TV KIDS FESTIVAL AGENDA FEB 2026

A Special Thanks to

PLATINUM SPONSOR

to All Our Sponsors

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

BY JAMIE STALCUP

The Great Strategy Shift

In 2025, as with all sectors of the media industry, the kids’ business felt the challenges of budget constraints and capturing audiences’ attention in a fragmented landscape. There were strategy shifts aplenty as companies tried to keep up with where kids are today. Sky ceased kids’ commissioning, WildBrain closed down its television channels business and Corus shuttered five of its kids’ networks to shift their attention elsewhere. Others revved up their efforts in crafting innovative launch strategies, developing digital-first series and delivering branded games and location-based entertainment.

In the sixth edition of our TV Kids Festival, we set out to deliver a lineup of keynotes and panels that address the many ways companies are adapting to the ever-evolving landscape. We have panels on acquisition and programming strategies, known IP, public broadcasting, financing and distribution tactics, independent companies and licensing and merchandising, as well as keynotes from top execs such as BBC Studios Kids & Family’s Cecilia Persson, Super RTL’s Oliver Schablitzki and WildBrain’s Josh Scherba. The festival also includes data-led talks from media cartographer Evan Shapiro and researchers from Ampere Analysis and Dubit, as well as a few creative keynotes.

You’ll find the entire schedule in this TV Kids Festival Agenda, plus more information on all of our speakers. And if you haven’t already done so, register here to ensure you receive access details in your inbox every day.

Enjoy the show!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

9 a.m. EST Quest for the Best

The sixth edition of the TV Kids Festival kicks off with our signature session on acquisition and programming strategies, this time featuring Sky Kids’ Ian France, Kidoodle.TV’s

Brenda Bisner and Future Today’s David Di Lorenzo.

10:30 a.m. EST BBC Studios Kids & Family’s Cecilia Persson

Cecilia Persson, managing director of BBC Studios Kids & Family, will share her strategy for dealing with the shifts in the kids’ business and upcoming titles on the slate.

12 p.m. EST Known IP

Hidden Pigeon Company’s Karen K. Miller, CAKE’s Ed Galton and Magic Light Pictures’ Muriel Thomas will look at the advantages of TV content based on known IP in getting projects financed and attracting viewers.

1:30 p.m. EST Craig Gerber

Craig Gerber will share his vision for the upcoming Disney Jr. and Disney+ series Sofia the First: Royal Magic, a spin-off of previous hits starring Princess Sofia, as well as his creative process and where he finds inspiration for his characters and shows.

3 p.m. EST Sesame Workshop’s Kay

Wilson Stallings

Kay Wilson Stallings, executive VP and chief creative development and production officer at Sesame Workshop, will talk about addressing children’s most pressing needs, reimagining Sesame Street, forming partnerships and planning the 30th anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo.

3:30 p.m. EST Sesame Street’s Elmo

The adorable, lovable 3-and-a-half-year-old red monster Elmo will share his inimitable laugh as he discusses his love of friends, playing, learning and living on Sesame Street, as well as the importance of being kind.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

9 a.m. EST In the Public Interest

PBS KIDS’ Adriano Schmid, CBC Kids’ Marie McCann and ZDF Studios’ Oliver Grundel will come together to discuss the state of public broadcasting from production, distribution and programming perspectives.

10:30 a.m. EST Super RTL’s Oliver Schablitzki

Oliver Schablitzki, executive VP of multichannel and CEO of Super RTL at RTL Deutschland, will outline the programming, branding and multiplatform strategies that have led the service to be the market leader for more than two decades.

12 p.m. EST Evan Shapiro

Media cartographer Evan Shapiro will share the latest information on how and where children watch content and offer producers and distributors advice on reaching kids and adapting to the changing landscape.

1:30 p.m. EST Money Talks

Guru Studio’s Frank Falcone , Banijay Kids

& Family’s Delphine Dumont , Madgic

Distribution’s Lionel Marty and SAMAX

Falcone

Entertainment’s Raphaëlle Mathieu will talk about the financing and distribution strategies best suited to today’s constantly changing kids’ media landscape.

