Women in Entertainment will host its eighth annual summit next month at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the organization announced Tuesday.
The daylong event will bring together prominent voices across film, television, media and technology for panels exploring key issues shaping the future of the entertainment industry, according to the organization.
Confirmed speakers for the 2025 summit on June 17 include Academy Award-winning actress and executive producer of “Matlock” Kathy Bates, “Matlock” showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, “Long Bright River” showrunner Nikki Toscano, CBS Studios/NAACP Production Venture president Sheila Ducksworth and STARZ Networks president Alison Hoffman.
Other featured participants include Lisa Taddeo, creator and executive producer of “Three Women,” and Ashley Williams, founder of Hallmark’s Make Her Mark Women’s Directing Program.
“Creating spaces for women to share knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and support each other is at the heart of what we do, all year round,” Renee Rossi, co-founder of Women in Entertainment, said in a statement.
“As the entertainment landscape evolves with new technologies, rising competition, and growing audience expectations, sharing information, challenges, and triumphs, as one community, becomes more vital than ever. Whether in front of or behind the camera, we’re here to empower women and help them thrive.”
The organization said this year’s programming will address topics including content economics, niche platforms, shifting genre trends and how emerging technology is transforming storytelling and audience engagement.
Co-founded in 2015 by Rossi and Gretchen McCourt, Women in Entertainment is a nonprofit that aims to foster meaningful dialogue, networking and mentorship opportunities for women working in or aspiring to work in entertainment.