NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit have announced Dhar Mann and Sean Cohan as keynote speakers for their 2026 events, scheduled for February 2-6 at the InterContinental Miami. The co-located conferences will explore the theme of Convergence, examining how traditional media and social platform creators increasingly intersect.

Dhar 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 studio employs 200 people and has built a global audience through purpose-driven narratives. Mann will be joined by Sean Atkins, Dhar Mann Studios CEO and former MTV president, who has previously appeared with Mann at industry events, including NAB Show 2025.

Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, oversees one of North America’s largest media companies, managing properties including streaming service Crave, broadcast network CTV, and various specialty channels. Cohan’s leadership has emphasized nationally relevant content while forming strategic partnerships with platforms like Prime Video.

Expanded Programming

“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 an announcement.

The 2026 events will introduce a new Scripted Content strand at NATPE Global and enhanced Creator & Brand programming to foster dialogue between creators, agencies, and media companies. The NATPE Honors will also return to recognize industry trailblazers.

Driving Industry Change

Mann’s participation aligns with broader industry trends, as major corporations increase investments in creator marketing. At the 2025 Cannes Lions advertising festival, Mann sought long-term sponsorship deals with marketers, noting that “creators have something special with their audience that paid media can’t get you.”

Claire Macdonald, SVP and Executive Director of NATPE Global, referenced the successful 2025 event: “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.”

The Realscreen Summit will run February 2-4, followed by NATPE Global February 4-6, with a mid-week Convergence Day uniting scripted and unscripted communities.