The InterContinental Hotel (center), on Miami's waterfront, this week is hosting both the Realscreen Summit (Feb. 2-4) and NATPE Global (Feb. 4-6). (Media Play News staff photo)
Distribution Decision-Makers Touch Down in Miami This Week for NATPE Global, Realscreen Summit
February 2, 2026
More than 1,800 buyers, exhibitors, producers and funders from over 50 countries are coming to Miami this week for NATPE Global, the big annual gathering of distribution decision-makers from leading streamers, connected TV device manufacturers, and MVPDs as well as boutique and independent distributors and producers.
The 100+ exhibitors that will set up shop at the InterContinental Hotel Feb. 4-6 include Amazon MGM Studios, Fox, Lionsgate, Radial Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. Discovery, Blue Ant Media, Fremantle, NBC Universal, All3, BBC Studios and Fifth Season.
NATPE Global is co-located with the Realscreen Summit, which is focused on the unscripted market. The summit starts Feb. 2.
At both shows, brands are also taking the stage — from P&G, PepsiCo and L’Oreal to the Kansas City Chiefs — while micro-drama heavyweight Dhar Mann and YouTube influencer Jordan Matter represent the growing number of creators who are attending, as well.
Dhar Mann is also one of two keynoters, joining Bell Media president Sean Cohan.
Mann, founder of Dhar Mann Studios, leads one of the world’s most-watched digital storytelling platforms, with billions of views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. His vertically integrated studio model combines high-volume production with real-time analytics, exemplifying how creators are building scalable media operations outside traditional gatekeeping structures. Mann will be joined in the conversation by Dhar Mann Studios CEO and former MTV president Sean Atkins.
Cohan, president of Bell Media, leads one of North America’s largest media and entertainment companies. Cohan is guiding Bell through a strategic reinvention, blending legacy brands with digital expansion and partnerships with the likes of Prime Video to optimize content and increase reach. His remit spans the leading Canadian streamer Crave, top broadcast network CTV, French service Noovo, sports networks TSN and RDS, audio streamer iHeart Radio and specialty channels.
“This year’s keynotes speak to the confluence of what was once seen as two viewing solitudes — social platforms and mainstream media,” said Mary Maddever, executive content director of NATPE and EVP of Realscreen. “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.”
“The response to our 2025 edition was phenomenal — record-breaking attendance and unprecedented buyer engagement,” said Claire Macdonald, SVP and executive director, NATPE Global. “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 the 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.”
Also speaking will be Amazon MGM Studios’ Anaïs Baker, who will deliver a keynote at the Realscreen Summit. Baker, who leads the development and localization of global franchises and emerging hits, will be sharing how she identifies and develops IP with global potential and how she’s building a robust content pipeline by working closely with territories and production partners worldwide.
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