Streams & Speakers

From high-level strategy, to advertising case studies, production, and design, AIM has experts, talks, and workshops for all role-players in the Internet marketing process. Talks are divided into streams and by level to ensure you attend the best session for you and get the information you most need now.

• Workshops, panels, keynotes
• Sessions rated by level (beginner and advanced)
• Streams for leaders, marketers, developers
• Computer lab for hands-on learning.

See speakers below.
See the Agenda here.
See Special and Networking events here.
See testimonials from AIM 2007 here.

Over 30 Experts, Over 50 Talks and Workshops

The people you need to meet to show you how to succeed Online are here. During breakouts, the AIM conference has five rooms running at once ensuring that there are topics of interest to you at each point – from beginner to advanced, from Online advertising to design standards.

Speakers

There are no schools to learn how to succeed Online. You learn by doing - or by talking to those who have done it. AIM 2008's over 30 speakers have succeeded by trial and error with pioneering companies and cutting-edge projects.

From high-level strategy to ground-level production techniques, our speakers are the best around - and with over 50 sessions and a speaker-delegate ratio of 10-1, you get not just the information you need, at the level you need, but time to ask questions, talk during breaks.

See you at AIM 2008!

Kerry Munro – General Manager, Yahoo! Canada

Kerry Munro is General Manager of Yahoo! Canada where he is responsible for the company's overall operation and strategic growth. He has more than 20 years executive management experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles in the technology products and services sectors. His previous experience includes leading new ventures, alliances and applications as a Senior Director at Bell Canada, and prior to that he was founder and President of KBM Marketing which provided market analysis and business unit turnaround strategy for numerous Canadian corporations. He has also held executive marketing positions at leading technology companies including ACC TelEnterprises and Allstream. Mr. Munro is a graduate of the University of Toronto and received his MBA from Queen's University.

Paul Jeszenszky, Senior Manager, Online Marketing, eBay Canada

A ten year veteran of Online Marketing, Paul Jeszenszky is currently Senior Manager for eBay Canada's online marketing team and a highly regarded subject matter expert. At eBay, Paul's priorities include managing one of Canada's largest online advertising programs, developing their online marketing strategy and working to further develop eBay's cutting edge marketing technologies. Before joining eBay, Paul was Director of Search Marketing for OMD (Canada) where he oversaw clients including Dell, Apple, Nissan, Pepsi, Hertz, Intuit and Campbell's. Prior roles held include: VP Online Marketing for a Venture Capital firm; Online Marketing Manager for The Shopping Channel, Canadaís largest TV retailer (Top 10 Canadian Online Retailer); and as an Online Marketing Consultant for clients ranging from leading industry specific portals (i.e. InfoMine.com) to start-up companies (i.e. VictoryGaming.com, creators of Unilever's "Degree Poker" and "Degree Fashionista Challenge").

Alfredo Tan, Senior Director, Yahoo! Corporate Partnerships and Connected Life Divisions

Alfredo Tan is Senior Director, in Yahoo's Corporate Partnerships and Connected Life Divisions. He leads the charge in growing Yahoo! mobile internet presence in Canada through strategic mobile initiatives with companies such as Rogers Wireless, Telus Mobility, Bell Mobility, & Research in Motion as well as future content & publishing partners as Yahoo! opens it mobile platform to create a world class mobile eco-system. Alfredo also simultaneously leads the management of the overall strategic relationship between Rogers and Yahoo! across all respective lines of business. Prior to Yahoo!, Alfredo was Strategic Alliances Director at Sympatico MSN, one of leading internet portal in Canada responsible for media sales, business development and strategic partnerships. In his role, Alfredo had the opportunity to collaborate with leading brands in e-commerce and entertainment such as Dell Computers, eBay, World Wrestling Entertainment, Labatt, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Before entering the exciting world of digital media and the internet, he worked in enterprise marketing and strategy at Bell Canada where he played a key role in developing and negotiating the Strategic Alliance between Cisco Systems and Bell Canada and was responsible for the overall relationship between the two companies. He started his career in high tech as a Systems Engineer at Bell Nexxia, consulting for some of Canada’s largest financial institutions. Recently, Alfredo was a lifestyle coach & personal trainer, holding numerous national certifications. He was also a writer and fitness consultant for a Toronto-based adventure magazine. He received his Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Forensic Science from the University of Toronto, his Master’s degree in Information Systems & Technology at McMaster University and completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School and the Sloan School at MIT.

