed Ulbrich is the Chief Content Officer & President of Production at Metaphysic, Inc., the industry leader in developing AI technologies and machine learning research that creates immersive photorealistic content across film, tv, music, advertising, live entertainment and more. Ed is also the former CEO of James Cameron’s Digital Domain, former global President of Method Studios, award winning producer, and pioneer in virtual human performances and advanced visual effects. He has over 25+ years in the visual effects (VFX) and film, TV, and advertising production industries and has led global teams of up to 2,000 employees spanning four countries and managed P&L operations with nine-figure budgets. Ed has executive produced visual effects for some of the biggest blockbuster movies in history including Top Gun: Maverick, Aquaman, Avengers: Infinity Wars, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2, Suicide Squad, and many more; and executive produced the Academy Award©-winning visual effects for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, What Dreams May Come, and Titanic. Ed produced the epic sci-fi film Ender’s Game (Lionsgate - 2013) starring Harrison Ford, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Viola Davis and spearheaded the groundbreaking Tupac Shakur "Hologram” with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. He has created visual effects in music videos for The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and many more; and over 500 commercials.

Seth Hallen, President, Hollywood Professional Association: With over 25 years of experience in media and entertainment technology, Seth is a visionary leader in AI, passionate about storytelling and its intersection with technology. He supports AI-driven MediaTech startups by helping them refine their product strategies, gain visibility, secure funding, and build vital industry connections. Seth is a strong advocate for AI’s potential to enhance human creativity, believing it can serve as a powerful assistant in the creative process. Throughout his career, he has built strong relationships with decision-makers and led teams to success in North America and Europe, driving revenue growth and setting new industry standards. As a member of the TV Academy’s AI Task Force and having served as president of the Hollywood Professional Association, Seth is actively involved in shaping the future of the media and entertainment sector. His mission is to empower creators with innovative tools, inspire change, and help the industry thrive by anticipating the next big shift in technology and creativity.