Summer camp is back in session — if your bunkmates run the world’s biggest tech and media companies.
Tech CEOs are descending on Sun Valley, Idaho, as the annual Allen & Co. conference kicks off on Tuesday.
Known as “summer camp for billionaires,” the invite-only gathering is expected to draw leaders from Amazon, Apple, Meta, OpenAI, and other major media companies. Though discussions among invitees are kept confidential, Tim Armstrong, the CEO of Flowcode, previously told Business Insider that AI was the “1,000-pound gorilla” in “every conversation, every meeting” at last year’s conference.
Hundreds of private jets, bringing some of the world’s most influential executives, have been flocking to the mountain resort since Monday. Tim Burke, director of the Sun Valley Friedman Memorial Airport, told Business Insider he expects between 300 and 350 aircraft each day of the conference, more than four times the typical traffic.
Here are the CEOs and billionaires we’ve spotted in Sun Valley so far.
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, waves at the camera
Zaslav arrived as Warner Bros. Discovery weighs major strategic changes after announcing plans to split into two stand-alone public companies, separating its streaming and studio business from its traditional cable networks.
Jerry Yang, former CEO of Yahoo, arrives at the conference
The Yahoo cofounder remains a prominent investor through AME Cloud Ventures, backing AI and enterprise technology startups. Yang has become a regular fixture at Sun Valley as AI has emerged as the dominant topic among tech leaders.
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, walks past reporters after arriving
Barra is steering GM through a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles while expanding its lineup of hybrid models. The automaker has also been investing heavily in autonomous driving and software as competition intensifies.
Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI, arrives at the Sun Valley Lodge
Taylor chairs OpenAI’s board while also leading Sierra, the AI startup he cofounded that builds customer service agents for businesses. His appearance comes as AI investment, infrastructure costs, and enterprise adoption remain top themes at this year’s conference.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, walks with a hot drink in hand
Mohan oversees YouTube as it continues to dominate streaming watch time and expand its business around Shorts, podcasts, and AI-powered creator tools. The platform remains a key player in the battle for digital advertising and entertainment audiences.
Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, arrives at the annual gathering
Iger stepped down as Disney CEO in March after handing the reins to Josh D’Amaro, ending his second stint leading the entertainment giant. He remains a senior advisor and Disney board member through the end of 2026.
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, checks into the lodge
Sarandos leads Netflix as the streaming giant continues to invest in live events, advertising, and sports programming while maintaining its lead over traditional media rivals. Netflix remains a central player in conversations about the future of entertainment.
Ken Langone, cofounder of Home Depot, is greeted by Zaslav upon arrival
The billionaire investor and Home Depot cofounder remains an influential voice in corporate America and philanthropy. Langone frequently weighs in on the economy, politics, and business leadership.
Barry Diller, chairman and senior executive of IAC, arrives on a bike
Arriving on a bike as he did in previous years, the veteran conference attendee has spent decades shaping the media industry through companies including IAC, Expedia, and Match Group.
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner, steps out of a van
Manfred is overseeing MLB’s efforts to expand streaming distribution and modernize the league’s media business, as sports rights remain among the entertainment industry’s most valuable assets.
John Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group, heads into the lodge
Henry oversees Fenway Sports Group, whose portfolio includes the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Read the full article here
