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PROGRAMS & EVENTS

SPEED MENTORING EVENT

Connect with mentors from the media industry.

Are you looking for guidance from a mentor to help you break into the media and entertainment industry? At this FUTURE NOW Speed Mentoring event, you’ll sit down with executives and creative leaders in Content Creation, Content Strategy, Programming, Production Management, Marketing & Communications, Sales & Distribution, Business Strategy, AI and Technology, Documentary and Filmmaking, and Entrepreneurship.

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They’re here to share their stories, answer your questions, and give you the insider advice you need to launch your career. This is your chance to build connections, learn directly from the pros, and get inspired for what’s next.

This is an incredible opportunity to meet industry leaders and build your professional networks. Don't miss out. REGISTER NOW.
 

Agenda:

  • 12 :00p - 12:05p - Welcome and introductions

  • 12:05p - 12:25p - Speed Mentoring Round 1

  • 12:25p - 12:45p - Speed Mentoring Round 2

  • 12:45p - 12:55p - Group share

  • 12:55p - 1:00p - Wrap up
     

Please RSVP by November 16. Space is limited.

Nov 17, 12p - 1p ET
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MEET Diadra Wilson

Senior Director, Talent Connection, ESPN

SPECIAL IN-PERSON EVENT | Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus | Also Available via Zoom What makes someone stand out in a competitive job market? How do companies identify and develop future leaders? And what does it take to build a successful career in an industry that's constantly evolving? Join us for a special FUTURE NOW Leadership Talk featuring Diadra Wilson, Senior Director of Talent Connection at ESPN, a seasoned talent executive with nearly two decades of experience helping some of the world's most recognized brands attract exceptional talent, build high-performing teams, and develop future leaders. Throughout her career, Diadra has worked with global organizations including A+E Networks, Unilever, Viacom, Indeed, Louis Vuitton, and SYPartners, with experience spanning North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Her work sits at the intersection of people, business, and innovation, helping organizations connect talent strategy with business growth and creating opportunities for people to thrive. At ESPN, Diadra helps shape how the company attracts, engages, and develops its talent pipeline. With a unique perspective on what employers value and what it takes to succeed, she'll share insights from her career journey, leadership lessons, and practical advice for students and emerging professionals looking to make their mark in media, sports, and entertainment. What We'll Cover - Diadra's Career & Leadership Journey: Lessons from working with leading global brands, navigating different industries and cultures, and building a career with purpose. - Inside ESPN & the Business of Talent: How major media companies identify potential, build strong teams, and prepare for the future. - Getting Hired & Standing Out: What employers look for beyond a résumé, how to make a lasting impression, and ways to differentiate yourself. - Building Your Career & Professional Network: Developing meaningful relationships, strengthening your reputation, and positioning yourself for new opportunities. - Leading Through Change: The importance of adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning as technology and the media industry evolve. ______ If joining us in person at Long Island University (LIU), Brooklyn Campus Address: University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The event will take place at the LLC Building; you must be registered for the event to get through security at the gate entrance on Flatbush Avenue. Check-in will start at 4:30p; doors will open at 4:45p. The event will start promptly at 5:00p. Limited seats available. We will have a Q&A with the audience. Please bring your questions. Please RSVP by November 10. Space is limited.

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Nov 11, 5p - 6p ET
In person event

LEADERSHIP TALK

At FUTURE NOW, we believe in the power of mentorship and the vital role it can play in one's personal and professional growth and development, and we are thrilled to launch our third year of the FUTURE NOW Mentoring Program! 

MENTORING PROGRAM

At FUTURE NOW, we believe in the power of mentorship and the vital role it can play in one's personal and professional growth and development, and we are thrilled to launch the sixth year of the FUTURE NOW Mentoring Program! 

This program is open to FUTURE NOW alumni only, who have attended the FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference.  We select the top twenty (20) applicants for the nine-month-long program, which begins in September and concludes in May.  Each of the twenty (20) mentees are matched with a mentor from the industry, based on their mutual interests and goals. 

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​Applications for the 2026-2027 FUTURE NOW Mentoring Class are now closed.

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Check out this VIDEO and get inspired by RAVI GUNDLAPALLI, Founder & CEO of MentorCloud, who spoke at the 2019 FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference. 

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” 

— Denzel Washington

JOIN US

  • Hone your leadership, networking, and marketing skills

  • Gain valuable experience

  • Build your resume

  • Be recognized in front of industry leaders and your peers

  • Enjoy great perks and privileges!

BENEFITS

  • ​FREE access to 2027 FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference.   

  • Special recognition and call outs at the Conference 

  • Official Certificate as a FUTURE NOW Campus Ambassador

  • Industry exposure through Spotlight feature on YOU on FUTURE NOW's social media

  • Exclusive access to group mentoring session with the Founder & CEO of FUTURE NOW

  • FUTURE NOW Campus Ambassador on your RESUME

  • Official Recommendation on your LinkedIn profile

  • Top Recruiter will be honored and awarded a special prize.

Become a FUTURE NOW Campus Ambassador. Contact us at fnambassador@gmail.com

CAMPUS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

SPEED MENTORING Event

This event is open to STUDENTS and FUTURE NOW alumni ONLY.

Join us for this exciting SPEED MENTORING EVENT. You'll meet mentors from the industry, who are coming from different companies, career tracks and disciplines. Come prepared to ask questions and make meaningful connections.

Get insights and guidance from industry mentors
Register
January 22, 12p - 1p ET

This is an incredible opportunity to meet industry leaders and build your professional networks. Don't miss out. REGISTER NOW.

Agenda:

  • 12 :00p - 12:05p - Welcome and introductions

  • 12:05p - 12:25p - Speed Mentoring Round 1

  • 12:25p - 12:45p - Speed Mentoring Round 2

  • 12:45p - 12:55p - Group share

  • 12:55p - 1:00p - Wrap up
    Please RSVP by Nov 10. Space is limited.

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