Brunico Communications to End NATPE, Kidscreen and Realscreen Summits by 2027

Why It Matters

The shutdown signals a turning point for how media professionals convene, negotiate and showcase new content. As budgets tighten, the industry is likely to favor virtual or hybrid formats that promise lower overhead and broader reach. Brunico’s pivot to publications could accelerate the shift toward written and video‑based thought leadership as the primary channel for industry influence. For advertisers and content creators, fewer live events mean reduced opportunities for face‑to‑face pitching, potentially reshaping sales cycles and partnership strategies. The vacuum left by NAT PE may also intensify competition among remaining trade shows, driving them to innovate with more data‑rich experiences and niche programming.

Key Takeaways

• Brunico Communications will close NAT PE, Kidscreen and Realscreen summits by 2027.
• CEO Russell Goldstein cited market consolidation and shrinking content budgets as the rationale.
• Executive departures include NAT PE director Claire Macdonald and Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie.
• The Banff World Media Festival will continue, scheduled for June 14‑17.
• Brunico will focus on its trade publications and award programs moving forward.

Pulse Analysis

Brunico’s decision reflects a broader recalibration of the media‑industry value chain. Over the past decade, trade shows have served as both revenue generators and community builders, but the pandemic accelerated a shift toward digital engagement. As advertisers demand measurable ROI, the cost of hosting large‑scale conventions—venue fees, travel subsidies, and staffing—has become harder to justify against uncertain ticket sales.

Historically, NAT PE functioned as a barometer for syndication health, with its marketplace floor offering real‑time pricing signals. Its closure removes a transparent pricing venue, potentially pushing deals into more opaque, platform‑driven negotiations. Meanwhile, Brunico’s emphasis on editorial brands aligns with a trend where publishers monetize through subscription models, branded content, and award sponsorships rather than event ticketing.

Competitors will likely vie for the displaced audience, but they must address the same fiscal pressures. Expect to see more hybrid events that blend limited in‑person networking with robust virtual components, leveraging data analytics to demonstrate sponsor value. In the longer term, the consolidation of media‑industry gatherings could lead to a more centralized ecosystem, where a handful of global festivals dominate the calendar, while niche, digitally native forums fill the gaps for specialized content creators.