2026 Current Speakers
Chris Lennon
Chris Lennon serves in Ross Video’s Office of the CTO as Senior Director, Standards Strategy. He is responsible for Ross’ activities in standards and trade organizations, as well as its global thought leadership program. In addition, Chris serves as Executive Director of the Open Services Alliance (OSA), a global industry organization focused on interoperability among microservice oriented media systems, now a part of SMPTE’s Rapid Industry Solutions. The OSA produced the media industry’s first microservices standards and continues to lead the way in this rapidly evolving area. Chris has held a variety of leadership positions in the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), including Standards Director, Western US Governor, Local Section Chair, and has sat on multiple technology committees. He is a SMPTE Fellow and recipient of SMPTE’s prestigious 2008 Citation. He currently is a manager of the SMPTE Rocky Mountain Section and serves on the IABM Board.
Michael Kammes
Michael Kammes helps Key Code Media shape their suite of solutions in the marketplace, speaking at industry events across the country. Michael has over 20 years of post-production experience, with extensive knowledge of trends, products, production, and post-technology workflows through roles at Shift Media (now EditShare) BeBop Technology (now Cree8), and Key Code Media, plus various podcasts, keynotes, panels, and user groups. His recent experience encompasses applied Analytical and Generative AI.
David Kroeger
David Kroeger brings over 25 years of experience to his role as Regional Application Specialist. With a background in Bachelor of Science Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, David combines technical expertise with business acumen. He collaborates closely with Extron resellers, consultants, and educators to provide innovation solutions in the audiovisual industry. David’s passion for education extends beyond his work. As a former instructor for organizations such as AVIXA, NSCA, CEDIA, and AVXPO, he has shared his knowledge with aspiring professionals. Notably, David led a highly successful Online Instructor-Led courses for Extron’s Authorized Programmer, Global Configuration Professional, and various technology workshops.
Richard Rhodes
Richard L. Rhodes II is an award-winning creator in the producing, broadcasting and audio engineering fields. A Kennedy Award recipient and founding member of Reality Ranch Unlimited, Richard has decades of experience as a writer, director, producer, and in many other industry disciplines. A former DJ and studio designer, Richard has remained at the forefront of cutting-edge immersive audio technology, and is currently designing the nation’s premiere post-production facility. Richard's feature film producing credits include From Christmas, with Love, Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas and Christmas Cards.
Kent Youngblood
Kent Youngblood is an award-winning producer with more than 30 years of experience in film and television. Known for his ability to bring compelling stories to life across platforms, Kent has produced projects ranging from TV series and documentary films to national ad campaigns and branded digital content. A frequent speaker on production strategy, creative team leadership, and creative use of artificial intelligence, Kent is passionate about empowering the next generation of visual storytellers to communicate effectively using artificial intelligence as a tool, not the solution. He has been invited to speak at a wide range of industry events, including prominent film and television festivals (Denver International Film Festival, Aspen Shorts, SeriesFest), leading universities (UCLA, University of Colorado, Colorado State, University of Denver) and high-profile marketing summits (Denver Startup Week, Colorado Ad Day).
Elgin Cahill
Elgin Cahill is an award-winning film and television producer, writer, and director. His television producing credits include Stand UP!, Cash Cowboys, and the PBS documentary, Keep a Light in Your Window. His feature film writing/directing credits include Colorado Christmas, Beware the Lake, and Diablo Canyon. Elgin is a founding member of Enchanted Valley Productions.
