The Touchstones Luncheon
October 6, 2026 | New York Hilton Hotel
The Touchstones Luncheon is a cornerstone experience of The WICT Network Leadership Conference, bringing together the brightest minds across media, entertainment, and technology. Each year, industry professionals gather to inspire, connect, and expand their impact.
Join the growing list of table sponsors today by clicking here, or reach out to Cindy Key at ckey@wict.org for sponsorship questions.
Touchstones Awards
We are thrilled to introduce a new element to our programming. For the first time, the Touchstones Awards will serve as the centerpiece recognition of the luncheon. These awards recognize organizations shaping the future of media, entertainment, technology, communications, sports, and gaming through innovation, audience connection, and courageous leadership. Unlike individual accolades, they are designed exclusively to honor organizational initiatives, programs, campaigns, platforms, and strategic efforts, shining a spotlight on the collective vision moving our industry forward.
Nominations should be submitted in the category that best reflects the primary achievement being recognized. If an initiative could fit more than one category, use the category whose core differentiator is most central to the work.
The Catalyst Award honors organizations using technology, including but not limited to; AI, technology, data, platforms, network solutions, security, or emerging tools to drive meaningful innovation in how the industry creates, operates, delivers, or scales.
This award recognizes organizations serving as catalysts for industry evolution through the development, implementation, or application of technology-based capabilities that materially advance performance, access, efficiency, distribution, or creative possibility.
Evaluation Criteria
- Innovative use of AI, technology, or emerging tools
- Demonstrated operational, creative, or platform transformation
- Future-focused application within the industry
- Measurable impact or advancement
Nominations are due Friday, July 24.
The Connect Award honors organizations creating meaningful audience, fan, or community connection through storytelling, engagement, participation, or culturally impactful experiences.
This award recognizes organizations that strengthen relationships between content, brands, creators, platforms, and the people they serve in ways that deepen engagement, foster belonging, and create lasting audience or community impact.
Evaluation Criteria
- Strength of audience or community engagement
- Creativity in storytelling or audience experience
- Cultural relevance and resonance
- Measurable audience participation or connection
Nominations are due Friday, July 24.
The Inspire Award honors organizations demonstrating bold leadership, courageous decision-making, and transformative vision during periods of disruption, reinvention, or significant change.
This award recognizes organizations that challenge convention, take strategic risks, or pursue ambitious new directions in ways that reshape their business, influence the broader industry, and inspire others through leadership example.
Evaluation Criteria
- Boldness of vision or strategic direction
- Courageous leadership during disruption or change
- Ability to inspire action, new thinking, or industry momentum
- Meaningful organizational or industry influence
Nominations are due Friday, July 24.
In conjunction with The WICT Network Leadership Conference, the Touchstones Luncheon is one of The WICT Network’s signature events focused on advancing organizational excellence in the workplace. Each year, we feature thought leaders from across and beyond the industry to underscore the value of forward-thinking corporate culture, innovation, and leadership.
