Variety's Entertainment and Technology Summit set for Sept. 17 will focus on the AI landscape, the importance of sticky content, and building fan communities. Leaders from major companies are expected to speak.
On September 17, 2026, Variety will host its annual Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles, aiming to address emerging trends in the entertainment sector, particularly the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), the pursuit of engaging content, and strategies for fostering fan communities. This announcement was reported by Variety on September 16, 2026.
Industry leaders from renowned companies such as Nintendo, EY, WPP, Comscore, TikTok, Spotify, and Sega are slated to participate, discussing how advancements in technology are reshaping business models in media and entertainment.
Javi Borges, global Americas media and entertainment sector leader at EY, emphasized the potential shift in consumer preferences, moving from event-driven to community-focused experiences. He noted that companies aim to transform consumers into loyal fans who regularly engage with their content. According to Borges, “The consumer is the fan,” highlighting the necessity for companies to prioritize strategies that enhance fan engagement through innovative distribution methods.
As media companies navigate the potential repercussions of AI-driven changes, Borges remarked on the historical context of rapid technological evolution. He cautioned that the current landscape mirrors previous tumultuous transitions, suggesting a period of adjustment as companies develop strategies to integrate AI responsibly into their creative processes.
The summit will also delve into broader economic concerns affecting the entertainment industry, including inflation pressures, rising energy costs, and market fluctuations. In a July report, MoffettNathanson Research analyst Robert Fishman identified the significance of consumer health in determining the success of media entities. As consumer spending declines amid economic uncertainty, companies like Disney and NBCUniversal face urgent calls to broaden their subscription offerings beyond traditional video content to include experiences tied to merchandise and theme parks.
Borges underlined this imperative for media companies to remain connected with their audiences, stating that creating compelling experiences is crucial for nurturing fan loyalty—a critical factor for ongoing economic viability, particularly in light of fluctuating consumer spending behavior.
As leaders such as Disney and NBCUniversal strive to intertwine their streaming services with other entertainment experiences, initiatives have rolled out that stress the importance of immersive consumer engagement. For instance, Disney+ and Peacock aim to serve as multifaceted platforms that not only deliver video content but also integrate other products and services, thereby creating a holistic ecosystem for fans.
The summit’s emphasis on community building aligns with broader market trends observed in subscription services, where platforms seek to leverage their intellectual property to deepen user connections and enhance the overall value proposition.
The convergence of AI and shifting consumer tastes presents both challenges and opportunities for the entertainment sector. As Borges noted, the rapid pace of technological progression could lead to substantial economic growth, provided that proper governance is established to ensure creative oversight over AI capabilities.
However, potential economic headwinds, including inflation and a declining savings rate, could hinder growth in the near term. Major industry players are thus urged to adapt quickly to these trends to safeguard their market positions.
As the Entertainment and Technology Summit approaches, the discussions slated for September 17 will likely serve as a pivotal moment for industry stakeholders to align on best practices for navigating the complex interplay between technology and audience engagement. The insights shared will not only illuminate current market challenges but also set the stage for strategic decisions aimed at sustaining long-term growth in an uncertain economic landscape.
For more updates, check out recent announcements, such as ESPN's subscription price increases and Blizzard Entertainment’s worker contracts.
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