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

Register Here

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 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 Moderator: Panelists:
  • Michelle Rice, President, TV One
  • Bree Frank, SVP, Production and Operations, Evolution Media

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 Panelists:
  • Kristin Bredes LaFemina, VP, Production Management and Talent, MLS
  • Michelle Ghee, President, PlayersTV
  • Ryan Harris, Super Bowl Champion, Broadcaster & Businessman

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

A celebration of extraordinary leaders and organizations whose vision, innovation and impact are helping shape the future of media, entertainment, technology and sports.

Featured Awards:
  • Alumni Impact Award
  • Corporate Champion Award
  • Excellence in Innovation Award
  • Luminary Award
  • Next Generation Leader Award
  • Chairman's Award
 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:
  • Rita Ferro, President, Global Advertising, The Walt Disney Company
Moderator: The Business of Influence: Leading at the Intersection of Storytelling, Sports & Technology

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
Leadership Wellness Conversation – Resilient Leadership: Sustaining Mental Strength in Times of Change

An honest conversation about mental demands of leadership and high performance. Drawing lessons from elite sports and the executive suite, panelists will explore pressure, resilience, burnout, mental fitness and the practices that help leaders sustain themselves and their teams through uncertainty and change.

4:15pm – 5:00pm
Closing Remarks & Transition 5:00pm – 5:15pm
ELDP Leadership & Alumni Reception 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
/ NAMIC NEXT