[press release from ASTRA]
Chase Carey, President and CEO of DIRECTV, Inc will be the keynote speaker at the 2009 ASTRA Conference to be held in Sydney on March 19.
Mr Carey runs a company with 17.5 million customers across the USA and parts of Latin America and will talk to Austalian audiences about the trends in the media and entertainment sector, rapid changes in technology, consumer expectations and behaviour.
Chairman of ASTRA Steve Bracks said “We are delighted to have Chase join us at the conference this year as we discuss the challenges for our industry in the current economic climate”.
“His insight is invaluable and we are privileged that he has chosen the ASTRA conference to share is knowledge and experience,” he said.
Mr Bracks will address the conference for the first time, since taking on the role of Chairman late last year and will outline how subscription television is Delivering Value.
Foxtel CEO and Managing Director Kim Williams AM, and AUSTAR CEO John Porter will explain how they are Delivering Value to their customers.
The ASTRA Conference will also feature presentations from US political consultant Rick Ridder and Peter Sheahan, the author of Generation Y and Flip.
Rick Ridder has been a senior consultant to four presdential campaigns (including the Al Gore and Clinton campaigns) and will present his insights in The Value of Politics of Influence session. He will examine how the Barack Obama campaign and use of the internet has changed forever politics as we know it – he will be joined by Tim Gartrell, former ALP National Secretary.
Peter Sheahan, CEO of the Centre for Skills Development will present the case for developing a newer, more flexible approach to building business and managing teams.
He will examine the four major trends impacting on business today, discuss why following the crowd never generates true innovation and explore how other industries are generating success by letting go of an element of control.
ASTRA Chief Executive Debra Richards said: “The conference program we have assembled will lead to lively and informative debate, starting with the Women in Television breakfast featuring senior Turner Broadcasting executive Louise Sams.
“It will be a packed day of information, discussion and debate and we will have some further exciting announcements regarding an interactive presentation on pitching a television program to come”
ASTRA 2009 is the leading conference to draw together subscription television and related industries in Australia. The conference provides the opportunity to showcase the businesses, discuss critical issues and inspire and stimulate the industry for the year ahead.