WIE frames itself as a powerful networking and empowerment hub for women navigating entertainment's rapidly evolving landscape, positioning the summit as essential career fuel in an era of platform chaos.
Sources note that Shondaland taking such a visible role at WIE signals their push to stay relevant as streaming fatigue sets in—vertical micro-dramas could be their bridge to younger audiences abandoning traditional viewing habits.
Event date: June 9, 2026. Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles. Headliners include Sandie Bailey (Shondaland co-president), Betsy Beers, Paul Feig, and Li Jun Li of 'Spider Noir' and 'Sinners.' WIE was co-founded by Relativity Ventures' Renee Rossi and Gretchen McCourt.
The real test won't be the panels—it's whether Shondaland's content model talk reveals any cracks in their streaming strategy as vertical dramas reshape audience expectations.
The ninth annual Women in Entertainment Summit is shaping up to be a must-attend affair this June, with Shondaland's Sandie Bailey stepping into the spotlight alongside filmmaker Paul Feig and "Spider Noir" star Li Jun Li. The summit, scheduled for June 9 at Los Angeles' Skirball Cultural Center, brings together heavy hitters from entertainment and marketing worlds to dissect the issues reshaping how women work—and survive—in this industry. Bailey, serving as co-president of Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland alongside creative partner Betsy Beers, will offer an inside look at the company's content model.
Given that Shondaland's multi-year Netflix deal has been under scrutiny as streaming economics tighten, her appearance signals either confidence or damage control—possibly both. The company recently saw critical successes with "Queen Charlotte" and ongoing "Bridgerton" seasons, but questions linger about whether their signature prestige TV formula translates to emerging platforms. Speaking of emerging platforms: the agenda includes a deep dive into vertical micro-dramas, those bite-sized serialized stories designed for phone-first consumption.
Dhar Mann Studios' Erin McFarlane will lead that conversation, representing one of the most prolific producers in the space. This marks a significant shift from WIE's earlier years, when such topics would have been dismissed as beneath serious industry consideration. Now they're center stage—and that's telling.
The speaker lineup reads like a who's who of female power players: Katie Lowes ("Scandal," "Inventing Anna"), Sherry Cola ("Shrinking," "Nobody Wants This"), Madeline Di Nonno leading the Geena Davis Institute, casting director Linda Lowy ("Hacks," "Grey's Anatomy"), and costume designer Lyn Paolo. FOX Entertainment Studios' Hannah Pillemer, Netflix music chief Alex Patsavas, and showrunner Wendy Calhoun round out a roster heavy on decision-makers. Co-founder Renee Rossi framed this year's theme around reinvention: "In an era of rapid reinvention...
WIE exists to equip our members with the community and wisdom they need not only to navigate change, but to lead it." The presenting sponsor? Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Supporting sponsors include Blank Rome and Amazon MGM Studios, with additional backing from buzzy brands like Poppi, Ving Vodka, and Tequila's Teremana.
Tickets are now on sale for the June 9 event, with more speakers expected to be announced. Whether this summit moves the needle on actual industry change or serves as an expensive photo op remains to be seen—but given who's showing up, the drama will definitely be worth watching.
