New York, NY – August 13, 2026 – Today, global music authority Billboard announced its R&B Hip-Hop Live concert, a celebration of noteworthy and rising talent, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the iconic Brooklyn Steel in New York City. Sponsored by Rotation, the home of Hip-Hop and R&B on Amazon Music, this event is a centerpiece of Billboard’s R&B Hip-HopWeek and will feature electrifying performances by Lucky Daye, Yung Miami, and sets from the genre’s brightest rising stars: Destin Conrad, Samara Cyn, and Skippa.
Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Live tickets are available starting August 13, 2026 at 10am ET at the link HERE. Concertgoers who have downloaded and are signed into the Amazon Music app will be able to use an exclusive “Fast Entry Lane” onsite that allows them to skip to the front of the line. QR codes will also be available for those that do not have an account and wish to sign-up and utilize this perk.
“Billboard has always been at the epicenter of music and culture,” said Mike Van, CEO of Billboard. “As hip-hop, R&B and Caribbean music continue to shape culture around the world, we're committed to championing the emerging voices, generational artists and passionate fans driving these genres forward."
EVENT DETAILS:
- Event Name: Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Live
- Date: September 10, 2026, Doora at 8pm
- Location: Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn, NY
- Admission: Tickets on sale now HERE, show is 18+
For more updates on the concert lineup, activities, and ticket information, please visit https://live.billboard.com/rbhh
ABOUT BILLBOARD
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning more than a dozen countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious BillboardMusic Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and BillboardLive, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
ABOUT AMAZON MUSIC
Amazon Music is an immersive audio entertainment service that connects fans, artists, and creators through music, podcasts, and culture. Amazon Music brings fans closer to what they love, with curated and personalized playlists, artist livestreams, artist merch, and Amazon Exclusive podcasts. Prime members get access to over 100 million songs in shuffle mode, All-Access playlists, plus the largest catalog of top ad-free podcasts, included with their membership. Customers can subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited for full, on-demand access to 100 million songs in HD, a growing catalog of Ultra HD and Spatial audio, and one audiobook a month from the world’s largest selection of audiobooks from Audible. Anyone can listen to Amazon Music by downloading the free Amazon Music app, or wherever they listen to music including Alexa-enabled devices. Learn more at amazon.com/music.
Today, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) proudly announces Bernard Arnault as the recipient of the 2026 John B. Fairchild Honor, WWD’s highest distinction. The award will be presented live during the WWD Honors ceremony on October 27, 2026, in New York City.
Presented annually at the WWD Honors ceremony, the John B. Fairchild Honor recognizes individuals whose creativity, vision, and leadership have left an enduring impact on the global fashion industry. Named for WWD’s legendary publisher, the John B. Fairchild Honor celebrates transformative careers that have shaped fashion and business on a global scale. Past recipients include Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Leonard Lauder, Miuccia Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Brunello Cucinelli, Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti.
The WWD Honors event, a star-studded gathering in New York City, brings together the industry's leading executives, creatives, and changemakers for an evening honoring those whose work continues to define the future of fashion, beauty, and retail, culminating with the presentation of the John B. Fairchild Honor.
“WWD’s John B. Fairchild Award honors an industry-defining legacy, and few leaders have shaped global luxury on the scale of Bernard Arnault,” said Amanda Smith, CEO, Fairchild Media Group. “Presenting him with this recognition is a watershed moment not only for WWD, but for the global fashion community. It is a testament to the very definition of leadership and to an individual with the rare ability to redefine the boundaries of vision, scale, and craftsmanship.”
“I am honored to receive the John B. Fairchild Award," said Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. "I knew well and respected John and his approach to talking about creativity. He broadened WWD’s coverage to go beyond fashion into the people behind the business as well as expanding into beauty and culture, all areas that are important to LVMH.”
“Mr. Fairchild met scores of designers and executives throughout his legendary and groundbreaking career yet admired and spoke fondly of few, and one of those was Bernard Arnault. He lauded him of course for his business acumen but, above all, for his passion for creativity, one he shared with Mr. Fairchild.” said James Fallon, Chief Content Officer, Fairchild Media Group. “He would always talk excitedly about touring stores in Paris with him, and of course offering his honest and unfiltered opinions! It is an immense privilege to present this year’s WWD John B. Fairchild Honor to Mr. Arnault, one that I am sure would thrill Mr. Fairchild himself.”
"I am grateful to the teams at WWD for maintaining his legacy, for their ongoing support to our maisons and for keeping us informed and inspired,” Arnault added. “Thank you for giving me an honor bearing a legend’s name.”
WWD Honors is held in conjunction with the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit, taking place October 27-28, 2026.
The 2026 WWD Honors event is sponsored by Presenting Partner: Aily Labs. Event Partners also include Aetrex, Boston Consulting Group, Google, Katten, Pixel Moda, Saudi Fashion Commission and more to follow.
About WWD
Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) provides a balance of timely, credible business news and key fashion trends for leading retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, trend-makers, and global consumers. Founded in 1910 by Edmund Fairchild and helmed for over two decades by legendary publisher John B. Fairchild, WWD has been the daily media of record and the industry voice of authority for over 115 years. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation under Fairchild Media Group, WWD reaches a global audience of nearly 16 million+ every month across print, digital, mobile, video, social, and events, including the annual WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit and Global Summits in 3 international markets. As an increasingly complex marketplace heightens the need for information and competitive intelligence, WWD delivers spirited coverage with frequency, integrity, and a legacy of getting it right and getting it first.
Fresh off a history-making run that saw him earn a Guinness World Record at BST Hyde Park in London for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps, perform before a record-breaking crowd of nearly 70,000 fans, and complete sold-out I Am Back tours across North America and Europe, global superstar Pitbull is bringing his momentum to Billboard Latin Music Week 2026.
Today, Billboard, the global authority in music, announced that the GRAMMY® Award-winning global recording artist will join the 2026 edition of Billboard Latin Music Week. Taking place October 19–22, 2026, at the iconic Faena Forum Miami Beach, the event will once again serve as the industry’s premier gathering celebrating the power, influence, and future of Latin music and culture. Tickets are on sale now at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Armando Christian Pérez, globally known as Pitbull, is a GRAMMY Award-winning independent international superstar, entrepreneur, education ambassador, and motivational speaker whose influence extends far beyond music. Currently on his global I'm Back Tour with Lil Jon, Pitbull continues to captivate audiences around the world. With billions of audio streams and video views, hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, and a career that has redefined global crossover success, he remains one of the most influential artists in music.
