How is >play different than other digital media conferences?
>play is going to standout not just as being a different and innovative business school conference, but also as being an exceptional industry conference. >play will focus on the creative side of the digital media industry in addition to business models. It will bring together creative professionals (artists, developers, and producers), industry leaders, and students to provide multiple perspectives on industry trends and challenges. For a glance into a past conference, click here.


Why is Berkeley an emerging center of digital media technology?
The University of California at Berkeley has a legacy of creativity and progressive thought. From the Free Speech Movement to the Launch Accelerator, students and faculty at Berkeley are constantly on the leading edge of social, intellectual, and technological progress. UC-Berkeley also possesses the interdisciplinary capabilities to be a thought leader in the digital media world. Several key industry programs are world-renowned and ranked among the best in the U.S., including:

  • Computer Science (#1)

  • Computer Engineering (#2)

  • Engineering (#3)

  • Business (#7)

  • Law (#12)

Where did the title “>play” come from?
“Play” encapsulates everything that this conference is all about. You press play on any media player or streaming platform, you play your video games, and the latest movies are playing at the theater. Digital media is about bringing entertainment to people in new ways so they can play. Most importantly, play represents the fun everyone is going to have at the conference.

Who are the >play organizers?
>play is organized by a team of MBA students from the Haas School of Business. The organizers are members of Digital Media & Entertainment Club. This year, >play will be co-hosted by JD students from the UC Berkeley School of Law who are members of the Berkeley Journal of Entertainment and Sports Law. The >play team is extremely passionate about media/entertainment and has experience across different industry segments including games, music and film.

Who attends >play?
>play will be attended by both students interested in digital media and industry players involved in the business and creative aspects of digital media. We expect majority of attendees to be MBA students from Berkeley Haas and rest comprising of students from broader UC Berkeley schools, other universities and industry professionals.

For students, the conference offers an opportunity to learn about the industry from the top businesspeople and media creators in the space. It also will allow students to interact with potential employers and future business partners in an academic setting.

For members of industry, the conference is an excellent way to network with others in the industry and witness the freshest thinking in the digital media space. It also offers the opportunity to speak with students about their work and research in new methods of creating, distributing, and consuming media and form recruiting relationships for the future.


Where is >play being held?
>play is a full-day event being held on March 15, 2025 at University of California - Berkeley, Haas School of Business, Chou Hall, Spieker Forum (6th Floor). Buy your tickets here.

Where should I park?
We recommend Stadium Parking Garage (2175 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720) which is directly across Chou Hall. There are other parking garages and street parking available within a walking distance.