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AEG And Pepperdine University Partner To Bring Sports And Entertainment Focused Education To Students

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LOS 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

“4000 Days,” “Frampton” Set for Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25

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NAPLES, Fla. (FNN) — Two documentaries exploring families’ fight against college hazing and the career of musician Peter Frampton will screen at the Naples International Film Festival Oct. 24–25, according to an announcement from 10 Lives Studios.

Both films will be shown at Pavilion Naples, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Road.

“4000 Days”: Families Turn Grief Into Advocacy

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Daniel E. Catullo III and executive produced by Paris Hilton, “4000 Days” follows three families whose sons died in fraternity hazing incidents.

Gary and Julie DeVercelly, Linda and Eric Oakes, and TJ and Kim Burch joined forces to challenge hazing practices, seek accountability and push for legislative reform. The title represents the approximately 4,000 days of their struggle to turn personal loss into change, according to the filmmakers.

The 111-minute documentary premiered at Tribeca and won the Grand Jury Award at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Catullo, Julie and Gary DeVercelly, and Eric Oakes are scheduled to participate in question-and-answer sessions following the Naples screenings.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m.

“Frampton”: A Career of Setbacks and Comebacks

Directed by Frampton’s longtime bandleader, Rob Arthur, and produced by Catullo, “Frampton” traces the guitarist’s rise through the Herd and Humble Pie, his breakthrough as a solo artist and his continued performances while facing a degenerative condition.

Marking the 50th anniversary of “Frampton Comes Alive!”, the documentary combines archival footage, interviews and recent performances to examine the musician’s career and resilience.

The 102-minute film features appearances by musicians and entertainers including Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Tom Morello, Alice Cooper and Nancy Wilson.

After premiering at Tribeca, the documentary won the Audience Award for Music on Screen at the Calgary International Film Festival, according to the announcement.

Screenings:

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: 7:05 p.m.

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Entertainment

Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

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Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.
Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

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Central Florida News

Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows

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OIFW returns Nov. 8-15 with fashion, entertainment and cultural events across Orlando, culminating in a runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week is opening early bird access for its Fall 2026 “The Shows Pass,” giving guests an opportunity to secure admission to the event’s final weekend runway experiences before individual show tickets go on sale.

Orlando International Fashion Week, or OIFW, returns Nov. 8-15, 2026, with a week of fashion, art, music, entertainment, runway shows and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.

Select events will be invitation-only, while public ticketed programming will be offered throughout the week. The celebration will culminate with runway programming at Caribe Royale Orlando, the host hotel for OIFW’s final weekend experiences.

Early Bird Shows Passes

The Shows Pass is designed for guests seeking early access to OIFW’s featured runway experiences during the final weekend.

Early bird options include:

  • 2-Day General Access — Nov. 14-15: $275
  • 2-Day Preferred Access — Nov. 14-15: $425
  • 2-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 14-15: $650
  • 3-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 13-15: $750

Two-day passes include access to featured OIFW runway experiences on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Select three-day pass options also include FEN Social on Friday, Nov. 13, at Society Orlando, along with the final weekend runway experiences.

Individual show tickets are expected to be released at a later date.

Fashion, Entertainment and Tourism Come Together

“Orlando International Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform where fashion, entertainment, culture, and tourism come together,” said Rob Henlon, co-founder of Fierce Entertainment Management. “The Shows Pass gives our audience a first opportunity to be part of the final weekend experience as we prepare to announce more designers, models, featured guests, vendors, and special programming.”

OIFW is a Fierce Entertainment initiative produced and coordinated by Fierce Entertainment Management LLC.

Fall 2026 Model Casting Set for Sept. 26-27

Ahead of fashion week, OIFW will hold its Fall 2026 Model Casting on Sept. 26-27 in continued collaboration with the Global Peace Film Festival.

The casting will give models an opportunity to be considered for fashion, media, festival, promotional, live-event and runway opportunities connected to the Global Peace Film Festival and OIFW’s November 2026 shows.

Fierce Entertainment Management will manage and coordinate the casting.

Vendor Opportunities Available

Vendor opportunities are also available for select Fall 2026 events, including FEN Social at Society Orlando and the OIFW runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Participation is subject to approval, space availability, venue guidelines and production needs.

OIFW Vendor Registration

Additional designers, models, featured guests, performers, vendors, partners and special experiences will be announced as details are finalized.

Early bird Shows Passes are available through the Orlando International Fashion Week official website.

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