Despite the challenge of a global recession and its impact on many international markets, the 13th annual Kidscreen Summit maintained its overall attendance level by drawing nearly 1,600 kids entertainment professionals to New York earlier this month for four days of intense networking and professional learning.

This year, the Summit achieved significant growth on several important fronts. There were 40% more attendees from Asia, with the most significant growth coming from China (up 60%) and Japan (up 50%). China sent its first-ever official delegation to Kidscreen Summit 2012, as did Chile.

Also of significance, the Summit welcomed more European attendees in general – with France (+20%), Spain (+30%) and Italy (+40%) all better represented than in 2011. North American participation also increased with 20% more delegates from the US and 10% more from Canada.

Companion event iKids, which took place on February 6, attracted 30% more delegates this year with an expanded multi-track program featuring a deep lineup of presentations and panel discussions designed to explore the intersection of mobile content, social media and web entertainment in the kids space.

Kidscreen Summit ran over four days in response to direct feedback from delegates wanting to achieve a better balance between critical business meetings and the Summit’s conference program of more than 40 keynotes, panel discussions, presentations, debates and networking sessions – all featuring the industry’s most respected thought-leaders and pioneers.