NH vod
YHI 2026 programme announced
The schedule of the Young Horizons Industry 2026 has been announced. Curated by Viola Gabrielli this year’s programme will be centered around the theme: Creators Choices – Thinking Ahead.
We will focus on the future of IP for young audiences — from understanding how they discover and experience stories today, to building original worlds that can grow across film, games, publishing, toys and digital platforms. We will explore how creativity, audience insight and new models of collaboration can turn bold ideas into lasting, multi-platform experiences.
NEW: We are introducing a Conference Day Pass, a one day ticket which enables you to take part in the first day of the forum. More about this option below.
The children's media landscape has fully embraced the creators economy, opening up an ecosystem of choices. Yet the demand for meaningful engagement has never been higher. Parents are actively hunting for quality, slower-paced programming. While teenagers seem to be glued to their phones, they are simultaneously developing a distinct nostalgia for simpler times without constant digital connectivity.
Thriving in this landscape requires combining artistic integrity with smart business models – leaning into strategic co-productions, creative brand partnerships, and multi-platform reach across screen, print, and gaming ecosystems.
What’s on the agenda?
The programme below covers only the conference part.
28 September (Monday)
Keynote: Understanding the Audience by David Kleeman
David Kleeman will reveal his new research on how young audiences actually discover, navigate, and experience stories across platforms.
Panel: Creative Expertise: Building IP with Heart
Acclaimed creators and independent European voices will share how to balance artistic integrity with multi-platform reach – from hand-crafted animation and publishing-first properties to immersive transmedia universes.
panellists: Janine Weigold, Independent Strategic Consultant, Weigoldmedia (Germany), Veslemøy Ruud Zwart, Producer & Writer, Zwart Arbeid (Norway), Simona Krasauskienė, Children’s IP & Licensing Strategist & CEO, NJ WORLD (Lithuania)
moderation: David Kleeman, SVP of Global Trends, Dubit (USA)
Panel: From Playable To Audiovisual Worlds
Producers, game developers, publishers and licensing partners will explore how they are turning digital-native IP, such as “Talking Tom & Friends” or “Warrior Cats”, into global, multi-platform experiences.
panellists: Rob Doherty, VP Production, Hasbro Entertainment (UK), Caroline Duvochel, Director of Audiovisual & Innovation, Média-Participations (France), Joanne Redfern, SVP Digital, Coolabi Group (UK), Nuša Gantar, Deputy VP of Entertainment, Outfit7 (Slovenia)
moderation: Cristina Angelucci, Publisher, Event Organiser and Transmedia Expert (Italy)
Case study: “ViQueens” – The Anatomy of a High-Concept European Animated Feature and Its Global Theatrical Ambition
A behind-the-scenes look at building a bold European animated feature with global ambitions – and making the economics work.
speaker: Veslemøy Ruud Zwart, Producer & Writer, Zwart Arbeid (Norway)
moderation: David Kleeman, SVP of Global Trends, Dubit (USA)
Case study: “Nelly Jelly” – Expanding a Local Book Character Into Screen and a Transmedia Universe
A behind-the-scenes look at how Lithuanian phenomenon “Nelly Jelly” transformed from a beloved local picture book into a powerhouse brand and an expanding screen presence.
speaker: Simona Krasauskienė, Children’s IP & Licensing Strategist & CEO, NJ WORLD (Lithuania)
moderation: Cristina Angelucci, Publisher, Event Organiser and Transmedia Expert (Italy)
29 September (Tuesday)
Case study: “Cloudy & Stormy” – A Digital Brand Made in Poland With a Cross-Media Strategy That Will Win Over Audiences From Preschoolers to Gen Z*
Developed as an audience-first project in Poland, this case study explores how strategic testing, influencer ecosystems, and an agile approach helped a Polish digital brand grow organically before pursuing larger-scale expansion.
speaker: Zofia Ścisłowska, Producer, Laniakea Pictures (Poland)
moderation: Viola Gabrielli, Head of Young Horizons Industry programme (Germany)
*This session is part of the Producers LINK programme and it’s open to accreditation holders. Prior registration is required.
29 and 30 September (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Consultants’ tables:
- IP Development – Tim Biedert, Development, Creative & Executive Producer (Germany)
- Script – Catherine Williams, Screenwriter, Script Consultant, Nice Scripty Person (UK)
- Content and Strategy – Janine Weigold, Independent Strategic Consultant, Weigoldmedia (Germany)
- Financing: Eurimages – Sergio García de Leániz, Project Manager and Promotion Programme Manager, Eurimages (France)
- Financing: Polish Film Institute – TBA
- Audience Awareness – Oscar Albertsen, Senior Consultant, Will & Agency / PUBLIKUM (Denmark)
One-to-one advice from international experts on IP development, script, content, strategy, financing, and audience awareness.
Go to programme page and discover the full agenda. Click on each session to read session descriptions and speakers bios.
Join the guest list
Accreditation for a 3-day event is open. The passes in regular prices are available until 14 September.
NEW: We are introducing a Conference Day Pass, a one day ticket which enables you to take part in the first day of the forum. This option is designed for people who are interested only in panels and case studies which are happening on 28 September. The Conference Day Pass will be available to buy on site in Kinoteka on 28 September. Price: PLN 150 + VAT.
Conference Day Pass holders won’t have access to events taking place on 29 and 30 September such as pitchings as well as to an online platform which is dedicated only to accreditation holders.
To take part in project presentations (selected projects), consultants’ tables, and 1:1 meetings you need to have accreditation.
Go to Accreditation page to learn more.