Even Better the Second Time Around

If you’ve just attended the FUTURE NOW Media and Entertainment Conference for the first time, you should consider going again! My first year at FUTURE NOW was something I will never forget. It opened my eyes to an entirely new world. I learned about a variety of jobs I had never heard of and career paths I could take. I met kind and experienced people in the industry, offering their time and expertise, and connected with wonderful peers that I am still in contact with today. 

However, attending the conference was only the beginning of my involvement with FUTURE NOW: I attended workshops throughout the year and was selected for FUTURE NOW’s mentorship program. After the conference, you are eligible for the mentorship program. I applied and was accepted, and I had the privilege of spending 9 months being mentored by a top leader in the industry. As I became more involved in the FUTURE NOW community, I was compelled to come back for a second time. 

Students from Temple University at the 2025 FUTURE NOW Conference. Click to play video.

I clearly remember the anxiety and uncertainty I felt before and during my first FUTURE NOW Conference. I didn’t know what to expect. I was worried if I was wearing the right clothes and questioned if I would be able to connect with the professionals. This year was different. 

I arrived with clarity, confidence, and clear goals. I had done intentional research, reflected on where I’d grown, and felt a deep sense of belonging the moment I stepped back into those rooms. It was impactful to witness my growth. Because of everything I had learned over the past year through my deeper involvement with FUTURE NOW, the panels and speakers held new meaning. The confidence I had gained made me enter each room knowing I had something to contribute and that I deserved to be heard.

Last year, I built strong and meaningful connections with other students and attendees. This time, I had the confidence to connect with speakers and professionals as well. As I think back to how unsure I felt last year, I can see how far I’ve come, and I’m very proud of that. 

Attending the conference for a second time as a rising senior was especially beneficial to me. I asked more thoughtful and precise questions and could share clearer career goals that helped build stronger connections. It was particularly special to see familiar faces and see the growth my peers had made as well. Having the opportunity to reconnect with people from last year deepened my sense of community and purpose. 

I am grateful for all the ways in which FUTURE NOW has contributed to my professional and personal growth. If you’re debating whether to attend for a second time, I say do it! You’ll be surprised by how much more you’ll get out of it a second time around.