The Digital Entertainment World (DEW) conference returns to bring back leaders, creators and brands in the digital space to discuss the most important changes and innovations.

This year’s theme is “The Power of Creativity and Influence” and there are a few marketing-focused panels you don’t want to miss. Unless otherwise noted, all panels on this list will take place at the Marina Del Rey Marriott—4100 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.

Monday, February 4


The Power of Creativity & Influence

This opening panel gets you warmed-up by discussing the importance of influencers and creators in digital entertainment and dissects the conference’s theme.

When: 10:15 a.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:

Clark Stacey—CEO and co-founder, Wildworks

Dan Weinstein—president and co-founder, Studio71

Chris M. Williams—CEO and founder, pocket.watch

Shelley Zimmerman—co-head, Awesomeness


Adapting To The Changing Distribution Landscape

Digital marketing strategies can be a gamble, with distribution platforms constantly changing. Also, lets not forget about pop-up blockers! Hear what’s worked and what hasn’t, I’m sure you’ll relate to their experiences.

When: 12:15 a.m.

Where: Promenade

Speakers:

Chris Borelli—VP of brand partnerships, IMGN Media

Andi Frieder—global head of industry, entertainment, Spotify

Katie Ioffe—director of marketing and digital strategies, Mattel

Robert Schefferine—VP production, ABC Entertainment Marketing, Disney ABC Television Group

Russell Schneider—head of sales and business development, 9GAG


Building Immersive Marketing Campaigns: A Fireside Chat With Universal Studios

It’s no secret Universal Pictures has extremely successful franchises. But how do they keep it going? The landscape has changed and tools like AR and VR have helped their campaigns. This fireside chat is moderated by Kimberlee Archer, head of developer marketing—AR/VR for Facebook.

When: 2:30 p.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:

Hilary Hoffman—executive vice president, global marketing, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Doug Neil—executive vice president marketing, Universal Pictures


Gen Z Essentials – How To Resonate With The Next Generation Of Cultural Influencers

Marketers are still trying to figure out how to best reach Gen Z. Charneski will share some insight based on research to help you better understand the demo.

When: 3:15 p.m.

Where: Pacific II

Speakers:

Jayne Charneski—founder, Front Row Insights and Strategy


How Games Are Transforming The Rest Of The Entertainment Industry 

Video games continue to grow and it’s going to impact all aspects of entertainment. Listen to how some companies are adapting.

When: 3:15 p.m.

Where: Pacific III

Speakers:

Carter Rogersprincipal analyst, SuperData, a Nielsen Company


The Evolution Of Brands, Content And Marketing

You hear it all the time, it’s about content, content, content. Panelists will show examples of how brands are creating engaging content and how it impacts consumers.

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Promenade

Speakers: 

Lisa Bilgrei—branded content expert, Google

Adam Hua—SVP of business development, CitizensNet, A Conde´ Nast Company

Folayo Lasaki—VP of marketing, SoulPancake

Tina Walsh—VP of content strategy, Tongal

Kat Jones—founder, Motiv PR


Influencer Marketing: Strategies For Success

Influencers are essential to digital advertising. However, it’s still ambiguous on how to best work with influencers and the legal rules. This panel will reveal effective influencer strategies and even touch on the issue of metrics.

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Pacific II

Speakers:

Phil Hickey—EVP brand and marketing, Seriously

Brittani Kagen—head of talent, Portal A

Kamiu Lee, CEO, Activate

Julia Moonves—VP of sales and business development, pocket.watch

Mia von Sadovsky—SVP/group strategic planning director, RPA

Allison Dollar—CEO, ITV Alliance


Expanding Music Festivals Through Live Streaming: Connecting Brands With Viewers Around The World

Video content is the focus of many brands, big and small. Music festivals are events many consumers want to be part of and video can be there only way to experience it.

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Malibu/Santa Monica

Speakers:

Kevin Chernett, EVP—global partnerships and content distribution, Live Nation

John Petrocelli—CEO, Bulldog Digital Media

Kim Owens—VP of strategy and operations, FestiFi

Chystine Villarreal—President, MIXhalo


Creators And Influencers Roundtable

Tips on how brands can more efficiently work with influencers for digital campaigns.

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: Pacific II

Speakers:

Wesley “Wuz Good” Armstrong—Influencer

Gabriela Bandy—Influencer

Nick Carreras—VP talent and brand strategy, Bent Pixels

Tess Finkle—founder and CEO, Metro

Kate Mcguire—talent manager, Fullscreen


Music As An Original Video Content Strategy

What are the best ways to advertise music in videos? What are consumers reacting to? These panelists will discuss what they believe is the future is and which strategies marketers should use.