Jess Stainbrook
With 8 Emmy Awards and 34 nominations, Jess Stainbrook is the Founder and Chief Entertainment Officer of FSPN, the Faith+Sports Programming Network that produces a wide variety of inspirational content through talking with professional athletes about their faith for broadcast networks and faith-based outlets around the globe and online. Jess has been shooting and directing media all over the world since he started his first creative services ad agency while still in college at Temple University in Philadelphia. Jess’ credits include producing/directing programming around major sporting events such as the NFL Super Bowl, Olympics, Grand Prix/NASCAR Racing, World Cup Skiing, and many more. His clients include broadcast networks like ESPN, PBS, MTV, A&E, AT&T, and international corporations such as Bell Atlantic and ARAMark just to name a few. Jess is the Director of Digital Media and a Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University, leading the new Strategic Communication Major teaching digital media, visual storytelling, graphic design and visual culture. Jess served as an Exclusive Advisor on The Bible series and Son of God movie by Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice, Shark Tank) and Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel). Jess led the creative and business efforts as the Executive Producer for Seven Days in Utopia, the inspirational major motion picture featuring Academy Award winners Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo. The movie was Movieguide®’s “Teddy” Award winner and the Templeton Foundation’s Nominee for Most Inspirational Movie of the year. Jess has been invited as a keynote and breakout media speaker at conferences and events such as the Milan International Film Festival, National Association of Telecommunication Officers & Advisors Government Programming Awards, the International Television & Video Association, Media Communications Association International, The Secret Knock, and many others.
David Kessner
David Kessner has been designing electronics since the mid-1980s and working in professional audio engineering since 1998. He is currently Director of Electrical Engineering at QSC, where he leads electrical engineering for Q-Sys and was one of the platform’s original founders. His career has also included work on Peavey MediaMatrix, Peak Audio CobraNet, Blue Origin lunar landers and satellites, and high-tech battery systems at Iontra. David was part of a QSC team that received an Emmy Award for multichannel digital audio over Ethernet. He brings a broad, practical perspective to audio, AV systems, embedded electronics, networking, and helping engineers turn complex technical ideas into useful real-world skills.
Julie Speer Jackson
Discover the future of independent cinema through the Fairtrade Filmmaking model. Join Julie Jackson as she pulls back the curtain on the Truce Media Collective approach, showcasing how we bring visions to life—from initial literary development through production. Highlighting recent projects like The Flamingo Effect, Hot Set, Malediction, and Magdelena's Sky, we explore a revolutionary distribution framework. Learn how our micropayment model ensures creatives retain 90% of revenue, whichis then shared equitably among cast and crew. Discover how we are redefining sustainability, transparency, and creative ownership in today’s film industry.
Austin Anderson
Austin is a filmmaker and instructor at Denver Community Media. He's written and directed dozens of short films and a feature film. He teaches screenwriting, film production and editing at DCM.
Eric Ewing
Eric Ewing has extensive experience in enterprise AV, collaboration technologies, and live production workflows. Throughout his career, Eric has worked with organizations across corporate, education, government, and event environments to design and deploy advanced visual communication solutions. His focus includes emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, intelligent camera systems, image processing, and hybrid event production. Eric regularly advises customers on how to improve operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality user experiences and has presented technology and workflow best practices to technical audiences, consultants, integrators, and end users.
Megan Lowrey
Learn important tips for shooting with your cell phone and editing in Adobe Express. This workshop will cover a variety of topics including things to consider before you shoot, your rights for shooting in public spaces, the best phone settings to use, and navigating Adobe Express for fast editing. In addition, get an introduction to the BlackMagic Design ATEM switcher that will help you go live with your next production!
Glenn Booth
Glenn Booth is Division Manager at Ford Audio-Video and former Director of Marketing for Yamaha Pro Audio. An electrical engineer and lifelong musician, Glenn brings decades of experience in professional AV, systems integration, live sound, and technology leadership, including work with Dimetis Broadcasting. Known for blending technical expertise with creativity and communication, he delivers engaging presentations focused on innovation, customer experience, and emerging technology trends.
