The Daily Beast Power 100 luncheon brought together entertainment executives, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and business leaders in Beverly Hills, where entrepreneur Emma Grede received the event’s first-ever Power Woman recognition during a gathering focused on professional collaboration and leadership.
Held at CUT by Wolfgang Puck inside the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons hotel, the annual luncheon marked the third collaboration between The Daily Beast and rideshare company Uber for the Los Angeles edition of the Power 100 franchise. Former Today host and 48 Hours correspondent Natalie Morales emceed the event, which welcomed approximately 100 invited guests from the entertainment, technology, fashion, and corporate sectors.
The gathering was scheduled ahead of Mother’s Day weekend and centered on honoring women who have contributed to mentorship, leadership, and career development across industries. Guests attended a seated luncheon featuring a multi-course menu while participating in networking sessions and industry discussions throughout the afternoon.
Power Woman Honor Introduced at Annual Event
This year’s luncheon introduced a new distinction within the Power 100 series through the launch of the Power Woman honor. Grede became the inaugural recipient during the May 5 ceremony in Beverly Hills.
The British entrepreneur is known for several high-profile business ventures in fashion and consumer products. She serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Good American alongside Khloé Kardashian and is also a founding partner of SKIMS with Kim Kardashian. In addition, Grede co-founded Off Season with fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk.
During the luncheon, Grede accepted a Tiffany & Co.-designed trophy presented as part of the recognition. Organizers described the new honor as a way to recognize women whose leadership and business accomplishments have influenced multiple industries.
The entrepreneur addressed attendees following the presentation and spoke about professional collaboration, mentorship, and the importance of creating opportunities for women in leadership positions. She also encouraged guests to establish new professional connections during the event and to support career advancement opportunities for others in attendance.
Grede’s appearance at the luncheon came during a promotional tour for her recently released book, “Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life,” which focuses on workplace ambition, career development, and professional communication.
Hollywood and Business Leaders Attend Beverly Hills Gathering
The luncheon attracted guests from film, television, publishing, sports, and consumer brands, reflecting the event’s emphasis on cross-industry networking. Actress Lake Bell, performer Jackie Tohn, and actor-writer Dan Bucatinsky were among the entertainment figures in attendance.
Media and advocacy personalities also attended the luncheon, including Monica Lewinsky, television personality Melissa Rivers, and journalist Liz Plank. The guest list additionally included senior executives and founders from beauty, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations.
Among the business leaders present were Wende Zomnir, founder of Caliray and co-founder of Urban Decay; Lauren Prince, chief executive officer of Flamingo Estate; Jen Davidson, chief marketing officer of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences; and Samantha Tubman, Basketball Operations Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Other attendees included Karey Burke, president of 20th Century Fox Television; Shelly Zalis, founder and chief executive officer of The Female Quotient; Kelly Sawyer Patricof, co-chief executive officer of Baby2Baby; Jen Somer, chief executive officer of A.L.C.; and Amy Wakeland, former first lady of Los Angeles.
Throughout the afternoon, guests exchanged contact information, discussed business initiatives, and explored potential collaborations. Organizers positioned the luncheon as both a networking environment and a forum for discussions surrounding leadership and professional development.
Event Featured Networking Activities and Brand Partnerships
Before the seated luncheon began, attendees participated in a cocktail reception that included hors d’oeuvres, photographs, and a themed installation centered on mentorship and gratitude. Guests were invited to write messages recognizing women who had influenced their careers and place the notes on a large cherry blossom tree display. By the beginning of the luncheon service, the installation had filled with handwritten messages from attendees.
Uber executives also participated in the program during the event. Katie Dunn, Uber’s Director of Business Development, addressed guests about the company’s consumer services and ongoing initiatives connected to convenience and rider safety. During remarks to attendees, Dunn referenced features including courier pickup services and options that allow riders to request female drivers.
The luncheon menu featured steakhouse selections prepared by the restaurant, including seafood starters, filet mignon, and dry-aged fish entrees. Floral table arrangements lined the dining room while guests continued discussions throughout the multi-course meal.
Organizers distributed gift bags to attendees at the end of the event. The tote bags included beauty products, headphones, hair accessories, skincare items, and promotional offers tied to Uber One memberships.
Power 100 Franchise Continues Los Angeles Expansion
The Power 100 luncheon has operated for more than a decade as a recurring invitation-only event connecting women from multiple professional sectors. Earlier editions were hosted by Joanna Coles, The Daily Beast’s chief creative and content officer, who helped establish the franchise as a networking platform in Los Angeles and other entertainment-focused markets.
According to event organizers, the luncheon has increasingly expanded beyond media and entertainment to include executives from technology, retail, sports, wellness, and nonprofit leadership. The 2026 edition reflected that broader focus through the range of industries represented among attendees.
The introduction of the Power Woman recognition added a new element to the franchise’s programming structure. Organizers identified Grede’s selection as part of a larger effort to recognize entrepreneurs and executives whose work extends across multiple business sectors while maintaining visibility in public-facing leadership roles.
During conversations throughout the luncheon, attendees discussed future meetings, business introductions, and partnership opportunities. The event concluded in the afternoon as guests departed the Beverly Hills venue for additional meetings and entertainment industry functions scheduled across Los Angeles during the week.