3 p.m. EST WildBrain’s Josh Scherba

Josh Scherba , president and CEO of WildBrain, will discuss the company’s revenue-generating businesses, its social and digital strategies, the sale of Peanuts to Sony and reaching young viewers today.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

9 a.m. EST Boutique Benefits

Kedoo Entertainment’s Olivier Bernard , Tulipop Studios’ Helga Árnadóttir , A Productions’ Katherine McQueen and Wind

Sun Sky Entertainment’s Catherine Winder will share their insights on managing independent producers and distributors.

10:30 a.m. EST Where There’s a Will

In a session titled Where There’s a Will: Tweens, Teens & Media Restrictions, Dubit’s David Kleeman, Matt Picton and Benjamin Sumner will share the latest data on kids, tweens and teens’ perceptions of social media restrictions and how that may affect their engagement with brands and IP.

12 p.m. EST Ready to Play

9 Story Media Group/Scholastic Entertainment’s Kristin

Lecour , Boat Rocker Studios’ Mellany Welsh and Spin

Master Entertainment’s Maryellen Zarakas will discuss the latest trends in licensing and merchandising for kids’ brands.

1:30 p.m. EST Ahead of the Curve with Ampere

Olivia Deane, research manager at Ampere Analysis, will outline the latest data on kids’ commissioning trends.

3 p.m. EST Jeff “Swampy” Marsh & Martellus Bennett

Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, co-creator of Phineas and Ferb, and children’s book author and former Super Bowl champion Martellus Bennett will talk about their new Disney Jr. series Hey A.J.!

Helga Árnadóttir CEO, Co-Founder & Producer

Tulipop Studios

Helga Árnadóttir is the co-founder, CEO and producer at Tulipop Studios, the Icelandic entertainment company behind the globally expanding Tulipop brand. Alongside her co-founder, Signý Kolbeinsdóttir, Árnadóttir has transformed Tulipop into a distinctive children’s IP, dedicated to delivering quality content and positive messages centered around friendship, teamwork, diversity and creativity. Through engaging storytelling and imaginative worlds, Tulipop aims to inspire and empower children, providing positive role models while fostering creativity and valuable life lessons.

Tulipop Studios has developed a 360-degree brand strategy spanning TV, licensing and merchandising. The preschool series Tulipop Tales has become a hit in multiple international markets, and the upcoming Tulipop Seasons is set to launch in 2026. With a strong background in business, media and brand development, Árnadóttir is passionate about storytelling and creativity, working alongside industry leaders to bring Icelandic culture and values to children worldwide through engaging and imaginative content.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. EST Boutique Benefits

Martellus Bennett

Executive Producer Hey A.J.!

Super Bowl champion and author Martellus Bennett is the executive producer of Disney Jr.’s Hey A.J.!, a new series based on the children’s books he wrote about his family. The series is a whimsical and music-filled family comedy about an imaginative young girl, A.J., who turns ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Born and raised in Houston, Bennett played ten seasons in the NFL as a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers. He won a Super Bowl title with the Patriots in 2017 before retiring from the NFL in 2018.

Bennett is the founder, CEO and chief creative officer of TOMONOSHi, which spans a variety of disciplines, including animation, interactive media, fashion, photography, music and literature. As an author, illustrator, designer and storyteller, his published works include The TOMONOSHi Way, Black Thoughts, Slices of Black American Life, Dear Black Boy, There’s a Unicorn in My Background, Athlete, Towel Boy and The mARTy Mag.

SESSION Thursday, February 19, 3 p.m. EST Creative Keynote

Bernard COO & Co-Founder

Kedoo Entertainment

Olivier Bernard, COO and co-founder of Kedoo Entertainment, has more than 20 years of experience in the analysis, monetization and distribution of digital content. He is also the CEO and co-founder of Kedoo’s production arm, 3D Sparrow, and co-founder and U.K. managing director of FreshTunes, a digital music distribution platform for independent artists.

Bernard’s career began in the gaming industry at Atari, then Vodafone and later Glu Mobile, now part of Electronic Arts. He oversaw global operations for franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Call of Duty and Tetris. He then moved on to lead the EMEA team at Data.ai. His expertise in data analysis and digital content distribution eventually led him to co-found Kedoo Entertainment and FreshTunes, where he continues to focus on creating, producing and distributing video and music content on leading platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and Spotify.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. EST Boutique Benefits

Brenda Bisner Chief Content Officer

A Parent Media Co.

