EPIC Impact Society, a Santa Barbara–based nonprofit dedicated to advancing creative leadership, social innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, will hold its 2026 EPIC International Summit, April 27-29 at the Rancho Tajiguas Preserve on the Gaviota Coast.
Now in its fifth year, the EPIC International Summit convenes a gathering of global leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, creatives and changemakers for three days of programming designed to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and explore new approaches to solving complex challenges.
“The 2026 summit theme, Collective Exploration, reflects EPIC’s belief that the most meaningful breakthroughs emerge when diverse voices and disciplines come together to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build solutions collaboratively,” organizers said.
Receiving the 2026 EPIC Impact Award will be Bill Gerber, an Emmy- and Academy Award-nominated producer, in recognition of his contributions to storytelling and the cultural impact of film and television.
“Gerber is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished producers and executives,” EPIC International said. “As president of production at Warner Bros. Pictures, he helped oversee some of the most iconic films of the past several decades, including ‘L.A. Confidential,’ ‘JFK,’ ‘Heat,’ ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ ‘Twister,’ ‘The Perfect Storm,’ ‘Three Kings,’ and entries in the globally celebrated Harry Potter film series.”
He later founded Gerber Pictures, producing acclaimed films “Gran Torino,” “A Very Long Engagement,” “Grudge Match,” and “Moonage Daydream.”
In 2019, Gerber received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and a Golden Globe nomination for “A Star Is Born.” Earlier, “A Very Long Engagement” earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Gerber’s career exemplifies EPIC’s belief in the transformative power of storytelling to shape culture, challenge perspectives, and inspire new ways of thinking, the nonprofit said.
Other 2026 EPIC Innovation Award honorees are:
EPIC Artist Award – Chris Bangle. Former chief designer for BMW Group, Bangle is recognized as one of the most influential automotive designers of his generation. His work reshaped the design language of BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, and continues to influence global design thinking.
EPIC Inspiration Award – Barbara Edelston Peterson. Founder of the Whole Champion Foundation, Peterson is a psychologist, author, and world-renowned endurance athlete whose work empowers young people through education, emotional intelligence, and environmental stewardship.
EPIC Community Engagement Award – Longer Tables. Tim Jones, founder of Longer Tables, will be honored for his innovative approach to strengthening communities through shared meals and civic dialogue.
Longer Tables initiatives have brought neighbors, leaders and strangers together across communities to foster connection and understanding.
For more about the 2026 EPIC International Summit, including speakers, sponsorship opportunities, or attendance, visit www.epicsummit.com.