Beyond the stage, Pitbull has built a thriving business portfolio as the founder of the Mr. 305 record label and Voli 305 Vodka, while also launching Globalization, his SiriusXM channel dedicated to global rhythmic hits. A passionate advocate for education, he co-founded SLAM! (Sports Leadership Arts Management), a nationally recognized tuition-free public charter school network that now serves more than 10,000 students across 14 campuses throughout the United States, empowering the next generation through innovative learning and leadership.
Recognized as the longest-running, highest-profile, and most influential gathering in the Latin music industry, Billboard Latin Music Week is hailed as the birthplace for some of the industry's biggest stars. The event features multiple days of can't-miss programming, including show-stopping performances, exclusive panels, interactive workshops, and curated showcases, bringing together leading artists, creators, and executives shaping the future of Latin music with fans across the globe, including:
Exclusive conversations with today's biggest Latin music stars and emerging voices.
Industry panels with leaders shaping the future of Latin entertainment.
Dynamic live performances and fan events.
Networking opportunities with top executives, artists, and tastemakers.
Additionally, this year’s lineup includes, Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Jessi Uribe, Kany García, Lola Indigo, Paola Jara, RaiNao, Rawayana, Ryan Castro, Trueno, and Zhamira, with additional talent to be revealed in the coming weeks., with many more to be revealed soon. Executives panelists include Nat Pastor, Tommy Mottola, and Victor Gonzalez, alongside many more industry leaders to be announced soon.
Billboard Latin Music Week has been the driving force behind the most impactful conversations and cultural moments across Latin music for over three decades, connecting generations of artists, industry leaders, and fans alike. Each year, the event continues to shape the future of the genre on a global stage, solidifying its place as one of the most influential celebrations in entertainment. Last year’s sold-out events brought together some of the biggest names in Latin music, featuring star-studded conversations with artists like Anuel AA, Carín León, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, Danny Ocean, DJ Khaled, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Emilia, Ivy Queen, Kali Uchis, Laura Pausini, Myke Towers, Ozuna, Rawayana, Tokischa, and many more. This year’s edition will once again spotlight the continued global rise and influence of Latin sounds and storytelling.
The 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week kicks off Monday, October 19th, 2026, with a packed week of programming that includes artist conversations, panels, live performances, hands-on workshops, brand activations, networking opportunities, and more.
Billboard Latin Music Week will coincide with the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking place in Miami on Thursday, October 22, and will broadcast live on Telemundo and Peacock. More details about the event to be announced soon.
For more information on Billboard Latin Music Week and the latest updates, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Sponsors include Harbourview Equity Partners, HYBE Latin America, Sonesta International Hotels, the official hotel sponsor of Billboard Latin Music Week, and Lincoln, the official auto partner of Billboard Latin Music Week.
Follow the event on social media:
Facebook: @Billboard and @BillboardLatin
X: @Billboard and @BillboardLatin
Instagram: @Billboard and @BillboardLatin
TikTok: @Billboard
Join the conversation: #BillboardLatinWeek
For sponsorship opportunities please reach out to:
Ed Stepankovsky: estepankovsky@billboard.com
Pam Sturchio: psturchio@billboard.com
Joe Maimone: joe.maimone@billboard.com
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ABOUT BILLBOARD:
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
ABOUT HARBOURVIEW EQUITY PARTNERS
HarbourView Equity Partners is an investment firm focused on opportunities to support content across the entertainment, sports, and media markets. The firm seeks businesses or assets powered by IP and investment opportunities that aim to build enduring asset value and returns. HarbourView has been extremely active since launching in 2021, amassing roughly $3.88 billion* in regulatory assets under management including over 70+ music catalogs to date and investments in various portfolio companies with management teams in its core industries. The firm's distinctly diverse music portfolio features thousands of titles spanning numerous genres, eras, and artists, amounting to a diversified catalog of ~41,000+ songs across both master recordings and publishing income streams. The company is headquartered in Newark, NJ.
ABOUT HYBE LATIN AMERICA
HYBE Latin America is the regional arm of HYBE, dedicated to amplifying the vibrant voices and diverse talents of Latin American artists on the global stage. Rooted in a deep appreciation for the region's cultural richness, HYBE Latin America blends traditional rhythms with cutting-edge artistry, creating a dynamic platform where innovation meets heritage.
Committed to empowering artists with creative autonomy and state-of-the-art resources, HYBE Latin America fosters a collaborative environment that transcends borders and unites fans worldwide. Through groundbreaking music, unforgettable live experiences, and meaningful cultural exchanges, HYBE Latin America redefines Latin music’s global identity, shaping the future of entertainment while celebrating the heart of the region.
ABOUT LINCOLN
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. For more information about Lincoln, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com.
ABOUT SONESTA:
Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in 11 countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta®, The James™, Classico Collection by Sonesta™, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises®; MOD Collection by Sonesta™, Sonesta Select®; Sonesta Essential®, Sonesta ES Suites®, Sonesta Simply Suites®, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta®; Signature Inn® by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta™ and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta™. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. Join now at sonesta.com/join-travel-pass. For more information about Sonesta visit Sonesta.com.
Today, global music authority Billboard announced additional artists for the lineup of the highly anticipated Billboard Country Live, taking place June 4-5, 2026 at Category 10 in Nashville. Building on the momentum of previously announced headliners The Red Clay Strays and Tucker Wetmore, the two-day event has added an elite roster of country music’s most exciting stars to the bill, including Chase Rice, Drew Baldridge, The Band Perry, Corey Kent and more.
On Thursday, June 4, reigning CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year, The Red Clay Strays, will take the stage alongside a powerhouse slate of newly added talent including Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, Lanie Gardner, The Band Perry, The Grimm, and Ty Myers. On Friday, June 5, ACM New Male Artist Of The Year Tucker Wetmore will perform with an impressive supporting lineup featuring Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West and Stella Lefty. Both days will feature a full slate of buzzy names and surprise guests throughout the celebration.
