A Special Fireside Chat 🔥

With Tracy Pitcher and Michelle L. Rice

The Signature Awards Luncheon | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Cipriani 42nd St NYC

Innovation and leadership take center stage at the 2026 Signature Awards Luncheon! We look forward to seeing you at Cipriani 42nd St on Tuesday, May 12, featuring a fireside chat with The WICT Network's new President & CEO, Tracy Pitcher, and Global Board Chair, Michelle L. Rice.

Beyond the fireside chat, we are thrilled to spotlight an extraordinary cohort of leaders. Scroll down to see the 2026 Women of the Year and Women to Watch honorees, the powerhouse individuals transforming our industry and inspiring the next generation.

The 2026 Women of the Year & Women to Watch Honorees

We hope you'll join us in NYC! For more information, please contact Cindy Key at ckey@wict.org. 

The 2026 Leadership Conference

Monday-Wednesday, October 5-7, 2026 

The New York Hilton Midtown

The WICT Network invites you to a fully immersive experience designed for the modern leader. The 2026 Leadership Conference is your launchpad for breakthrough growth.

Future Ready: Learn. Lead. Grow.

The industry is moving fast and the most successful leaders stay curious and connected. We are bringing you bold conversations and practical insights across media, entertainment, technology and adjacent sectors. This is a professional development experience unlike any other.

Experience the energy:

• Inspirational keynotes from industry icons.
• 60+ subject matter experts and career coaches featured throughout the conference.
• Breakouts focused on AI, emerging trends and real-world application.
• Dynamic B2B networking that builds lasting momentum.

Get ready to be inspired, challenged and empowered. The future is calling.

Educational Tracks That Shape the Experience

At the heart of our conference are three high‑impact breakout tracks designed to guide your journey, giving you the tools and insights to lead what’s next.

• Learn – Stay ahead of what’s next. Explore AI, emerging technologies and the trends shaping media, entertainment and tech while building practical skills you can apply immediately.
• Lead – Offer clear, impactful guidance. Strengthen your strategic thinking, executive presence and ability to influence across teams and organizations.
• Grow – Own your next move. Gain tools to advance your career, expand your network and increase your impact within your organization.

RETURNING CONFERENCE FAVORITES

This year’s program also features the sessions attendees return for year after year:

• Profiles of Champions – How top athletes harness endurance, adaptability and focus to thrive under pressure
• Pearls of Wisdom – Insightful stories and lessons from powerhouse leaders
• Leadership Roundtables – Interactive, peer-driven conversations on critical competencies
• Micro Sessions – Fast, focused 15-minute talks on timely topics

Registration

For a limited time, save $100 on registration by signing up today!

Member rate: $2,395 

Nonmember rate: $2,725

All prices reflect early bird discounts. Non-member rates include membership through year-end for eligible leaders.

Accommodations

New York Hilton Midtown

1335 6th Ave

New York, New York 10019

212-586-7000

The WICT Network has reserved a block of rooms at the New York Hilton Midtown. Rates start at $389/night (plus tax, while supplies last). To reserve your room, click the link below or call 212-586-7000 and ask for the WICT Leadership Conference room block. Make your reservation by Sunday, September 13, to receive preferred rates while they last.

Reserve your room today >>

Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.

You have the track record. Now it’s about the signature you leave on your work. The difference between managing a process and commanding a room. Between reacting to a crisis and leading through one with steadiness and intention.

The Executive Development Series (EDS) provides the strategic edge required for this shift. You can choose to sharpen your outward influence through Executive Presence & Influence, or ground your internal leadership style through The Adaptive & Authentic Leader. Both programs move beyond theory to give you the specific blueprints needed to bridge the gap between where you are and where you intend to go.

Space is limited and registration closes soon. Discover more about each program below, choose your path and secure your spot today.

Discover more about each program below. 

