Finding Your Creative Match: The Power of Co-Creation
Behind many successful children’s media projects is a strong creative partnership. Join CMA Connect host Kiersten Case and Richard Gomez as they discuss how they’ve built their collaboration—from developing original concepts and fundraising to navigating production together.
Along the way, Richard shares lessons learned working with The Jim Henson Company and working as Monster Doodler for their series Monster Dance.
Discover how trust, communication, and complementary skill sets can transform a great idea into something real.
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CMA Connect is the Children’s Media Association’s networking series designed to bring together creators, educators, executives, artists, and industry professionals who are passionate about creating meaningful content for kids and families. Through engaging conversations, community meetups, and collaborative discussions, CMA Connect provides a welcoming space to share ideas, build relationships, discover new opportunities, and help shape the future of children’s media—whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned professional.
Ready, set, play! Join CMA and host Sara Farber for a Board Game Night at Hex & Co. Union Square and connect with fellow children’s media professionals over friendly competition and great conversation. Whether you’re a strategic mastermind, a party game enthusiast, or just looking to mingle, all experience levels are welcome. We’ll have a variety of games available, so come ready to play, laugh, and make new connections.
Sara Farber
Sara is an Emmy-nominated writer and developer for kids’ entertainment, working across animated series, podcasts, and consumer products. She’s been a story editor and writer on shows including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wonderoos, Charlie’s Colorforms City, and Skillsville. Sara also invents toys and games with her husband via their company, Galactic Sneeze, with more than 20 products on store shelves — from the Tickle Pup plush to the Floats McGoats strategy game to a Curb Your Enthusiasm party game (it’s pretty, pretty, pretty good!). With an MA in Human Development and a background in improv, her work blends heart, humor, and a playful spirit.
Location: Hex & Co. Union Square
801 Broadway
New York, NY 10003 United States
CMA Members: $17
Non-Members: $25
Escape the July heat and join the CMA LA members for our summer Mixer at Golden Road (Atwater Village)!
Spend the evening connecting with fellow professionals from across the children’s media industry in a relaxed and welcoming setting. From animation and television to publishing, education, gaming, and digital media, this mixer is designed to bring together creatives, executives, storytellers, and emerging talent for meaningful conversations and new connections. Your first drink is free, and Golden Road’s food menu will be available for purchase throughout the evening!
Whether you’re looking to network, collaborate, catch up with colleagues, or simply enjoy a summer night with the CMA community, we’d love to see you there.
First drink’s on us for CMA members, mentors, and volunteers!
📍Golden Road 📅 Thursday, July 23rd ⏰ 6:30pm-9pm PT
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – 5pm PT/8pm ET
Join us for a discussion of The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers, Maxwell King’s intimate portrait of the beloved creator who transformed children’s television through empathy, curiosity, and radical kindness. Together, we’ll explore how Fred Rogers’ philosophy of respecting children’s emotional lives continues to influence — and challenge — today’s kids media landscape. Writers, producers, researchers, and media leaders are invited to reflect on what it means to create thoughtful, humane media for children in an era of speed, scale, and constant distraction.
Get an inside look at one of Disney Jr.’s most beloved franchises, straight from the creative team behind it.
Join Emmy Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber, supervising director Kris Wimberly, and co-executive producer and story editor Krystal Banzon for an intimate conversation about bringing the beloved series back to the screen for a new generation of preschoolers and fans of all ages. They’ll take you behind the scenes of character development, storytelling, and the art of crafting original songs for young audiences. As a special treat for attendees, Craig and his team will do a live scene breakdown, walking through their creative process in real time.
Whether you’ve been a fan since 2012 or just discovered Sofia this year, this one’s not to miss.
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Panel begins at 6:30 PM sharp
Near Wilshire & Wilton (at Blumhouse). Exact address shared closer to the event.
Join us for some great networking and light bites at our August Meetup! RSVP for entry. Members FREE!
American Whiskey
247 W 30th St
New York, NY 10001