These showcase-style concerts will take place at Category 10 in Nashville, delivering an immersive live experience in the heart of downtown. Gibson—the iconic, Nashville-headquartered global instrument brand—will provide select gear, along with custom-wrapped guitars for onsite giveaways. Both days are free and open to the public; RSVP at live.billboard.com/country.
The week’s festivities officially kick off on Wednesday, June 3, with a rooftop gathering at Category 10 honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players. This premiere event recognizes the most influential executives and industry tastemakers shaping the trajectory of the genre today. Gibson will sponsor the evening’s “Icon” Award.
Billboard is proud to partner with Under Armour for this year’s events. As a Category Partner of Billboard Country Live, Under Armour will be integrated across key event touchpoints and fan-facing experiences, showcasing their latest product innovation, The Bouncy Tee, in partnership with a well-known country music star to be announced later this week.
ABOUT BILLBOARD
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
ABOUT CATEGORY 10
Inspired by Luke
Combs’ certified RIAA Diamond debut #1 hit, "Hurricane," Category 10 is an off-the-charts entertainment experience, bringing the best in live music, line dancing, food and spirits. Category 10 is owned and operated by Opry Entertainment Group, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP), and designed in partnership with design and innovation firm, Journey. The entertainment venue’s flagship location is found in Nashville, Tennessee. A second location is scheduled to open in Las Vegas, Nevada, in fall of 2026. A third location is scheduled to open at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk in late 2027. For the latest updates on Category 10 visit www.category10.com and social media including Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
ABOUT UNDER ARMOUR, INC.
Under Armour, Inc., based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a global performance brand committed to empowering athletes everywhere. Since 1996, the company has advanced how athletes train, compete, and recover through innovative apparel, footwear, and accessories. In partnership with elite athletes and game changers, Under Armour is shaping the future of sport and inspiring those who strive for more. Learn more at http://about.underarmour.com.
ABOUT GIBSON
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.
Today, Rolling Stone announces The Rolling Stone Residency, an exclusive series of intimate events at New York City’s iconic Cherry Lane Theatre, presented by Delta Air Lines, with premier access offered to Delta SkyMiles Members and Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card Members. Located in the heart of the West Village, the historic venue will play host to six unforgettable “secret” shows throughout 2026.
Each night at The Rolling Stone Residency is a journey into the heart of music, pairing live, acoustic performances with in-depth conversations led by a Rolling Stone editor. These exclusive events will spotlight the stories behind the songs, offering a never-before-seen side of the world’s brightest stars. With the artists revealed just weeks before each show, fans are in for a one-of-a-kind celebration of music and storytelling, where no two evenings will ever be the same.
“The Rolling Stone Residency is a true reflection of our core mission and legacy offering fans deeper experiences with artists,” said Julian Holguin, CEO of Rolling Stone. “Conversation and music have the power to connect people, and this series demonstrates the magic that happens when we collaborate with like-minded artists and partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for fans.”
“At Delta, we believe the most powerful connections are created through experiences that move people,” said Shannon Womack, Managing Director of Global Brand and Creative at Delta. “The Rolling Stone Residency reflects how SkyMiles Membership and partnerships with iconic brands like Rolling Stone unlock moments that bring people closer – to culture, to each other and to the things that inspire them.”
Residency Dates:
- June 11, 2026
- July 9, 2026
- September 22, 2026
- October 21, 2026
- November 12, 2026
- One additional date – to be announced in the coming weeks
Set in the legendary Cherry Lane Theatre, New York’s oldest continuously operating Off-Broadway venue, The Rolling Stone Residency continues Rolling Stone’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences that connect fans with the music and artists they love. Presented by Delta, a brand committed to connecting people to elevated experiences that inspire them, this collaboration offers SkyMiles Members and Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members exclusive access to some of the most intimate and exciting live music moments of the year.
How to Access Tickets:
Opportunities to attend The Rolling Stone Residency will be available to Rolling Stone Readers as well as for redemption through SkyMiles Experiences, Delta’s platform that gives its loyalty Members access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A limited number of tickets will be released ahead of each show and available for redemption using Delta miles. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members who redeem their miles for this experience will also have access to exclusive on-site perks, including a dining experience at Cherry Lane’s coveted Wild Cherry restaurant, and more
About Rolling Stone
Five decades since its founding, Rolling Stone today has evolved into a multi-platform content brand with unrivaled access and authority, reaching a global audience of over 60 million people per month. Staying true to its mission to tell exceptional stories that illuminate the culture of our times, Rolling Stone is an authority for music reviews, in-depth interviews, hard-hitting political commentary and award-winning journalism across print, digital, mobile, video, social and events. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation, Rolling Stone provides “all the news that fits.”
About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) uniquely connects the people, places and communities of the world through the power of flight. Guided by a people-first culture and a belief in the power of connection, Delta never stops looking for ways to elevate the customer experience – from exceptional service to innovative moments that bring people closer to what matters most. Through SkyMiles Membership and an industry-leading cobrand partnership with American Express, that commitment extends beyond travel, unlocking access to meaningful, culture-defining experiences. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta serves customers across a global network spanning six continents.
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.
For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.
About Cherry Lane Theater
As the oldest Off-Broadway theatre in New York City, the century-old Cherry Lane Theatre has long been a staple in New York’s cultural landscape. Acquired by A24 in 2023, the theatre has undergone a multi-year renovation and reopened in September 2025. Its programming includes theater, as well as comedy, music and film. A new addition to the theatre is Wild Cherry, the latest bar restaurant from Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, the team behind Frenchette, Le Rock, and Le Veau d’Or.
WWD will convene top executives, founders, and innovators across the global beauty industry for the 2026 WWD Beauty CEO Summit, taking place May 11–13 at The Breakers Palm Beach.
Under the theme, “The Innovation Imperative: Creating the Future of Commerce, Culture and Connectivity,” this year’s summit will examine how rapid advancements in science, technology and consumer behavior are reshaping the business of beauty.
“In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, leadership is defined by our ability to champion innovation, drive progress, and remove the barriers to creativity,” said Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group. “This year’s summit, anchored by the ‘Innovation Imperative’ theme, provides a vital platform for the beauty industry's most influential voices to engage at the highest level around the topics that will dictate not only where we go next, but how we get there. It’s an unparalleled gathering of the innovative leaders and ideas driving our collective businesses forward.”
