The inaugural day of Tribeca X at Spring Studios marked an inspiring kickoff to a transformative celebration of storytelling across brand, media, and entertainment. This dynamic event brought together visionary leaders, boundary-pushing creatives, and cultural changemakers for a day packed with compelling panels, insightful keynote talks, and powerful premieres.

Attendees delved into conversations that challenged conventional narratives, emphasizing authenticity and innovation as key drivers of memorable brand storytelling. The sessions explored how brands are leveraging new mediums and immersive experiences to forge genuine connections with audiences while pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising.

Standout session was a live recording of Lena Waithe’s “Legacy Talk” podcast featuring legendary actress Phylicia Rashad, which included a heartfelt discussion about the importance of honoring narratives that preserve cultural memory.

Paris Hilton and her next-gen media company 11:11 Media, took the Tribeca X stage and captivated the audience with insights on how optimism and authenticity drive lasting brand impact. “I know I’m the OG…” she said, with moderator Andrew Wallerstein agreeing, “…the OG brand master.” 

In a conversation with Janice Min of Ankler Media, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz shared insights on legacy brand evolution, “It is about creating lasting impact, emotional connection, emotional relevance, and when you achieve that the result is remarkable,” said Kreiz.

Throughout the day, creative minds shared stories of experimentation and resilience, highlighting the importance of authentic voices in a crowded media landscape. The event also showcased pioneering projects that blend entertainment and branding seamlessly, illustrating the evolving role of storytelling in shaping culture and societal conversations.

Held at Tribeca Festival’s official hub—Spring Studios—the atmosphere was vibrant and forward-looking, fostering collaboration and inspiring new ideas. Day One of Tribeca X set a powerful tone, reaffirming that the future of storytelling belongs to those willing to innovate boldly, stay authentic, and prioritize cultural impact.