About the Future of Entertainment Conference
The story, mission and values behind our annual gathering at Stanford Graduate School of Business
Our History
The Future of Entertainment Conference was created to bring together the people who shape film, television, music, games, live events and digital media. Its founders saw that entertainment companies, creators and researchers were discussing the same forces of change, yet rarely in the same room.
Hosted at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the conference connects business strategy with creative practice. Each year's program has grown from a single day of discussion into a broader forum where ideas about audiences, technology and new business models are tested openly.
Our program continues to evolve as the industry does, and it remains rooted in the academic rigor and open inquiry of the school.
Our Mission
We help leaders understand where entertainment is heading and how to act on it responsibly.
Informed Dialogue
We bring together executives, creators, researchers and students to discuss the trends that will define the next decade of entertainment.
Rigorous Thinking
Sessions draw on research and business analysis so that predictions are grounded in evidence rather than hype.
Open Community
Attendance is designed to welcome newcomers and veterans alike, with room for conversations that continue long after the event.
Our Values
Curiosity
We ask hard questions about audiences, technology and culture, and we welcome perspectives that challenge our assumptions.
Responsibility
We consider how entertainment affects people, communities and creative workers, and we give those concerns a central place in our discussions.
Our Team and Community
The conference is organized by a small team of faculty, students and industry advisers who share a commitment to thoughtful, practical programming. Volunteers from the school help with logistics, hospitality and session support.
- Faculty and researchers who guide the program themes
- Students who contribute fresh perspectives and help run events
- Industry advisers who help shape relevant, current discussions
Our Journey
A brief look at how the conference has developed over time.
Keynotes and Panels
Talks and discussions have expanded to cover streaming, games, music, live experiences and the economics of creative work.
Networking
Informal conversations between sessions have become one of the most valued parts of the event, linking researchers with practitioners.
A Shared Question
The founding idea was to create a dedicated space for entertainment leaders to examine the future together.
Wider Participation
Speakers and attendees from more sectors joined, broadening the topics explored each year.
A Trusted Forum
The conference now serves as a recognized meeting point for research, strategy and creative practice.
The mix of academic depth and industry experience made every session feel relevant to the decisions I face at work.
Media industry professional
Looking Ahead
The entertainment landscape will keep changing as new formats, audiences and technologies emerge. We aim to keep the conference a place where those changes are examined with care, curiosity and a long view.
Join the Conversation
Learn more about our mission and get in touch with the organizing team.
Contact Us