“Beauty is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with forces inside and outside the industry fundamentally transforming how businesses operate and grow,” said Jenny B. Fine, Editor in Chief, Beauty Inc and Executive Editor, Beauty, WWD. “This year’s summit is about helping leaders make sense of that complexity—what’s driving change, where the opportunities are, and how to build businesses that are both agile and enduring.”
Confirmed speakers include Diane von Furstenberg, designer, philanthropist and author; William P. Lauder, Chair of The Estée Lauder Companies; Alexis Perakis-Valat, CEO of L’Oréal USA; Michelle Peluso, CEO of Revlon; Herrish Patel, President of Unilever USA; Nata Dvir, Chief Merchandising Officer of Macy’s; and Virginie Courtin, Managing Director of Clarins, alongside leading founders and emerging innovators across the beauty ecosystem.
The summit will also feature a keynote dinner conversation with Sam Yo, Peloton instructor and author of The Monk’s Mindset, out May 18, offering perspective on leadership, discipline and resilience in a time of rapid change.
The 2026 program will focus on three key areas:
- The Future of Beauty Commerce, including AI-powered retail, next-generation omnichannel strategies and the evolution of physical stores
- Breakthrough Science & Product Innovation, from biotech and the microbiome to sustainable formulation and neurocosmetics
- Culture, Community & Influence, examining how identity, creators and global perspectives are redefining brand relevance
The agenda brings together keynote conversations, executive panels and data-driven presentations, along with curated networking opportunities and interactive experiences designed to foster meaningful connection across the industry.
The 2026 WWD Beauty CEO Summit is supported by Presenting Partner Aily Labs; Premier Partner Traackr; and Amazon Beauty, Beauty Barrage, Boston Consulting Group, CEW, Circana, Cohere Beauty, Cosmoprof North America, CULT Capital, Estée Lauder, EvolveMKD, Front Row, Give Back Beauty, Glamsquad, GXO, ICR, Jefferies, J.P. Morgan, Market Defense, NielsenIQ, New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists, P&G Beauty, Perfect Corp, Personal Care Products Council, PIMS, Pre, Scentbird, Shipfusion, and YipitDate.
Registration and additional information are available HERE.
About WWD
Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) provides a balance of timely, credible business news and key fashion trends for leading retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, trend-makers, and global consumers. Founded in 1910 by Edmund Fairchild and helmed for over two decades by legendary publisher John B. Fairchild, WWD has been the daily media of record and the industry voice of authority for over 115 years. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation under Fairchild Media Group, WWD reaches a global audience of nearly 16 million+ every month across print, digital, mobile, video, social, and events, including the annual WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit and Global Summits in 3 international markets. As an increasingly complex marketplace heightens the need for information and competitive intelligence, WWD delivers spirited coverage with frequency, integrity, and a legacy of getting it right and getting it first.
Today, global music authority Billboard announced a partnership with BetterHelp, naming the world’s largest therapy platform as its first-ever Official Mental Health Partner. At the center of the partnership is the launch of “Like Minded,” a brand-new video series featuring unexpected artist pairings—whether from different decades, musical genres, or creative backgrounds—engaging in authentic, emotional conversations. Guided by BetterHelp’s clinical leaders and licensed therapists, the series kicked off with a special live panel featuring Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, Corinne Bailey Rae and R&B singer and songwriter Ravyn Lenae at the Billboard House during SXSW on Saturday, March 14.
The collaboration establishes a year-long platform dedicated to connecting music and mental health, aligning with key editorial moments and original storytelling throughout 2026. The pairings will explore their personal perspectives on mental health, sharing how their struggles and the industry landscape have evolved across different eras, genres, and stages of their careers.
The live conversation was hosted by BetterHelp’s Vice President of Clinical Quality and Innovation, Russell DuBois, PhD, joined by Billboard’s Delisa Shannon. The intimate discussion focused on how artists from different musical backgrounds and generations approach mental health, introducing audiences to the themes and format of the series by examining how they have overcome hardships and the options available for bettering mental health.
“If you do have people in your life...whether they’re in the family or whether they’re friends or a professional, I think it’s so useful to be able to let these feelings out in a real healthy way,” said Rae.
When reflecting on the pressures of keeping up with her own success and asking for help, Lenae shared her own positive experience with therapy over the past year, noting, "I definitely enjoyed having the ritual and just talking through my day to day. I think that’s something really special to do, especially if you feel like you’re getting something really good back.”
The series aims to provide viewers with a full scope of the human experience through the lens of music. Following the live preview, the first episode featuring Corinne Bailey Rae and Ravyn Lenae will officially launch on Billboard’s digital platforms later this March.
“Like Minded” will deliver a fresh creative approach to mental health conversations that keep audiences engaged and connected.
“Music has always been a powerful force for connection,” said Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer, Billboard. “We’re proud to partner with BetterHelp as our first-ever Official Mental Health Partner to create meaningful conversations around mental health that support artists, fans, and the broader creative community.”
“Music shapes culture and culture shapes how we talk about mental health,” said Sara Brooks, Chief Growth Officer at BetterHelp. “Through ‘Like Minded,’ the candid conversations we’re facilitating between high-profile artists and licensed therapists help underscore a simple truth: no matter who you are or how big your stage is, everyone needs support sometimes. We’re proud to partner with Billboard to help reduce stigma and further normalize therapy as a proactive, everyday form of care.”
Beyond the video series, Billboard and BetterHelp will collaborate on a dedicated digital hub that brings together all related content. The destination will feature episodes of “Like Minded,” expanded editorial coverage, and curated Billboard stories focused on mental health, creating an accessible, ongoing resource for audiences engaging with these conversations.
BetterHelp’s involvement in the music space is rooted in the belief that music and creative expression can open the door to important conversations about mental health. By meeting people where they are—whether at a festival or through their favorite artist’s story—BetterHelp continues its mission to make professional, affordable, and tailored therapy a convenient reality for everyone.
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ABOUT BILLBOARD
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, multi-platform storytelling, and world-class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning more than a dozen countries and published in over 10 languages. Billboard’s premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, connecting the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all corners of the globe.
ABOUT BETTERHELP
BetterHelp is the world’s largest online therapy platform, with a mission to make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Today, it provides professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format through a network of 30,000 qualified therapists globally. BetterHelp has helped millions of people worldwide take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. As the unmet need for mental health services persists, BetterHelp remains committed to expanding access to therapy globally and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care.
