On June 5, 2025, ThinkLA brought together top minds in entertainment, marketing, and media for its annual Entertainment Brunch at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel. This year’s theme, “The New Era of Disruption,” set the tone for a powerful morning exploring the seismic shifts redefining how stories are told, talent is launched, and brands connect with audiences. Kicking off with opening remarks and spotlights from Samba TV and JustWatch, attendees were treated to a morning of bold ideas, industry expertise, and a little friendly competition with a trivia game hosted by Fandom.
The event’s three dynamic panels spotlighted the forces reshaping entertainment from every angle. First, “The Business of Diversity” unpacked how multicultural storytelling is not only driving representation but also delivering real commercial results. Leaders from TikTok, Sony Pictures, Disney, and the creative mind behind Reservation Dogs explored the power of cultural authenticity in building deeper audience engagement. Next, “The Business of Music” featured heavyweights from Capitol Records, UMG, and WME, who revealed how artist development has evolved — from nurturing talent to crafting fandoms and defining moments through strategic partnerships, compelling storytelling, and platform-savvy marketing. Finally, “Innovation in Marketing” tackled how marketers are navigating fragmentation and tech disruption. Experts from Samsung TV Plus, Sony Pictures, and Blizzard Entertainment, moderated by creator Matt "Supes" Ramos, emphasized blending traditional brand-building with digital-first, influencer-driven tactics.
The event wrapped with networking, espresso-fueled conversations courtesy of Doing Things, and celebratory giveaways from Samba TV, Tubi, JustWatch, and more. Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and brilliant speakers, ThinkLA’s Entertainment Brunch once again proved that in a world of disruption, connection and creativity remain our most powerful tools. As the lines between content, culture, and commerce continue to blur, one thing is clear — the future of entertainment will be shaped by those bold enough to rewrite the rules.
Photo Album
Speakers:
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
Presenting Sponsor
Spotlight Sponsor
Spotlight Sponsor
Espresso Cart Sponsor
Registration Sponsor
Exhibit Sponsor
Trivia Contest
Creative Sponsor
Music Partner
Meet our Committee Members
ThinkLA events are organized with the help of industry professionals. Many thanks to this committee:
Co-Chair: Joe Shields
Co-Chair: Sara Yazdani, Director, Media and Entertainment PR, Creativ Company
- Margee Anderson, SR. Director Buyer, Dev., Media.net
- Jason Costes, Creator Partnerships, United Talent Agency
- Stephanie Delgado, Sales Manager, LatiNation
- Jake Hay, Partner, PopShorts
- Jon Margolis, VP, Brand Partnerships, Atomsphere TV
- Allison Mellon, VP, Client Partnerships, Fandom
- Rory O'Connor, Vertical Team Lead, Media & Entertainment, TikTok
- Peter Reisner, Head of Industry, Culture and Entertainment, New York Times
- Gregg Rubin, Director, Business Strategy and Development, Goodway Group
- Richard Taw, CRO, Hollywood Branded
- Ashley Wandishin, Director, Social/Digital Strategy, Global, World Surf League
- Matt Weisbecker, CRO, My Code
- Matt Wolf, VP, Sales, Audigent
- Kim Lewis, SVP, Midwest and West Coast, Integrated Sales, BET
