2025 PROGRAMMING
Los Angeles
October 22
7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Arrivals and Mingling
Welcome to ZCON! Please join us for mingling and passed plates in the Courtyard & Mainstage.
8:00 PM-8:10 PM
Welcome & UTA Next Gen ZCON Kickoff Remarks
ZCON kicks off with up-and-coming Gen Z icon, and 2025 ZSTAR, Micky Gordon and UTA's Next Gen team at the Mainstage.
8:10 PM-8:30 PM
ZSTAR Awards Ceremony
​Hear from Cosmo's Editor-in-Chief Willa Bennett.
8:30 PM-8:45 PM
Performance from Anna DeGuzman
Join us for Anna DeGuzman's magical performance!
8:45 PM-10:00 PM
Musical Performance
Musical guest is Paravi!
October 23
9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Breakfast & Check-In
Breakfast at the Cafe, Courtyard, and Garden. Check in to get your badge and breakout session assignments.
10:30 AM-10:40 AM
Opening Remarks
UTA Next Gen's Olivia Frary.
10:40 AM-10:50 AM
A Gen Z State of the State: The Imagination Recession
Speech by UTA Next Gen's Ziad Ahmed.
10:50 AM-11:20 AM
Panel: The New Hollywood
The New Hollywood: The New Hollywood panel examines the next generation of storytellers and entertainers redefining the industry at a major inflection point. As Gen Z reshapes how stories are told, shared, and consumed, this conversation explores the cultural shifts driving a more inclusive, creator-led era of entertainment. Panelists will discuss what comes next for Hollywood—and why Gen Z’s creative force, digital fluency, and demand for authenticity are setting the stage for the future.
Featuring Auli'i Cravalho, Chandler Kinney, Josie Totah, and Michael Cimino.
Moderated by Nate Jones.
11:20 AM-11:50 AM
Panel: Glow Up: A (Sun)Spotlight on Gen Z Wellness
Glow Up: A (Sun)Spotlight on Gen Z Wellness: ​The Gen Z Health and Wellness panel delves into Gen Z’s evolving relationship with self-care, skincare, and overall well-being. With insights from leading doctors and dermatologists, the conversation explores how this generation is redefining what it means to be healthy—from prioritizing mental wellness to embracing everyday habits like SPF and sun care. Together, panelists will unpack how education, accessibility, and authenticity are shaping a more informed and proactive approach to health.
Featuring Ezra Frech, Claire Almond, and Austin Maguire.
Moderated by Maia Ervin.
11:50 AM-12:20 PM
Panel: Rewriting the Rules of Branded Entertainment: Storytelling for the Next Generation
Rewriting the Rules of Branded Entertainment: Storytelling for the Next Generation: The future of branded entertainment panel uncovers the shift from marketing in entertainment to marketing that is entertainment. Panelists will discuss the rise in short-form social series, alternatively known as “TikTok TV”, as a direct vehicle for brands to combat the attention recession plaguing today's audiences.
Featuring Hannah Broadhurst and Adam Faze.
Moderated by Ziad Ahmed.
12:20 PM-12:35 PM
Fireside Chat
Join us for our iconic fireside chat after our first three panels.
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Featuring Olandria.
Moderated by Amanda Harris.
12:35 PM-12:45 PM
ZCONfrontation
In this ZCONfrontation session, Ziad Ahmed, Head of UTA Next Gen, will call on audience members to share thoughts about the recent panels. Have your questions and insights ready to share!
12:45 PM-1:45 PM
Breakout Rooms
Following the ZCONfrontation, discussions will begin in different breakout sessions. Each meeting room and pod is assigned. Hear from:
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Sour Jacks
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RIVET
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DDF
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Jorge Alvarez
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Creator Camp
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Altadena Girls
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Gen Z for Change
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Develop for Good
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Boys & Girls Club Hollywood
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Earth Justice Action Hub
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Heal the Bay
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Kindness Kits
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Youth Climate Save
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1:45 PM-2:35 PM
Lunch
Lunch is in the Cafe & Courtyard, as well as in the Garden Pods with Our Third Place.
2:35 PM-3:15 PM
Recess
​Our signature ZCON recess in the Cafe and Courtyard.
3:15 PM-3:30 PM
Anth(ro)po(logy): Where (Online) Them Boys At
​Presentation by Anthony Po.
3:30 PM-4:00 PM
Panel: What Does A Happier Internet Look Like?
What Does A Happier Internet Look Like?: The Better Digital Future panel explores how we can build a happier, healthier internet—one that empowers rather than overwhelms. Centered on Gen Z’s unique relationship with social media and online culture, the discussion dives into how digital spaces can evolve to foster creativity, connection, and mental well-being. Panelists will examine how platforms, creators, and communities can work together to redefine what it means to engage online with authenticity and balance.
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Featuring Cami Téllez, Ramisha Sattar, and Nia Sioux.
Moderated by Umar Issa.
4:00 PM-4:30 PM
Panel: How Brands Can Fuel the Future Gen Z Wants
How Brands Can Fuel the Future Gen Z Wants: The Social Impact panel explores how brands can meaningfully align with Gen Z’s values and expectations in today’s purpose-driven landscape. As creators and consumers increasingly shape the future of commerce, the discussion will unpack how authenticity, transparency, and action can turn brand messaging into real impact. Panelists will examine the evolving relationship between influence, responsibility, and how businesses can show up for the causes that matter most.
Featuring Zaya Perysian, Cheyenne Hunt, Andrew Chang, and Ella Emhoff.
Moderated by Shaina Zafar.
4:30 PM-4:40 PM
Closing ZConfrontation
Join us for our interactive closing ZCONfrontation session where Ziad Ahmed, Head of UTA Next Gen, will call on audience members to share insights and takeaways from the two days of ZCON. Have your questions and insights ready to share!
4:45 PM-4:55 PM
Closing Performance with Josh Colley
End on a high note with this dynamic performance featuring actor and singer Josh Colley.
4:55 PM-5:00 PM
Closing Remarks and End of Daytime Programming
Hear closing remarks from our Next Gen team. That wraps up our day!.