AParent Media Co. is the creator of the Safe Streaming™ platform Kidoodle.TV. Brenda Bisner has nearly three decades of experience in the children’s entertainment industry and is a driving force in shaping the future of kids’ digital media. She leads global content acquisitions and spearheads business development initiatives, consistently forging strategic partnerships that expand Kidoodle.TV’s reach and impact across more than 160 countries.

Bisner has built a 28-year career at the forefront of innovation in children’s media. She has developed, produced and sold live-action, animated and reality shows for top networks worldwide and has negotiated landmark licensing and merchandising deals with industry leaders such as Scholastic, Cookie Jar Entertainment and the Tom Lynch Company.

At Kidoodle.TV, Bisner’s vision has been instrumental in setting new standards for safe, reliable and family-friendly streaming, delivering entertainment parents can trust while empowering children to learn and grow in digital environments.

SESSION Tuesday, February 17, 9 a.m. EST Quest for the Best

Joining Ampere Analysis in 2018, Olivia Deane is a research manager for the company’s commissioning service, which tracks the commissioning and production of new original content across all major commissioners globally. Deane has most recently been instrumental in expanding the service to include intellectual property information for both unscripted and scripted content. With a background in critical writing, Deane’s analysis is regularly quoted in consumer and industry press.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 1:30 p.m. EST

Ahead of the Curve with Ampere

David Di Lorenzo has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. In his current role, he oversees programming, content acquisitions, channel and app partnerships and monetization across Future Today’s extensive portfolio of kids and family channels, including the top-rated, ad-supported streaming app HappyKids.

Before joining Future Today, he was president of Kabillion, where he was responsible for the daily operations of the Kabillion TV network, managing programming, ad sales, content distribution, licensing and partnerships. Di Lorenzo was responsible for growing the network’s cable footprint by more than 35 percent while also launching its presence across OTT platforms, increasing profitability and extending its content partnerships with top-tier brands. Previous experience includes ten years at Universal Studios as director of sales for the Americas and director of retail development sales. During his tenure at Universal, Di Lorenzo was responsible for worldwide licensing deals for mobile apps across theatrical and television content, managing content and promotions with mobile carriers and overseeing sales and marketing of licensed merchandise at major retailers, including Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 9 a.m. EST Quest for the Best

David Di Lorenzo Senior VP, Kids & Family Future Today

Delphine Dumont Chief Commercial Officer

Banijay Kids & Family

Delphine Dumont oversees Banijay Kids & Family’s commercial arm, which is responsible for the exploitation of all of Banijay Entertainment’s kids’ brands through distribution, via ancillary activity across all platforms and across licensing, merchandising and digital exploitation.

As an expert in kids’ content, Dumont is charged with growing the company’s portfolio of brands across all sectors. Banijay Kids & Family is home to brands such as Totally Spies! , Mr Bean and Once Upon a Time….

Previously, Dumont headed up acquisitions, distribution and co-productions for Zodiak Kids and has held various roles at RDF, Virgin Media and Jetix Europe.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. EST Money Talks

Elmo, a 3-and-a-half-year-old red monster, loves to explore new things and be a part of everything that happens on Sesame Street. However, like most preschoolers, he sometimes doesn’t have all the skills or knowledge he needs. But that never stops him! He always maintains an optimistic view of himself and life. Elmo tries to do the right thing in every situation and encourages his friends to do the same. Some of his best friends are Zoe, Abby and his puppy Tango, but he is always ready to meet new people. Elmo’s favorite hobbies are dancing, singing and riding his tricycle. He also loves books and using his imagination to make up stories.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 3:30 p.m. EST Creative Keynote

