ACCS Lines Up 2024 Speakers

The Australian Children’s Content Summit (ACCS), returning to New South Wales’ Coffs Coast from August 27 to 29, has confirmed several international and Australian featured guests for its 2024 lineup.

Hosted by Emma Watkins (Emma Memma), the 2024 list of international industry leaders already confirmed includes Jane Gould, co-founder of Wonderworks Insights; Kate Morton, head of commissioning and acquisitions for ages 0 to 6 at BBC; Katharina Pietzch, VP of content sales for BBC Studios Kids & Family; Adriano Schmid, VP of content for PBS KIDS; and Mellany Welsh, VP and head of Nelvana and Kids Can Press.

The 2024 Australian featured guests are Jenny Buckland, CEO of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation; Grainne Brunsdon, COO of Screen Australia; Geoff Cooper, production and programming manager for Queensland Nine Network Australia; Libbie Doherty, head of ABC Children and Family; Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW; Marissa McDowell, head of commissions at NITV; and Bernadette O’Mahony, head of content and acting CEO for the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, as well as executives from Screenwest.

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.

Suzanne Ryan, SLR Productions CEO and Australian Children’s Content Summit founder, said: “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 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.”

Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW, added: “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.”

Doherty, head of ABC Children and Family, commented: “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 am 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.”

Barbara Stephen, Flying Bark Productions president and CEO, noted: “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.”