2026 Leadership Conference
2026 Leadership Conference
Future Ready: Learn. Lead. Grow.
The future is moving fast and leadership has to move with it. Join The WICT Network Leadership Conference for bold conversations, practical insight, and meaningful connections across media, entertainment, technology, sports, gaming, and adjacent industries.
Through inspiring keynotes, expert-led breakouts, and dynamic networking, you’ll gain the insights, connections, and confidence to grow your career and lead what’s next.
New this year, The WICT Network’s inaugural AI Leadership Forum takes attendees deeper into the practical realities and leadership demands of an AI-enabled world. Conference attendees may add the Forum to their conference registration at no additional cost.
Conference Preview: See What’s Ahead
Monday, August 31
12:30 – 1:00 pm ET
Curious about what you’ll gain from this year’s Leadership Conference? Join us for a 30-minute call to explore this year’s content, executive panels, and skill-building workshops. We’ll give you an inside look at the agenda and highlight how these sessions translate into tangible impact for you and your team.
Top Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Champion Sponsors
Featured Speakers
Sponsors
The WICT Network gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors, whose partnership makes the Leadership Conference possible. Their commitment to advancing leaders across media, entertainment, technology, sports, gaming, and adjacent industries helps drive meaningful change and empowers the next generation of industry leaders.
For more sponsorship information, please contact Cindy Key at ckey@wict.org.
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Champion Sponsors
Touchstones Luncheon Champion Sponsors
#BeyondTheHashtag Sponsor
Big Apple Reception Sponsor
General Session Sponsors
Mobile App Sponsor
Breakout Session Sponsors
AI Leadership Forum Sponsors
Opening Entertainment Sponsor
WiFi Sponsor
Media Partners
Leadership Conference Media Partner
Industry Partner
Attendee Resources
Hotel Information
New York Hilton Midtown
1335 6th Ave
New York, New York 10019
(212)586-7000
The WICT Network has reserved a block of rooms at the New York Hilton Midtown. Rates start at $389/night (plus tax, while supplies last).
To reserve your room, click the link above or call 212-586-7000 and ask for the Leadership Conference room block.
Make your reservation by Sunday, September 13, to receive preferred rates while they last.
One-on-One Coaching
Maximize Your Conference Experience
Get dedicated, personalized guidance on your career goals during this year’s Leadership Conference. Appointments for one-on-one coaching are now open!
Browse our coach bios to get acquainted with the impressive leaders joining us this year. Space is limited so register today to ensure you get a spot!
Please note: You must be registered for the Leadership Conference to participate, and advance sign-up is required to secure a session.
Leadership Conference Social Challenge Series
Ready to join the challenge?
Challenge #1: Kick Off the Countdown | Runs Monday, August 10 – Monday, August 17
Help us spread the excitement by reposting our August 7 conference post and add a few words about why you’re excited to attend the 2026 Leadership Conference. Don’t forget to tag us and use #WICTLeadership26.
Prize: $100 Gift Card
Winner Announced: Tuesday, August 18
Terms & Conditions
Challenge #2: Share Your Story | Runs Tuesday, August 18 – Tuesday, August 25
Every Leadership Conference leaves us with unforgettable moments, meaningful connections, and lessons that shape our leadership journey. Share a memorable experience that made an impact on you. Your story could inspire someone else as we count down to this year’s conference. Don’t forget to tag us and use #WICTLeadership26.
Prize: $100 Gift Card
Winner Announced: Wednesday, August 26
Terms & Conditions
Challenge #3: Get Future Ready | Runs Wednesday, August 26 – Wednesday, September 2
The agenda is live! Share the session you’re most excited to attend and tell us why you’re looking forward to it. Whether you’re focused on strengthening your leadership skills, exploring industry trends, or growing your network, we’d love to hear what’s at the top of your list. Don’t forget to tag us and use #WICTLeadership26.
