Future of Kids TV Summit

Changing the world of content

The new kids in town, Gen Alpha, the oldest of whom was born in 2010, the same year as the iPad, have picked up the baton in the transformation of the world of TV – in terms of how content is created, distributed and monetised.

We’re due to hit peak Gen Alpha in 2025, when there’ll be two billion of this youngest generation around the globe. Rather than being passive consumers, they’re co-creators – and they’re even more digital and global than their elder siblings, Gen Z.

Against this backdrop, our line-up of top international speakers share their thoughts and insights to help you prepare for this transformation ahead.

Join us on Tuesday 18 April at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes for an afternoon of keynotes and panel discussions about the future of kids TV. Discover the answers to questions such as:

What does this transformation of the world of TV mean for under-10s content?
How are pre-teens to young adults influencing the viewing habits of 7-10 year olds?
Are the gaps and opportunities in content for pre-teens to young adults?
What does the future of kids TV look like?

Be inspired. Be informed. Be prepared. Every Gen is welcome!

Future of Kids TV Summit Programme

Opening remarks

14.25 - 14.30

Welcome & opening remarks by host, Brandon Relph, CEO, Nile.

Inspirational keynote

14.30 - 14.50

Engaging with Gen Alpha in the 'Great Screen Age'

Social researcher McCrindle not only coined the term Gen Alpha but also wrote the book. In this inspirational keynote, Ashley Fell, the book’s co-author, shares how the global influence of Gen Alpha (born 2010-2024) extends well beyond their years. This first generation born in the 21^st century is truly digital and global. To top that, they’re more formally educated, technologically literate and numerous than any other generation in the world’s history. Join us for some fascinating insights.

Speaker: Ashley Fell, Social Researcher, Trends Analyst, Director of Advisory, McCrindle

Media mastermind keynote

14.50 - 15.10

Evan Shapiro maps out the future of kids TV

Global thought leader Evan Shapiro is one of the TV industry’s most influential thinkers. He’s also an award-winning producer, professor of television and the official (unofficial) ‘media universe cartographer’. In this mastermind keynote, Shapiro unveils new, exclusive research, brought to you in partnership with MIPTV. Be there to discover where the gold is. Find out Shapiro’s take on:
- How kids are consuming content differently.
- What this means for your business model.
- Why you should be creating more feel-good content.

Speaker: Evan Shapiro, Emmy & Peabody award-winning producer, Professor of Media & Entertainment at New York University

Q&A with Deirdre Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, WildBrain

Market intelligence

15.10 - 15.30

Disrupting the disruptors: Generation Alpha and their media

Gen Alpha is changing media consumption and creation in seismic ways. They’re even disrupting the disruptors – the streamers. Today’s kids:
- Want to consume and create around their favourite stories and characters.
- Expect an interactive and authentic relationship with brands.
- Move seamlessly ‘among’ platforms (TV, video, games and social).
How can you reach your target audience with all this, plus budgets, to consider? Discover what Gen Z means for the kids TV industry.

Speaker: Adam Woodgate, Senior Vice-President Media Insights, Dubit

THE WIT KIDS GARDEN

15.50 - 16.10

What's fresh in the kids & tweens space

The future of kids entertainment is already here. Virginia Mouseler, CEO of The Wit, is an expert in researching the shows of tomorrow.

In this Kids Garden focused on creativity she reveals her picks in fresh content targeted to 8-12 wherever they want it: tv, streamers, social media, gaming.

Speaker: Virginia Mouseler, CEO, THE WIT

Panel discussion

16.10 - 16.30

How to engage kids & monetise content in the new era

Some of the most seasoned experts in kids content join us on stage for an enlightening exchange about how to engage with this new audience. What are the secrets behind a successful IP when creating content for the kids of today and tomorrow (the first Gen Beta will be born in 2025)? How do you need to adapt your content strategy? How do you develop an IP that will last, and travel across markets? In short, how do you maximise monetisation.

Moderator: Brandon Relph, CEO, Nile

Speaker: Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director (EMEA & Asia Pacific), Moonbug Entertainment; Jesse Cleverly, Creative Director, WILDSEED STUDIOS

Panel discussion

16.30 - 16.50

Adapting your business model for the Future of Social Media

It’s no secret that kids like to hang out on social video platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat - where successful channels like Cocomelon and Kids Diana Show attract huge global audiences. Hear about key learnings from Gen Z and why kids broadcasters and streamers need to be on social media. Discover how you can adapt your business model for the future of social video, and the next generation of social platforms. You will hear about how:

- How IP Monetisation on social media can eclipse traditional media
- What content works best for social media
- Which platforms you should care about and why

Speaker: Steve Crombie, CEO, Totem / Moderator: Sandra Lehner, Creative Strategy Director

Final remarks

16.50 - 17.00

Wrap-up & key takeaways by host, Brandon Relph, CEO, Nile.