May 13–15, 2026 | Washington, DC

The Adaptive & Authentic Leader strengthens the inner and outer capacities high performers need to stay steady amid ambiguity and to guide individuals, teams and systems through change.

When the stakes are high, frameworks only go so far. Through this experience, you will sharpen your strategic judgment and gain the tools to mobilize stakeholders and make confident decisions when there is no clear playbook.

Focus: Strategic judgment, stakeholder mobilization and agile decision-making.

The Result: The steady hand and clear-eyed perspective required for high-level leadership. 

May 13–14, 2026 | Washington, DC

Executive Presence & Influence equips leaders with the power to own the room, win trust and lead the way.

In media and tech, credibility is often decided in seconds. This program uses rehearsal and real-time feedback to help you hit the Confident Casual® target: authority that feels approachable and poise that works in person or on screen.

Focus: High-visibility communication, the mechanics of influence and "7-11" leadership branding.



The Result: A clear, credible presence that inspires confidence and increases your visibility.

Location

The Dupont Circle

1500 New Hampshire Ave NW

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 483-6000

*We have a small number of rooms on hold should you require a room reservation. The rate is $299 plus taxes and fees ($346.69).

The Rising Leaders Program

Accelerate Your Leadership Path

November 16-20 | Alexandria, VA

APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MAY 8

Not everyone who is ready for the executive level gets there — preparation makes the difference.

The WICT Network’s Rising Leaders Program (RLP) serves as a transformative experience for emerging professionals who are ready to accelerate toward executive excellence. This week-long program moves beyond standard lectures to focus on leadership analysis and real-world case studies. It is a dedicated space to sharpen your instincts and strengthen your strategic thinking alongside a curated cohort of industry peers.

What the Program Has to Offer

• Cultivate the skills necessary to lead high-performing teams
• Elevate your presence to influence outcomes at every level
• Apply diverse leadership styles through hands-on case studies
• Build a network through an immersive, week-long experience

Learning Objectives

• Social Styles
• The Six Elements of Leadership Model
• High-Performance Teams
• Executive Presence
• Politics, Power and Influence
• Strategic Thinking

Eligibility

• Manager or director level or equivalent
• 5 to 7 years of professional experience
• Company endorsement required

Application Details

• HR Approval Form due: Friday, April 24, 2026 
• Online Application due: Friday, May 8, 2026
• Application fee: $199

Program fee upon acceptance: $4,995 members | $5,220 non-members

For program or application questions, contact Megan Marksberry.

Registration is Open!

2026 Rising Leaders Programme International

One of the most powerful tools in a leader's kit is adaptability. The WICT Network brings the Rising Leaders Programme International to Amsterdam to help mid-career professionals gain exactly that.

Why attend?

Elevate your career through expert-led sessions, peer problem-solving and the development of a strategic leadership toolkit. Grounded in the Social Styles framework, you’ll gain practical insight into how different communication styles impact collaboration, decision-making and results. You will leave Amsterdam with the skills and versatility to navigate complex social styles and communicate with greater influence.

Curriculum & Faculty

The programme is facilitated by global faculty members Therese Miclot and Marie Holive of Proteus International. The curriculum focuses on the practical mechanics of effective leadership, including:

• Personal Management: Navigate internal mindset, self-talk and emotional intelligence.
• Interpersonal Dynamics: Apply the Social Styles model to recognize and adapt to different behavioral styles, improving collaboration and reducing friction.
• Strategic Communication: Refine the ability to influence teams and develop the executive presence necessary for higher-level leadership.
• Industry Context: Practical insights into emerging trends and the current business landscape.

Is This Programme Right for You?

This programme is designed for professionals who have established a foundation in management and are looking for a way to level up. It is best suited for:

• Mid-career managers or directors (typically 4–8 years of experience) seeking to expand their toolkit.
• High-potential leaders preparing for increased responsibility within their organisations.
• Practical learners looking for actionable strategies to improve influence and communication.

