The Australian Children’s Content Summit returns in August

The Australian Children’s Content Summit will return to New South Wales’ Coffs Coast for the three-day event which brings the screen sector from across the children’s and family entertainment industry together in Australia at the Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.   

Hosted by Emma Watkins known for her ARIA award-winning musical children’s show ‘Emma Memma’ the Australian Children’s Content Summit will take place from Tuesday 27 August to Thursday 29 August 2024.

This year’s summit promises delegates unparalleled opportunities to engage with screen professionals including producers, creators, writers, directors, buyers, distributors, investors, screen agencies, policy makers, and industry influencers. 

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the summit will continue to offer an exclusive setting for high-level and industry relevant activities. From speaker panels, exclusive content pitches, business discussions to outdoor adventures and fun social engagements, delegates will also have the chance to explore the Coffs Coast – a coastal getaway in Northern New South Wales that has got it all and is the state’s first ECO destination. 

The summit serves as a premier platform for the children’s and family screen industry to network, collaborate, share insights, and build significant business relationships and firmly establishes the Australian Children’s Content Summit as the leading event for children’s content in Australia.

The 2024 list of international featured guests already confirmed include Jane Gould – Co-Founder Wonderworks Insights, Kate Morton – Head of Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 BBC, Katharina Pietzch – VP Sales Kids & Family BBC Studios, Adriano Schmid – VP of Content PBS KIDS and Mellany Welsh – VP, Head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press already confirmed to attend the summit in Coffs Harbour. 

The 2024 Australian featured guests is equally impressive with Jenny Buckland – CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation, Grainne Brunsdon – COO Screen Australia, Geoff Cooper – Production and Programming Manager – Queensland Nine Network Australia, Libbie Doherty – Head of  ABC Children and Family, Kyas Hepworth – Head of Screen NSW, Marissa McDowell – Head of Commissions NITV and Bernadette O’Mahony – Head of Content / Acting CEO Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as executives from Screenwest. 

SLR Productions CEO and Australian Children’s Content Summit Founder, Suzanne Ryan, “I’m beyond thrilled to see the Australian Children’s Content Summit return to Coffs Harbour to highlight the incredible children’s and family screen industry.  The Australian Children’s Content Summit is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the connection to audiences in Australia and globally that our inspiring content makes.  The Australian Children’s Content Summit is proud to be at the heart of this wonderful gathering.”

Australian Children’s Television Foundation CEO Jenny Buckland said, “The Summit is a “must do” event – bringing the Australian children’s television sector together under one roof and attracting major international partners, in an intimate and inclusive setting.  The Australian Children’s Television Foundation is a very proud supporter.”  

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “Following the success of the inaugural Australian Children’s Content Summit last year, Screen NSW is pleased to support this important event again in 2024.  The summit is a fantastic opportunity for industry to come together to focus on delivering great local content for children and families that will have global reach.”

Head of  ABC Children and Family Libbie Doherty said, “The Australian Children’s Content Summit will again open up the opportunity for industry collaboration and to share pitches, insights and connect with the children’s indy production community.  I feel so proud of the ABC’s commitment to Aussie kids and their families and excited to showcase the breadth and creativity of our slate.  It will be a great joy to be back in Coffs Harbour and explore Australian storytelling and excellence with our friends from overseas who are attending this year.”

Flying Bark Productions President and CEO Barbara Stephen said, “Flying Bark is thrilled to return as the Platinum sponsor for the 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit.  As a company, we are committed to producing Australian stories for local and global audiences.  The Australian Children’s Content Summit is the perfect opportunity to network with industry professionals and garner important insights from local and international buyers.” 

The 2024  Australian Children’s Content Summit is Presented by SLR Productions with Principal Partner, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.  The Major Government Partners are Screen Australia and Screen NSW. 

Platinum Partner for the 2024 Australian Children’s Content Summit is Flying Bark Productions.  Gold Partners for this year’s summit are ABC, Simpsons and Screenwest.  This year’s Silver Partners are Screen Territory, Count Out Loud, Silver Trak Digital and Paradox Media.  Werner Film Productions, Fremantle and Input Advisory are the Bronze Partners. 

Industry Partner is Screen Producers Australia and the summit’s Destination Partner is the City of Coffs Harbour. 

The inaugural Australian Children’s Content Summit in 2023 was a resounding success attracting 260 delegates from 12 countries including a distinguished line up of industry executives from ABC, NITV, BBC, CBC, Apple, Netflix, Paramount, Sony Kids, Hello Sunshine, Nine, Screen NSW, Screen Australia, and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.