Children’s Media Conference, set to run from July 7 to July 9 in Sheffield, England, has had to cancel its event this year due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, CMC is going digital this year and becoming the Children’s Media Community, offering online events throughout the spring/summer. The first one will take place on April 21, and puts a spotlight on China. The free webinar will look at how the Chinese market is reviving itself as lockdowns slowly lift in the country, with a focus on how international companies can work in the market. Additional details will be on the CMC website.

On April 22, there will be limited slots available to join virtual meetings with Chinese platforms and co-producers looking to work with British companies. For this portion, delegates need to register with CMC and pay a fee of US$61 (UK£50).

CMC will continue to roll out weekly webinars and content, based on a wide range of topics, such as a chance to hear from commissioners, funders, research companies and master-practitioners. Specific session themes will be announced at a later date.  The webinars will culminate in a limited virtual conference hosted July 7 to July 9 (when CMC was supposed to take place), and include virtual one-on-one meetings.

This year’s event was originally themed around the concept of “Right Here Right Now,” in response to challenges today’s kids are facing—such as climate change, diversity, inclusion and empowerment of new and young voices. Now, it’s been revised to “Still Here Right Now”.

The shift to digital follows the upheaval of several other high-profile in the kids industry, including MIPTV, VidCon US and Bologna Children’s Book Fair, all of which were cancelled, while Licensing Expo and Cartoon Media were postponed events to later in the year.

Photo courtesy of Nick Singleton Photography