Frank Falcone President & Executive

Creative Director

Guru Studio

Frank Falcone has been bringing film and television projects to life as an animator, director and executive producer for over 25 years. Under his creative vision, Guru Studio has become a leader in character-driven storytelling and high-quality animated entertainment for kids and families around the world. Guru’s roster of hit shows includes PAW Patrol, True and the Rainbow Kingdom , Big Blue , Justin Time , Ever After High and the Sesame Street spin-off Mecha Builders . The company recently finished production of the family miniseries Charlotte’s Web with Sesame Workshop for HBO Max. Falcone served as an executive producer on the Academy Award-nominated film The Breadwinner, where, under his watchful eye, Guru’s team contributed visual development, which brought the rich “storyworld” sequences to life. Falcone also co-created the preschool series Pikwik Pack, which launched on Disney Jr. in the U.S. and Treehouse TV in Canada.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. EST Money Talks

Ian France was promoted to head of content for Sky Kids late last year and now oversees the content slate for all Sky Kids programming. Prior to that, France held the role of commissioning editor at Sky Kids for five years, working editorially with program teams on a variety of content, including the BAFTA Award-winning topical news output for children FYI and its various special investigations. He also oversees The Brilliant World of Tom Gates , BooSnoo! , The Makery , Ready Eddie Go! and more.

France has produced numerous notable programs in his career, including the two-time BAFTA Award-winning Operation Ouch! He also created the BAFTA-nominated CBeebies factual preschool series Maddie’s Do You Know? while at 7 Wonder Productions. Before joining Sky, France was the head of presentation for BBC Children’s, overseeing all of the presentation output on the CBeebies and CBBC television channels, including CBeebies Bedtime Story.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 9 a.m. EST Quest for the Best

Ed Galton CEO CAKE

CAKE is a leading independent entertainment company specializing in the production, distribution, development, financing and brand development of kids and family properties. With over 25 years of experience, Ed Galton has been a principal of CAKE since 2007. Prior to that, he worked all over the world for leading producers and distributors, including in Paris as VP of international sales at Gaumont and subsequently as VP of business development for French animation house Xilam; in London and Hamburg as COO for Igel Media; and in New York as director of international sales at Fox Lorber Associates.

Galton is executive producer on a number of kids’ shows, including the multi-award-winning Bottersnikes & Gumbles; the Emmy-nominated Angelo Rules; the Emmy-nominated Mush-Mush & the Mushables; Space Chickens in Space for Disney; the BAFTA-nominated series Pablo; Angry Birds: Summer Madness and Supa Team 4 for Netflix; Pretty Freekin Scary for Disney; and, most recently, Nikhil & Jay for CBeebies. Upcoming productions include Rainbow Brite with Hallmark and Crayola Studios and a third season of Pablo, being produced with BBC and Crayola Studios. Galton is also a board member of Animation UK.

SESSION Tuesday, February 17, 12 p.m. EST Known IP

Emmy Award winner Craig Gerber is the creator and executive producer of Disney Branded Television’s upcoming animated series Sofia the First: Royal Magic, the sequel to the hit award-winning series Sofia the First. The new show follows Sofia as she attends the Charmswell School for Royal Magic, where she discovers she is the most magical princess in the realm and must learn how to master her powers while making new royal friends.

Gerber is also the creator and executive producer of Disney Branded Television’s Firebuds, centered around a team of young kids who are the children of first responders, and Disney’s Elena of Avalor, following Princess Elena, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore. Gerber has also written for the Disney Fairies franchise.

A graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema-Television, Gerber’s career took off after participating in a screenwriting showcase at the university that led to a major Hollywood studio optioning the first script he had ever written.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 1:30 p.m. EST Creative Keynote

Craig Gerber Creator & Executive Producer

Oliver Grundel Director Junior ZDF Studios

Oliver Grundel began his professional career at ZDF Studios in 2006. He was initially responsible for licensing and merchandising activities for ZDF’s program brands across all genres. From 2010 to 2012, he focused in particular on the management and worldwide exploitation of all children’s themes in the ZDF Studios portfolio and managed brand licensing for IPs such as Dance Academy , The Jungle Book and H2O: Just Add Water. Beginning in 2013, Grundel was sales manager for German-speaking countries, responsible for the digital strategy of the ZDF Studios Junior division, and oversaw exploitation activities as the official KiKA agency. In 2018, he took over activities in the DACH market as sales and acquisition director, in close cooperation with parent company ZDF, ZDF’s main editorial department for children and youth and KiKA. In 2023, Grundel took over distribution in English-speaking territories and the management of selected international co-productions. He plays a central role in the division’s global sales activities, is actively involved in the strategic direction of acquisitions and co-productions and contributes his experience in key account management and brand-building to ensure the best possible marketing of ZDF Studios’ IPs across all platforms.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 9 a.m. EST In the Public Interest

