FNMEC 2026: Getting a Head Start on My Dreams

The 2026 FUTURE NOW Media and Entertainment conference was undoubtedly a life-changing experience for me as an aspiring creative. On day one, I entered the event lobby, unsure of what my future held, knowing only that I wanted to create meaningful media with powerful people. On the third day, I left my last media tour knowing that with enough hard work, I would find my place in the industry. 

I’m grateful to have discovered the conference through my school, Williams College, and its career center. I was hesitant, knowing I would have to make the trek from my home in Las Vegas, Nevada, all the way to New York City, but when I met with FUTURE NOW Founder Peggy Kim, she assured me it was possible and that I should not let any obstacles keep me from this opportunity. 

After having attended the conference, I now understand how right she was. Her encouragement and advice to seize the opportunity inspired me. With the help of funding from my school and the travel stipend that FUTURE NOW provides, I was able to travel to New York City with my mom, something we hardly ever have the chance to do. 

Contents of the conference aside, it was incredibly refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded students and mentors. I learned something from every conversation I had. Even being in New York City inspired me as I began to truly imagine a world for myself after graduation. The environment of the conference alone was incredible, and the best and most valuable part of the three days to me was the speed mentoring sessions. 

Before learning about FUTURE NOW, I knew no one in the industry. I had no connections and no means of getting them. During the speed mentoring sessions, I was able to speak directly to professionals who work at Paramount, AMC, and NBC. I went from having no network to a plentiful one. 

I learned about jobs I had never heard of before. My LinkedIn went from deserted to desirable. I was pleasantly surprised at how accessible the mentors were and how eager they were to help me and all of the other attendees. Their help extended further into day two, where I learned so much from each of the panels. Seeing students who were in my position only one or two years earlier moderate a discussion with influential people in the industry was so encouraging. 

I learned about what recruiters are looking for and what my resume should look like, especially in the ever-changing world of AI. I learned about the NBC Page Program, and now I am planning to apply after my senior year. I was even given a tour of NBC Studios, where they film SNL and Seth Meyers. I left that tour feeling inspired to become a writer and work in 30 Rock one day. 

After just a short, three-day experience, I feel like I have a head start on my dreams. The FUTURE NOW conference helped me understand my worth, and it levels the playing field for students like myself around the country.