Ross Entertainment Conference
University of Michigan’s premier undergraduate entertainment conference
PRESS PLAY
This year’s conference is about the moment before something monumental begins. Whether it’s starting a film or listening to a song, we find ourselves pressing play nearly every day, and it’s an act that goes all the way back to the beginning of entertainment. This year, we’re celebrating the comfort of the familiar, the thrill of what’s about to happen, and the magic that lives in entertainment. It’s time to press play on your future this November.
Press Play On Your Future in Entertainment
2026 Speakers
Erik johnson
Erik is a Sports & Entertainment Expert at McKinsey & Company with 8+ years of work in the media industry, particularly with sports and video clients. He has served the world’s top media conglomerates, sports leagues, music labels, media investors, and other stakeholders across the media ecosystem.
David Fox is a Director of Legal Affairs for HBO, managing legal matters for series like Euphoria, Industry, & Lanterns. He previously advised filmmakers at Donaldson Callif Perez, LLP. He holds a JD from Loyola Law School and a BA from the University of Michigan, where he also guest lectures alongside USC and UCLA.
David Fox
Lindsay Todnem is VP of Legal Affairs at NBCUniversal, the media company behind NBC, Peacock, Universal Pictures and a broad portfolio of networks and studios. She advises on the entertainment legal side of the company, bringing an attorney’s perspective on how content gets licensed and distributed.
Lindsay Todnem
Marie Jacobson is EVP and Head of Current Programming at Sony Pictures Studios, overseeing series once on-air. She co-led the department in 2022 and took sole charge in 2023. She previously headed Sony's Gemstone Studios (Absentia, Carter) and led international networks production. She is an Emerson College graduate.
Marie jacobson
Jessica Graboff is an agent at Creative Artists Agency, one of Hollywood’s leading talent and sports agencies. She was promoted to agent in CAA’s commercial endorsements department in 2013, and her work focuses on connecting talent with brands through endorsements, partnerships and brand-building opportunities. She has spoken publicly about career growth and building brands, including as a guest on The Farrynheight Podcast.
Jessica Graboff
Josh Upfal is a talent agent in the Brand Partnerships group at WME, where he connects the agency’s clients with brands on endorsements, campaigns and long-term partnerships. He has spoken on the intersection of talent and marketing, including as a speaker at Advertising Week New York 2023.
Josh upfal
As SVP of Creative at Sony Pictures Animation, Kevin Noel shepherds features and series from development through post, and executive produced Netflix's Agent Elvis. He started on Open Season and worked in production across the Hotel Transylvania, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and The Smurfs franchises. He holds a degree from SFSU and serves on CAPE's board.
Kevin noel
Matt Tolmach is a film producer and former Columbia Pictures co-president who oversaw the Spider-Man franchise. His producing credits include The Amazing Spider-Man films, the Jumanji reboot series, and the Venom trilogy, along with executive producer credits on the Spider-Man: Homecoming trilogy. A Beloit College graduate, his upcoming projects include Jumanji: Open World.
Matt Tolmach
Sue and Amy co-created and showran Netflix’s hit series Virgin River (seasons 1–4), Netflix's longest-running live-action drama, and developed Signs. Previously, Sue showran Hallmark's Good Witch (3 seasons) and Cedar Cove (2 seasons) with Amy as her second-in-command. Sue also co-executive produced nine seasons of 7th Heaven and sold pilots across major networks. Amy began her career at Jersey Films (Erin Brockovich, Out of Sight) before leading TV development for Davis Entertainment at Fox.
Sue Tenney
