UB Launches Arts, Entertainment and Media Symposium in New York City

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo will announce its next UBC2C (UB Coast to Coast) symposium on arts, entertainment and media tomorrow in the Friars Club in New York City.

UB alumnus, Alan Zweibel, BA '72, multi-Emmy Award-winning writer/producer/playwright, who began his very successful career as part of the original "Saturday Night Live" writing team, will host the event. Zweibel also will be a workshop leader during the UBC2C NYC symposium, which will take place in New York's Lincoln Center and in the Macaulay Honors College at City University July 23-25.

The launch event will be held to build momentum for the symposium, which is being organized by the UB College of Arts and Sciences, UB alumni in the arts, entertainment and media industries, and the UB Alumni Association.

UBC2C NYC is a symposium for UB students and alumni, for students from New York City-area colleges and universities and for others who aspire to be the next generation of industry leaders. It will provide participants with real-world opportunities to network and explore potential careers in the arts, entertainment and media industries.

Workshops led by industry veterans will also be part of the July symposium offerings. In addition to Zweibel, scheduled speakers include Ted Kryczko, BA '76, past vice president of product development for The Walt Disney Co.; Linda Gelman, BA '72 , producer, Chicago City Limits; Ken Tabachnick, BA '77, general manager, New York City Ballet; actor Peter Riegert, BA '68; and Paul Zuckerman, BA '72, director, writer, executive producer, Chicago City Limits. The speakers will lead sessions on arts management, directing, comedy writing for all genres, entertainment news media, acting, entertainment law, new media and independent film production and marketing. An evening of entertainment will round out the second day of the symposium.

"UBC2C NYC promises to be another spectacular opportunity for industry leaders, our students and our alumni," said Bruce D. McCombe, dean of the UB College of Arts and Sciences. "At UB we're committed to maximizing the academic experiences of our students; this is one way we can do that. Students benefit from working with industry insiders and our alumni benefit by sharing their expertise."

Other highlights of the symposium will include "Day in the Life," on-site visits with networks, studios, film/TV sets, media offices and art institutions in the area, such as Variety, Silvercup Studio and the Law and Order set, among others.

A "Sunday Morning Mentoring Madness" networking event will give UB students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry leaders.

The first UBC2C symposium on entertainment and media was held last year in Hollywood. By all accounts it was a resounding success, McCombe said. Participants included 235 UB alumni and 39 students who attended on scholarships provided by generous donors. Forty-five industry leaders led nine workshops and participated in the "Sunday Morning Mentoring Madness."

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.