Variety returns to Las Vegas with its popular Entertainment Summit exploring how new technologies and innovation are steering the future of film, TV, digital media, gaming and more.
The Flight Attendant star & Executive Producer Kaley Cuoco, Twitch COO Sarah Clemens, ViacomCBS Streaming CEO Tom Ryan, TikTok VP Blake Chandlee and HBO EVP Brand M
[1]arketing Lucinda Martinez are among the event’s participants.
Topics include the reinvention of entertainment through streaming, the rise of fan-first media, monetization of connected TV, brands pivoting with current consumer culture, the power of tech innovation during the pandemic and more.
Additional speakers will include Lisa Hsia, EVP Digital, Bravo and Oxygen, NBCUniversal; Brad Wilson, EVP Growth and Revenues, WarnerMedia; Audrey Steele, EVP Research Insights and Strategy, Fox Corp; Mary Yee, VP Marketing, Playstation; and Connie Kennedy, Head of LA Lab, Epic Studios, Epic Games (Fortnite).
AGENDA:
Specific panel timing is subject to change.
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Keynote Conversation – The Future of TV Advertising
Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble; Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal and Jeff Green, CEO and Founder, The Trade Desk will discuss transformative trends in TV advertising and share ways they are pioneering innovative new approaches.
Speakers:
Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble
Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal
Jeff Green, CEO and Founder, The Trade Desk
Interviewed by: Andrew Wallenstein, President and Chief Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform
9:30 am – 10:10 am PT Keynote Roundtable: Entertainment Reinvented
The past year has been one of transformation – where entertainment companies are building robust strategies to stay ahead of evolving audience behaviors. What is the leadership vision for streaming platforms? How are streaming businesses finding synergies with companies’ linear interests? What types of programming/video is especially connecting with modern viewers? Top entertainment chiefs and their partners talk through the ways their business is being reinvented.
Speakers:
Kathleen Finch, Chief Brand Officer, Lifestyle Networks, Discovery, Inc.
Sara Clemens, Chief Operating Officer, Twitch
Agnes Chu, President, Conde Nast Entertainment
Keith Le Goy, President ,Worldwide Distribution and Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Interviewed by: Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Variety
10:10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Future Will Be Streamed – A Fireside Conversation with Roku
An exploration into how Roku is advancing its content and advertising business, as audiences increasingly move to TV streaming. Roku SVP/GM, Platform Business Scott Rosenberg will talk about viewership trends and what its impact will be on the future of the TV industry.
Speaker:
Scott Rosenberg, SVP/GM, Platform Business, Roku
Interviewed by: Andrew Wallenstein, President and Chief Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform
10:30 am – 11:00 am PT Keynote Conversation with Kaley Cuoco, Executive Producer and Actor (HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant)
Speaker:
Kaley Cuoco, Executive Producer and Actor
Interviewed by: Jenelle Riley, Features Editor, Variety
11:00 am – 11:15 am 2021 Key Technology and Innovation Trends
The COVID crisis has increased the pace of the digital transformation of media businesses and their transition to streaming video/programming offerings. In this conversation with Variety NY Digital Editor Todd Spangler, André Kudelski, Kudelski Chairman and CEO, will address the main technology and innovation trends we have to look out for in 2021.Founded in 1951, the Kudelski Group supports and sets trends for the media and entertainment industry for 70 years and is thus uniquely positioned to predict what will be the major technology turn points in the coming years. The Group being also active in the fields of cybersecurity, internet of things and public access, André Kudelski will provide a holistic vision of the global innovation and technology landscape.
Speaker:
André Kudelski, Chairman and CEO, The Kudelski Group
Interviewed by: Todd Spangler, NY Digital Editor, Variety
11:15 am – 11:55 am PT Fan-First Media
A look at how creative leaders are succeeding by emphasizing fan engagement, community and empowerment. How are storytellers and programming executives bringing in valuable younger audiences in this highly divided media landscape? What forms of video are breaking through now? What is critical in developing, producing and distribution with fans in mind first? Media leaders share their stories in succeeding in building audience fandom.
