Rob and Geoff Edwards in conversation at the BRIDGE26 firepit session

VEA Newport Beach
A Marriott Resort & Spa
Newport Beach, CA

Request an Invite

Registration is by invitation. Please request an invite below.
Registration opens September 23.

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This is an inclusive and welcoming event. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to request an accommodation, please include your requirements with your registration or contact Alisha Deane at [email protected]. Requests should be made by March 15 to allow for coordination of services. You can read more about our Event Accessibility & Accommodation Policy here.

BRIDGE27 | The Advantage

Watch video highlights from BRIDGE26

As markets become more complex, consumers become more discerning, and AI reshapes how business operates, the companies that outperform will not simply respond to change. They will understand their consumers more deeply, innovate with greater relevance, and communicate with cultural fluency.

What differentiates organizations isn’t just that they recognize this opportunity. It’s whether they build the capabilities required to compete for it.

Because that’s how opportunity becomes competitive advantage.

The Advantage begins at BRIDGE27.

The Advantage isn’t created by a single function. It is built when marketing, strategy, technology, culture, and business operate with a shared understanding of the markets they serve.

It’s how you challenge assumptions. Gain clarity. Compete differently.

This year marks BRIDGE’s fifth anniversary, traditionally symbolized by wood. Wood gains its strength over time. Tested by the conditions around it, it becomes stronger, more durable and able to carry weight for others.

Over the past five years, BRIDGE has grown into that role: tested by real conditions and trusted by leaders and organizations to carry the work forward.

BRIDGE27 brings together cross-functional leaders committed to solving these complex business challenges. We will explore the ideas, business practices, and emerging disciplines redefining competitive advantage. From inclusive innovation and AI to identifying growth opportunities, strengthening consumer relevance, and improving organizational performance.

You will leave with practical strategies to build more relevant products and experiences while strengthening your brand reputation.

You will learn what it takes to intentionally embed inclusion into commercial decisions.

You will know how to build the capabilities to drive sustainable growth and performance.

You will have The Advantage.

Who should at‌tend BRIDGE27

BRIDGE27 convenes the leaders driving inclusion as performance across marketing, business, and culture. It's where decision-makers, innovators, and rising talent come together to connect strategy with action — and turn insight into measurable impact.

You'll be in good company.

Why BRIDGE27 is Must-Attend

Actionable Strategies

These global brands, agencies, media companies, and platforms share one belief: inclusion isn't separate from business — it is the business.

Partnering with Purpose

Designed to Deliver Impact That Lasts

Every BRIDGE partnership is built around three principles: authenticity, alignment, and action. We create collaborations that move business and culture forward together.

Your Partnership Delivers:

  • Visibility across pre-, during-, and post-event marketing, social, and press channels.
  • Thought Leadership through main-stage participation, content integration, and co-branded publications.
  • Authentic Cultural Activation that celebrates diversity and connects your brand to lived experiences.
  • Purpose-Driven Alignment — every giveaway, product, and experience supports underrepresented communities or causes.
  • Community Impact that extends beyond the event through measurable initiatives and collaborations.

For more information on BRIDGE27 Partnership Opportunities:

Click here

"We design every partnership to be more than exposure — it's a shared opportunity to lead the change we all want to see."

— BRIDGE Partnerships Team

BRIDGE27 Board Steering Committee

Co-Chair
Geoff Edwards
Geoff Edwards
Managing Director, Creative
Co-Chair
Randi Stipes
Randi Stipes
Former Chief Marketing Officer
Brianne Boles-Marshall
Brianne Boles-Marshall
Responsible Media Lead
Tony Coles
Tony Coles
President, Black Information Network
Victoria Russell
Victoria Russell
Managing Director, Inclusion & Sustainability Strategy Leader
Emile Khader
Emile Khader
Khader. LLC
Brandon Thompson
Brandon Thompson
VP, Growth Engagement & Inclusion
Geraldine White
Geraldine White
Founder and CEO
VEA Newport Beach Logo
900 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
United States | marriott.com
  • Venue
  • Venue
  • Venue
  • Venue
  • Venue
  • Venue
  • Venue

    Where inspiration meets purpose.

    Set along the Pacific coastline, VEA offers a modern, immersive environment for connection and creativity. The venue was designed to support reflection and collaboration — from ocean-view meeting spaces to wellness sanctuaries and thoughtfully designed gathering areas.

    But VEA's physical beauty is just part of the story. Marriott International is deeply committed to making inclusion foundational — not optional. As CEO Anthony Capuano has said:

    We welcome all to our hotels, and we create opportunities for all — and fundamentally those will never change. The words might change, but that's who we are as a company.

    Within 24 hours of reaffirming that stance publicly, Capuano received over 40,000 messages of gratitude from associates worldwide — proof that when values are lived, they resonate.

