Scaling Stories: Wharton Undergraduate Media and Entertainment Conference

The Undergraduate Media & Entertainment Conference (UME) brings together students across the University of Pennsylvania who are passionate about the future of media and entertainment. This year’s theme, Scaling Stories, explores how creativity, business strategy, and innovation shape the way stories are developed, produced, and shared with audiences worldwide.

Over the course of the day, attendees will gain insights from industry leaders representing top companies in technology, consulting, film, and television, including speakers from CAA, BCG, NBCUniversal, CBS and more. The conference will feature three panels and a keynote conversation, highlighting the evolution of the industry from multiple perspectives:

Future of Streaming - An inside look at how major networks are redefining distribution, competition, and consumer engagement.
Speakers:
- David Curley - Senior Manager of Streaming Growth Strategy at NBCU
- Amy Jo Smith - CEO and President at Digital Entertainment Group

AI in Entertainment - Exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, from generative AI in production to trends in media-tech.
- Neal Zuckerman - Managing Director, Partner and Chair of GIFT at BCG
- Kevin Dawe - Global Account Director of Media and Entertainment at Google
- Allison Goldberg - SVP and Managing Partner, Comcast Ventures and Startup Engagement

Production to Final Product - A behind-the-scenes view of how a project moves from concept to screen, featuring perspectives from writers, directors, producers, and agents.
- Katie Maloney - Alternative Television Agent at CAA
- Maria Zuckerman - Producer, Ex-President at Topic Studios and Ex-SVP at HBO
- Brandon Smith - Co-Founder and Executive Director at Queer Voices NYC

The day will conclude with two keynote speakers who will reflect on the broader future of storytelling in a rapidly changing media landscape.
- Mike Karz - Film and Television Producer at Gulfstream Pictures

With a mix of panels, networking breaks, and a final keynote, the conference is designed to give Penn undergraduates both a big-picture view of industry trends and a practical understanding of career pathways in media and entertainment.

Wharton Undergraduate Media and Entertainment Club | Website | View More Events

Contact the organizers