Launchpad summit

And Digital Media CT Awards

April 24th, 2025
CoCREATE, 47 John street, Stamford, CT 06902

The LaunchPad Summit and DMCT Awards is a groundbreaking event where tomorrow’s leaders in entertainment, sports, and media gather to explore new ideas, connect with industry experts, and build a future-ready career. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring professional, or an academic partner, our summit offers transformative experiences and invaluable insights.

  • LaunchPad creates and shares life-changing career opportunities for emerging talent facing barriers. Through career discovery, experiential learning, internships, and jobs we’re reigniting the American Dream in the communities we serve.

  • Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT) is a collaborative of CT higher education institutions working toward career development in film, television, and digital content creation. In close partnership with the Connecticut Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media, DMCT develops and works with educational programs that identify, nurture, and retain emerging talent for Connecticut's industry needs.

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FEATURED SPEAKERS

  • Courtney White

    CEO Wheelhouse Entertainment

    Former CEO The Food Network

  • Rasheed J. Daniel

    CEO & Founder of Team Sheed

    LaunchPad Board Member

  • Brent Montgomery

    CEO & Founder of Wheelhouse

    LaunchPad Board Member

  • Corey Twitty

    Head of Emerging Talent at Netflix

    LaunchPad Board Member

  • Makeda Mays Green

    EVP Paramount Nickelodeon

    LaunchPad Board Member

WHAT TO EXPECT

World Class Insights

Hear from trailblazing speakers and industry pioneers.

Career Workshops

Get hands-on with resume building, headshot sessions, and one-on-one career coaching.

Networking

Connect with peers, mentors, and sponsors who are shaping the future.

Industry Knowledge

Discover the latest trends and best practices across entertainment, sports, and media.

The LaunchPad Summit welcomes young adults (ages 18-24) participating in the LaunchPad program through our network of partner schools, agencies, and nonprofits. A list of partners is available below.

Agenda

Doors open at 9AM for a light breakfast and networking mingle. Throughout the Summit and each session will be the themes of how to get in, early career success, and the factors and forces shaping hiring and talent development.

Main Stage

10:00AM - 10:30AM
Morning Keynote

10:30AM - 11:00AM
Entertainment Industry Overview

11:00AM - 11:30AM
Sports Industry Overview

11:30AM - NOON
The Business of Entertainment & Sports

1:00PM - 1:30PM
Afternoon Keynote

1:30PM- 2:00PM
Getting In & Getting Started Panel

2:00PM - 2:30PM
Mindset

2:30PM - 3:00PM
Summit Keynote

4:00PM - 5:00PM
Digital Media CT Awards

Showcase Center

NOON-1PM
Senior Portfolio Showcasing

3:00PM - 4:00PM
Senior Portfolio Showcasing

Career Centers

10:30AM - NOON
Headshots
Resume Review
Portfolio Review
Speed Mock Interviews
DMCT Badge Registration
Speed Coaching

1:30PM - 2:30PM + 3:00PM - 4:00PM
Headshots
Resume Review
Portfolio Review
Speed Mock Interviews
Speed Coaching

Screening Room

1:30PM - 2:30PM DMCT Nominees

3:00PM - 4:00PM DMCT Nominees

Company Corner

ALL DAY
Employer Booths

sponsorship

At LaunchPad, we believe that tomorrow’s leaders already possess the talent, passion, creativity, and skill to transform our world. But what they need is access and opportunity—a powerful platform to connect, learn, and grow. As a sponsor, you become an essential part of a movement that uplifts emerging talent and shapes an industry and community you can truly be proud of.

By joining us, you position your brand as the employer of choice for next-generation leaders. The 250+ in attendance and the thousands more that see and engage with LaunchPad each year. This isn’t just about visibility—it’s about making meaningful, two-way connections. At LaunchPad Summit, access works both ways: emerging talent gains direct access to your company, executives, and career opportunities, while you tap into a vibrant pool of future innovators and impact players.

Inquire

FAQ

  • LaunchPad currently serves Digital Media CT, UConn, CT State Colleges and Universities, REACH Prep, Waterside School, LiveGirl, and Future5. Faculty, staff, students, and clients of these organizations are encouraged and welcome to attend.

  • Yes, attendance is free for partners and their participants. Breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks are available at select times during the event. Water and coffee available throughout.

  • Unfortunately, due to the size of the summit, we cannot accommodate dietary preferences nor food allergies. Plentiful GrubHub and Uber Eats options are available and pickup station will be setup at the venue’s entrance.

  • Sessions are roughly allocated from oldest to youngest in attendance. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. And you might just have to come back for next year’s LaunchPad Summit ;)

  • Please still register. We will fill the event via a waitlist if it doesn’t reach capacity through current partners. Encourage your school or any organization you’re associated with to explore LaunchPad partnership.

  • We recommend a business casual attire. If you cannot decide, lean towards the business side :)

  • There are two dedicated surface lots and plentiful street parking nearby. Higher education partners are planning to provide buses and please inquire within your organization for regional transportation. The Stamford Metro North Station is walking distance from the CoCREATE facility as well.