Robert Swick, AlphaSearch Internet Marketing

Robert Swick is an Internet marketing expert with over 10 years in Internet consulting and leadership roles. A communications professional for over 15 years, Mr. Swick had his first Internet-based business in 1994. He has been strategic consultant on hundreds of websites and CD-ROMs for promotion, education, and information delivery to special audiences. Robert is a frequent speaker on Internet marketing topics. He has co-produced two International conferences on the subject, and is founder of the Montreal Interactive Marketing Association.  As Account Manager with I.C. Axon Healthcare Multimedia, Mr. Swick managed large-scale website development projects for blue chip clients including Novartis, Merck-Frosst, Merck, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.  He was also medical writer on dozens of patient and physician education websites and CD-ROMs, and Product Manager on the award winning international medical education training environment MyPatient.com™. Robert also has an extensive background in market research, journalism, and media relations, and has written, branded, or edited, literally hundreds of articles, websites, and CD-ROMs.  A former teacher and natural communicator, Mr. Swick also has a diverse educational background with training in a variety of communication and creative fields, including university degrees in Social Psychology and Journalism, three years of study at the graduate level (Psychology), and artistic training at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design (NSCAD).

David U.K. - Managing Director, Heavy.com (Canada)

A 14-year media veteran, David U.K. has recently overseen the launch of Heavy.com in Canada. A leading broadband destination in Canada, Heavy.com provides an engaging and measurable marketing platform in a television-like environment reaching the elusive 18-49 year old male. Heavy currently reaches 1.4 Million Unique Visitors in Canada as reported by ComScore Media Metrix, September 2007. David has recently launched three Heavy TV shows in Canada on Alliance Atlantis Networks - IFC, Showcase Diva and Showcase Action. Previously David U.K. launched and managed the interactive media division, Standard Interactive, for Canada’s largest private broadcast company, Standard Broadcasting. David held the position of Vice President, Sales and Strategic Alliances. Prior to Standard Interactive, David held international management positions at a number of prominent media companies, including: Promenade Magazine, New York (VP and Publisher), and UGO Networks, Inc. New York (Director of Sponsorships, Sales and E-commerce), Shift Multimedia (East Coast Advertising Manager); and at Time Warner, Hong Kong (Senior Advertising Manager), among other companies. David’s professional activities include; Chair, Video Committee- IAB Canada, Advisory Board, nextMEDIA: Monetizing Digital Media, Board of Director IRC-, Pro-Financial Asset Management Inc. He now resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Malcolm Fraser, President, ISL

As the President and Managing Partner of ISL, Malcolm is a leading entrepreneur with 12 years of Internet industry experience. Focusing on creative technology solutions that leverage the Internet to solve complex business and marketing problems has earned him local and national recognition. Malcolm is responsible for driving Internet initiatives that generate significant business results for clients such as Jacques Whitford, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Steele Auto Group and Nova Scotia Business Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University and has long been involved in the development of the information technology industry provincially and nationally. He is currently a member of the Premier’s Council on Innovation, is past chair of the Canadian Information Communications and Technology Federation and has been recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s top 50 CEOs.

Iain Wilson, Director of Business Development, Y! Canada and Yahoo! Search Marketing

Iain Wilson's experience in the Internet and consumer publishing spans 15 plus years on a global scale. Having spent almost his entire career based in London, England. He has held senior management positions in a varied number of magazines, national newspapers and Internet companies. Iain Wilson joined Yahoo! Canada in 2006 as Director, Search and Partnerships Yahoo! Search Marketing (YSM) Canada. In that role he helped launch YSM in the Canadian marketplace and quickly drove several impact business deals with leading media companies. Prior to relocating back to Canada Iain spent four years with Yahoo! at the company's European headquarters in London, England. Iain started as European Business Development Manager at AltaVista, upon the purchase of Overture by Yahoo! he was assigned to work on Pan European/International business development and partnership acquisitions for Overture. Before joining Yahoo! Europe, Iain held senior management positions with the Financial Times group and FT.com, as Head of Syndication and Content sales and The Economist Group, as Electronic Business Development Manager, with global responsibility. He is currently Director- Business Development for both Y! Canada and Yahoo! Search Marketing, with responsibility for all business development opportunities for Yahoo! Canada.

