Brunico Communications will discontinue the longtime conference and its other U.S. events business in 2027, citing market consolidation, as the longtime ‘Kidscreen’ publisher exits after 28 years.
Sad news to report… Brunico Communications has just announced it will discontinue its U.S. events portfolio in 2027, including Kidscreen Summit, Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global, marking the end of one of the kids’ entertainment industry’s longest-running annual gatherings.
In a note from Brunico Communications President & CEO Russell Goldstein just posted, he stated, “In this period of market change, Brunico Communications has made the difficult, but necessary decision to discontinue its US events portfolio in 2027, including Kidscreen Summit and its sister events, Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global.”
The company attributed the move to ongoing market consolidation and structural changes affecting the content production business, signaling a broader shift in how the global kids media sector conducts business and networking.
Kidscreen Summit has grown into a leading global conference for the business of children’s entertainment, bringing together producers, broadcasters, distributors and creators for networking, knowledge sharing, deal-making and partnerships. The event has been held in multiple locations over time, including New York and Miami, reflecting its expansion and international reach.
“Kidscreen Summit has served as the heartbeat of the international kids’ content community for the past 30 years and has proudly been a seminal catalyst of opportunity for an entire generation of media executives and their companies,” Russell added.
Brunico said it will continue operating its publications portfolio, including Kidscreen, Realscreen, Playback and Strategy, as well as the Banff World Media Festival, which is scheduled to return June 14–17, 2026. Kidscreen will also continue publishing its magazine, daily news coverage and awards program.
The shutdown comes alongside the departure of longtime Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie, who is leaving the company after a 28-year career. Christie played a central role in expanding the Kidscreen brand, overseeing the growth of Kidscreen Summit into a major global gathering and extending its reach through initiatives such as Kidscreen East and participation in the Asian Animation Summit, as well as launching the Kidscreen Awards.
“I’m immensely proud of the work that has gone into building the Kidscreen brand over my last 28 years,” said Christie. “I’m equally excited to explore new opportunities to carry my experiences forward into what comes next.”
Source: Brunico Communications
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
