2026 SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit

Now in its 16th year, the SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit brings together industry leaders and City partners to discuss key issues facing the nightlife and entertainment community and explore ways we can continue strengthening San Francisco’s vibrant entertainment ecosystem.

• Resource fair with City departments: 11:00am-1:00pm
• Presentations: 1:00pm-4:00pm
  

After the Summit, join us for a Networking Happy Hour at Gambit, 581 Hayes St., from 4:30pm - 6:30pm (age 21+ only).

RSVPs are now closed. Event is free and open to the public. RSVP is not required to attend.

In-person capacity is limited; space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Livestream the Summit at sfgovtv.org/ENTSummit2026 from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

SUMMIT SCHEDULE (subject to change)

11:00am-1:00pm: Check-In and Resource Fair

Resource tables from City departments:

Community Challenge Grants
Film SF
JobsNOW! - SF Human Services Agency
Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights
OEWD - Workforce Development Division
Office of the Assessor-Recorder
SF Arts Commission
SF Entertainment Commission
SF Fire Department, Operational Permits Division
SF Office of Cannabis
SF Office on Disability and Accessibility
SF Office of Small Business
SF Permit Center

• Community Table: You're invited to place your business's fliers, business cards, and other promotional materials on this community table for Summit attendees. Table space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
• Health & Safety Toolkit Bag for EC-Permitted Venues: For the first 75 Entertainment Commission-permitted venues, visit the check-in table from 11am-1pm to pick up a free bag with naloxone and other health and safety resources. One bag per venue. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
  

1:00pm-1:50pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Maggie Weiland, Executive Director, SF Entertainment Commission
• Mayor Daniel Lurie, City and County of San Francisco
• Senator Scott Wiener, CA State Senate, District 11
• Assemblymember Matt Haney, CA State Assembly, District 17
• Anne Taupier, Executive Director, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD)
• Ben Van Houten, Director of Nightlife Initiatives, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD)
• Eileen Loughran, Community Affairs Manager, SF Department of Public Health
  

1:50pm-2:00pm: BREAK

2:00pm-2:45pm: PANEL: "Raising the Bar Above Compliance: Strategies for Responding to and Preventing Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Nightlife Spaces"

As nightlife operators continue to navigate the evolving laws and landscape related to sexual harassment and sexual assault at nightlife spaces, ensuring the safety and well-being of patrons and staff remains a critical priority. Panelists will examine the regulatory frameworks that govern nightlife environments, including compliance requirements and best practices. The discussion will also highlight practical strategies and emerging solutions that aim to empower operators and staff to create safer nightlife culture and environments for all. Attendees will gain insight into how to foster a fun culture embedded in respect and accountability to prevent incidents, implement trauma-informed approaches when responding to incidents, and collaborate with local organizations and law enforcement.

Moderator:

• Lila Carrillo, Director, Office of Sexual Harassment and Assault Response + Prevention (SHARP) | Mayor's Office for Victims' Rights
  

Panelists:

• Lt. David Goff, SF Police Department, Alcohol Liaison Unit
• Joseph Pred, Founder, Mutual Aid Response Services and Burning Man’s Emergency Services Department; Former Commissioner, SF Entertainment Commission - Public Health Seat
  

2:45pm-2:55pm: BREAK

2:55pm-3:55pm: PANEL: "Here Comes the Future: Trends Shaping SF Nightlife"

San Francisco’s nightlife ecosystem is entering a new era shaped by evolving audiences, creative experimentation, and renewed investment across music, food, and immersive experiences.

This forward-looking conversation brings together industry leaders, cultural producers, and emerging creative voices to explore where nightlife is headed next. Panelists will share real-world insights on the trends they’re watching now and what they believe will define the next 1, 3, and 5 years — from venue models and audience behavior to food & beverage innovation, experiential events, and the future of live entertainment. Whether you’re an operator, artist, promoter, policymaker, or investor, this session is designed to spark ideas, challenge assumptions, and help position San Francisco’s nightlife community for what’s coming next.

SF is moving again. Come hear what the people building the future are seeing on the horizon.

Moderator:

• WILD WEST, Nightlife Event Producer & Emcee
  

Panelists:

• Danny Bell, SVP Talent Buyer, Goldenvoice/AEG Presents
• B Patt, CEO & Co-Founder, Nothin But Hits
• Katie Rose, Owner/Talent Buyer, Kilowatt Bar
• Mary Conde, Senior Vice President, Another Planet Entertainment
• Colleen Booth, Managing Partner/COO, Lazy Bear, JouJou, True Laurel
  

3:55pm-4:00pm: Closing Remarks

Maggie Weiland, Executive Director, SF Entertainment Commission

4:30pm-6:30pm: Networking Happy Hour at Gambit, 581 Hayes St.

Cash bar. Age 21+ only.