2025 Keynote Speakers

Building on a rich legacy of renowned speakers taking center stage, including Colleen Fahey Rush, Ryan Wyatt, Radha Subramanyam, Kenya Barris, Craig Moffet and more, Media Insights sources the truth tellers, forward thinkers and great minds of our industry so that we can gain from their knowledge and unique perspectives.

Ricky Strauss, Former Head of Global Marketing for Apple TV+, Former President, Content & Marketing for Disney+, Former President for Participant Media

Charting the Course of Media’s Next Wave

Embark on a journey through the dynamic world of media with Ricky Strauss, a 36-year veteran entertainment executive renowned for his leadership in global marketing strategies across major platforms. From his pivotal roles at Apple TV+, Hulu, Disney +, and beyond, Ricky has shaped the landscape of modern storytelling and audience engagement. Join us as he shares insights into his remarkable career—how he constantly reinvented himself, forged deep connections with audiences, and navigated the highs and lows of the industry. Discover first-hand the strategies that drove the success of iconic titles like "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Frozen," "The Avengers," and "Finding Dory" and gain exclusive perspectives on where media is headed next.

Taylor Cassidy, Viral Content Creator, Recipient of the Streamy Creator Award, Advocate for Inclusion & Representation, One of Teen Vogue’s “21 under 21”

Decoding Gen Z and Understanding What Inspires Them to Act

What drives Gen Z to engage and take action in today's digital world? Explore the insights of Taylor Cassidy, a viral content creator celebrated for her captivating storytelling and deep connection with Gen Z audiences. Through her acclaimed series like Fast Black History and Black Girl Magic Minute, Taylor sparks conversations that resonate across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As a correspondent on Nickelodeon’s Nick News and a host on Sirius XM's TikTok Radio Channel, she offers a unique perspective on the motivations behind Gen Z's engagement. Discover Cassidy's strategies for creating content that not only informs but also inspires meaningful dialogue and fosters audience interaction.

Fonz Morris, Lead Product Designer, Global Conversion & Monetization, Netflix

Designing with Awareness: Netflix's User Research Approach

Discover how Netflix’s Growth team uses data-driven strategies and innovative research to enhance user engagement and drive business success. Learn from real-world case studies and gain practical insights for user-centric design.

Laura Martin, CFA & CMT, Senior Entertainment & Internet Analyst, Needham & Company

Wall Street's View on the Future of Media

In this keynote session, Laura Martin will provide a deep dive into Wall Street's perspective on the media industry. She will share valuable insights into what investors are saying and what they care about when it comes to media companies. This session will cover key trends, financial metrics, and strategic priorities that drive investor decisions and influence the media landscape.

Matt Klein, Webby-Winning Writer and Insights 250's Top Voices in Market Research, Digital Anthropologist, Head of Global Foresight at Reddit, and Author of ZINE

Rethinking Trends, Brands & The Future of Community

Trends are trending, but do they actually represent the zeitgeist and reveal what's most important to consumers? The solution to trend-mania is "Foresight as Activism." Instead of corralling people to a brand's priority, we can support communities' existing goals and build preferred futures. This approach challenges the trend industry's often unhelpful insights and the backward-looking nature of market research, positioning winning brands to adopt a "build with, not for" strategy in cultural engagement.

Christian Kurz, Senior Vice President, Global Streaming Research & Insights, Paramount

525,600 minutes - How Do You Measure a Year?

Unpacking How Consumers Spend Their Precious Free Time

This research provides a comprehensive understanding of how consumers in 4 markets spend their time over the course of a year. Capturing all types of activities, from sleep to sex, this project explores consumer leisure time entertainment preferences to reveal how media (and streaming) fit into consumer’s lives. Looking closely at how age and life stage impact leisure time and media preferences, this study also reveals what consumers value most when it comes to their free time, as well as their top guilty pleasures!

Flora Kelly, Vice President, ESPN Research, ESPN

Charting The Future of Sports Fandom

This session explores the evolving landscape of sports fandom, focusing on how industry leaders from major league sports are reshaping fan engagement. The discussion will cover the latest trends, innovative strategies, and methods to enhance fan experiences and build stronger connections. Attendees will gain insights into the changing preferences and behaviors of sports fans, and the challenges and opportunities in sustaining fan loyalty in the digital age.

Michelle Auguste, Global Media Insights Team Leader, National Basketball Association

Charting The Future of Sports Fandom

Ben Valenta, Senior Vice President, Strategy, FOX Sports

Charting The Future of Sports Fandom

Jordan Brown, Director, Content Marketing, UFC

Charting The Future of Sports Fandom