Regional Summits Past Events

Culture & Entertainment Summit

Dec 12 • Hosted by Mastercard • New York

The lines between culture, commerce, and community have never been more blurred. Today’s most impactful brands don’t just market — they collaborate, co-create, and shape the cultural conversation. From women’s sports to the rise of creator-led storytelling, AI-driven innovation, and the convergence of entertainment and commerce, this summit explores how strategic partnerships are redefining influence. Taking place during one of the most pivotal moments of the year, as holiday campaigns and cultural moments reach their peak, this gathering brings together marketing leaders for a day of insights, inspiration, and connection at the intersection of creativity, culture, and business growth.

Friday, December 12, 2025

9:00am Breakfast & Registration
10:00am Welcome Remarks

Brandon Gutman, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Brand Innovators

Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Brand Innovators
10:10am Putting Fans in Pole Position: A Spotlight on Mastercard's McLaren Partnership

Pernilla Winberg Babtist, Executive Vice President, Global Sponsorships and Partnership Models, Mastercard

Moderated by: Lisa Oates, Senior Director of Client Partnerships, Paramount
10:35 AM Culture-First Marketing

Why aligning with culture and entertainment is now core to building brand equity.

Kathleen Braine, Chief Marketing Officer, 818 Spirits

Ashley Gill, VP, Brands and Content Marketing, North America, Mars

Moderated by: Anderson David, Brand Partnerships Lead, TeamSnap
11:05 AM Iconic Partnerships, Modern Playbooks: How Legacy Brands Stay Culturally Relevant

Alma Angeles-Parvaz, Vice President, Partnership Marketing, NASCAR

Nandini Sankara, VP Marketing and Brand Strategy, Spokesperson, Suburban Propane

Andrew Davidge, Founder, Vintage Electric Bikes

Chris Epple, Vice President Marketing; Consumer Audio, Harman International

Moderated by: Ross Krentzman, Senior Vice President of Sales, Intersection
11:40am Networking Break
12:00 PM The Future of Brand & Entertainment Partnerships

How brands are co-creating culture through strategic collaborations with creators, athletes, leagues, and entertainment properties.

Kimberly Hairston-Hicks, Chief Marketing Officer, Gold Bond – Consumer Healthcare, Sanofi

Olivia Kupfer, Global & U.S. Business Director, Mr Black, Diageo

Paul Mascali – Director of Marketing, Entertainment, Gaming & Creators, PepsiCo

Sara Mitzner, VP of Brand Marketing, AS Beauty Group

Moderated by: Jennifer Houston, Head of Sports Engagement, George P Johnson
12:30 PM Building Cultural Influence Through Creator-Led Audio

Bobby Finger, Co-Host, Who? Weekly

Lindsey Weber, Co-Host, Who? Weekly

Moderated by: Leah Reis-Dennis, Head of Podcasts, Audacy
1:00pm Lunch
2:00 PM Women’s Sports – The Next Frontier of Growth

The surge of investment, media coverage, and brand partnerships fueling women’s sports. What’s next for athletes, leagues, and sponsors?

Will Blake, VP, Head of Commercial Revenues,USA Lacrosse

Brian Remedi, Executive Vice President, Capelli Sport

Casey Romany, Director, Sports Marketing, PepsiCo

Jacob Rosen, NA Brand Manager (Team Sports), Oakley

Moderated by: Finola Austin, VP Creative & Client Startegy, Linqia
2:35 PM Building Brand Communities Through Partnership

Activating fandom in women’s sports to drive customer engagement and loyalty

Kirsty Beauchesne, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Connecticut Sun

Alison Giordano, Senior Vice President, Global Sponsorships & Consumer Marketing, Mastercard

Vanessa Taveras, Chief Partnerships Officer, Athletes Unlimited

Moderated by: Latoya Bennett-Johnson, VP, Global Sponsorships, Mastercard
3:05 PM Athlete Marketing in the New Era of Influence

From NIL to global superstars: how athletes are building brands and how marketers can partner authentically.

Angela Gruszka, VP of Marketing, CharityBuzz

Melissa Mash, CEO and Founder, Dagne Dover

Baldwin Cunningham, Director of Media and Partnerships, State Farm

Moderated by: Neil Messing, VP, Sports Sales, TelevisaUnivision
3:45pm Beyond the Post: The Future of Creator Partnerships

How brands are moving from simple sponsored posts to deeper, more authentic creator collaborations that drive real cultural and business impact.

Amanda Fraga, SVP, Global Marketing Strategy, Insights + Transformation, Mastercard

Omar Moore, Global Consumer Partnerships Lead, Paypal

Amber Wade, Senior Brand Marketing Specialist

Shannon Salzano, Executive Director Brand and Partnerships, Milk Bar

Moderated by: Finola Austin, VP Creative & Client Startegy, Linqia