As a strategist, analyst, author, speaker and connector, David Kleeman has led the children’s media industry in developing sustainable, kid-friendly practices for over 35 years. Kleeman’s perspective is that for all that changes, children’s development and needs remain constant. He serves as the senior VP of global trends for Dubit, a research firm and games studio, and is also the founder of consultancy PlayVangelist. Kleeman is advisory board chair to the worldwide children’s TV festival Prix Jeunesse and on the board of the Children’s Media Association. In 2023, he was inducted into the Children’s & Family Emmy Silver Circle for his 25-plus years of service.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. EST Where There’s a Will

Kristin Lecour VP, Consumer Products

9 Story Media Group/Scholastic Entertainment

As VP of consumer products, Kristin Lecour leads the global consumer products strategy across the 9 Story Media Group and Scholastic Entertainment portfolio. With more than 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, she oversees licensing, brand management and execution across all consumer product categories, building programs that extend storytelling beyond the screen.

Lecour began her career at TrojanOne, where she was focused on brand activation for a wide range of clients, including Nike, Johnson & Johnson and Coke. In 2006, she joined CCI Entertainment, where she was instrumental in the success of the brand Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, with over 1 million books sold in over 14 languages, in-school programs in the U.S. and Asia, QSR promotions worldwide, live show tours in over ten markets and a Fisher-Price master toy license.

At 9 Story, Lecour has built long-standing relationships with top-tier licensees, retailers and publishing partners, leading consumer products efforts for properties such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Karma’s World and the new digital-first property Paris & Pups. She also serves on the board of Women in Toys (WIT).

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 12 p.m. EST Ready to Play

Emmy Award-nominated animation veteran

Jeff “Swampy” Marsh is executive producer of Disney Jr.’s Hey A.J.!, a new series based on a children’s book created by Super Bowl champion Martellus Bennett. The series is a whimsical and music-filled family comedy about an imaginative young girl, A.J., who turns ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Marsh is renowned for co-creating and executive producing Disney’s five-time Emmy-winning series Phineas and Ferb, which has earned him eight nominations and recently returned for a fifth season. Marsh also co-created and executive produced Disney’s Milo Murphy’s Law.

Over the past 25 years, Marsh has worked for many top animation studios, including Hanna-Barbera and Klasky Csupo. He has also worked on multiple critically acclaimed animated series, including The Simpsons, Rocko’s Modern Life and King of the Hill. Marsh lived in England for six years, where he worked on various BBC animated projects. Additionally, he spearheaded the production of several feature films and series for the U.K.-based company BKN New Media. He created and produced two seasons of the critically acclaimed preschool series Pete the Cat through his independent studio, Surfer Jack Productions.

SESSION Thursday, February 19, 3 p.m. EST Creative Keynote

Lionel Marty Managing Director & Founder Madgic Distribution

Lionel Marty started his career in international TV distribution in 1994 at Tele Images, before specializing in kids’ content in 1999 when he launched the distribution department of France Animation. He later became president of worldwide distribution, consumer products and digital at MoonScoop, where he worked for ten years before co-founding the distribution company APC Kids, part of About Premium Content. APC Kids was rebranded as Madgic Distribution in 2025 following its integration to the Madgic Group, which includes the animation studio 2 Minutes and the production companies Label Anim ( The Scarlet Rose , Zak Jinks ) and Zephyr Animation (Lana Longbeard, Mogu & Perol), which Marty cofounded with producer David Sauerwein.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. EST Money Talks

With over two decades of expertise in the audiovisual field, especially in the dis tribution of cultural and entertainment content, Raphaëlle Mathieu has been involved in the creation of TV and feature animation produc tion companies such as Daydream Production and Timing. She previously served as the head of acqui sitions and sales at Zylo. She joined Cyber Group Studios in 2016 and held various roles, including director of sales, acquisitions and new media and executive VP. In 2023, she was promoted to chief operating officer.