Prize: $100 Gift Card
Winner Announced: Thursday, September 3
Terms & Conditions
Need approval from your manager to attend the Leadership Conference? Use the customizable template below to highlight the value of attending and make the case for your participation.
| Request to Attend The WICT Network Leadership Conference |
|---|
| At a Glance Dates: October 6-7, 2026, New York City Ask: Approval to attend plus estimated cost of $[total estimated cost] (see budget below) Why: [one sentence tying this conference to a current team priority or challenge] Deadline: Preferred rates at the New York Hilton Midtown expire Sunday, September 13 |
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am requesting approval to attend The WICT Network Leadership Conference, taking place October 6-7 at the Hilton Midtown in NYC.
Organizations across our industry are navigating rapid change driven by emerging technologies, evolving workforce expectations, shifting consumer behaviors, and ongoing economic pressures. Staying competitive requires continuous learning, adaptability, and exposure to new ideas. This year’s conference theme, Future Ready: Learn. Lead. Grow., is designed to help leaders build the skills and strategies needed to succeed in this environment.
The WICT Leadership Conference brings together industry leaders and subject matter experts who are addressing these challenges in real time. Attending will provide insights, best practices, and practical tools that I can apply directly to my role and share with our team.
Benefits and Expected Return on Investment
Attending this conference will provide:
- Practical leadership strategies that can be applied to current initiatives.
- Insights into industry trends, innovation, and workforce developments.
- Opportunities to learn from peers and leaders facing similar challenges.
- New approaches that can strengthen decision-making, adaptability, and team effectiveness.
| Item | Est. Cost |
|---|---|
| Conference registration (Member: $2,495 / Non-Member: $2,825 / Student: $395) | [$X] |
| Airfare or travel | [$X] |
| Hotel (2 nights) @ $389/night + tax | [$X] |
| Meals / incidentals | [$X] |
| Total estimated cost: | [$X] |
Follow-Up Commitment
To extend the value of this investment to the team, I will deliver a short debrief (e.g., 15-minute team share-out or written summary) after returning, highlighting key takeaways, actionable recommendations, and resources relevant to our work.
The Ask
Please approve this request within two weeks so I can secure registration and make cost-effective travel arrangements. I would be happy to discuss the conference in more detail or provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your consideration. I am confident the insights, skills, and professional connections gained through this conference will provide meaningful value to both my development and our team’s objectives.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
Stay connected and customize your experience with The WICT Network’s official conference app, proudly sponsored by Charter Communications. Access session details, build your personalized agenda, connect with fellow attendees and receive real-time updates—all in one place. Download today and make the most of your time at the Leadership Conference.
Download Instructions:
The WICT Network is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. The New York Hilton Midtown offers accessible guest rooms, meeting spaces and common areas in compliance with ADA guidelines. If you require specific accommodations, please contact us at events@wict.org so we can best support your participation.
Past Events
2025 Leadership Conference
The 2025 Leadership Conference was a celebration of the power of connection, collaboration, and collective leadership. Under the theme The Power of Us: Elevate. Innovate. Accelerate., leaders came together to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and explore what it takes to lead and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
2024 Leadership Conference
What does it take to lead with purpose through constant change? At the 2024 Leadership Conference, influential voices from across industries, academia, and thought leadership explored that question and more. Through the theme Fueling Your Power and Purpose, attendees gained insights on resilience, adaptability, authenticity, and the qualities shaping effective leadership today.
2023 Leadership Conference
Under the theme Co-Create the Future, the 2023 Leadership Conference brought together more than 60 executives, academics, journalists, entrepreneurs, and athletes to share their perspectives with over 400 attendees. Through inspiring conversations and diverse perspectives, the conference explored how leaders can come together to shape what’s next for their careers, organizations, and the industry.
Contact Us
Have a question? We’re here to help. Use the form below to get in touch with The WICT Network team. Whether you have questions about registration, accommodations, sponsorship or programming, we’re happy to assist. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.