Brands
Brunico to end Kidscreen, Realscreen, NATPE events in 2027; Jocelyn Christie exits
Industry shifts prompt shutdown of flagship events after 30 years
MUMBAI: In a move that signals shifting tides in the global content business, Brunico Communications has announced it will discontinue its US events portfolio from 2027, bringing the curtain down on marquee gatherings such as the Kidscreen Summit, Realscreen Summit and NATPE Global.
The decision marks the end of an era for Kidscreen Summit, a cornerstone of the children’s media industry for nearly 30 years. The annual event has long served as a hub for creators, broadcasters, streamers and buyers across live-action and animation, alongside hosting the widely regarded Kidscreen Awards.
Brunico cited ongoing market consolidation and structural changes in the content production landscape as the key drivers behind the move. The company will now pivot its focus towards its publications portfolio, including Kidscreen, Realscreen, Playback and Strategy, as well as the Canada-based Banff World Media Festival, which is set to return from June 14 to 17, 2026.
Adding to the shake-up, long-time Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie has exited the company after a 28-year tenure. Widely credited with shaping the Kidscreen brand, Christie played a pivotal role in expanding the summit into the largest global gathering of children’s media executives and extending its reach into Asia through initiatives such as Kidscreen East and the Asian Animation Summit.
Brunico Communications president & CEO Russell Goldstein said the decision was “difficult but necessary” amid evolving market dynamics, noting that the company would double down on delivering insight, coverage and networking opportunities through its media platforms.
For her part, Christie reflected on her tenure with a sense of pride and anticipation for what lies ahead. Brunico Communications publisher Jocelyn Christie said, “I’m immensely proud of the work that has gone into building the Kidscreen brand over my last 28 years. I’m equally excited to explore new opportunities to carry my experiences forward into what comes next.”
While the lights may dim on its flagship events, Brunico appears keen to keep the conversation going through its editorial platforms. As the industry recalibrates, the company is betting that content, not conferences, will be its strongest connector in the years ahead.
Brands
Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds to open 25 stores in Q1 FY26 expansion
Push into Tier 2 cities and metros to take total footprint past 85 stores
MUMBAI: Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds has kicked off the new financial year with an ambitious retail push, announcing plans to launch 25 new stores in the first quarter of FY26 across metros and high-growth Tier 2 markets.
With this expansion, the brand’s total retail footprint is set to cross 85 stores nationwide, reinforcing its early-mover advantage in India’s fast-growing lab grown diamond segment. The move reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, where aspirational buying is increasingly aligned with sustainability and value.
The company said the expansion is aimed at deepening its presence beyond major cities and tapping into emerging demand centres, as lab grown diamonds gain wider acceptance among Indian consumers.
Commenting on the development, Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds founder and managing director Pooja Madhavan said, “Launching 25 stores at the very start of the financial year is a strong signal of how the category is evolving. As pioneers, we are not just expanding retail, we are shaping consumer mindsets towards smarter, more sustainable luxury.” She added that the brand’s long-term goal is to scale to 200 stores while making the category accessible to modern Indian buyers.
From an execution standpoint, the company is focusing on building depth in high-potential markets rather than just expanding its footprint. Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds director retail expansion Karamjyot Singh Chawla said, “Every new store is a step towards creating a truly national footprint with consistent, premium experiences,” highlighting the role of supply chain and operational discipline in supporting growth.
On the product side, the brand is strengthening its merchandising capabilities to keep pace with rising demand. Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds co-founder and director of inventory and merchandise Nirav Bhatt said the focus is on building an agile supply system that keeps designs relevant and responsive to consumer trends.
Meanwhile, scaling operations sustainably remains a priority. Limelight Lab Grown Diamonds co-founder and director production and finance Kalpan Dalal said the company is investing in efficient production and financial discipline to support long-term expansion.
The retail rollout is backed by an omni-channel strategy, franchise partnerships and continued investment in design innovation and consumer education. Each store is designed to deliver a consistent, premium experience aligned with the brand’s positioning around transparency and modern luxury.
With a roadmap to reach 200 stores by 2027, Limelight is betting big on both scale and sentiment, aiming to carve out a larger share of India’s evolving fine jewellery market.
