Find out first-hand what Walmart wants!

We are delighted to announce that Walmart’s Ned Ward will sit down with UTA licensing agent Sid Kaufman at Kidscreen Summit for an illuminating fireside chat about what the mighty retail chain is looking for in entertainment brands for kids & families. On top of his role as Associate Director of Retail Marketing Planning & Strategy, Ned is a member of Walmart’s Entertainment Council, which collectively assesses film, TV and digital IPs looking for shelf space.

Among other things, this conversation will touch on what markers they’re looking for, the critical importance of speed to market, and Walmart’s growing openness to brands that are heating up in digital spaces.

Ned has 25 years of experience in the consumer products industry and has worked at companies including Mattel, MGA Entertainment and several kids tech startups. He spent eight years in a Director of Entertainment Development role at Mattel, crafting game show and feature film pitches for the toyco’s portfolio of IPs that resulted in four television and eight theatrical development deals. Ned’s category experience spans toys, apparel, accessories, consumer electronics and education/STEM, and he’s adept at brand marketing, strategic insights, product innovation and new business development. He also joined the Board of Directors for Licensing International earlier this year.

Don’t miss this chance to better understand the needs of a company that
operates 10,000-plus stores in 19 leading markets around the world.

Booking Accommodations

Our hotel reservation site is now open, so you can book your stay at the Marriott Marquis San Diego for a discounted rate of just US$350 a night. It's right on the waterfront and just a five-minute stroll from all the restaurants and nightlife the city’s bustling Gaslamp District has to offer. Every hotel room has impressive views of the city or San Diego Bay, and most have private balconies. Other amenities include Starbucks on site, a 24-hour gym, a virtual golf lounge, award-winning restaurants and a poolside tequila bar & grill.

You can’t beat the convenience of staying in the event hotel!

™Kidscreen is a trademark of Brunico Communications Ltd.,
™Kidscreen Summit title, tagline and logo are trademarks of, and the event is produced by Brunico Marketing Inc.
© 2024 Brunico Communications Ltd., 366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9.
Tel (416) 408-2300.
Fax (416) 408-0870.
View our privacy policy: http://www.brunico.com/privacy/
To opt-out of future emails please click here.