In October 2025, Mathieu launched her own company, SAMAX Entertainment, to primarily work with producers as an executive producer. She is now co-executive producing Hundred Acre Wood’s Winnie & Friend , a reboot of Winnie the Pooh from Kartoon Studios. Mathieu is also the president of SEDPA, the professional union of French audiovisual distributors for all genres. In her capacity, she negotiates agreements with the French government and market players. Additionally, she co-founded MediaClub to gather and help audiovisual professionals to connect and find funds for their projects.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. EST Money Talks

Raphaëlle Mathieu Founder & CEO SAMAX Entertainment

Marie McCann Senior Director, Children’s Content CBC Kids

Marie McCann is the senior director of children’s content at Canada’s national public broadcaster. Her career in children’s media originally began at TVO as a writer/ producer, where she helped create Gisele’s Big Backyard. She also had a stint at CBC in the early 2000s, helping to launch the in-house programming brand then known as Kids’ CBC.

Since taking the lead at CBC Kids in 2017, McCann and her team have launched the award-winning inhouse flagship preschool series Studio K , Gary’s Magic Fort and Hey Joojo! CBC Kids has championed homegrown animated and live-action originals such as Dino Ranch, Mittens & Pants and The Unstoppable Jenny Garcia and featured bespoke acquisitions from around the globe, including Paddington Bear and Hello Kitty: Super Style!

SESSION Wednesday, February 18, 9 a.m. EST In the Public Interest

Katherine McQueen serves as the managing director of the creative-led animation production studio A Productions, which has been making award-winning children’s content for TV and film for 40 years. The independently owned studio is trusted to work with some of the world’s most iconic characters and has earned multiple awards nominations and wins for its works, including from BAFTA, Royal Television Society, the International Emmys and British Animation Awards. A Productions was entrusted to animate Sesame Street ’s first-ever animated special, Sesame Street: The Monster at the End of This Story , as well as working on subsequent specials. McQueen also worked on JoJo & Gran Gran . A Productions is currently working on My Friend Maisy , alongside BBC Studios Kids & Family and Trustbridge Entertainment.

McQueen joined A Productions in 2002, initially as a production assistant, before working her way up to production manager and then producer, before taking responsibility for running the business alongside founder Mark Taylor from 2019 to 2025, when she became sole managing director.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. EST Boutique Benefits

Karen K. Miller CEO

Aveteran of the children’s entertainment industry whose career includes some of the biggest names in the business, Karen K. Miller has solid and deep experience in production, development and acquisition. As CEO of Hidden Pigeon Company, Miller is leading the company’s expansion into all entertainment platforms for its IP based on Mo Willems’ beloved character brands.

Before joining Hidden Pigeon Company, Miller was president and CEO of Cyber Group Studios USA, responsible for all operations for the company’s L.A.-based office. Prior to that, she was senior VP of content for NBCUniversal’s U.S. network Universal Kids, where she oversaw strategy, development, co-productions, productions and acquisitions across all Universal Kids content. Previously, she had an eight-year tenure at Disney Channels Worldwide as VP of worldwide programming strategy, acquisitions and co-productions and spent 17 years as a producer at Warner Bros.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 12 p.m. EST Known IP

Cecilia Persson drives an ambitious global strategy for BBC Studios Kids & Family, one of five key genres which make up BBC Studios. As managing director, Persson works in partnership with all areas of the business to ensure the most creative, efficient and effective approach to bringing children’s content to audiences around the world.

Persson has extensive creative and commercial knowledge. She previously spent more than 15 years at Warner Media, where she held the role of VP of programming and content strategy.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 10:30 a.m. EST Keynote

Cecilia Persson Managing Director BBC Studios Kids & Family

Research

Matt Picton, currently head of research at Dubit, is an experienced insights and analytics leader with over 20 years of success delivering impactful, evidence-based strategies across a range of sectors, including media, retail, technology and online entertainment. He combines a passion for behavioral understanding and application of analytical techniques with a pragmatic, outcome-focused approach to solving business challenges.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. EST Where There’s a Will

Since joining RTL Deutschland in 2012, Oliver Schablitzki has been primarily responsible for building the portfolio of channels directed at specific target groups and successfully establishing it in the audience and advertising market. This includes, among others, the channels NITRO, Super RTL, VOXup and RTLup. In addition to the free-TV business, he is also responsible for the strategic evaluation of the pay-TV and FAST-channel business of RTL Deutschland and, since 2024, for all content of the kids and family brand Toggo.