Next Steps

• Fill out the registration form.
• Send your completed form to events@wict.org.

Questions?

For more information regarding the curriculum or logistics, please contact Megan Marksberry, VP, Programme Administration, The WICT Network.

Join a community of high-potential leaders dedicated to refining their skills and expanding their industry context.

The Senior Executive Summit

Wednesday-Thursday, June 3-4, 2026

VIRTUAL

Join us at the Senior Executive Summit June 3-4!

The 2026 Senior Executive Summit, developed in collaboration with Stanford Graduate School of Business, is a focused, invitation-only program for a small group of senior leaders across two virtual half-days.

The Summit brings together what senior leaders need right now: strategic clarity on AI and a framework for action, sharper presence in the moments that matter most and an unfiltered view from Yvette Kanouff, whose career spans public company boards, technology investing and senior operating roles across two decades of industry transformation. All delivered through Stanford GSB faculty and world-class practitioners.

Eligibility Requirements 

• Candidate is among the highest-ranking leaders within their company.
• Candidate has at least 15 years of executive management experience.
• Candidate is Senior Vice President to C-suite title, or equivalency thereof.

Registration

Registration is on a first come, first served basis for this exclusive virtual experience. The member rate is $1,995 and the non-member rate is $2,325. We hope you will join us.

If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating, please contact Jessa Cooke at jcooke@wict.org or by phone at 202-827-4778, or register using the button below. 

Continue reading for the full program. 

Wednesday, June 3 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Robert Siegel, Lecturer in Management, Stanford GSB

Implementing AI: A Systems Perspective

As companies aggressively deploy AI tools and solutions, leaders must take a systems-wide view of how AI reshapes work, decision-making, talent and organizational design. This session explores the cross-pressures facing today’s business leaders as they implement AI at scale, including... read more

Michael Lepech, Professor & Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University

The AI Opportunity: Building Great Products, Services and Solutions

Most AI offerings will not fall short because the technology is weak. They will fall short because leaders chase novelty instead of designing for real customer need and business value. This session explores how to identify the right opportunities for AI and apply practical frameworks to create and launch products, services and solutions that matter. It will also... read more

Wednesday, June 3 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Melissa Jones Briggs, Lecturer in Organizational Behavior, Stanford GSB

Critical Moments: Executive Presence Under Pressure

In high-stakes moments, how leaders show up shapes how they are heard, trusted and followed. Drawing from acting, improvisation and social psychology, this interactive session explores how voice, body language and mindset shape leadership presence. Acting with power requires alignment between how leaders see themselves and how others experience them. Participants will... read more

Closing Conversation

In this closing conversation, Tracy Pitcher, President and CEO of The WICT Network, will interview Yvette Kanouff, Partner at JC2 Ventures and Emmy Award-winning technology pioneer, on what leadership looks like from a broader vantage point. With experience spanning public company boards, technology investing and senior operating roles, Yvette brings a rare perspective on how... read more

 Member-Only Benefit - Complimentary Webinars!  

Fierce Empathy: How to Lead from the Heart Without Finishing Last

Wednesday, May 20 | Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Join The Empathy Guy, Joseph Cope, as he dismantles the myth of empathy as a “soft skill” and reveals it as a courageous, strategic force in leadership. Through raw, often hilarious stories from the classroom and the front lines of real work, “fierce” empathy is revealed as a skill to be practiced without people pleasing, emotional exhaustion or losing authority. Participants leave with a practical framework they can use immediately to shift difficult conversations, strengthen accountability and address what’s really happening beneath the surface of their organizational culture.

By the end of the session, attendees will:

• Redefine empathy as a leadership skill that creates the conditions for individuals to recognize the value of change.
• Apply empathy and accountability together to lead with clarity and agency while reducing burnout and self-neglect.
• Discover how to use a structured conversation framework to identify sources of resistance, shift perspective, and improve communication and trust in the workplace.

