Entertainment
AEG And Pepperdine University Partner To Bring Sports And Entertainment Focused Education To Students
Published
9 years agoon
By
Willie DavidLOS ANGELES, (FNN NEWS) By AEG — With an extraordinary demand for talent in the sports and entertainment space, AEG and Pepperdine University are partnering to offer a post-graduate level and undergraduate-level educational experience that will combine AEG’s expertise and international network of venues, sports properties and franchises and live entertainment assets with Pepperdine University’s academic excellence. The agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, names Pepperdine University the exclusive Education Partner of STAPLES Center, L.A. LIVE, and the LA Kings and will give students unprecedented access to the business acumen behind the world’s leading sports and entertainment company.
The partnership will provide Pepperdine University the opportunity to build out a branded classroom within the iconic STAPLES Center, home to four professional sports franchises and numerous concerts and special events, providing the top-ranked college a strategic educational hub in downtown Los Angeles and cementing the school’s place within Los Angeles’ vibrant business community. Students enrolled in the sports and entertainment-focused program will be able to gain hands-on experience through an AEG “best-in-class” speaker series as well as first-person experiences in one of the world’s most successful arenas. The agreement also facilitates AEG providing speakers from across its world-class divisions such as AEG Global Partnerships, AEG Live, AEG Sports, AEG Facilities, and more — further distinguishing the program by offering guidance from some of the top executives in the industry today.
“As one of the nation’s most respected Universities, Pepperdine is an exceptional partner for the LA Kings, STAPLES Center and AEG,” said Dan Beckerman, president and CEO, AEG. “Working closely with their respected faculty and staff will not only enable us to create unique sports-related curriculum and programming, but will also allow us to provide their undergraduate and graduate students with valuable insights and lessons from some of the industry’s most respected leaders. Through this partnership, we are also excited to offer students valuable hands-on training through our renowned internship program, while providing our employees with continuing education opportunities through the University.”
“Pepperdine University is a best-in-class partner that shares our collaborative values and community-focused vision,” said Jon Werbeck, vice president, AEG Global Partnerships. “Working together, we are excited to develop this one-of-a-kind platform to amplify the University’s downtown Los Angeles presence and well-respected educational reputation as we recruit and train the next generation of sports and entertainment professionals. As this relationship evolves, we look forward to expanding our partnership with the school on a global level across AEG’s network of assets.”
The partnership not only directly contributes to the knowledge of the students enrolled, but also the sports and entertainment industry at large. As part of the partnership, the University will have the opportunity to collaborate with AEG to produce a sports, music, entertainment, and business conference. The conference would be hosted in the heart of Los Angeles’ preeminent downtown sports and entertainment district, L.A. LIVE, and the University would work strategically with AEG and its brand partners to produce a conference that provides attendees an insightful view into the rapidly evolving sports and entertainment industries.
“By partnering with AEG, Pepperdine will be at the forefront of academic innovation, creating world-class educational programs in sports and entertainment management,” said Andrew K. Benton, president of Pepperdine University. “We look forward to working with professional athletes, entertainers, and business professionals — as well as our students and alumni — as we develop new initiatives that will powerfully engage and serve the Los Angeles community.”
AEG will also have the opportunity to further the education of some of its own staff through an employee integration and internship program with Pepperdine. The program will afford a number of AEG’s staff the chance to participate in the University’s prestigious MBA program while placing select Pepperdine undergraduate and graduate students in AEG’s competitive internship program.
Additionally, Pepperdine will help further educational opportunities outside the classroom by developing a series of events and custom content with the LA Kings. In accordance with the University’s educational mission, it will serve as the presenting partner of “LA Kings Business of Hockey,” a regularly scheduled event that gives participants a chance to meet and gain advice from top hockey and sports business professionals both in and out of the AEG organizational network. Past events have included speakers such as Luc Robitaille, president, business operations, LA Kings, and more.
AEG will also host Pepperdine University alumni at a co-created networking night at one of the 250 events at STAPLES Center each year. The event will focus on connecting the University’s prestigious alumni with top AEG executives.
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Entertainment
160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 15, 2026By
Willie DavidDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.
HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP
This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.
- Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
- Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
- Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
- Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard
FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES
Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.
In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.
A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.
TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE
Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.
With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.
Entertainment
Orlando International Fashion Week Partners with Orlando Fringe Festival for 35th Anniversary Avant-Garde Showcase
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 12, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has announced a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this May.
As part of the collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., during the two-week festival. The curated runway will feature bold, experimental designs that reflect Fringe’s spirit of artistic freedom, individuality and innovation.
PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES CREATIVE COLLABORATION
Organizers say the partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations committed to supporting artists and expanding access to creative spaces.
“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks and express themselves freely,” said Rob Henlon, executive director and co-founder of OIFW. “This collaboration allows fashion to exist within a broader artistic conversation.”
John Payne-Rios, an OIFW advisory board member, added that the partnership strengthens Orlando’s creative ecosystem by bringing together fashion, theater and community engagement.