Susan Jones, VP Strategy & COO, Hawk

Susan is lead consultant and strategist for Hawk’s e-marketing practice as well as general strategist for agency clients. She has been providing Hawk clients with leadership on strategy development and e-Marketing, including research, branding, and channel selection, since 2000. She collaborates with Hawk’s client service and creative teams to bring idea-driven communications solutions to life. Susan has held senior marketing and corporate communications management positions at a number of leading companies in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec. She was the Marketing Manager for Atlantic Lottery Corporation as well as Creative Operations Director for CBC English Television and Radio Networks. Since implementing an e-Marketing capability at Hawk, Susan has helped clients like New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks, Irving Tissue Royale, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Cavendish Farms, St. Thomas University, Scotties Facial Tissue, and others to harmonize conventional marketing communications techniques with new, emerging online channels. Her support to clients spans the analysis of the most appropriate role for online marketing all the way through to oversight of creative for online media applications. On March 1, 2007 Susan moved from the role of employee to owner when she, along with business partner Bill Whalen, became owners of Hawk.

Derek Szeto, President, Clear Sky Media Inc.

Derek Szeto is Founder, and President of Clear Sky Media Inc., the parent company of RedFlagDeals.com, Canada’s largest bargain-hunting community. Derek launched this innovative web site in November 2000 to address the lack of online shopping and promotional information available to Canadians. Leading a distinguished team operating out of Toronto and Montreal, Derek ensures RedFlagDeals.com is a vibrant web destination for Canadian consumers to find and share deals, coupons, promotions, and special offers for both online and offline shopping. For retailers and service providers, RedFlagDeals.com is an ideal channel to reach Canadian consumers who are ready and willing to whip out their wallets and spend. Derek holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University and was named an Ontario Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Derek and RedFlagDeals.com have been featured in major broadcast media and print publications including City TV, CBC Newsworld, The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s Magazine, The National Post, and Chatelaine.

François Giroux, Creative Director, Hawk

With almost 20 years of advertising agency experience, François has established himself as one of Atlantic Canada’s best conceptual designers. A native of Montreal, François has spent the last twelve years working in Atlantic Canada. His visual skills and conceptual abilities have been key ingredients in the success of many of the brands he has worked on including Aliant, Sabian Cymbals, Royale, Tourism New Brunswick, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation, just to name a few. François’s experience includes art direction of fully integrated marketing programs including national advertising campaigns, brand and identity development, design for packaging, graphic standards development, and annual reports. He has produced corporate visual identities for Aliant (Corporate Brand), University of New Brunswick, as well as the Quebec Major Jr. Hockey League’s Saint John Sea Dogs.

Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Electronic Commerce Center of the University of New Brunswick in Saint-John

Louis-Philippe Gauthier is a dynamic, innovative and passionate technologist and entrepreneur. With over fifteen years as a successful leader of technology and Internet based projects his experiences in traditional communications mediums (journalism, radio and television) have allowed him to develop unique perspectives and solutions in media integration and online communications. Mr. Gauthier is involved in various technology ventures and acts as the senior consultant and instructor of the Electronic Commerce Center of the University of New Brunswick in Saint-John. He holds an MBA from the Université de Moncton where he has been a part time professor of Management Information Science courses for over ten years in both undergraduate and graduate business programs. Louis-Philippe Gauthier is an active member of the New Brunswick business community and is president of the board of directors of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, the largest francophone business network outside of Québec.

Louis Léger, President and CEO, Bristol

Louis is the ultimate strategist. He understands Bristol clients and the world they operate in – giving advice on where they should focus and how to get there. A business founder, he’s a well-recognized business leader with extensive experience in social responsibility programs that have a positive impact on the community. He also has an in-depth understanding of the public communications environment. As Bristol’s President and CEO and one of the principals of the company, Louis is responsible for the company’s overall management and development, while acting as Senior Counsel on select accounts. Louis has a broad background in social marketing and a deep understanding of Atlantic Canada’s marketplace gained from experience working with many industry leaders over the past two decades. He was the founder and President of gcp communications that merged with Bristol in 2001, the same year he was recognized by Atlantic Business magazine as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada.

Konstantinos “Tino” Klironomos, Partner, PC Medic

You might be familiar with Tino as he is a regular on Atlantic Canada's most popular breakfast show, Breakfast Television, where he gives advice and educates us all about current computer issues, offers tips and tricks and shows off the latest gadgets. Tino's career in computers has been since the days when Bill Gates was in the same tax bracket as most people. Now, a partner in PC MEDIC a successful local Computer Solutions Company headquartered in BURNSIDE, opened to the public in April 1999, now has grown to 5 LOCATIONS, the largest Independent Computer Retailer Serving End-Users and Corporate Clients in Atlantic Canada.

