More related content on the BRIDGE
- Marketing Fireside 9 December 4:05 - 4:25PM
LinkedIn Leadership: Why Every Company is a Media Company
Leaders are now among the most influential communication channels a company has. From CEOs building trusted followings to brands standing up editorial-style content teams, executive presence is shaping reputation, reach, and revenue. With insights from LinkedIn’s Katie Carroll and e.l.f. Beauty’s Kory Marchisotto, this session explores how leaders can show up with clarity, consistency, and personality in a world where every organization operates like a media company.
Central Stage - Marketing Fireside 9 December 3:45 - 4:05PM
The Future of Storytelling at Scale
A mainstage fireside chat with Grigory Lavrov, VP of Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management for CEE & MENAT at Warner Bros. Discovery. This conversation explores how global entertainment giants localize storytelling to connect with diverse audiences. It dives into the intersection of creativity, data, and culture revealing how brands sustain iconic IPs while building authentic local voices that shape the next era of global entertainment.
Central StageSpeakers
- Media Panel 10 December 2:35 - 2:55PM
Building a New Backbone for Journalism
In a fragmented information landscape where politics is both a content and commodity, the role of a journalist is being fundamentally rewritten. Veteran broadcaster Chuck Todd and award winning correspondent turned tech startup founder Jane Ferguson, reflect on how platforms, algorithms, and polarization are reshaping the craft of reporting, and what it will take for political journalism to remain credible and relevant in an era of speed, spectacle, and suspicion.
Forum Stage - Creator Economy Panel 9 December 12:00 - 12:15PM
Breaking Down the Creator Monetization Stack
The creator economy is set to exceed $500 billion by 2027, driven by over 50 million individuals building businesses on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon, according to Goldman Sachs. While brand deals remain dominant, creators are increasingly monetizing through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and direct-to-fan models. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, with initiatives like the New Media Academy, 1 Billion Followers Summit, and regulatory exemptions contributing AED 2.5 billion to GDP in 2024. As monetization channels multiply and governments invest in creator-friendly infrastructures and supports, how can creators further grow revenue stacks to reflect their values, engage their communities, and support long-term growth?
Academy StageModerator
- Picture Speech 8 December 3:00 - 3:10PM
The Future of Streaming Monetization Models
As audiences fragment and attention becomes the ultimate currency, streaming platforms are rethinking how value is created and shared. This session explores the next phase of digital entertainment—from evolving subscription models and ad-supported hybrids to strategic partnerships between tech, media, and creators. What will define profitability in an era where engagement, not just viewership, drives growth?
Central Stage - Technology Panel 10 December 11:10 - 11:40AM
Innovation, Expansion, and the Global South’s Digital Shift
AI is reshaping how emerging markets innovate, scale, and compete—positioning the Global South as a driver of the next digital era. This session explores how advancements in robotics, platform ecosystems, and cross-border growth models are transforming opportunities across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The discussion will examine how AI-enabled innovation is lowering barriers to expansion, accelerating new industries, and creating a more multipolar digital economy.
Central Stage
