SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit returns May 12th!

Join the SF Entertainment Commission, City officials, community leaders, and industry peers for the SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit.

Now in its 15th year, the Summit is an opportunity to come together to address the current issues facing the industry, and discuss ways the industry and the City can continue working together toward long-term recovery.

The Summit will be held in-person and live-streamed on SFGovTV.

Date: Monday, May 12th, 2025

Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm.
Resource fair with City departments from 12:00pm-1:00pm; presentations from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

The Summit will be followed by a Networking Happy Hour at Smuggler’s Cove, 650 Gough St., 4:15pm - 6:30pm (age 21+ only).

Where: 49 South Van Ness Ave., 1st Floor Conference Center Rooms

Admission: Free and Open to the Public.

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

RSVP for the Summit

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

12:00pm-1:00pm: Check-In and Resource Fair

Resource tables from City departments:

Film SF
OEWD - Workforce Development Division
SFDPH Office of Overdose Prevention
SF Entertainment Commission
SF Environment Department
SF Fire Department, Operational Permits Division
SF Office of Cannabis
SF Office of Small Business
SF Planning – Prop H Program
SF Rec & Parks Department, Permits and Reservations Division
SF Small Business Development 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.

1:00pm-1:35pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks

Maggie Weiland, Executive Director, SF Entertainment Commission

Mayor Daniel Lurie, City and County of San Francisco

Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD)

1:35pm-2:40pm: PANEL: “Where the Hell Did the Customers Go—And How Do We Get Them Back?” 

This panel explores the recent shifts in consumer behavior that are transforming nightlife and hospitality. With Gen Z showing less interest in traditional nightlife, businesses and events must adapt to evolving trends and economic realities. Experts will discuss how rising costs are shaping both consumer habits and business strategies, as well as the potential impact of the return to office work on foot traffic and spending patterns. The conversation will highlight innovative approaches—such as outdoor events, entertainment zones, free concerts, and creative drink offerings like low ABV cocktails—that are successfully attracting modern audiences. Attendees will gain actionable insights on revitalizing their venues and staying ahead of these industry changes.

Moderator:

Manny Yekutiel, Owner, Manny’s 

Panelists:

Ted Egan, Chief Economist, City and County of San Francisco 

Cassandra Costello, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer, SF Travel

Anthony Schlander, Owner, Anthony Presents; Entertainment Commissioner, Neighborhood Representative 

Andrew Wasilewski, Founder, The Faight   

Caden Velasquez, Founder, DRC Creatives 

2:40pm-2:50pm: BREAK

2:50pm-3:55pm: Town Hall Session

Have a burning question about nightlife and entertainment policy? Want to hear directly from the people shaping the industry’s future? This interactive Town Hall session is your opportunity to engage in real-time dialogue with key stakeholders. Moderated by Entertainment Commission President Ben Bleiman, the panel features leaders from the Entertainment Commission and its partners, ready to discuss permitting, policy updates, business challenges, and emerging trends. Bring your questions and ideas—your voice plays a vital role in shaping the future of San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment landscape.

Moderator:

Ben Bleiman, President, SF Entertainment Commission; Managing Partner, Tonic Nightlife Group 

Panelists: 

Maggie Weiland, Executive, Director, SF Entertainment Commission

Kaitlyn Azevedo, Deputy Director, SF Entertainment Commission

Cyn Wang, Vice President, SF Entertainment Commission; Chief Legal Officer, Wang Insurance

Lt. Leonard Poggio, SF Police Department; Entertainment Commissioner, Law Enforcement Representative

Ben Van Houten, Director of Nightlife Initiatives, SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD)

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

Maggie Weiland, Executive Director, SF Entertainment Commission

4:15pm-6:30pm: Networking Happy Hour at Smuggler’s Cove, 650 Gough St.

Cash bar. Age 21+ only.