Prior to this, Schablitzki was VP of Nickelodeon Germany and also served as deputy general manager of Nickelodeon North at MTV Networks. He has also held management positions at Super RTL.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 10:30 a.m. EST Keynote

Oliver Schablitzki Executive VP, Multichannel & CEO, Super RTL RTL Deutschland

Scherba President & CEO WildBrain

Josh Scherba, president, CEO and executive director of WildBrain, is a highly experienced entertainment executive drawing on over 20 years in the global industry. He has been with WildBrain since its founding in 2006 and has held a series of progressively senior roles in that time, overseeing a wide variety of functions across the organization. Appointed president in 2018 and CEO in 2023, Scherba has fostered a content-led approach to igniting brands from WildBrain’s deep vault of IP as well as partner brands, and he has played an integral role in setting and driving a 360-degree strategy across production, distribution and consumer products licensing.

Well known in the entertainment industry as the primary face of business for WildBrain, Scherba has built strong, long-term relationships with numerous major partners, including Apple TV, Netflix, Amazon, SEGA, YouTube, the BBC, LEGO, MAttel and many more. His passion for kids and family IP combined with his keen strategic vision have been central to driving WildBrain’s growth and reputation as a leading producer of premium content for streaming platforms and broadcasters worldwide.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 3 p.m. EST Keynote

Adriano Schmid leads the PBS KIDS con tent team and the organization’s full chil dren’s content library. He is responsible for PBS KIDS’ robust multiplatform content strategy, meeting the evolving needs of the PBS KIDS audi ence by identifying new industry talent, fostering relationships with current producers and partners and supporting development of new approaches to content production on emerging platforms. Recent content launches include Weather Hunters , Odd Squad Gaming Unit , Carl the Collector , Lyla in the Loop and more.

Prior to joining PBS, Schmid focused on multilingual programming in both Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets at Warner Bros. Discovery. There, he developed and produced curriculum-based projects for preschool-age audiences in the nonfiction, live-action and animation long-form genres. He also supervised the creation of short-form and digital kids’ content, including ebooks, games and webisodes. Schmid has also worked on factual and lifestyle programming, overseeing on-air promotion and working in production for HBO Brazil.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 9 a.m. EST In the Public Interest

Since creating his Media Universe Map, Evan Shapiro has become known as the Media Cartographer. Using his very specific voice and point of view, Shapiro charts media’s future through his essays in the Media War & Peace newsletter, which is now one of the most read entertainment business publications on Substack. He also co-hosts The Media Odyssey podcast, which has become an industry touchstone. Shapiro has been a featured speaker at the world’s most important media events. His maps, infographics and ruminations are widely quoted and used by businesses, executives, analysts and colleges around the world.

Shapiro is also an Emmy- and Peabodywinning producer of TV, films and podcasts, including Portlandia , This Film Is Not Yet Rated , Please Like Me , Comedy Bang! Bang! , Brick City and HarmonQuest . He also served 18 years as a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

SESSION

Wednesday, February 18, 12 p.m. EST Keynote

Benjamin Sumner, senior research manager and head of Trends at Dubit, has five years of experience in research and holds an MSc in cognitive neuroscience. His interest in psychology-based research informs his work at Dubit, where he focuses on understanding behavioral and attitudinal insights within kids’ entertainment. He is a mixed methods market researcher, combining quantitative data with qualitative insight to build a deeper picture of behavior.

Sumner leads Dubit’s Trends product, which explores key topics in kids’ media habits, helping to develop understanding of young audiences and supporting more informed decisions about how to reach them.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 10:30 a.m. EST Where There’s a Will

Benjamin Sumner Senior Research Manager & Head, Trends Dubit

An internationally respected media executive with over 25 years of experience, Muriel Thomas is the international distribution director at Magic Light Pictures, one of the U.K.’s leading entertainment companies. Since joining Magic Light Pictures in 2012, Thomas has led the company’s international distribution business, driving global strategy and ensuring the successful rollout of the company’s content across all territories. Under her leadership, Magic Light’s productions have reached audiences in over 180 countries and been translated into more than 50 languages. From presale to content exploitation across all platforms, Thomas oversees the entire distribution life cycle.

