The WICT Network Pulse: September Issue | | |
Cory Gardner, newly appointed President & CEO of NCTA, is joining this all-star speaker lineup. His unique vision and expertise will elevate a session already brimming with powerful voices and inspiring stories.
Nothing compares to being in the right room at the right time. The Leadership Conference delivers inspiration that will carry you and your colleagues through the year ahead. From the opening session to the closing Pearls of Wisdom, see why this event is the #1 event of the year.
More about Pearls— Modeled after the famed TED Talks and sponsored by Charter Communications, Pearls of Wisdom is one of the most anticipated sessions of the Leadership Conference. Through quick-hitting talks, these leaders and visionaries will share lessons that encourage reflection, spark inspiration and expand perspectives.
Don’t miss this dynamic capstone experience. See below for the full panel!
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Cory Gardner
President & CEO
NCTA
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Maria E. Brennan, CAE
President & CEO
The WICT Network
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Dr. Marcia Dawkins
Researcher, Storyteller, Communicator
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Damaris Phillips
Chef, Creator & TV Personality
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Lindsay Shookus
Founder, Speaker, Business Coach & 7-time Emmy-winning Television Producer, SNL
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Registration
Member rate: $2,495
Non-member rate: $2,825
New to our community? The non-member rate includes membership through year-end—giving eligible leaders full access to member benefits beyond the event.
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Accommodations
New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 398-1900
The WICT Network has reserved a block of rooms at the New York Marriott Marquis. Rates start at $379/night (plus tax, while supplies last). To reserve your room, click the link below or call 212-398-1900 and ask for the Leadership Conference room block. Make your reservation by Wednesday, October 1, to receive preferred rates (based on availability).
Reserve your room today >>
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The Touchstones Luncheon
Monday, October 20, 2025
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Celebrate the power of progress at the Touchstones Luncheon, where the industry’s most influential voices unite to honor companies propelling the future of media, entertainment and technology.
Highlighted in this year’s program are the PAR Top Companies for Women to Work based on the most recent PAR survey data, the industry’s gold standard for evaluating workplace culture and impact. For the first time, The WICT Network will also spotlight the leading technology company based on the data: CSG Systems International.
The 2025 PAR Top Company Honorees are:
(in alpha order by company)
| | | Distribution Companies | Content Providers | | Cable One | AMC Networks, Inc. | | Charter Communications | NBCUniversal | | Comcast | REVOLT TV & Media | | Cox Communications | TV One, LLC | | Midco | Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. | | | |
Reserve your spot today—tickets and table sponsorships are available for this can’t-miss event.
Click here to add your name to the list of supporters, or reach out to Cindy Key at ckey@wict.org for details.
| | Need a sleeping room? Contact the New York Marriott Marquis to take advantage of WICT’s discounted rate of $379/night++ while supplies last. After Wednesday, October 1, room rates double, so don’t wait! Reserve your room now>>> | | |
From BMLI to BMGI: Keep Shaping What’s Next
November 18-20, 2025 | The Eaton Hotel | Washington, DC
Register Today!
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By graduating from the Besty Magness Leadership Institute, you proved your capacity to lead with strength, clarity and influence. Now, the Betsy Magness Graduate Institute (BMGI) pushes you further, challenging you to lead at the highest level, in an industry defined by constant disruption.
In collaboration with Paragon Performance Evolution, BMGI delivers an unflinching, hands-on experience that sharpens your edge, drives measurable results and equips you to future-proof your leadership. This is where the next generation of industry trailblazers step forward, not only to adapt to change, but to define it.
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BMGI Content Preview:
Evolving Ourselves, Our Relationships and Our Leadership:
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Evolving Ourselves: Strengthening self-awareness and personal leadership by cultivating calm, clarity and creativity under pressure.
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Evolving Our Relationships: Building and sustaining authentic, meaningful connections to enhance trust, collaboration and team dynamics.
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Evolving Our Leadership: Integrating program insights and crafting an actionable blueprint for leading with purpose, impact and resilience.
Agenda at a Glance:
DAY ONE
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Welcome Reception & Intention Setting
DAY TWO
7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 am: Welcome to BMGI
9:00 – 12:00 pm: Session One: Evolving Ourselves
12:00 – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 pm: Session Two: Evolving Our Relationships
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Key Takeaways & Check-Out
DAY THREE
8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast
9:30 – 12:30 pm: Session Three: Evolving Our Leadership
12:30 pm: Adjourn
*Agenda is subject to change
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Exclusive Coaching Opportunity—Expanded by Demand!
Complimentary 30-minute private coaching sessions with a Paragon Master Trainer are now available to the first 45 registrants (previously limited to 20). These one-on-one sessions are tailored to extend the program themes into your personal leadership practice, with a focus on:
- Resilience skills – Strengthen performance in the face of challenge
- Decision-making under pressure – Prepare, recover and adjust in adversity
- Active listening – Build trust and reduce conflict
- Energetic awareness– Recognize and respond to underlying signals
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Registration
Member rate: $1,950
Non-member rate: $2,280
Registration fee covers program costs including materials and daytime meals. Travel, hotel and dinners are the responsibility of participants.
Register now >>
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Accommodations
We’re excited to host BMGI 2025 at The Eaton Hotel — a space known for its thoughtfully designed interiors, holistic wellness programming and intentional design — all of which reflect BMGI’s focus on self-awareness, resilience and authentic leadership.