Festival organizers echoed that sentiment, noting the addition of fashion enhances the Outdoor Stage experience and introduces new artistic energy to the event.
DESIGNER CALL AND MODEL CASTING UNDERWAY
In conjunction with the partnership, OIFW has opened its designer registration call for creatives interested in participating in the Fringe showcase.
Designers are encouraged to submit collections that emphasize:
- Avant-garde concepts
- Artistic storytelling
- Bold, experimental design
Models can also audition for both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW runway shows. Casting calls are scheduled for April 12 and April 19 at CityArts Gallery in downtown Orlando from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The casting is open to ages 4 and up, with no prior experience required.
FRINGE FESTIVAL MARKS 35 YEARS OF ARTISTIC FREEDOM
For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to present original work in an unjuried and uncensored environment. The festival is the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States and returns 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.
Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a hub of live performances, visual art, music and interactive experiences that celebrate diverse voices and creative expression.
What’s Next for OIFW?
The Fringe collaboration serves as a lead-in to OIFW’s signature summer event, Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.
Organizers say the upcoming season will continue to focus on:
- Expanding fashion as a cultural platform
- Strengthening cross-industry partnerships
- Elevating emerging and diverse designers
Entertainment
Trick Daddy Threatens Tiffany Moore Russell Mayoral Race After AKA Show Shut Down
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 9, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A performance by Miami street legend rapper Trick Daddy ended abruptly Friday night during the 73rd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated after event organizers said the artist ignored agreed-upon performance guidelines.
The incident, which occurred after the conference’s Step and Stroll competition, has sparked debate online about event vetting, audience expectations, and artistic responsibility.
The event was overseen by South Atlantic Regional Director Tiffany Moore Russell, who also serves as the elected Clerk of Courts for Orange County, Florida and is currently a candidate for Orange County mayor.
Conference Performance Ends Early
Conference attendees from across the South Atlantic region gathered in Orlando for the sorority’s five-day leadership and networking event.
Friday evening’s program featured step teams and strolling performances before transitioning to live entertainment. Organizers booked Trick Daddy, the Miami rapper known for hits including “Nann” and “Thug Matrimony,” to perform a curated list of songs.
However, the performance ended mid-set after organizers said the rapper used language and lyrics that violated previously discussed guidelines.
Russell addressed the incident in a statement distributed to conference attendees.
“We met several times with him and his team to detail our requirements, including attire, language, and specific songs,” Russell said. “Unfortunately, our requirements were ignored. The language, lyrics, and comments made by the artist were not acceptable. I ended the performance because of the disrespect for our organization and our brand.”
Trick Daddy’s performance during an Alpha Kappa Alpha conference was shut down early due to “disrespect for our organization and our brand” pic.twitter.com/AX8xsELyP4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 4, 2026
Viral Video Fuels Online Debate
Videos posted on social media showed audience members reacting with surprise and discomfort during the performance.
In one clip, attendees could be seen leaving the room as the rapper used explicit language and interacted with the crowd in a manner some attendees described as inappropriate for the event.
The video quickly spread online, fueling debate over whether the performer or the event organizers were responsible for the mismatch between the artist and the audience.
Some critics argued the booking itself raised questions about vetting.
Questions About Booking and Vetting
The controversy has prompted broader discussion about event planning and audience expectations.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black sororities, known for its emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.
Critics on social media questioned why an artist known for explicit hip-hop lyrics was booked for a conference audience largely composed of professional women and long-time sorority members.
Supporters of the organizers say the issue was not the booking itself but whether the performer honored the agreed-upon content guidelines.
Russell emphasized that the step teams and conference participants represented “creativity, discipline, and excellence,” adding that she regretted the performance overshadowed their work.
Trick Daddy Responds: “They Booked Me, Trick Daddy Dollars” [VIDEO]
Following the incident, Trick Daddy posted a video response denying that he violated the agreement and accusing organizers of damaging his reputation.
Trick Daddy video responding to AKA Director statement telling her not to give him a playlist, this isn’t her wedding and not to defame his characte, according to the video.
the video further that he states that anybody in there that was saddity and sanctified should not have been in there once I grabbed the MF’in mic.
He also referenced Russell’s political ambitions, saying: “I heard you’re running for some type of office or something. I’ll get on you every day until you don’t win. Don’t play with me.”
The comments intensified the controversy as the incident shifted from a performance dispute to a potential political crisis for Russell’s Orange County mayoral campaign.
What Happens Next? Reputation, Politics and Public Reaction
For Trick Daddy, the dispute raises questions about how the controversy could affect his public image and performance bookings.
For Tiffany Moore Russell, the issue arrives as she prepares for a campaign for mayor in Orange County, Florida, potentially drawing political scrutiny to the situation.
Whether the rapper follows through on his pledge to publicly attrack Russell’s mayoral campaign remains unclear.
For now, the moment stands as a cautionary tale about entertainment programming at professional events—where audience expectations, artist identity, and brand reputation must align.