Over the course of her career, Thomas has built extensive creative and commercial expertise. She has overseen a wide spectrum of programming from iconic children’s properties such as 64 Zoo Lane , The Adventures of Spot and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom to acclaimed dramas and feature films like Anne of Green Gables . Before joining Magic Light, Thomas was head of international sales and co-productions at Entertainment One, where she played a key role in the international rollout of the Peppa Pig.

SESSION Tuesday, February 17, 12 p.m. EST Known IP

As senior VP and head of distribution and brands at Boat Rocker Studios, Mellany Welsh leads the distribution division, as well as the global monetization of Boat Rocker’s owned and acquired assets. In addition, she oversees all brand strategy, partnerships, consumer products and content marketing across the studio’s scripted, unscripted and kids and family divisions. A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the children’s entertainment and consumer products sectors, Welsh is responsible for managing Boat Rocker’s distribution and brand portfolios and expanding partnerships for properties such as The Next Step, Dino Ranch and Orphan Black.

Prior to joining Boat Rocker in 2025, Welsh spent seven years as VP and head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press, both of which are divisions of Corus Entertainment, following senior roles at ID Toys (Imports Dragon) and BroadbandTV.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 12 p.m. EST Ready to Play

Senior VP & Head, Distribution & Brands

Boat Rocker Studios

Kay Wilson Stallings

Executive VP & Chief

Creative Development & Production Officer

Sesame Workshop

Kay Wilson Stallings oversees Sesame Workshop’s global production, including for Sesame Street . She expanded the company’s animation production with the Sesame Street spin-off titles Mecha Builders, Bea’s Block and Tales from 123, as well as Charlotte’s Web; launched Esme & Roy, Helpsters and Ghostwriter; and founded the Sesame Writers’ Room to support diverse talent.

Wilson Stallings is a 2024 Animation Hall of Fame recipient. She previously led development at Nick Jr.

SESSION

Tuesday, February 17, 3 p.m. EST Keynote

At the forefront of innovation in digital media space, Catherine Winder has pio neered entertainment experiences that blend technology, storytelling, gaming and audi ence interactivity. A trailblazer in the Roblox space, she produced the award-winning, first-of-its-kind kids’ scripted series based on the game Twilight Daycare . In addition, Winder is working with Roblox creators for hits such as Jailbreak Creatures of Sonaria to expand their worlds into gamified story universes.

Through a strategic partnership with Viral Nation, Winder is collaborating with top YouTube creators, including Like Nastya and The McCarty Family, expanding their brands into dynamic storytelling experiences. She is also the co-creator of Future Chicken, an award-winning digital universe empowering children to engage with climate action.

Winder also has credits for Invincible, The Angry Birds Movie, The Angry Birds Movie 2 and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

SESSION Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. EST Boutique Benefits

Maryellen Zarakas Senior VP, Global Consumer Products & Franchise Development Spin Master Entertainment

Maryellen Zarakas is a dynamic senior leader with expertise in global business development, franchise- and brand-building, marketing strategy and retail merchandising. She joined Spin Master last year as senior VP of global consumer products and franchise development to oversee licensing, retail development, partnerships and franchise strategy to grow brands such as Unicorn Academy, Vida the Vet, Rubik’s Cube and more.

Prior to that, Zarakas spent nearly 20 years at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), where she created a new global team to spearhead strategic direction to grow its premier brands and franchises. She dedicated a substantial portion of her two-decade career at WBD within consumer products, focusing on identifying, prioritizing and activating revenue streams for the broad Warner Bros. film and TV portfolio, from DC Comics to Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Friends, The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings and more.

Before that, Zarakas spent ten years at The Walt Disney Company, holding various roles within consumer products category management and brand marketing across its portfolio, including Disney Princess , Mickey Mouse , Winnie the Pooh , Toy Story and more. When she left Disney, she was VP of global toys.

SESSION

Thursday, February 19, 12 p.m. EST Ready to Play