The WICT Network has reserved a block of rooms at preferred rates:
- Rates start at $329/night (plus tax, while supplies last)
- Call (202) 289-7600 and ask for the 2025 BMGI room block
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Reserve by Monday, October 27, 2025 to receive preferred rates
Reserve your room today >>
Guest rooms and rates are subject to availability.
The Eaton Hotel
1201 K St NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 289-7600
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The WICT Network’s Rising Leaders Program (RLP) is a premier professional development experience for managers and directors in media, entertainment and technology. Recognized across the industry, this experience serves as a powerful credential for those seeking to lead with impact and vision.
This week-long, immersive program goes far beyond traditional leadership training. Participants take part in in-depth leadership analysis, case study work and interactive sessions designed to build confidence and expand influence.
The curriculum delivers lasting value by helping you:
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Develop executive presence and strengthen your leadership voice
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Build and lead high-performing teams that thrive on trust and accountability
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Expand organizational impact through collaboration and strategic decision-making
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Navigate power and influence with confidence in complex environments
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Assess diverse leadership styles to adapt and inspire across teams
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Build alliances and networks that last well beyond the classroom
Backed by expert faculty and a cohort of equally driven peers, this program will equip you with the insight, skills and relationships to accelerate your career trajectory.
Admission is competitive — apply now to be part of the program!
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Manager or director level, or equivalent role
- 5 to 7 years of business experience with strong foundational management skills
- Demonstrated potential and desire for leadership and career advancement
- Endorsed by company to participate in the Rising Leaders Program
APPLICATION DEADLINES & DETAILS
This is a competitive, application-based program and all applicants must be approved by their companies to participate in this one-week course.
We recommend downloading the Word version of the 2026 RLP Application to draft your responses before submitting online. Please note: This document is intended solely as a planning tool — all applications must be submitted through our online system.
PROGRAM FEES
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The application fee for this program is $199. Should you be accepted to the program, the registration fee is $4,995/members; $5,220/non-members.
| For program or application questions, contact Megan Marksberry. | | |
Rising Leaders Programme International
Join us in London This December!
1–4 December | London Marriott Kensington
APPLY NOW
| | This isn’t another leadership seminar—it’s a transformative experience designed to change the way you communicate and lead. The WICT Network’s Rising Leaders Programme International returns to London this December, bringing together ambitious professionals at the manager or director level for growth, insight and connection. | | |
With expert facilitators Therese Miclot and Marie Holive leading the way, you’ll explore the competencies that fuel authentic leadership, from mastering mindset and emotional intelligence to unlocking the hidden power of intentional self-talk. The curriculum blends practical tools with thought-provoking conversations on industry trends, preparing you to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
Set at the London Marriott Hotel Kensington, this programme is your opportunity to step back, refocus, and step forward with renewed purpose and impact.
Explore the programme’s learning objectives!
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“Incredible programme which was so expertly delivered. Truly believe it will have such an impact on my career and personal development as a leader.”
– Rose Cantillon, Liberty Global
“This is an incredible programme. What sets this apart is the ability to translate theory into the reality of the day to day, in an honest, challenging and fun way. The programme shares incisive, thoughtful and challenging training.”
– Kate Mathews, Accenture
“If you are thinking about how to advance in your career this programme is invaluable. It was fun, insightful, educational and accessible. I recommend anyone who is thinking about how to better themselves run to this program.”
– Lindsay Donaghue, AMC Networks
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Complimentary Webinar
Beyond the Hashtag: #HispanicHeritageMonth – Shaping the Narrative: Hispanic Leaders in Media, Entertainment and Technology
Thursday, October 9, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern)
Register now>>>
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Across media, entertainment and technology, Hispanic leaders are making significant impacts that reflect the complexity, creativity and diversity of their communities. As content creation and innovation converge, their influence is redefining representation on screen, behind the scenes and across digital platforms.
In this powerful conversation, we will explore how Hispanic leaders are shaping the cultural narrative by challenging stereotypes, driving inclusion and leading with authenticity. From streaming giants to media and programming leaders, their voices are helping to build a more equitable and compelling future for all.
Whether you’re a content provider, technologist, executive or advocate, this session will offer inspiration and practical insights on how Hispanic voices are making their mark, and why it matters.
This virtual session is part of The WICT Network’s #BeyondTheHashtag Series. The series was established as part of our programming in the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, which ignited a global campaign concerning the obstacles women encounter routinely in their professional lives. The series has evolved to support additional causes and present real-world solutions to build more inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace cultures.
Panelists:
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Moderator: Fernanda Merodio, Director, Business Development, Netflix
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Maria Sanchez, SVP, Television Licensing, Paramount
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Maria Soares, SVP, Production Support & Enhancement, ESPN
| | Not a member? Don’t miss out — this webinar is open to everyone! Join us for this special opportunity, then take the next step and become a member to keep the learning going. | | Download The WICT Network Member App, Available on All Mobile Devices | | | | |
The WICT Network Member App
Unlock the full potential of The WICT Network with our cutting-edge member app, now 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 foster powerful connections 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 gender diversity in the workplace, leadership development and productivity tips, programming updates, and diversity, equity and inclusion data.
Below are sample posts from LinkedIn. Make sure to follow us online for more valuable tips and updates.
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