    VEA Newport Beach | A Marriott Resort & Spa is more than a space — it's a venue operated by a company that aligns with the BRIDGE ethos of inclusion, trust, and long-term legacy.

    Hotel Reservations

    BRIDGE has secured a special group rate so don't wait to reserve your room using our special room block or call (877) 622-3056 and mention BRIDGE27.

    Travel Information

    2026 Speakers

    The Voices who Lead the Conversation

    Our BRIDGE27 lineup is still being confirmed. In the meantime, here's a look back at our 2026 speakers — the caliber of executive, changemaker, and innovator who takes the stage at BRIDGE.

    Apolla Echino
    Apolla Echino
    Award-winning Filmmaker, Member, Métis Nation of Alberta
    Jenny Yang
    Jenny Yang
    Former Chair, EEOC, Partner
    Inocente
    Inocente
    Artist
    Francile Albright Mullen
    Francile Albright Mullen
    Co-CEO, Executive Director
    Tony Coles
    Tony Coles
    President, Black Information Network
    Carlos Cubia
    Carlos Cubia
    EVP, Chief Community Health Impact & Belonging Officer
    Sheryl Daija
    Sheryl Daija
    CEO & Founder
    Alisa Dalton
    Alisa Dalton
    Vice President, Community Engagement & Belonging
    Brook Dennard Rosser
    Brook Dennard Rosser
    Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives
    Donna Dozier Gordon
    Donna Dozier Gordon
    Head of Inclusion & Diversity, Americas
    Geoff Edwards
    Geoff Edwards
    Managing Director, Creative
    Rob Edwards
    Rob Edwards
    Writer, Producer, and Filmmaker
    Chima Egbuzie
    Chima Egbuzie
    Marketing Manager
    Chirlie Felix
    Chirlie Felix
    Managing Director
    Lori Goode
    Lori Goode
    Chief Marketing Officer
    Emily Goodson
    Emily Goodson
    Author + Speaker
    Morgan Gregory
    Morgan Gregory
    CEO and Co-founder
    Marisa Grimes
    Marisa Grimes
    Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
    Tahiirah Habibi
    Tahiirah Habibi
    Founder and CEO
    Annie Hanlon
    Annie Hanlon
    Co-founder and Partner
    Stacy Hawkins
    Stacy Hawkins
    Diversity & Employment Practices Consultant and Professor of Law
    Alanna Hernandez
    Alanna Hernandez
    Executive Vice President, Business Affairs & Operations, Team Sports
    Chloé Howard
    Chloé Howard
    VP, Strategy Director
    Uchechi Iroha
    Uchechi Iroha
    Associate Creative Director
    Emile Khader
    Emile Khader
    Khader. LLC
    Joe Ligé
    Joe Ligé
    Founder and CEO
    Aubrey Maslen
    Aubrey Maslen
    VP, Head of DE&I Communications & Strategic Partnerships, North America
    George-Axelle Broussillon Matschinga
    George-Axelle Broussillon Matschinga
    Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    Ronald Méndez
    Ronald Méndez
    EVP, Cultural Investment & Strategy Lead
    Jonathan Njus
    Jonathan Njus
    Senior Program Officer
    James Nmah
    James Nmah
    Founder
    Lukeisha Paul
    Lukeisha Paul
    Head of Inclusion & Impact
    Valerie Irick Rainford
    Valerie Irick Rainford
    CEO
    Jessica Ricaurte
    Jessica Ricaurte
    Chief Revenue Officer
    Omar Rodríguez-Vilá
    Omar Rodríguez-Vilá
    Professor in the Practice of Marketing, Director of Education / Business & Society Institute
    Claudene Roye
    Claudene Roye
    Marketing Program Lead
    Christien Russell
    Christien Russell
    Director, Strategy & Innovation - DEI
    Victoria Russell
    Victoria Russell
    Managing Director, Inclusion & Sustainability Strategy Leader
    Sandra Sims-Williams
    Sandra Sims-Williams
    Chief Business Inclusion, Impact and Belonging Officer
    Judy Smith
    Judy Smith
    Founder & CEO
    Randi Stipes
    Randi Stipes
    Former Chief Marketing Officer
    Brandon Thompson
    Brandon Thompson
    VP, Growth Engagement & Inclusion
    D’Eric Watson
    D’Eric Watson
    Senior Communications Specialist
    Geraldine White
    Geraldine White
    Founder and CEO
    Alicin Williamson
    Alicin Williamson
    Chief Diversity & Culture Officer
    Danyelle Wright
    Danyelle Wright
    VP, Government Affairs & Social Impact, Employment & Labor Counsel

    BRIDGE26 At‌tendees

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