JB Smoove to Headline Variety's Business Managers Breakfast in Los Angeles

Variety will hold its annual Business Managers Breakfast in Los Angeles on Nov. 12, with City National Bank serving as presenting sponsor. The gathering will bring together the people featured in Variety's Business Managers Elite issue and celebrate the accomplishments of leading entertainment business managers over the past year.

Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, producer and writer JB Smoove, known for "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Saturday Night Live," will take part in a keynote conversation. He is expected to discuss his vision for modern storytelling across television, film, branded entertainment and other formats.

Beyond his on-screen career, Smoove founded Alternate Side Productions and First Darrin. The latter is a creative agency that works with brands to develop campaigns, shorts and other advertising-style content, approaching the work from a distinctly comedic and creative angle.

The program will also feature Evan Shapiro, a media cartographer, who will speak with Variety co-editor-in-chief Cynthia Littleton. Shapiro will offer his perspective on how the fast-growing creator economy is affecting the entertainment industry. He is a Webby Award-winning creator and an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer.

Arnie Herrmann will receive the Variety Business Managers Elite Award, which recognizes his exemplary career and his contributions to the business management community. He currently supports philanthropic organizations including Jenna's Rainbow Foundation and the Irving Penn Foundation, and has served for many years on the board of MusiCares. Award-winning actress Candice Bergen will present him with the honor.

JaHan Wang, head of Entertainment & Sports Banking at City National Bank, said the bank has spent decades working with top entertainment business managers. "We've seen firsthand the difference a great advisor can make," Wang said, adding that the bank is honored to return as presenting sponsor to celebrate "the people who help talent build careers that last."

Dea Lawrence, co-president and publisher of Variety, called business managers "a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem" and said Variety is pleased to partner again with City National Bank. She also congratulated Herrmann on receiving the Business Manager of the Year award.

Citrin Cooperman, Content Partners, Venable LLP and Willkie are the supporting partners for this year's event.