Leadership is no longer measured by titles—it’s measured by the leaders you inspire, the opportunities you create, and the impact you leave behind.
Join NAMIC Next’s 2026 Leadership & Impact Experience for a transformative day designed for executives, emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of media, entertainment, technology, and sports.
Through powerful keynotes, executive conversations, thought-provoking panels, and unparalleled networking, you’ll discover how today’s most influential leaders build high-performing teams, embrace innovation, navigate disruption, and develop the next generation of talent.
From the future of AI and leadership to building resilient organizations, fostering innovation, and leading with purpose, every session is intentionally designed to help you think bigger, lead stronger, and multiply your impact.
Because the greatest leaders don’t simply build successful careers—they build successful people.
If you’re ready to elevate your leadership, expand your influence, and become part of the movement shaping what’s next, this is the room you need to be in.
One day. One experience. Limitless impact.
All Inclusive Access
$1,100
Includes access to the full day’s events
NAMIC NEXT Leadership & Impact Awards Luncheon Ticket
$750
Luncheon access only
NAMIC NEXT Leadership & Impact Awards Luncheon Table
$7,500
Luncheon access only
ELDP Leadership & Alumni Reception Ticket
$200
Reception access only
Agenda
Subject to change
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Registration | 8:00am – 1:30pm |
| Breakfast & Networking | 8:00am – 8:45am |
| NAMIC NEXT Welcome & Opening Remarks | 8:45am – 8:50am |
| Welcome to New York | 8:50am – 9:00am |
|
Opening General Session: The Music of Leadership Sponsored by APG Keynote Speaker: An inspiring exploration of how listening, collaboration, rhythm, improvisation, and harmony can help leaders build high-performing teams, navigate change, and create environments where others thrive. |
9:00am – 10:00am |
| Networking & Coffee Break | 10:00am – 10:15am |
Fireside Chat – The Future is Now: Leading in the Age of AI
Featured Speaker:
A conversation exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming creativity, storytelling, leadership, and the future of work, and what today's leaders must do to stay ahead while keeping people and purpose at the center. |
10:15am – 11:00am |
|
Executive Leadership Panel – The Leadership Effect: Developing Leaders Who Multiply Impact Presented by TV One Moderator:
A conversation exploring how organizations identify, develop, and empower leaders who, in turn, create future leaders. Panelists will discuss building strong leadership pipelines, creating cultures of growth and preparing talent to lead through change. |
11:00am – 11:45am |
| Networking & Coffee Break | 11:45am – 12:00pm |
Sports & Business Leadership Panel – The Next Play: Leading What's Next
Moderator:
A forward looking conversation on the forces redefining the business of sports. From streaming and new media models to the explosive growth of women's sports, athlete driven businesses, technology and changing fan behavior, industry leaders explore where sports is headed and what it will take to lead what's next. |
12:00pm – 1:00pm |
| Transition to Awards Luncheon (Break) | 1:00pm – 1:15pm |
|
NAMIC NEXT Leadership & Impact Awards Luncheon Sponsored by Charter Communications A celebration of extraordinary leaders and organizations whose vision, innovation and impact are helping shape the future of media, entertainment, technology and sports. 2026 Leadership & Impact Awards Honorees:
Innovation Leadership Award
Jasmin Chanana EVP, Streaming Products AMC Global Media 
Alumni Impact Award
Albert Cheng Head of AI Studios Amazon MGM Studios 
Chairman’s Award
Rita Ferro President, Global Advertising The Walt Disney Company 
Next Generation Leader Award
Hena Siddiqi VP, User Experience & Design AMC Global Media 
Luminary Award
Michelle Strong Co-President, Distribution A+E Global Media 
Corporate Champion Award
Charter Communications 
Excellence in Innovation Award
Telemundo |
1:15pm – 2:45pm |
| Coffee & Transition Break | 2:45pm – 3:00pm |
Fireside Chat – The Business of Influence: Leading at the Intersection of Storytelling, Sports, & Technology
Featured Speaker:
An executive conversation on building one of the world’s premier advertising businesses, driving innovation across streaming and live sports, and leading through one of the most transformative periods in media. Explore how visionary leaders navigate change, build trusted brands, and create meaningful connections with audiences in a rapidly evolving landscape. |
3:00pm – 4:00pm |
| Networking & Coffee Break | 4:00pm – 4:15pm |
Culture, Leadership and What’s Next
Speakers:
Culture is moving faster than ever, changing how people connect, what they value and what they expect from the brands, leaders and institutions around them. |
4:15pm – 5:00pm |
| Closing Remarks & Transition | 5:00pm – 5:15pm |
|
ELDP Leadership & Alumni Reception Sponsored by NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Reconnect. Celebrate. Inspire the Next Generation. Executive Leadership Development Program alumni from across the country will reconnect with one of NAMIC Next’s most impactful leadership communities. All Leadership & Impact Experience attendees are invited to network with ELDP alumni, celebrate the program’s legacy and help launch the next chapter of leadership development at NAMIC NEXT. |
5:30pm – 7:30pm |
Hotel Reservations
Dream Downtown, By Hyatt
355 W 16th Street
New York, NY, 10011
Click here to reserve your room by September 25. Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.
Thank You to Our 2026 Partners
