SAVE THE DATE
Feb 23-25 2027

Event description

Interest in KIMS Canada is growing rapidly, with inquiries coming in daily from Canada, France, Ireland, and other international markets. While planning is still in its early stages, here is a preview of what’s taking shape:

February 23–25, 2027 (aligned with the traditional Kidscreen Summit dates)

Fully bilingual event (English and French)

Expected to take place most likely in Montréal or Québec City

Bringing together many international buyers, commissioners, distributors, and co-production partners invited and other to come on their own

Pitch Master Class, Pitch Coaching and/or Pitch to the Room:  live pitching opportunities and dedicated talent development initiative welcoming emerging creators from diverse communities, including Indigenous, Black, and other underrepresented groups and companies

Two dynamic streams running concurrently:

• Conference Program: keynote speakers, panels, and industry insights
• Business Hub: curated networking and one-on-one business meetings

Daily Canadian and Prix Jeunesse International Showcase & Discussions

Registration includes:

- Full event access
- Coffee breaks and lunches
- Welcome Cocktail Reception
- A curated social program and restaurant guide will be available for delegates to explore the city at their leisure

Sponsorship opportunities, including promotional booths and brand visibility packages, will be announced soon

More exciting details to come. Stay tuned!

Why Now ?

Canada produces some of the world’s most successful children’s content and has historically been a leader in premium content for younger audiences distributed wordlwide.  From preschool to YA, animation to live-action, linear to digital, Canadian IP has made its way into the lives of children not only in Canada but all over the world.  Yet Canadian ownership, talent and creative leadership, is being squeezed by a lack of investment in chidlren’s content, a phenomenon felt in many territories.  This summit will bring together funders, partners, and Canadian creators to build the relationships necessary to ensure our stories continue to flourish not only in Canada, but on the world stage.   

KIMS Canada is designed to: 
- Showcase Canadian creators, studios and IP 
- Attract international buyers and co-producers 
- Generate real business opportunities 
- Strengthen Canada’s cultural and economic sovereignty in kids media 

This market will also help Canada be a key player on global hubs such as Cartoon Forum, the Australian and UK Children Conferences, by offering a uniquely Canadian, bilingual and business-focused alternative. 

What an Experience !

KIMS will be a high-value, fully curated summit, inspired by the most successful international models:

Participants will benefit from:

• Pre-scheduled business meetings between Canadian companies and international buyers and co-production partners
• Targeted pitching and showcase sessions
• Strategic conferences and trend briefings
• Networking, hosted meals and social events
• A “show up and do business” format, where everything is organized for maximum efficiency International guests will be invited and supported to ensure the presence of high-value decision-makers — making the event truly worth attending for Canadians.

What makes it different ?

This event is not just another conference. It is designed around powerful differentiators:

1. 100% Kids & Youth Content
No adult drama. No generalist programming.
This is the only Canadian market fully dedicated to children and youth media — animation, live-action, interactive, gaming, preschool to YA.

2. A Bilingual, Dual-Ecosystem Advantage
Canada is one of the few countries with two fully developed kids ecosystems — English and French.
KIMS will allow international partners to access both markets in one place, creating unmatched cross-cultural and business value.

3. Canada as a Global Kids Hub
The event will actively promote Canada as THE destination for kids content — reminding the world that global franchises like Babar, Caillou and PAW Patrol are Canadian.

4. A Destination-Based Experience
The event will be hosted in an inspiring, non-urban destination (East Coast, Banff-style or other) to encourage participants to stay together, build relationships and create momentum — just like the most successful international markets.

Who is it for ?

KIMS is designed to serve:

• Canadian creators, producers and studios (small, mid-size and established)
• Broadcasters and platforms
• International buyers
• International Co-production partners
• Distributors, funders and financiers
• Public and private sector partners

Strategic goals

This initiative is a key pillar of the YMA’s long-term sustainability strategy and aims to:

• Strengthen international co-production and sales
• Create new revenue streams for the industry by stimulating business opportunities
• Increase global visibility of Canadian kids content
• Support small and mid-size companies who are most at risk