Bill's Blog

Our Opening Keynote

Posted at 8:09 PM on Monday, November 10, 2008

 

No one can deny the feeling of history in the making these days. Barack Obama’s election prompted much discussion of Martin Luther King’s marches and speeches, and LBJ’s promotion and ultimate signing of the Voters Registration Act in the 60’s. I can hardly wait to hear Dr Henry Gates’ take on “Lincoln, Race, Obama and the Presidency”, our opening keynote of History Makers 2009. Has America undergone a quiet revolution?

It’s also mind boggling to see the US Republican government bailing out and partially nationalizing Wall St. banks. What would Karl Marx say? Will a new form of capitalism emerge or will the latest group of “losers” take their knocks while the system returns to its old form and old ways? Economic historian Niall Ferguson will be coming to History Makers fresh from the Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland to address the economic issues that confront us.

John Farren has a great idea for a session on the digital future. He has identified a group of digital “whiz kids” and during his session, producers can get digital makeovers for their analogue project ideas.

What would you like to see? I would love to hear your ideas.

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What will be in the Headlines in January 2009?

Posted at 1:14 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Choosing and producing the sessions for History Makers is one of the most challenging and enjoyable tasks we face. What will be in the headlines in January 2009? What intelligence must Producers gain to survive and thrive  in the future?

We’ve decided that economics will still be on the public agenda and have booked as a keynote for History Makers the brilliant and eloquent economic historian Niall Ferguson to present and comment on his Channel 4/ WNET coproduction on the rise and fall of money.

Getting ready for another MIPCOM and our History Makers party and Board meeting followed by 4 days of meetings with sponsors, producers, and friends.
More  later. Much more.

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Why New York?

Posted at 6:45 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2008

I spent last week in New York discussing ideas for program sessions and meeting with sponsors.

I was again reminded how appropriate New York is for the site of our event.

 It is the American headquarters for so many organizations that have an affinity for our content and delegates.

 When we conducted our initial survey, New York was the American city that Europeans most favoured.

We plan to both deliver to our delegates special insights into America that only New York can give and provide an international program that speaks to the needs of producers and broadcasters from around the world.

We’re trying to inculcate our program with the unique spirit of New York, a heady mix of glitz and gravitas.

We’d welcome your ideas.

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Making History Makers

Posted at 9:21 PM on Friday, September 05, 2008

We thought you might be interested in the process of organizing History Makers and in having an opportunity to respond with your own ideas and suggestions.

Our Content Committee is awash in great ideas for sessions and Headliners, as we start the process of choosing the best session ideas and keynotes.

If you are attending MIPCOM please join us on Sunday Oct. 12 at 6pm at the C21 tent on the Beach across from the Grande Hotel. In the meantime if you have any burning ideas or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you.

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