Simon Jennings, President, Olive Network Canada

Simon is a pioneer in the Canadian Internet marketing and advertising industries and claims to have "the coolest job in the world." Entering his 15th year as an Internet marketer, Simon has garnered success on both the entrepreneurial and corporate ends of Canada's Internet and Media world. Some of his milestones include web development and measurement at Planet Genesis, launching Canada's first online ad network (ClickThrough Interactive), opening DoubleClick Canada, heading up sales at Yahoo! Canada, serving as Chairman of the IAB Board, and most recently, launching Olive Canada and LiveDeal Canada. Through it all, Simon has come to understand that while technology is a great enabler, finding smart, talented people who enjoy their work is what it takes to succeed.

Jeff White, Principal, Brightwhite Design

With over 10 years' experience in the design industry, Jeff White has provided his pragmatic design insight to many of Atlantic Canada's leading companies. When the opportunity presented itself in early 2004, Jeff decided to take the plunge and strike out on his own. He hasn't looked back. As the lead designer on projects for clients as diverse as Nautel Limited, J.D. Irving Limited, Maritime Life, The Shaw Group, NSBI and many others, Jeff has applied his understanding of the design process to hundreds of projects. From corporate identity, multi-channel advertising campaigns, interactive kiosks, CD-ROMs and website/e-commerce solutions, Jeff has been involved in all facets of creative design. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where he presently teaches part time. Prior to creating Brightwhite Design, Jeff held Senior Designer positions at several Halifax agencies. Most notably, Jeff spent four years with Allura Communications and helped that agency to establish an interactive division to compliment the company's print and advertising core business. Jeff understands the importance of creating diverse teams with varying skill sets, especially when it comes to screen-based projects.

Julian Gibbs, President, Firefly Digital Media

Julian Gibbs has almost 20 years experience in the television and video production industry. After a number of years working for some of the major players in the Canadian broadcast industry as well as teaching video production at the Nova Scotia Community College, Julian started Handcraft Communication (now Firefly Digital Media) in 2002. A self-professed technology geek, Julian's background in online video began in 2001 as the digital media specialist for the NSCC's online learning department. He has since focused his efforts on convincing the Nova Scotia business community that video online makes sense. Firefly Digital Media is a multi faceted company focusing on the creation of high quality video communication tools for corporate and government clients as well as the creation of unique creative video properties. Firefly produces videos for every delivery method and places focus on the creative and entertainment value of a finished piece.

Gene Fowler, CEO, Fatkat

An award-winning animator, business leader, and entrepreneur, Gene was voted a decade ago by Teletoon as one of the top ten most promising animators in Canada. By all measures Gene has lived up to that early potential – and more mastering all facets of animation production - designer, animator, director, and editor, as well as executive roles as producer and director in the E-Learning, commercial and entertainment industries. Previously, Gene served as the Executive Director of Animation for Trainingscape Studios Canada; an animation studio of which in 2002 he helped grow to be one of the largest Flash animation producers in Canada. Gene currently is President, CEO, and owner of Fatkat, an entertainment company based in Fowler’s hometown employing over 120 artists and with revenues in excess of 5 million dollars a year. He is extremely passionate about building the entertainment and animation communities in Miramichi and in New Brunswick. Possessing an impeccable work ethic based on determination and meticulous attention to detail, he instills professionalism and fun in the workplace. An excellent educator, motivator, and speaker, Gene leads the Fatkat creative team.

Maor Daniel – National Marketing Manager
(Yahoo! Search Marketing Canada)

Maor Daniel is National Marketing Manager with Yahoo! Search Marketing Canada responsible for developing the acquisition and retention strategy of small businesses as well as overall Marketing operations for Yahoo! Search Marketing in Canada. Prior to joining Yahoo! Canada Maor worked at Bell Canada as An Associate Director responsible for Customer Strategy & Marketing focusing on the SMB markets. Maor designed, developed and executed multiple campaigns focusing on online and offline acquisition initiatives. Maor also has extensive experience in finance, product development, call centre management and sales with Sprint Canada.

Shelley A. Rowan, Vice President, Marketing,
Communications and Human Resources,
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia

As WCB Nova Scotia's VP, Marketing, Communications and Human Resources, Shelley provides strategic leadership in marketing and communications to create awareness and knowledge of workplace safety in Nova Scotia through award winning social marketing. Her strategic human resources leadership has helped ensure the WCB brand lives in hearts and minds across the organization. Employee survey ratings continually reflect a best-in-class employee culture. Shelley likes a challenge, and as such has faced many interesting opportunities in her work career - from being spokesperson during two national postal strikes to leading collective bargaining in healthcare. Today in addition to her work at WCB, Shelley sits on a number of boards including Threads of Life, a national organization dedicated helping families affected by workplace fatalities, life-altering injuries and occupational disease along their journey of healing.