ABOUT CORINNE BAILEY RAE
British singer/songwriter/musician Corinne Bailey Rae first shot to stardom with her self-titled #1 debut album in 2006, featuring the global hits "Put Your Records On" and "Like A Star." Over the course of her career she has released four critically acclaimed studio albums — and earned two Grammy Awards, two MOBOS, two Mercury Music Prizes, and a BET Award for Best International Act. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mary J. Blige, Al Green, Herbie Hancock, Paul McCartney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Questlove, RZA, Stevie Wonder, Tracey Thorn, Pharrell, and many more. In 2026, Corinne will celebrate 20 years in her career, a significant milestone that reflects her enduring impact and dedication. She currently resides in Leeds, England with her husband and two daughters.
ABOUT RAVYN LENAE
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ravyn Lenae has evolved from humble beginnings on the Southside of Chicago to the forefront of R&B and pop. Over the last decade, she has carefully crafted an incomparable sound by incorporating elements from house, synth-funk and more, with her signature style naturally evolving over the course of fan favorite EPs (Moon Shoes, Midnight Moonlight and Crush) and full-length albums Hypnos and Bird’s Eye.
Following a run of standout singles and collaborations with the likes of Monte Booker, KAYTRANADA and Steve Lacy, Lenae joined forces with GRAMMY Award winner Dahi (Kendrick Lamar, SZA) to executive produce her sophomore LP Bird’s Eye in 2024. The album is highlighted by Lenae’s breakthrough smash single “Love Me Not” (co-penned by Anderson .Paak) which has gone on to amass well over one billion global streams, a career debut and peak of #5 so far on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, top 10 placement across Top 40 and Rhythmic radio and standout performances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The BET Awards 2025, The TODAY Show and more. Bird’s Eye, which also features collaborations with Childish Gambino and Ty Dolla $ign, has been met by further critical praise from the likes of Billboard, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and Pitchfork, the latter of which declared the collection to be “a genre-blending album that experiments within and beyond R&B—always guided by her expansive, cotton-candy soft soprano.”
A seasoned live performer, Lenae has toured on stages alongside Omar Apollo, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, as well as grace the stages of festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza and more.
WHAT: The 2026 WWD LA Beauty Forum will convene the creative forces and dealmakers shaping the next era of beauty. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, where culture, celebrity and commerce collide, the forum theme “Star Power: Innovation, Influence and the It Factor” will examine what truly translates into commercial success in the crowded, fast-evolving beauty marketplace. From Hollywood’s most influential makeup artists to executives steering M&A strategy, LAB will equip attendees with fresh perspective, actionable intelligence, and inspiration for the year ahead.
WHERE: 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
WHEN: Thursday,March 26, 2026
WHO:
* In Alphabetical Order
- Jill Biren, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, JB SKRUB
- Alexandra Carmody, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Front Row
- Donni Davy, Two-Time Emmy-Winning Makeup Artist & Founder, Half Magic Beauty
- Mario Dedivanovic, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Makeup by Mario
- Alix Earle, Social Media Personality & Entrepreneur
- Amy Errett, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Madison Reed
- Silvia Galfo, President, Luxe Division, L’Oreal USA
- Dr. Antony Nakhla, Founder, Eighth Day Skin
- Amanda Nusz, Senior Vice President, Essentials & Beauty Merchandising, Target
- Katherine Power, Founder, MERIT Beauty & Partner, Greycroft
- Julian Reis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SuperOrdinary
- Esther Song, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Rini
- Michael Toure, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Toure Capital
- Stefanie von Albert, Chief Assortment & Purchasing Officer, Douglas
- Katelyn Winker, Vice President, Digital Growth, Front Row
- Fei-Fei Zhang, Head of Beauty, North America, J.P Morgan Investment Banking
The WWD LA Beauty Forum is presented by Capsum, Front Row, Market Defense, and Robertet.
MORE: For more information andtickets, please visit https://www.events.wwd.com/labeautyforum2026.
About WWD
Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) provides a balance of timely, credible business news and key fashion trends for leading retailers, designers, manufacturers, marketers, financiers, Wall Street analysts, international moguls, media executives, ad agencies, trend-makers, and global consumers. Founded in 1910 by Edmund Fairchild and helmed for over two decades by legendary publisher John B.Fairchild, WWD has been the daily media of record and the industry voice of authority for over 115 years. Operated and published by Penske Media Corporation under Fairchild Media Group, WWD reaches a global audience of nearly 16 million+ every month across print, digital, mobile, video, social, and events, including the annual WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit and Global Summits in 3 international markets. As an increasingly complex marketplace heightens the need for information and competitive intelligence, WWD delivers spirited coverage with frequency, integrity, and a legacy of getting it right and getting it first.
PR Contact:
Penske Media / WWD
Abby Kalicka, akalicka@pmc.com
The award-winning SHE Media Co-Lab returns to SXSW® for its fourth year, convening leading voices across healthcare, media, and culture on March 14 and 15 at 612 W 4th Street for two days of programming centered on innovation, transformation, andconnection.
Confirmed speakers include Dr. Vonda Wright, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Constance Zimmer, Kate Bowler, Chaunté Lowe, Gabby Reece, Gretchen Rubin, Scott Galloway, and Robin Arzón, with additional speakers to beannounced.
“The SHE Media Co-Lab at SXSW was created to bring together the full ecosystem of women’s health, from doctors and researchers to patients and advocates, alongside the brands dedicated to serving them,” said Kristen Fairback,Chief Commercial Officer, SHE Media. “It is a creative, solutions-driven platform that fosters authentic engagement and strategic brand partnerships, where integrated experiences strengthen relationships between our mission-driven partners and the communities they serve.”
Sessions throughout the two-day event will address critical areas of health including longevity, hormone health, sexual wellness, radical self-advocacy, mental health, and healthcare access, igniting bold ideas and actionable change across every phase of life. The programming will also extend beyond the stage through curated activations including workout classes and a wellness-focused smoothie bar.
The SHE Media Co-Lab at SXSW is recognized for shaping the national conversation around women’s health and advancing solutions-driven dialogue.
Additional speakers and talent will beannounced in the coming weeks.
More information, including a list ofsponsors and the agenda for the 2026 SHEMedia Co-Lab at SXSW®, can be viewed at https://www.shemedia.com/sxsw-2026
Registration is free; to RSVP, visit https://shemedia.swoogo.com/smcolab26.