Jess Stainbrook
With 8 Emmy Awards and 34 nominations, Jess Stainbrook is the Founder and Chief Entertainment Officer of FSPN, the Faith+Sports Programming Network that produces a wide variety of inspirational content through talking with professional athletes about their faith for broadcast networks and faith-based outlets around the globe and online. Jess has been shooting and directing media all over the world since he started his first creative services ad agency while still in college at Temple University in Philadelphia. Jess’ credits include producing/directing programming around major sporting events such as the NFL Super Bowl, Olympics, Grand Prix/NASCAR Racing, World Cup Skiing, and many more. His clients include broadcast networks like ESPN, PBS, MTV, A&E, AT&T, and international corporations such as Bell Atlantic and ARAMark just to name a few. Jess is the Director of Digital Media and a Professor of Communication at Colorado Christian University, leading the new Strategic Communication Major teaching digital media, visual storytelling, graphic design and visual culture. Jess served as an Exclusive Advisor on The Bible series and Son of God movie by Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice, Shark Tank) and Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel). Jess led the creative and business efforts as the Executive Producer for Seven Days in Utopia, the inspirational major motion picture featuring Academy Award winners Robert Duvall and Melissa Leo. The movie was Movieguide®’s “Teddy” Award winner and the Templeton Foundation’s Nominee for Most Inspirational Movie of the year. Jess has been invited as a keynote and breakout media speaker at conferences and events such as the Milan International Film Festival, National Association of Telecommunication Officers & Advisors Government Programming Awards, the International Television & Video Association, Media Communications Association International, The Secret Knock, and many others.
Noah Smith
The Colorado Film and Video Association serves the professional media industry by offering educational opportunities, promoting its members, and growing connection and community to build a stronger industry in our state. It is our mission to foster and develop the creative aspirations of Colorado media professionals, and to provide a navigable path for sustainable careers, educational opportunities and a growing business sector. As Colorado’s oldest film industry nonprofit we have a history of advocacy with key audiences, industry professionals, and state legislators. Show your support for Colorado’s media production industry by joining the CFVA.
Dan Steiner
LoCo+ is an independent, location-based streaming and media-tech marketplace founded in 2020. It is designed for local filmmakers, musicians, and independent content creators to distribute, monetize, and own their data and content while connecting with audiences based on geography.
Lauren Sloan
Lauren Sloan was selected as Colorado Film Commissioner after a thorough review of more than 120 applicants conducted by a specially appointed hiring committee. Most recently, she served in senior leadership roles at SeriesFest, a Denver-based, annual festival dedicated to showcasing independent episodic storytelling and developing new talent in television. Among her many accomplishments at SeriesFest, Sloan oversaw professional development initiatives for emerging writers, filmmakers and executives, including the Women Directing Mentorship program in partnership with Shondaland, and programmed festival pilots and shorts. She also served as festival producer, overseeing all festival departments, contractors, budgets, and operations. Sloan also served as Deputy Film Commissioner for Colorado from 2012 - 2016, attracting film production to the state and administering the Colorado Film Incentive. Her work helped bring “Furious 7” and “Cop Car” featuring Kevin Bacon to Colorado, among other films. Additionally, Sloan has worked as a producer and consultant on independent films and as a production executive at Red Crown Productions in New York. There, she worked on major independent films such as “What Maisie Knew” with Julianne Moore, “The Romantics” with Katie Holmes and “Goats” with David Duchovny.
Shayla Riggle
An entertainment industry initiative focused on creator-first education, transparency, and practical industry training. The Eii supports filmmakers and producers in navigating and building sustainable careers within the evolving entertainment landscape
Cait McClusky
Over the past 44 years, Breckenridge Festival of Film has evolved into Breck Film, a prominent high country non-profit with a mission to educate, entertain, and inspire through film. Besides our annual fall film festival in Breckenridge and our ongoing movie programming at The Eclipse, we host a variety of special local events, including monthly film society screenings, education programs, non-profit partner events, and so much more! We are committed to enriching our community, fostering diversity, and expanding arts and film in the high country.
Mark Rushton
Along with managing SMPTE Rocky Mountain Section, Mark Rushton is the VP Sales & Solutions for Mediaproxy. He’s a product specialist providing consultive sales services to broadcast and cable television networks, television stations and streaming media companies. His 6-years with PESA Switching Systems gave him a strong working knowledge of core facility routing and distribution networks. His work shifted during the Grand Alliance, joining Triveni Digital for 7-years during the analog to digital transition in the television industry. There he gained a deep understanding of the underpinning of digital television that now serves him well at Mediaproxy. He now works with independent operators and the world’s largest media and entertainment companies to deployment Mediaproxy LogServer compliance logging, monitoring and analysis toolsets. A long time member of the SMPTE Rocky Mountain industry trade organization, Mark routinely presents at national and regional conferences.