The 2026 Entertainment Marketing Summit, presented by Deloitte, is set to be a pivotal event, gathering leading minds to dissect and shape the future of entertainment marketing. This year's program promises an engaging lineup of discussions, keynotes, and roundtables, highlighting innovative strategies, the growing creator economy, and the transformative impact of AI. Industry leaders will delve into diverse topics, from brand storytelling to experiential marketing, offering valuable insights into connecting with modern audiences. The summit underscores the dynamic shifts occurring in the entertainment landscape and the creative approaches being adopted to navigate them.

Variety Unveils Distinguished Speakers for Premier Entertainment Marketing Event in Los Angeles

On February 26, 2026, Variety proudly revealed the initial wave of esteemed speakers for its upcoming Entertainment Marketing Summit. This highly anticipated event, scheduled for April 22 in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, is being presented in collaboration with Deloitte. The illustrious roster includes Tina Knowles, the renowned businesswoman, fashion designer, philanthropist, and activist, as well as Pam Abdy, the influential Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Emmy-winning design expert and television host Bobby Berk, alongside television personality and entrepreneur Harry Jowsey.

Tina Knowles is slated to share profound insights from her acclaimed memoir, "Matriarch," and discuss her groundbreaking contributions to Parkwood Entertainment, Cécred, and BeyGOOD. Meanwhile, Pam Abdy will illuminate Warner Bros.' unwavering commitment to compelling narratives, celebrating the studio's remarkable achievement of over $4 billion in global box office revenue in 2025 and its historic Oscar triumphs, including a record-setting 16 nominations for "Sinners" and 13 for "One Battle After Another."

A highlight of the summit will be a keynote roundtable featuring prominent figures such as Dwight Caines, President of Domestic Marketing at Universal Pictures; Josh Goldstine, Global President of Marketing and Distribution at Paramount Pictures; and Shauna Spenley, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Warner Bros. Streaming. This panel will explore their strategic approaches to developing impactful campaigns for new films and television series. Bobby Berk and Harry Jowsey will contribute to the “Entertainment Entrepreneurs Tell All” roundtable, offering unique perspectives on navigating the industry.

Danny Ledger, US Telecom, Media & Entertainment Leader at Deloitte Consulting LLP, emphasized the summit's role in convening visionaries who are redefining entertainment marketing. He highlighted the agenda's focus on experiential engagement, AI-driven innovation, and the expansion of the creator economy, all crucial elements in shaping how brands connect with their audiences today.

The summit will also feature a distinguished lineup of additional speakers, including Josh Silverman, President of Consumer Products and Experiences at Paramount; Amy Durini, Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at Taco Bell International; Sean Booker, Head of Media and Entertainment at Vizio; James Finn, Global Head of Brand & Content Marketing at Audible; Kathryn Kai-Ling, CMO of the Los Angeles Rams; Tim Clark, Chief Brand Officer at NASCAR; Alana Dolgin, President of Digital Marketing at Atlantic Music Group; Rose Phillips, EVP of Global Digital and Social Marketing at Sony Pictures Entertainment; Margaret Walker, EVP of Entertainment Marketing at NBCUniversal; Claudine Cheever, CMO of Pinterest; Nicole Parlapiano, CMO of Tubi; Kayleen Walters, Head of Mojang Studios (Minecraft) and Franchise Development for Gaming at Microsoft; Brian Borkowski, CMO of Fox Direct-to-Consumer; and Jim Squires, CMO of Reddit; and Jasmine Taylor, VP of Brand Marketing at Instacart.

Key discussion themes will encompass "Building the Brand-Verse – Success with Franchises," exploring strategies for extending beloved characters and stories across various platforms; "The Main Event – Best of Experiential, Live and Event Marketing," focusing on innovative in-person engagement; "New Leaders of Creator Marketing," delving into the evolving creator economy; "In the Director’s Chair – Brand Storytelling Masters," examining effective brand narratives across demographics; and "Breakthrough Brands – Innovating through AI," investigating the integration of artificial intelligence into marketing operations.

Deloitte serves as the presenting sponsor, with The Los Angeles Film School and Vizio acting as supporting partners.

This year's Entertainment Marketing Summit stands as a beacon of innovation and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving industry. The assembly of such diverse and influential voices—from seasoned entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to creative visionaries—underscores a collective drive to adapt and excel. The discussions around AI, the creator economy, and multi-platform storytelling are not merely trends but fundamental shifts that demand strategic foresight. For anyone deeply involved in or observing the entertainment landscape, the insights garnered from this summit are invaluable, offering a roadmap for future engagement and brand development in an increasingly interconnected world.