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: Malibu/Santa Monica

Speakers:

Hisham Dahud—brand manager and digital strategist, Junkie XL, Desert Hearts, Poolside and more

Verena Papik—chief marketing officer, TuneMoji

David McTiernan—director of label relations, VEVO


The Future Of The Videos/TV/Movies Business

These top decision-makers will get into the monetization of video content across various platforms. It takes a lot of time and effort to create content and with all the devices and platforms consumers use, it can be tricky to know which steps to take.

When: 5:00 p.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:

Jesús Chavez—CEO, Vertical Networks

Ashley McCollum—general manager, Tasty

Ira Rubenstein—chief digital and marketing officer, PBS Digital


Tuesday, February 5


The Future Of Brands, Marketing And Entertainment

What’s in store for years to come? The presentations discuss two different tools for brands to stay ahead of the game: AI, omniculturalism and decentralized virtual marketplaces.

When: 9:40 a.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:

David Kulczar—senior product manager, IBM Watson Media

Linda Ong—chief culture officer, Civic Entertainment Group

William Quigley—CEO, Clearstone Ventures, OpSkins, and Wax


The Future Of Content Marketing

Traditional advertising is slowly becoming old news being replaced by digital. These panelists will show examples of brands retaining customers through relationships and relatable content.

When: 10:15 a.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:

Russell Arons—SVP and general manager, Machinima

Kym Nelson—SVP of client strategy west, Twitch

Tina Pukonen—head of entertainment strategy, Pinterest


Keynote Conversation With Facebook And Warner Media

Consumers have more control over what they watch and when. Facebook and Warner are leaders in the space, but even they have to adapt to the changes.

When: 10:15 a.m.

Where: Bayview Ballroom

Speakers:
Celiena Adcock—head of streaming, Facebook

Katie Soo—SVP, Warner Media


XR For Creative Storytelling 

Marketers are always trying to find ways to tell authentic, engaging stories. Parisi explains how XR can help in storytelling.

When: 11:45 a.m.

Where: Promenade

Speakers:

Tony Parisi—head of AR/VR ad innovation, Unity Technologies Inc


The Age Of Consumer-First Marketing: Bridging Content And Commerce

Looking at a consumer’s purchase decision can help marketers make more successful content to drive more sales.

When: 12:15 p.m.

Where: Promenade

Speakers:

Tom Bash—VP, product, ChefsFeed

Javon Frazier—EVP of strategy and business development, Studio71

Chang Kim—founder and CEO, Tapas Media

Jon Vlassopulos—CEO, Tribalist


Which Platform Is Right For You?

We all know there are many platforms to choose from, but it can be overwhelming to chose. What are the differences and what’s best for your brand? Let’s narrow it down.

When: 12:15 p.m.

Where: Pacific II

Speakers:
Eyal Baumel—CEO, Yoola

Max Levine—co-founder, MC Projects

Sephi Shapira—founder and CEO, Escapex


The Future of Esports: The Opportunity For Brands, Agencies And Marketers

Some brands have collaborated with esports, but what is working? This panel explains which activations have stood out and other opportunities for marketers jump in.

When: 12:15 p.m.

Where: Pacific III

Speakers:

Mike Lee—esports Agent, United Talent Agency

Marco Mereu—co-founder and CEO, Framerate

David Mok—director of developer partnerships, Skillz

Peter Trinh— managing director of international and independent film, ICM Partners


Using Immersive Marketing

This panel will reveal the in’s and out’s of immersive content formats. We all know VR, AR and 3D are used in marketing, but what are industry leaders seeing?

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Venice/Peninsula

Speakers:

Sarah Bachman—SVP of digital experiences lead, Horizon Media

Emily Rosen—associate creative director, BBH LA

Jason Steinberg—managing partner, Pretty Big Monster


The Intersection Of Cannabis And Brands

Cannabis is slowly becoming legal in various states across the US. How can cannabis marketers still be successful despite all the regulations?  How can we move on from the stigmas? These panelists discuss their experiences.

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Sierra

Speakers: 

Yvette McDowell—board member, CCIA, former Pasadena City prosecutor

Tracy Ryan,—founder and CEO, CannaKids

Curtis Stafford—founder and CEO, ZYRS Group

Jackie Subeck—CEO, Hey Jackpot!, Door Number Six


What’s Next In Experiential Marketing

Experiential marketing events can be quite a hit with consumers. The panelists talk about the various aspects that get audiences engaged before and after the event.

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: Promenade

Speakers: 

Karen Morgan—co-founder and creative director, Soma Innovation Lab

Chris Sumner—senior vice president of business development and strategy, Refinery29

Johanna Salazar—co-founder & chief media disrupter, Two Goats, Inc


Brands And Music

Brands and music have a partnership in order to connect with consumers, but are long-term or short-term deals better? This panel dives into current opportunities and future ones. Let’s discuss.

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: Malibu/Santa Monica

Speakers:

Samantha Fernandez,—senior director, AEG Global Partnerships