MEDIA RSVP IS REQUIRED. For press credentials to attend and coverthe SHE Media Co-Lab, please send a request to akalicka@pmc.com.
About SHE Media:
As a top 10 lifestyle media company reaching 74+ million monthly visitors, SHE Media focuses on the power of content and community to move our culture forward. SHE Media believes that media companies can and should be a force for good in the world. The company’s rich editorial ranges from health, food, and family to career and entertainment. SHE Media’s flagship brands, SheKnows, Flow Space, StyleCaster, and Soaps, produce award-winning lifestyle content and events that reflect the passion and purpose of the company. In addition to the flagship brands, the SHE Media Collective supports thousands of independent publishers and content creators with technology, education, and monetization opportunities to grow their businesses.
SHE Media has a longstanding commitment to the advancement of equity and inclusion through media. In 2021, SHE Media launched Meaningful Marketplaces enabling advertisersto buy media at scale from a community of women and minority-owned publishers, ensuring that independent media receives the economic support to thrive. SHE Media is also dedicated to advancing women’s health. In 2023, SHE Media launched Flow Space, an all-new digital and livemedia platform providing content, community, and commerce in service of women’s whole life health. Part of Penske Media Corporation (PMC), SHE Media is based in New York, with offices in Los Angeles. Follow SHE Media on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Los Angeles, CA – February 5, 2026 – Today, global music authority Billboard announced the return of its highly anticipated Women in Music event, celebrating the groundbreaking women who are shaping the future of music. Multi-Emmy Award-winning actress, producer, and music artist Keke Palmer will host the 2026 Billboard Women in Music—and take the stage for a special live performance—bringing her signature energy, talent, and star power to one of the industry’s most celebrated nights. The star-studded evening will take place April 29 at the iconic Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and will honor influential artists and cultural leaders with unforgettable performances, awards, and tributes.
Billboard Women in Music is an annual celebration honoring the groundbreaking women shaping the music industry today—spotlighting artists, executives, creators, and innovators who are driving culture forward. Over the years, the event has recognized some of the most influential names in music, including Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, SZA, Doja Cat, and more. “Women in Music is about recognizing success and possibility,” said Leila Cobo, Co-Chief Editorial Officer, Billboard. “For almost 20 years, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on women who are not only making great music but also transforming the industry.”
Keke Palmer is a multi-Emmy Award–winning actress, television host, singer-songwriter, producer, and New York Times bestselling author, recently honored with the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year. From her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee to her Emmy-winning turn as host of NBC’s Password and the release of her latest album Just Keke, Palmer has built a fearless, genre-defying career across film, television, and music.
“The 2026 Billboard Women in Music presented by Sonesta International Hotels honors artists who are not only shaping the sound of today, but charting what’s to come,” said Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer, Billboard. “This year’s honorees have bold vision, global influence, and artistic excellence across genres—and we’re especially thrilled to have Keke Palmer as our host,” Droppo continued. “Keke embodies the spirit of Women in Music: fearless, multifaceted, and deeply respected across entertainment and culture. She brings a vivacious energy, sharp perspective, and lovable authenticity that will make this year’s show truly special.”
The full list of honorees, performers, presenters and the coveted 2026 Billboard Woman of the Year title will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tables and tickets are available to purchase, please contact joe.maimone@billboard.com for additional information.
Billboard Women in Music 2026 is presented by Sonesta International Hotels. Additional sponsors for the event include Honda Stage, presenter of the Rising Star Award and more.
For sponsorship opportunities please contact estepankovsky@billboard.com and psturchio@billboard.com.
Follow Billboard on Social Media
Instagram: @billboard
X: @billboard
TikTok: @billboard
Facebook: @billboard
ABOUT BILLBOARD
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
ABOUT SONESTA
Sonesta is the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. according to Smith Travel Research (STR) with approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in 10 countries. Sonesta owns, manages and/or franchises under The Royal Sonesta®, The James™, Classico Collection by Sonesta™, Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises®; MOD Collection by Sonesta™, Sonesta Select®; Sonesta Essential®, Sonesta ES Suites®, Sonesta Simply Suites®, Red Lion Hotels, Inns & Suites by Sonesta®; Signature Inn® by Sonesta; Americas Best Value Inn by Sonesta™ and Canadas Best Value Inn by Sonesta™. Redefining hospitality through its award-winning Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, Sonesta offers guests the opportunity to earn and redeem points for unparalleled value and personalized experiences. Sonesta Travel Pass members receive the best rates, earn immediate points towards free nights, and accelerated status progression based on stays. Join now at sonesta.com/join-travel-pass. For more information about Sonesta visit Sonesta.com.
ABOUT HONDA STAGE
Honda Stage is the Honda brand’s flagship platform for music, culture, and emerging talent. Building on Honda’s deep foundation of celebrating breakthrough artists and their journeys of discovery as they pursue their dreams, Honda Stage offers exclusive content and live experiences where fans can delve deeper into what inspires these artists. From breakout moments to unique expressions of fashion, dance and music culture, Honda Stage showcases their creativity, passion, and drive to make it big.
Robb Report, the definitive global authority on luxury, has announced a strategic investment in Cygnet, the acclaimed Welsh gin brand founded by world-renowned classical singer Katherine Jenkins OBE and social impact artist and filmmaker Professor Andrew Levitas. This groundbreaking partnership brings together the iconic luxury brand and a visionary spirits brand to reshape the ultra-premium beverage market.
In the same way iconic spirits like Grey Goose and Don Julio 1942 redefined their categories, the brand is leading the charge in elevating the “premiumization” movement within both the gin segment and the wider spirits industry. Cygnet’s flagship product, Cygnet 22, features 22 botanicals, including manuka honey, resulting in an exceptionally smooth gin lauded for its versatility and quality across neat serves, cocktails, and more.
“Cygnet is an extraordinary brand that blends innovation, artistry, and sustainability resulting in a timeless luxury spirit,” said Luke Bahrenburg, CEO of Robb Report. “Robb Report and Cygnet’s shared vision and pursuit of excellence and innovation are truly unique. We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional gin to discerning consumers worldwide across our platforms.”
