2026 Entertainment Marketing Summit: Key Insights and Speakers

The 2026 Entertainment Marketing Summit, presented by Deloitte, is set to take place on April 22 in Los Angeles. This event will feature a range of prominent speakers from various sectors of the entertainment industry, including Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of NBCU Television, and Oliver Schusser, VP of Music, TV, Sports, Podcasts, and Beats at Apple. The summit aims to explore the evolving landscape of entertainment marketing and the role of audience engagement.

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Among the notable speakers, Pearlena Igbokwe will engage in a keynote conversation with Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety, discussing NBC's centennial celebration as a significant television brand. Oliver Schusser will share insights on Apple's strategies for audience connection, particularly following the success of the Bad Bunny Superbowl Halftime Show. Other speakers include supermodel Ashley Graham, who will discuss partnerships in entertainment, and Alain Tascan, President of Netflix Games, who will participate in a session on how gaming enhances entertainment IP.

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Additional speakers announced include Blair Rich, Chief Marketing Officer of Legendary Entertainment; Rebecca Kearey, EVP at Searchlight Pictures; and Brett Hyman, Founder and CEO of NVE Experience Agency, among others. These industry leaders will contribute to discussions on marketing strategies and innovations in the entertainment sector.

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Stephanie Dolan, U.S. Entertainment Leader at Deloitte Consulting LLP, emphasized the importance of transforming audience engagement from passive observation to active participation. She stated, “The next chapter of entertainment marketing will likely be defined by how well brands turn audiences into participants.” This perspective highlights the growing significance of storytelling, data utilization, and real-time feedback in shaping consumer experiences.

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Deloitte's involvement as the presenting partner of the summit underscores its commitment to advancing the field of entertainment marketing. The company is set to release its 20th annual Digital Media Trends report during the event, which aims to provide fresh insights into the industry's evolving dynamics.

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While the summit showcases a variety of perspectives, some industry critics argue that the focus on audience participation may overlook traditional marketing strategies that have proven effective in the past. They caution that not all audiences are ready or willing to engage actively, suggesting a need for a balanced approach that incorporates both engagement and established marketing practices.

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As the summit approaches, more speakers and sessions are expected to be announced, further enriching the program. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and strategies in entertainment marketing, positioning themselves at the forefront of industry developments.

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• “The next chapter of entertainment marketing will likely be defined by how well brands turn audiences into participants,” — Stephanie Dolan, U.S. Entertainment Leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP.

Variety Magazine