IEMS Events and Activities
The IEMS leadership team would like to give a special thank you to the John C. Hench Foundation, whose generous support makes these events possible.
Participants in IEMS events get to hear firsthand how industry executives are responding to changing market demands, participate in hands-on workshops, and make lasting connections.
IEMS menternship events give students the opportunity to receive career mentorship and advice from industry executives and build relationships toward internships and jobs.
The IEMS collaborates with numerous industry partners on events that bring the community together to discuss contemporary issues and trends and provide networking opportunities for students and alumni.
Upcoming Events & Activites
Fall 2025 l Wilburn Auditorium
The IEMS is looking forward to hosting the inaugural screening event and dedication for the new Masuda Surf Cinema screening room located in the Wilburn Auditorim later this year. Showcasing Filmmaker Takuji Masuda's ('93, MFA '17) incredible film about the life of Bunker Spreckels followed by a private reception, this will be an evening to remember.
More Information Coming Soon
Winter 2025 l Skirball Cultural Center
We all know AI is reshaping the boundaries of what's possible, but understanding its current capabilities and separating hype from reality is a challenge for even the most tech-savvy among us. From exploring the untapped potential of generative AI to navigating the maze of new business applications to unfurling new legal challenges and more, the 2025 Entertainment Evolution Symposium promises to explore everything you need to know to thrive in today’s constantly evolving digital landscape.
More Information Coming Soon
Featured Past Events & Activities
The IEMS partered with HITS! Spring to host the 3rd annual Entertainment Evolution Symposium on May 22, 2024 at the Skirball Cultural Center. Covering the hottest topics in EMS, the event brought together top Industry Executives, AI Innovators, Subject Matter Experts, and Pepperdine Students and Alumi for an inspiring and informative look at AI in Hollywood.
The IEMS and the Center for Women in Leadership hosted an exclusive screening of the documentary short Women. Life. Freedom. and roundtable discussion led by filmmaker Poppy Farsijani (MBA '10) followed by a reception to support Iranian Women.
The IEMS, in partnership with Payson Library, hosted a private luncheon with one of NYU's most popular professors, David Hollander J.D., and select EMS students from across Pepperdine's schools followed by an engaging interactive talk about his one-of-a-kind humanities course and book, “How Basketball Can Save the World: Thirteen Guiding Principles for Imagining what’s Possible".
The IEMS sponsored an interdisciplinary team of graduate students who won 1st place at this 8th annual competition sponsored by the UCLA Anderson School of Management - Center for Media, Entertainment, and Sports.
The IEMS brought legendary sports agent and chairman and CEO of Steinberg Sports & Entertainment, Leigh Steinberg, to campus for an intimate lunch with select EMS students from across Pepperdine's schools followed by an insightful talk on 'How to Succeed in Sports'.
The IEMS sponsored an interdisciplinary team of graduate students for this timely case study competition and conference at the University of Miami.
The IEMS worked with husband and wife team Christiane (JD '98) and Seán Kinney to host a series of workshops on how to craft a compelling story that will connect with your audience.
The IEMS collaborated with filmmakers Dimas and Tiffany Salaberrios on a Red Carpet premiere followed by a Live Q&A moderated by Professor Joi Carr where students had the opportunity to both get involved behind-the-scenes and walk the red carpet.
The IEMS hosted a series of conversations with executives from across the media and entertainment sector to explore how the effects of Covid-19 were impacting the industry.