Pacsun, the purpose-driven specialty retailer rooted in youth culture, hosted its annual Purpose Summit, bringing together influential leaders, creators and cultural voices for a day focused on understanding and shaping the future of the next generation.

Held at Little Beach House Malibu, the 2026 Purpose Summit convened voices across fashion, media, technology, beauty and sports to explore the cultural shifts, ideas and behaviors influencing Gen Z and Gen Alpha and the implications for the future of business and culture.

The summit marked the unveiling of Pacsun’s 2026 Youth Report, the latest edition of the brand’s annual research initiative examining the next generation. This year’s report builds on Pacsun’s commitment to listening to young people and making meaningful insights into youth culture accessible to the broader industry.

The 2026 Youth Report revealed a generation increasingly intentional about trust, connection, and the influences shaping their lives. Developed by Pacsun in partnership with GlobalData and based on a survey of over 6,000 people ages 11 to 24, the report introduces the “Drawbridge Generation” which indicates Gen Z and Gen Alpha navigating an increasingly noisy public world while drawing closer to trusted circles of family and friends. The findings show that trust is moving closer to home, financial independence is slipping, social media dependence is accelerating, and young people are balancing their values with economic realities, among other similar findings.

Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson unveiled the 2026 Youth 25 List in addition to the latest report, recognizing 25 emerging and established voices who are helping define what is next across youth culture, creativity, and influence. Accompanying Olson was Emma Hinchcliffe, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women editor, who returned for the second year to moderate the summit and bring together perspectives from leaders across industries to examine the forces shaping the next generation.

The 2026 summit brought together an influential group of speakers and leaders, including content creator Sami Miro; Grace Kao of Snapchat; Elyse Cohen of Rare Beauty; Jennifer Prince of the Los Angeles Rams; and Amy Taylor of Angel City, for conversations exploring the intersection of youth, culture, creativity, technology, community, and business. 

Throughout the day, speakers and attendees examined the forces influencing how younger generations discover, connect, create, and express themselves. Exploring what those shifts mean for brands and organizations seeking to remain culturally relevant, the day consisted of a series of activities and conversations including:

• Meditation - The day began with a guided meditation led by Tai Beauchamp of Tai Media, creating an intentional space for reflection and connection before the day's programming.
• Youth Report by Pacsun - Neil Saunders, Managing Director and Retail Analyst at GlobalData, presented the 2026 Youth Report, sharing insights into the behaviors, values, and cultural forces shaping the next generation.
• Fireside Chat 1 - Moderated by Oliver Chen of TDS Securities, the conversation featured Michelle Hanabusa of Uprisers, Erick de Vera of Gardens and Seeds, Sami Miro, and Elijah Baig of Springy. The discussion explored the evolving landscape of youth culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, and influence.
• Keynote - Grace Kao of Snapchat shared insights on technology, connection, and the ways younger generations are engaging with and shaping culture.
• Fireside Chat 2 - Featuring Elyse Cohen of Rare Beauty, Jennifer Prince of the LA Rams, and Amy Taylor of Angel City, the conversation explored the intersection of youth culture, community, beauty, and sports, and how brands can create meaningful connections with the next generation.
• Fireside Chat 3 - Jason Mayden of Jordan/Nike joined for a conversation focused on creativity, innovation, and leadership, and the role brands can play in shaping the future of culture.

“Young people are always telling us where culture is going next; we just have to be willing to listen,” said Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun. “The Purpose Summit is one of the ways we create space for those voices, bringing together the creators, leaders, and innovators who are shaping culture in real time. This year’s Youth Report gave us an even deeper look at a generation that is becoming more intentional about who and what they trust. That insight fuels us to keep showing up authentically, challenging convention and co-creating alongside the next generation.”

As Pacsun continues to evolve alongside the generations it serves, the Purpose Summit reinforces the brand’s role not only as a fashion retailer, but as a cultural convener committed to listening, learning, and creating alongside the next generation.

Image credit: Gonzalo Marroquin, Getty Images for Pacsun