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The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) has revealed Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series, as the debut keynote speaker for its prestigious BANFF Summit Series. The festival’s 47th edition is set to return to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, from June 14–17, 2026.
Since joining Netflix in 2018, Howe has been instrumental in architecting some of the most "culture-defining" hits in modern television. Her portfolio includes global phenomena such as Bridgerton, BEEF, The Night Agent, The Diplomat, and Inventing Anna. At BANFF, she will share exclusive insights into the evolving global television landscape and her strategy for cultivating elite creative partnerships.
The Summit Series, launched in 2019, continues its tradition of spotlighting the most influential voices in media. Howe joins an elite roster of past speakers that includes industry titans like Ted Sarandos, Bela Bajaria, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

In addition to the keynote announcement, BANFF 2026 will feature Spain as the Country of Honour, showcasing the nation's dynamic content ecosystem. The event remains a vital hub for the global industry, facilitating over 25,000 meetings and 1,200 networking sessions between creators, streamers, and studios.

“Jinny Howe’s leadership is helping to shape the stories audiences around the world are watching,” said Sean Cohan, Chair of the Board of Directors, BANFF, and President, Bell Media. “Her work exemplifies the creativity, innovation, and global perspective that define this festival, and we look forward to attendees hearing her insights firsthand.”