Children’s Media Conference 2026

The Children's Media Conference (CMC) has announced that its 2026 edition will take place from July 7–9 in Sheffield, UK, bringing together professionals from across the children's content industry for three days of networking, discussion and business development.

Focus on the evolving children's entertainment landscape

Held annually, the conference welcomes delegates from television, film, publishing, gaming, licensing, toys, educational media and digital platforms. The program will feature keynotes, workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to address the evolving children's entertainment landscape.

This year's theme, "Finding the Funding, Finding the Audience," reflects the industry's growing need to identify new financing models and reach young audiences across an increasingly fragmented media environment. Sessions will explore alternative funding sources, audience engagement strategies, international co-production, distribution partnerships and the changing role of commissioners and digital platforms. The conference will also examine how the industry can better connect with children through meaningful storytelling while influencing future media policy.

Extensive networking opportunities

In addition to its conference program, CMC 2026 will provide extensive networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration between producers, broadcasters, distributors, commissioners, researchers and creative businesses from across the children's media sector. Ticket sales are scheduled to open in spring 2026, while industry professionals can also apply to contribute as speakers, moderators or session producers.

Source: https://www.thechildrensmediaconference.com/events/cmc-2026/