"Cygnet’s ambition is to redefine the gin category creating value by pioneering its ultra-premium and prestige segment white space while elevating the luxury spirits landscape through uncompromising quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Rooted in founder Katherine Jenkins’ dedication to excellence, the brand reflects the same high standards she applies to her music and life,” said Matteo Fantacchiotti, Partner & Chairman, Cygnet. “Robb Report’s investment represents a groundbreaking partnership as its unmatched reach and influence provide a powerful platform to enhance consumer engagement and establish Cygnet as a leader in luxury spirits. Additionally, in today’s spirits landscape I believe this investment marks not only a major milestone for us at Cygnet but also a very positive event in the evolution of the luxury spirits industry as a whole."
Today, the Cygnet portfolio includes luxurious offerings such as Cygnet 22, the Welsh whisky barrel-aged Cygnet 77, and the ultra-premium yet accessible Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin. Since inception, Cygnet has collected an unprecedented haul of prestigious accolades in the ultra-premium category including Luxury Masters Awards for both Cygnet 22 and 77. The launch of Cygnet Infinity in December 2025, a non-alcoholic spirit crafted for elevated social experiences, reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity.
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About Robb Report
Robb Report is the global voice of real luxury, with its fingers on the pulse of the latest superlative products and experiences that today’s modern consumers seek. Robb Report attracts a discerning audience with a shared appreciation and desire for quality, artisanship, heritage, fine design, and exclusivity – core elements that define true luxury. Widely regarded as the single most influential journal of living life to the fullest, with 21 international editions across the globe, Robb Report features content from the world’s foremost experts covering every luxury category and passion.
About Cygnet
Founded by Katherine Jenkins OBE and Professor Andrew Levitas, Cygnet is a luxury gin brand dedicated to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Proudly made in Wales near Jenkins’ childhood home at the historic Copperworks Distillery in Swansea, Cygnet’s award-winning products elevate the standard for ultra-premium spirits, blending superior craftsmanship with a bold vision for modern luxury consumption. In November 2024, Matteo Fantacchiotti, a luxury spirits industry veteran and former Campari group CEO, joined Cygnet as Partner and Chairman.
Today, Indiewire, the definitive outlet for creative independence in film and TV, announced the promotion and the expanded scope of five leaders across its editorial and publishing teams, including Kate Erbland, Jason Gonzalez, Christian Blauvelt, Chris O’Falt and Tony Maglio, effective immediately. These promotions punctuate IndieWire's evolution and continued growth across the board.
“These promotions reflect both the hard work of our team and the evolving needs of IndieWire,” said Dana Harris-Bridson, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief. “Kate and Christian have proved to be invaluable leaders, and Tony’s perspective brings new focus to our news team. I welcome Chris’s new focus on AI in addition to his work on the Toolkit podcast.”
“Jason has been instrumental in IndieWire’s record revenue growth,” said James Israel, Senior Vice President and Publisher. “His deep understanding of our entertainment partners’ needs, along with a smart passion for film and TV, has allowed us to continue to expand our awards business."
New positions and expanded responsibilities include:
- Kate Erbland is promoted to Editorial Director. Erbland will oversee the brand’s film, TV, crafts, and awards teams and lead the rollout of all original stories, including features, interviews, and reviews. Erbland joined IndieWire in 2015 and is a member of the New York Film Critics Circle and the Critics' Choice Awards.
- Jason Gonazlez is promoted to Associate Publisher, Vice President. Formerly VP, Special Projects & Partnerships, Gonzalez led the successful launch and growth of IndieWire’s branded/sponsored content business. He will continue to oversee both sponsored and branded content initiatives and spearhead growth across all revenue verticals.
- Christian Blauvelt is promoted to Digital Director. He will oversee the curation and social media teams and serve as IndieWire’s primary editorial liaison for product, licensing, and sales. Blauvelt joined IndieWire in 2018 and is the author of “Hollywood Victory,” about the film industry’s role in WWII.
- Chris O’Falt is promoted to Vice President of Features Strategy. O’Falt will lead creator-focused coverage, with an eye toward AI and labor developments, and oversee expansion of editorial franchises. Formerly Executive Editor of Craft & Special Projects, he oversaw the expansion of craft coverage and launched award-winning video franchises Craft Considerations and Deep Dive.
- Tony Maglio is promoted to Executive Editor of News. Formerly IndieWire's Executive Editor of Business, Maglio, will expand his oversight to include all News content. Maglio is a former finance and accounting professional, comedy writer, and TV Editor at The Wrap.
About IndieWire:
For over 25 years, IndieWire has been covering the business and art of entertainment. With the respect of film and TV creators, executives, and passionate fans alike, IndieWire is known for being ahead of the curve with a unique editorial voice that combines in-depth industry reporting and analysis, breaking news, and its best-in-class Oscars, Emmys, and crafts coverage. IndieWire began in July 1996 as an online chat room and evolved to become one of the earliest online entertainment news outlets. As IndieWire grew, its coverage expanded beyond film festivals and the independent film industry to include all aspects of Hollywood and the expanding universes of TV and streaming and has continued to do so since being acquired by Penske Media Corporation in 2016.
Today, Luminate, the global entertainment data and insights provider, has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024.
This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. These organizations are setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 606 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.
Speaking on the news, Luminate CEO Rob Jonas said, “Over the past twelve months, Luminate has achieved a myriad of wins as we continue to grow and evolve our capabilities as the most trusted data and insights provider for the entertainment industry. The Beta launch of our new platform in the spring unveiled an intuitive new user experience that provides customers with the ability to extract more in-depth, expert-level insights than ever before. It marked a new chapter in our mission of building a reliable, centralized data hub across music, film, television, SVOD and more. That launch was followed by the introduction of key new offerings, including the Streaming Viewership (M) product, which measures minutes watched of original streaming TV series and films and our global music streaming data, inclusive of music engagement metrics from 50 different countries. Most recently, we acquired Quansic, a disruptive provider of music metadata solutions to improve our capabilities in this area. I am grateful to Fast Company for recognizing the exceptional work of the entire Luminate team.”
Luminate exists at the intersection of technology, media and culture, and serves as the entertainment industry's most trusted data partner. The company provides authoritative global data and insights across music, film and TV, managing more than 20 trillion data points that come verified from over 500 data partners. In addition to compiling the iconic Billboard Charts each week and confronting problems of data asymmetry in the film & TV SVOD industry, the company maintains an expansive set of diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability metadata for Hollywood and provides audience research insights internationally.
