Silicon Valley’s flagship political festival is back for its second year! The premier all-day event features marquee names in media and politics for exclusive interviews, expert panels and in-depth conversations at the iconic Hammer Theatre in downtown San Jose. Check out the PolitiBeat agenda.

Friday, June 14, 2024

 

PANELS & SPEAKERS

Legendary NBC News journalist and former Meet the Press host Chuck Todd will headline PolitiBeat and share thoughts on the news of the day, state of national politics and media, the high-stakes 2024 presidential election and more. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation moderated by San José Spotlight co-founder and Josh Barousse.

Join us for a deep-dive conversation about immigration and how the crisis at the border is impacting people, organizations and policies in our backyard. Moderated by San José Spotlight homelessness and equity reporter Joyce Chu.

From health care to the digital divide, housing and food insecurity, the inequality gap is growing in East San Jose — especially inside its public education system. Our leading panel of experts will talk about the impact on East Side students and explore solutions to the opportunity gap. Moderated by San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado.

It’s a historic year for Levi’s Stadium: The world-class venue and $1.3 billion dollar South Bay investment just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Our expert panel will explore the stadium’s impact on the region and what’s next for the headline-making facility. Moderated by San José Spotlight Santa Clara reporter B. Sakura Cannestra.

An unprecedented amount of philanthropic and foundational support is flowing in to support local journalism through Press Forward and other national initiatives. What does this investment mean for local journalism in Silicon Valley and what else can be done to support the future of local news? Join us for an in-depth conversation with leading industry and philanthropic experts. Moderated by San José Spotlight CEO Ramona Giwargis.

San Jose is facing an identity crisis. Are we still the tech capital of the world? A foodie paradise? The home of rich culture and heritage? San Jose’s identity has changed over the years and it continues to evolve as leaders across the region work to bring new residents and investments to the valley once known for its orchards and agriculture. This panel will explore San Jose’s past, present and most importantly — its future. Moderated by West Valley reporter Annalise Freimarck.

San Jose is positioning itself to be the AI capital of the world by attracting the world’s leading innovators to Silicon Valley. Our expert panel will dig into the emerging technology’s influence on the region, local economy and how it’s changing everyday life in the South Bay. Moderated by San José Spotlight editor Moryt Milo.

The face of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will change as two new faces take the dais next year. Hear from the four candidates vying for two open seats on the board. Moderated by San José Spotlight political reporter Brandon Pho.

Silicon Valley is home to an array of professional sports teams and premier sporting events. How does that shape our local economy and the region’s ability to confront crises like housing and cost of living? Join us for a candid conversation with San Jose Earthquakes COO Jed Mettee, Bay Area 2026 CEO Zaileen Janmohamed, San Jose Sharks President Jonathan Becher, San Jose Sports Authority Executive Director John Poch, and San Francisco 49ers Chief Revenue Officer Brent Schoeb. Moderated by San José Spotlight senior reporter Joseph Geha.

Join us for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of public education in Silicon Valley with Alum Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Hilaria Bauer, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Evergreen Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Antoine Hawkins, and East Side Union High School District Superintendent Glenn Vander Zee. Moderated by San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado.

Is downtown San Jose stuck in a never-ending doom loop? We’ll ask the tough questions about the future of downtown — and how it can be revitalized — with an expert panel that includes Urban Community CEO Gary Dillabough, San Jose Downtown Association CEO Alex Stettinski, SPUR San Jose Director Fred Buzo, Team San Jose leader Frances Wong, and San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres. Moderated by San José Spotlight editorial advisor Moryt Milo.

From foster youth to formerly incarcerated individuals to struggling families, Santa Clara County is at the forefront of UBI — or universal basic income — programs. But does this model work? Learn more from Mountain View Councilmember Margaret Abe-Koga, California Sen. Dave Cortese, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg, and Destination: Home Chief Program Officer Chad Bojorquez. Moderated by KQED correspondent Guy Marzorati.

A candid look at the state of Congress with three of our congresesional leaders, Reps. Jimmy Panetta, Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo. Moderated by San José Spotlight managing editor Alexandria Bordas.

Get the latest legislative insights from California legislators Alex Lee, Aisha Wahab, Marc Berman, and Evan Low as they discuss key initiatives and policies shaping the future of our state. Moderated by Papia Gambelin of United Airlines.

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PolitiBeat 2023