Mark Gravel, Canwest

Mark Gravel is the Senior Account Director, Eastern Canada for Canwest Publications and is responsible for print and on-line sales for several of Canada's top major market publications including the National Post, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald and Vancouver Sun among others. Mark also represents the canada.com network web sites encompassing the newly re-launched financialpost.com, Dose.ca, and Global TV with their specialty TV websites. As a 20-year veteran in media sales, Mark got involved early in his career in bringing partners together on major promotions involving the integration of on and off-line media. These promotions have exemplified how the contribution of each media can create a richer value for the audience as well as the advertiser. Mark has had the pleasure of working with accounts in the fields of telecommunications, automotive, travel and the Federal Government. Mark is a proud father of two teenage girls.

Peter Sickles, AlphaSearch Internet Marketing

Peter Sickles is a writer and search engine marketing professional with six years of experience in Internet promotion and 12 years in professional communications including public relations and travel marketing. Peter’s formal background in Public Relations and his book and magazine writing experience, provide the foundation for his work optimizing, creating, improving and adapting, website promotion copy. Peter’s broad writing background, and his research and strategic skills expertise form the foundation for his search engine optimization and online marketing skills. Peter has degrees in the Arts (Saint Mary’s, 1984) and Public Relations (Mount Saint Vincent, 1991). In 2000 he published his first book, Pete’s Guide to Good Cooking (MacMillan Canada/CDG Books). He was Food and Travel Editor and writer for Lifestyle Nova Scotia Magazine from 2002 to 2004. He has been a contract writer doing Internet work for the past 7 years.

Stephanie Lummis, ISL – Internet Solutions

Stephanie has over ten years of experience in Internet marketing and user experience design. In her current role at ISL Stephanie acts as a business analyst and eMarketing strategy consultant to develop and implement solutions in the areas of search engine optimization, online advertising, email newsletters and usability. Prior to joining ISL Stephanie spent 10 years in Vancouver with The Electric Mail Company as a Marketing manager, and with Antarctica Systems as product manager for visual search engine software. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University and is a regular speaker on the topic of improving website findability.

Harold Jarche, Principal, Jarche Consulting

Harold Jarche is an independent consultant based in Atlantic Canada who focuses on online collaborative work and learning. In 1998 he became the Project Manager at the Centre for Learning Technologies as Mount Allison University. In 2001 he became the Chief Learning Officer for e-Com Inc. (Theorix) in Moncton, NB, where he managed professional services for a learning technology company. Currently Harold is the Director of Education for the Atlantic Wildlife Institute in Cookville, NB and the Principal at Jarch Consulting, in Sackville NB.

John Bignell, Producer EMSLive

John Bignell started his career in broadcasting as the producer and co-host of the Internet's first paramedic podcast, EMSLive. Taking the experience gained there he co-founded Podcast Plus, a creative communications agency focusing on consulting businesses, charities and associations on the use of cutting edge communications. Which are becoming a mainstream part of organizations internal and external communication strategies. He has also been featured in various publications, national radio programs and podcasts in Canada and the United States. When breaking free of the office, you'll find him in nature, camping, hiking, geocaching, mountain biking, surfing, and sailing.

Darren-Mark Noyce,
Managing Director, SKOPOS market insight

With offices in London, Paris, Cologne, Johannesburg and Sydney, and global coverage through its partner network, SKOPOS delivers actionable customer insight generated from precision market research using traditional methods as well as more modern online/mobile survey and qualitative techniques. Formerly with Harris Interactive/Harris Poll, Darren founded SKOPOS Market Insight as a response to the growing need for the understanding of consumer usage and attitudes to the converging fields of media, commerce and communications. SKOPOS applications in the digital arena include market sizing/profiling, contract/package/communication optimisation, website evaluation, and customer/user satisfaction, all from a customer/user perspective with the strongest analysis, interpretation and market knowledge. SKOPOS clients include Yahoo! Europe, Ask.Com, News Corporation, General Motors, Daimler Chrysler, Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2 mobile (Telefonica), MBNA Bank/Bank of America Europe, Tesco and many more.

Cindy Porter, Communications Advisor, Online
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia

As the first-ever Communications Advisor, Online with the WCB, Cindy helps the WCB make the most of all things online. This new role is a replacement of the traditional "webmaster" recognizing the Web as a communications and brand touch point first, technology second. From its corporate vision, mission and values to social marketing, Cindy provides web-specific strategic direction to the organization. A former consultant, Cindy spent several years promoting technology companies to Canadian and US audiences. Her unique mix of web content management and strategic communications experience - plus a good old-fashioned passion for technology - give her unique and valuable insights as the WCB continues its award-winning work to create a workplace safety culture in Nova Scotia.