The World's Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company's hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year.
Fast Company's editors and writers identified the companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world. Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies package is available online, as well as in-app form via iTunes, and on newsstands beginning March 26. The hashtag is #FCMostInnovative.
“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies is both a comprehensive look at the innovation economy and a snapshot of the business trends that defined the year,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “We saw extraordinary innovation across the board in 2023, but we also saw a handful of clear patterns: the growing footprint and impact of AI, the triumphant return of live events, and great leaps forward in climate tech. We face daunting challenges on many fronts, but the solutions we celebrate in MIC give me plenty of hope about the future.”
Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala on May 16. The summit features a morning and afternoon of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. This event celebrates the Most Innovative Companies honorees and provides an inside look at cutting-edge business trends and what it takes to innovate in 2024.
ABOUT LUMINATE
Luminate is the preeminent entertainment data and insights company, unleashing access to the most essential, objective, and trustworthy information across music, film and television, with data compiled from hundreds of verified sources. Today, the company maintains its more than 30-year legacy of accurate storytelling by powering the iconic Billboard music charts, while also acting as the premiere database for the television and film industries. Working closely with record labels, artists, studios, production companies, networks, tech companies, and more, Luminate offers the most valued source of comprehensive, independent, and foundational entertainment data that drives industry forward. Luminate is an independently operated company and a subsidiary of PME TopCo., a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
Entertainment Data Giant Luminate Acquires Quansic, Leader in Global Music Artist Identification Services
The Deal Fuels Luminate’s Mission to Unify Data within the Music Industry across Streaming, Publishing and Artist Services
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 6, 2024 – Today, Luminate, the entertainment industry's most essential data partner, announced its acquisition of Quansic, a leader in global music artist identification services. Quansic, an international company operating out of France, maintains the world’s largest artist identification database which includes over 2.5 million ISNIs (artist identifiers) and 200 million asset identifiers. The deal was made as part of Luminate’s continued efforts to unify data for the entertainment industry, and more specifically due to Quansic’s expertise in the harmonization of metadata across record labels, streaming platforms, song publishers, and artist services within the music ecosystem.
Effective immediately, Quansic’s team will join Luminate, remaining under founder and chief scientist FX Nuttall. Nuttall, who has 20+ years of success constructing solutions to metadata discrepancies within music, most recently at YouTube, will report directly to Luminate CEO Rob Jonas.
Speaking on the announcement, Jonas said, “Quansic has earned the trust of many key leaders in the music data space, which is no surprise given the quality of the product and service FX and his team have built. We warmly welcome them into the Luminate family and look forward to collaborating and taking our music data offerings to the next level, especially as we close the gap between the disparate data that labels and publishers have historically relied on to drive their businesses forward.”
Nuttall added, “We are grateful to Rob and the Luminate team for seeing the value in what we’ve created at Quansic. Combining our unique data quality with Luminate’s scale, capabilities and influence is essential for advancing our vision to unify data within the music industry. We are eager to scale that work with Luminate and look forward to bringing unprecedented value to the music industry.”
Within Luminate, Quansic will continue operating its data enhancement services, which include improving the quality of identifiers within recording artists’ discographies and simplifying the process of claiming earned song royalties. Quansic’s clients will have the option to access Luminate’s industry-leading streaming and sales data. In addition to standalone products and services, Quansic’s data will be incorporated into Luminate’s new data platform, announced last year. The new platform is being launched in several phases over the coming months and currently serves record labels, artist management, music publishers and many other clients within and beyond the global music industry.
ABOUT LUMINATE
Luminate is the preeminent entertainment data and insights company, unleashing access to the most essential, objective, and trustworthy information across music, film and television, with data compiled from hundreds of verified sources. Today, the company maintains its more than 30-year legacy of accurate storytelling by powering the iconic Billboard music charts, while also acting as the premiere database for the television and film industries. Working closely with record labels, artists, studios, production companies, networks, tech companies, and more, Luminate offers the most valued source of comprehensive, independent, and foundational entertainment data that drives industry forward. Luminate is an independently operated company and a subsidiary of PME TopCo., a joint venture between Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge.
Billboard Expands Footprint in Asia with The Launch of Billboard Korea
January 13, 2024, New York, NY: Today, Billboard announced its expansion in the Asian marketplace with the launch of Billboard Korea in partnership with Global Entertainment Media Group (GEMG). This marks a significant milestone in the global music industry with a dedicated focus on the vibrant K-music scene. The highly anticipated first issue, "Billboard K Vol.1," is scheduled to be released in June.
"Now that the status of K-artists and K-pop has risen worldwide, Billboard Korea will play a crucial role in promoting K-culture,” said Yuna Kim, Chairperson of Global Entertainment Media Group and publisher of Billboard Korea.
“We are thrilled to announce our expansion into Korea,” said Mike Van, President of Billboard. “Billboard has long celebrated the rich contribution of Korean music across our platforms. This expansion is a significant milestone for our brand and underscores our dedication to amplifying the voices and talent that shape the vibrant Korean music scene.”
Billboard Korea will be a cultural ambassador, allowing quicker information delivery to bridge the East and West. Billboard Korea will offer a comprehensive platform that not only amplifies Korean artists’ visibility but also fosters cultural exchanges and appreciation on a global scale.
Billboard Korea is scheduled to launch its official website and digital platform in the spring of 2024 before publishing its first issue.
About Billboard:
Billboard is the ultimate barometer of success in music. Through its iconic charts, breaking news, thought leadership, multi-platform storytelling and world class events, Billboard tracks the world’s top musicians and the business that powers them. Since its origin in 1894, music leaders and fans across the world look to Billboard as the most trusted source for music information, spanning 15 countries and published in 10 languages. The prestigious Billboard Music Awards are the only premium awards ceremony that recognize musicians for their undeniable achievements on the Billboard charts, using pure data to determine the winners, rather than relying on opaque committees or undisclosed voters to select the honorees giving fans maximum impact at each year's ceremony, as Billboard's chart data measures fans' engagement with their favorite music. Billboard’s other premium experiences range from the Billboard Power 100 to Billboard Women in Music, Billboard Latin Music Week, and Billboard Live, which connects the most impactful artists and industry leaders with fans from all cultures and corners of the globe.
