Dhar Mann and Sean Cohan to headline NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit 2026

Visionary content creator Dhar Mann and Bell Media President Sean Cohan have been announced as keynote speakers for the highly anticipated 2026 editions of NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit. The events will return to Miami from February 2–6, 2026, at the InterContinental Miami.

Framed by the theme of Convergence, NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit will explore the business impact of shifting power dynamics within the entertainment industry. As traditional media players broaden their reach through strategic partnerships—including collaborations with former competitors—and adopt social media-inspired strategies, the events aim to capture how these forces are reshaping content creation and distribution.

As social platform-first creators and legacy media institutions increasingly intersect, Dhar Mann and Sean Cohan stand as emblematic figures of two ends of a rapidly evolving spectrum. Their participation will anchor a week dedicated to collaboration and transformation—where traditional media adapts to meet audiences on their platforms of choice, and YouTube creators transition into studio-scale operations with network-level productions.

Dhar Mann, founder of Dhar Mann Studios, leads one of the most-watched digital storytelling platforms in the world. With billions of views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, he is known for cinematic, purpose-driven narratives that emphasize empathy, resilience, and social impact. Mann has built a global community of loyal viewers while pioneering a vertically integrated studio model that combines high-volume production with real-time analytics. His approach illustrates how content creators are bypassing traditional gatekeepers and scaling sustainable media businesses. As the creator economy surpasses $250 billion globally, Mann stands at the forefront of a rising movement of creator-led influence. He will be joined in conversation by Dhar Mann Studios CEO and former MTV president Sean Atkins.

Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, oversees one of North America’s largest media and entertainment companies. He is steering Bell Media through a strategic transformation, blending legacy media brands with bold digital expansion. Cohan’s leadership includes partnerships with platforms such as Prime Video and oversight of major properties like Canada’s leading streaming service Crave, the top broadcast network CTV, French-language service Noovo, sports networks TSN and RDS, audio streamer iHeartRadio, and various specialty channels. Facing fierce global competition, Cohan has emphasized nationally relevant content while unlocking synergies across Bell Media’s diverse assets. His approach expands the company’s domestic and international reach while navigating the industry's current headwinds.

Mary Maddever, Executive Content Director of NATPE and EVP of Realscreen emphasized that the focus will be on social platforms and mainstream media: "This year’s keynotes speak to the confluence of what was once seen as two viewing solitudes – social platforms and mainstream media. In tandem with the broadcast business model’s migration towards streaming, what happens on different platforms is less distinct. So whether you're a creator scaling a global brand or a traditional media leader adapting to new market realities, there’s an upside in collaboration, crossing streams, and learning from successes," commented.

Meanwhile, Claire Macdonald, SVP and Executive Director of NATPE Global noted their ambition to top the record-breaking results of 2025.: "The response to our 2025 edition was phenomenal — record-breaking attendance and unprecedented buyer engagement. In 2026, we’re raising the bar again, driven by visionaries like Dhar and Sean who are reshaping what this industry looks like. In addition to bringing the creator economy into the NATPE fold, we’re putting a spotlight on the scripted side of the market with a new dedicated track and expanding our focus on bringing brands into the conversation," stated.

Programming highlights for 2026 will include a newly launched Scripted Content strand at NATPE Global, extending the event’s reach across genres and formats. Additionally, enhanced Creator & Brand programming will foster direct dialogue between creators, agencies, and media companies. The NATPE Honors will also return, recognizing industry trailblazers who continue to push creative and commercial boundaries.

Now in its second year as a co-located event, Realscreen Summit (February 2–4) and NATPE Global (February 4–6) will offer attendees unique programming with unparalleled crossover opportunities. A mid-week Convergence Day will once again unite scripted and unscripted communities in a collaborative, forward-looking marketplace.