SPEAKER

From Vision to Freedom – The WICT Network Summer Series

Leadership is a performance practice. It is staying grounded under pressure, focusing on what creates real value and sustaining momentum across a long year.

This four-part webinar series is led by Paragon Performance Evolution in partnership with The WICT Network and built as a practical framework. Join one session or follow the full arc. You will leave each webinar with a tool you can use immediately, then carry forward so you build real capability over time.

Series outline

May 14 | How Visualization Rewires the Brain for Performance

June 11 | 10X Mindset

July 9 | The Gap and The Gain

August 13 | The Freedom Formula 

*All sessions will be held from 11:00 AM ET – 12:00 PM ET

SPEAKERS

Click the photos above to read their bios. 

May 14 | How Visualization Rewires the Brain for Performance

Visualization is a powerful leadership tool that trains clarity, confidence and focus before high pressure moments happen. When leaders don’t define a clear future, the brain defaults to familiar patterns and autopilot reactions. This session combines simple neuroscience, emotional regulation and performance tools to help participants rehearse outcomes with intention, so they show up steadier, more grounded and more effective.

Participants learn:

• How the brain defaults under pressure and how to interrupt autopilot
• Why vivid mental rehearsal builds confidence and focus in real moments
• How emotion makes outcomes believable to the nervous system and strengthens follow through
• The VISUALIZATION method, a simple framework to rehearse success and act from a future ready state

June 11 | 10X Mindset

10X is not a number, it is a mindset shift. When leaders try to 2X results, the instinct is often to push harder, add more hours and apply more pressure, which creates complexity, fatigue and diminishing returns. 10X thinking works differently. It helps you identify the small set of actions, habits and relationships that already create the greatest value, then intentionally amplify those while redesigning or releasing what no longer serves the system.

Participants learn:

• How to map your current workload into high return, medium return and low return buckets
• How to choose one to three leverage moves that create outsized impact in the next 30 days
• How to build a stop doing list, a delegate list and a simplify list you can use immediately
• How to translate 10X thinking into a weekly plan with protected focus time and clear boundaries 

July 9 | The Gap and The Gain

Many high performers measure progress in a way that quietly drains momentum. Living in “the gap” means focusing on the ideal future that has not been reached yet, which can create constant pressure, dissatisfaction and burnout even amid success. This session shifts the reference point to “the gain” so leaders recognize progress already made while still holding high standards and forward ambition. The result is steadier motivation, greater confidence and sustained performance where progress becomes fuel, not friction.

Participants learn:

• How to run a five-minute gain review that restores confidence and reduces pressure
• How to set a progress scoreboard that tracks actions taken, not just outcomes
• How to use a simple reframe script when the gap mindset shows up mid-week
• How to convert your gain review into one clear priority and one next action for the week ahead 

August 13 | The Freedom Formula

Freedom is alignment and flow. It is consistently connecting time, energy and attention to what matters most so you operate as a creator rather than a reactor. In this session, leaders learn a simple operating system they can use immediately. Freedom in practice means regulating first, then taking action, protecting the few highest value activities that create outsized impact and building guardrails, so the calendar reflects priorities. Participants leave with a practical framework, including a 7-day Freedom Sprint, that helps them move from reaction to intentional design and strengthen clarity, flow and leadership presence in daily execution.

Participants learn:

• How to identify your top three priorities for the week, then translate them into calendar blocks
• How to design simple guardrails for meetings, focus time and response windows
• How to run a daily reset that regulates first, then moves you into intentional action
• How to complete the 7-day Freedom Sprint using daily prompts and a simple progress check

The WICT Network & The Ankler Join Forces

We’re proud to partner with The Ankler, one of the most influential voices covering the business of entertainment and media, reaching more than 135,000 subscribers across its newsletters and platforms.

Through this collaboration, The WICT Network and The Ankler work together to elevate thought leadership, spotlight industry innovation and expand visibility around key programs and initiatives throughout the year.