Speakers:
Shane Rahmani, SVP & GM, New Media, Marvel Entertainment
Lauren Anderson, Co-Head of Content & Programming, IMDb TV, Amazon Studios
Lucinda Martinez, EVP, HBO & HBO Max Brand Marketing
Lisa Hsia, EVP, Audience Aquisition and Growth, NBCUniversal Entertainment
Jeff Clanagan, CEO, Laugh Out Loud Network
Interviewed by: Angelique Jackson, Film and Media Reporter, Variety
11:55 am – 12:35 pm PT The Growing Business of Connected TV
Advertisers are noticing how many viewers shifted to streaming during the pandemic. How are they adjusting strategies to best reach them? How are platforms improving targeting and reach abilities – as traditional commercials still command the best rates?
Speakers:
Brad Wilson, EVP Growth and Revenue, WarnerMedia
Ricardo Rivera, Global Digital Group Director, OMD USA/PepsiCo Sr. Director, Global Digital Media & Partnership Strategy
Audrey Steele, EVP Research Insights and Strategy, Fox Corp.
Hayley Diamond, EVP Digital Investment and Partnerships, Publicis
Scott Brown, General Manager of Audience Measurement, Nielsen
Julie DeTraglia, SVP, Research & Insights, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
Interviewed by: Todd Spangler, NY Digital Editor, Variety
12:35 pm – 12:55 pm PT WWE and Reimagining the Fan Experience
As the pandemic forced WWE fans to limit their experiences to at-home viewing only, WWE pivoted quickly to reinvent itself for the current environment. The global media and entertainment company launched an immersive virtual viewing atmosphere, WWE ThunderDome, bringing thousands of fans into the arena via live video for such events as Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. WWE CMO Brian Flinn and WWE Champion Drew McIntyre will speak to the company’s strengthened vision for fan engagement now and into the future.
Speakers:
Brian Flinn, CMO, WWE
Drew McIntyre, WWE Champion
Interviewed by: Todd Spangler, NY Digital Editor, Variety
12:55 pm – 1:15 pm PT A Fireside Chat with Blake Chandlee, VP Global Business Solutions, TikTok
Speaker:
Blake Chandlee, VP Global Business Solutions, TikTok
Interviewed by: Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Variety
1:15 pm – 1:55 pm PT Brands – Culture Leaders Across Media
A dive into how brands are increasingly engaging with consumers with cultural conversations across media to foster loyalty and positive connections. How are brands taking an authentic stand on various passion areas for consumers? Creatively and strategically, what are the best approaches for brands across platforms to strike a deep, meaningful chord with today’s culture? Top marketers and platform and tech partners converge to talk about how they are succeeding now.
Speakers:
Mary Yee, VP Marketing, Playstation
Erik Jenson, VP Brand Engagement, Denny’s
Stacy Doren, VP Marketing, Levi’s
Megan Wahtera, SVP Content Marketing and Media, Fox Entertainment
Interviewed by: Heidi Chung, Media Analyst and Correspondent, Variety Intelligence Platform
1:55 pm – 2:35 pm PT Tech Heroes of the Pandemic
A look at technologies and innovation leaders pushing the industry forward during challenging times. What creative projects have been born out of remote work and thinking under new pressures?
Speakers:
Marvin Chow, VP Marketing, Google
Connie Kennedy, Head of LA Lab, Epic Studios, Epic Games
Sang Kim, SVP and Head of Product Management, Samsung Electronics
Janet Lewin, SVP and General Manager, Industrial Light & Magic, Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Company
André Kudelski, Chairman & CEO, The Kudelski Group
Tony Driscoll, SVP of Emerging and Production Technologies and Data Services, Warner Bros. Pictures
Interviewed by: Jazz Tangcay, Artisans Editor, Variety
The summit takes place Thursday January 14, 2021. All times above are US Pacific.