The inaugural Entertainment IP Summit 2026, supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and RTÉ is set to open with a flourish, with international bestselling author Eoin Colfer taking centre stage for the event's headline keynote interview. Best known for the beloved Artemis Fowl series—which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and inspired a major Disney adaptation—Colfer will share his unique perspective on building enduring intellectual property (IP) in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Taking place online from 14–15 January 2026, the Summit is a free, virtual gathering for senior leaders and creatives across film, television, games, animation, publishing, and immersive media. Authors and online content creators will also benefit from the summit. Registration is now open at www.entertainmentipsummit.com, with all sessions available on-demand for 90 days, ensuring global accessibility and flexibility.
From Page to Screen: Colfer’s Journey as a Blueprint for IP Success
Colfer’s keynote promises to be a highlight for anyone interested in the art and business of storytelling. Drawing on his journey from the written page to the big screen, Colfer will explore how authors and creators can protect, scale, and monetise their work across multiple formats. With Artemis Fowl’s transition from book to Disney feature film starring Colin Farrell, Colfer’s experience offers invaluable lessons for those seeking to navigate the complexities of IP development and adaptation.
The Summit’s organisers are keen to emphasise Colfer’s role as a touchstone for creators. "Eoin Colfer embodies the spirit of creative innovation and resilience," says Suzanne Leyden of Calico Media Interactive. "His keynote will set the tone for a Summit dedicated to helping creators and producers thrive in a world where stories no longer live in a single format."
A Global Forum for Cross-Platform Storytelling
While Colfer’s keynote is the headline act, the Summit’s line-up is packed with industry leaders and innovators from across the media spectrum. Professor Henry Jenkins of the University of Southern California—often called the "godfather of transmedia"—will share insights on fandom and storytelling that transcends mediums. HaZ Dulull, founder of Beyond the Pixels, will discuss the convergence of film and gaming, while Anthony Geffen (Atlantic Studios) covers immersive factual storytelling and Bethany Thomson (Sea Star Productions) will deep dive on the growing popularity of mobile vertical video drama. The programme also features producer and creator Nuno Bernardo of Portuguese production powerhouse, beActive Media and Jeff Rivera of Collective 5, who will give a masterclass on using AI to develop your story. Emmet O'Neill from StoryToys will discuss his path to success in mobile gaming.
Supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, and produced by Calico Media Interactive and DV4, the Summit is designed to provide practical strategies for developing, managing, and monetising IP for creators and producers. Day one focuses on storytelling fundamentals and branded entertainment, while day two takes a global perspective, examining audience building, legal protection, and Ireland’s unique advantages as an IP hub.
Who Should Attend?
The Summit is aimed at authors, creators, producers, studio executives, rights-holders, broadcasters, game developers, publishers, and IP strategists eager to stay ahead of global trends. With support from partners RTÉ and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), the format includes keynotes, panels, case studies, and Q&A sessions, the event promises to deliver actionable insights for all corners of the industry. The summit will also see contributions from RTÉ's own Head of Children's & Young People’s Content, Suzanne Kelly discussing the pivotal role the broadcaster can play in developing original IP and Alan Swan, Branded Content Partnerships who will discuss the role brands can play in supporting IP development.
Registration is free and open now at www.entertainmentipsummit.com.