As an official media partner, The Ankler supports promotional visibility for initiatives including the Leadership Conference, Signature Awards Luncheon, Senior Executive Summit and emerging AI-focused programming.

The WICT Network & TVNewsCheck Join Forces

We’re proud to partner with TVNewsCheck, a leading industry publication reaching more than 27,000 opt-in newsletter subscribers across broadcast, cable, streaming and media technology.

Through this collaboration, The WICT Network and TVNewsCheck work together to elevate thought leadership, spotlight industry innovation and expand visibility around key programs and initiatives throughout the year.

As an official media partner, TVNewsCheck supports promotional visibility and opportunities for coverage of initiatives including the Leadership Conference, Signature Awards Luncheon, Senior Executive Summit and global AI-focused programming.

Member Spotlight: Valeria Sosa

The WICT Network: Southern California

Valeria Sosa

Live Broadcast Engineer

Netflix

Valeria Sosa’s career is a masterclass in resilience and technical precision. From her roots in Caracas to her current role at Netflix, she has become a definitive authority in IP broadcast technologies. Her work on global stages, including the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cups and record-breaking live streams, earned her a Sports Emmy and, most recently, the "Technology Women to Watch" award at TVNewsCheck’s 15th Annual Women in Technology Awards.

Beyond her technical feats with SMPTE 2110 workflows, Valeria is a vital pillar of The WICT Network: Southern California board and a recent graduate of our Rising Leaders Program. She remains a dedicated advocate for Latinos and women in M&E, ensuring that as she builds the future of live streaming, she is also building a more inclusive industry.

We are incredibly proud to spotlight Valeria and celebrate the impact she’s already made – we’re excited to see what she does next!

Inspired by Valeria's journey? Applications for the upcoming session of The Rising Leaders Program are now open. We invite you to follow in her footsteps and apply today to elevate your own leadership path.

Member Resources: Navigating Career Transitions

Managing a transition period can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. This month, we’re highlighting two key resources designed to help you sharpen your professional edge and stay connected with our community.

The Resume Reset: From Overlooked to In-Demand

Thursday, April 30 at 12:00 PM  ET | Virtual

Presented by The WICT Network: Greater Philadelphia and open to all members

If your resume isn’t opening doors the way it should, this session is for you. Join us to learn how strategic resume positioning can help your experience stand out in today’s hiring market. Registrants can submit their resumes in advance for a chance to have them featured as "real-time" examples of impactful tweaks.

• Speaker: Charnay Horton, Owner, Resume Addict
• Format: 30-minute presentation followed by a live Q&A.

Reduced Member Dues

We are committed to supporting our members during professional shifts. If you are currently in a career transition, you are eligible for $100 off Executive or Regular level renewal dues.

How to Apply: Simply reach out to our team at membership@wict.org.



Support a Peer: If you know a fellow member currently navigating a transition, please share this resource with them to ensure they stay connected.

Student Membership

Membership is free for eligible students

The WICT Network empowers students and young professionals to grow, connect and lead.

Who’s Eligible?

• Full-time students (12+ undergraduate or 6+ graduate credit hours)
• High school students

Student Member Benefits include:

• Free dues
• Free webinars and early-career programs
• Targeted content, mentoring and networking

Click here to learn more and join

The WICT Network Member App

Unlock the full potential of The WICT Network with our dedicated member app, available for download on all major mobile operating systems. Created to amplify the strength of our network, the app empowers members spanning the media, entertainment and technology sectors to connect more easily and meaningfully with their peers on a global scale.

The app has several features designed to help you easily form connections and make the most of your member benefits, including access to our Events & Registration, Webinars, Calendar, Groups and other Resources.

Follow @WICTHQ on social media (we’re active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram) for the latest news on workplace demographics, leadership development, productivity tips, programming updates, and impact and inclusion data.

Below are sample posts from LinkedIn. Make sure to follow us online for more valuable tips and updates.