Future of Arts, Media & Entertainment (FAME)

ABOUT THIS EVENT

The Future of Arts, Media & Entertainment (FAME) at Stanford GSB returns on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

FAME gathers students, alumni, and professionals shaping the future of creative industries. Each year, the conference convenes attendees for conversations at the intersection of technology, storytelling, culture, and innovation—spanning film, television, music, gaming, creators, and emerging platforms.

This year’s theme examines how the rapid evolution of AI, distribution models, creator economics, and fan engagement is rewriting the rules of entertainment—and what that means for the leaders building what comes next.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

We’re honored to welcome leaders driving change across entertainment, tech, media strategy, and the creator economy, including:

• Ted Lim - Chief Business Officer of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group
• Donna Smith - Former President of Physical & Post Production at Universal Pictures and former CEO of Cinema Completions International; veteran film executive behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic productions.
• Chris Schremp — Managing Director, YouTube Content Partnerships & Partner Development
• Benjamin Thomas — Global Head of Strategy (Publishing), TikTok
• Sam Duboff - Global Head of Marketing & Policy, Spotify for Artists
• Michael Chua — Global VP, BD & Strategic Partnerships, Ticketmaster

Additional speakers will be announced leading up to the event.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

PANELS & DISCUSSIONS: Engage with industry trailblazers across topics such as:

• The rise of AI-powered creativity
• The future of streaming, platforms, and content distribution
• Innovation in music, live entertainment, and fan engagement
• The expanding creator economy and new monetization models
• Cross-industry disruption redefining the business of entertainment

FIRESIDE CHATS:

Hear from senior leaders shaping the future of media and entertainment through candid, fireside-style conversations. We will explore strategy, leadership, and opportunity in a rapidly evolving industry, offering students direct insight into how top executives are navigating change at scale.

LOCATION

Oberndorf, Knight Management Center
Stanford Graduate School of Business

PARKING

Parking is available in the Knight Management Center garage. Permits are required Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. More information: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/visit

If you need disability-related accommodations or if cost is a prohibiting factor, please contact the Student Engagement & Inclusion team at GSB_StudentEngagement@stanford.edu.