NEW YORK – AUG. 2, 2017 – National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) President and CEO Eglon E. Simons is proud to announce Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish and Comcast Corporation’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer David L. Cohen will serve as honorary co-chairs for the 31st Annual NAMIC Conference, Sept. 26-27 at the New York Marriott Marquis. As a Diversity Week anchor event, this year’s conference theme, “Diversity at the Speed of Change,” is focusing on the rapidly revolutionary and evolutionary communications industry and offering attendees the opportunity to explore diversity and inclusion in this new business landscape.
“Multiculturalism will take center stage at our 31st Annual NAMIC Conference,” said Simons. “Especially in the era of globalization, business innovation and shifting workforce dynamics, Bob and David bring a wealth of experience and strategic vision as we prepare diversity advocates for our industry’s future.”
Bakish is responsible for growing Viacom’s industry-leading portfolio of multi-platform entertainment brands, which includes BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount, among others. Viacom has a global footprint of more than 3.9 billion cumulative subscribers across more than 180 countries and airs its content in more than 40 languages, making it the world’s largest entertainment company by reach across TV.
“I’m honored to support NAMIC’s important work to advance and elevate creatives and executives from diverse backgrounds across the industry,” said Bakish. “One of Viacom’s chief strengths is the diversity of our talented employees, whose wide range of experiences and perspectives enriches our programming and enables our brands to connect deeply with audiences around the world.”
With a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including corporate communications, government and regulatory affairs, public affairs, legal affairs, corporate administration, and community investment, Cohen is a long-time diversity champion who also serves as senior counselor to Comcast Corporation’s CEO Brian L. Roberts.
“It is a privilege to serve, alongside Bob, as this year’s 31st Annual NAMIC Conference co-chair and to collectively support NAMIC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Cohen. “As both are at the heart of Comcast NBCUniversal’s culture and are the foundation for our company’s innovation, I am honored to recognize, celebrate, and support multiculturalism in the workplace.”
The 31st Annual NAMIC Conference will be highlighted by a remarkable roster of the industry’s notable business leaders and subject-matter experts. This year’s agenda will celebrate and amplify voices from across the cultural spectrum and focus on three learning tracks: Business Solutions, Content & Imagery and Leading & Learning. Commencing with the 2017 Cablefax Breakfast honoring the Most Influential Minorities in Cable, the conference will also be highlighted by the L. Patrick Mellon Mentorship Program and Annual Awards Luncheons, the Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards, informative general sessions, evening receptions and other networking opportunities.
Presenting Sponsor for the 31st Annual NAMIC Conference is Comcast NBCUniversal with Conference Sponsors ARRIS, BuzzFeed, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, NCTA, REVOLT, Scripps Networks Interactive, Turner, Univision Communications Inc. and The Walter Kaitz Foundation.
Individual registration for the 31st Annual NAMIC Conference is available by visiting namic.com/events or contacting NAMIC’s VP, Events and Partner Relations Sandra Girado via telephone at 212-594-5985 or email at sandra.girado@namic.com. Group registration discounts are also available for multiple attendees from the same company.
For more information on NAMIC and the 31st NAMIC Annual Conference, please visit www.namic.com. To stay connected, join the conversation on LinkedIn and follow us @NAMICNational using #NAMICNow17 on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT NAMIC
NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is the premier organization focusing on multi-cultural diversity, equity and inclusion in the communications industry. More than 3,000 professionals belong to a network of 18 chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that target leadership development, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC collaborates with industry partners to grow and nurture a workforce that reflects the cultural richness of the populations served. Please visit www.namic.com for more information about NAMIC and its many opportunities.
