This year’s conference (July 8-10, Sheffield, UK) promises to be a dynamic blend of insightful keynotes, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities that cater to a diverse audience, from producers to publishers.
Kicking off the conference is Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Waterstones Children’s Laureate, whose keynote will provide a compelling analysis on the vital role of children’s literature.
Following this, attendees can look forward to the Creative Keynote featuring “Please Look After This Bear”, which aims to explore its richness of character and brand storytelling. Closing the keynote series is the always-entertaining Basil Brush, showcasing the power of high-energy engagement and entertainment in connecting with children.
Among the renowned speakers, Mhairi Aitken (Alan Turing Institute), Thomas Astruc (Miraculous Corp), Olivier Bernard (Kedoo), Phil Birchinall (Discovery Education), Susan Bolsover (Aardman), Julien Borde (Mediawan), Tom Box (Blue Zoo), Louise Bucknole (Paramount), Grégory Dray (Animaj), Frank Falcone (Guru Studios), Matt Green (Rapping Science Teacher), Marvin Harrison (Belovd), Patricia Hidalgo (BBC), Alex Holmes (The Diana Award), Anna Mansi (BFI), Lucy Murphy (Sky), and Leah Thaxton (Faber and Faber).
Industry Insights and Compelling Conversations
A lineup of industry leaders will take the stage throughout the conference, offering valuable perspectives on the current landscape of the kids’ audience. Industry professionals will gain crucial insights helping them to understand the pressing issues facing the children’s media industry today and the paths forward for creators and professionals.
Additionally, in response to evolving industry needs, CMC has expanded its Digital Discussions. These sessions will focus on significant topics surrounding digital content and its implications for young viewers.
Commissioner Conversations will explore the broadcast scene’s latest trends, providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to gain valuable information on how to pitch and develop content for broadcasters and platforms and build connections that can shape future projects.
The list of industry experts leading the discussions includes Nico Lockhart (Team Falco), Vishaal Virani (YouTube), Sioned Geraint (S4C), Kate Morton (BBC), Sarah Muller (BBC), Eimear O’Mahony (RTÉ), Delphine Dumont (Banijay), Ian Douthwaite (Dubit), Sean Henry (Warner Bros Discovery), Kyle Jenkins (Paramount), Lisa Mackintosh (Sky), Alison Warner (Blue Zoo), and Peter Robinson (Gone With).
Playing It by the Book: The Role of Publishing
The conference also welcomes the publishing community, emphasizing its essential role in media discussions. Besides the anticipated Keynote by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, other scheduled sessions will further underscore how literature can combat the decline in reading for pleasure among children and investigate the challenge of translating books to the screen, ensuring that storytelling remains a key focus in both reading and viewing experiences.
WorkWise for Screen
For those working in recruitment, team management, and HR, the “WorkWise for Screen” initiative offers a free session designed to equip media professionals with knowledge of current employment laws and best practices. Scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, this program is open to all sectors of screen production, not just children’s media, providing an excellent chance to network and learn from experts like Mel Rodrigues (Creative Access), Daniel Pearl (Lion TV), and Steve Wynne (Strawberry Blonde). These sessions offer crucial insights into managing teams effectively and navigating the complexities of employment law in the creative industry.
Initiatives fostering Connections
The conference encourages networking through unique, engaging events.
Returning this year is the C3MUK group, which serves as a vital platform for people of colour within the industry. The group will host two coffee and chat get-togethers, focusing on fostering connections and sharing experiences among underrepresented voices in children’s media. This initiative highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives is heard and valued.
The CMC also leverages fitness to foster connections with the return of RUN CMC. Participants will join writer and runner Alex Collier for a morning 5K jog around Sheffield, allowing delegates to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere before the day’s formal activities begin.
As we anticipate this year’s CMC 2025 conference, it is clear that the event will significantly impact the future of children’s media. With a rich program of keynotes, discussions, and networking opportunities, CMC provides an invaluable platform for professionals to engage, learn, and inspire one another. By engaging with these discussions, participants can gain insights that will help shape the direction of children’s media, ensuring it remains relevant, engaging, and accessible.
