Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
April 10-12, 2026
2026 Panel Schedule
The where, when, and who of Animation Y'all!
Saturday
10:30 AM -
11:30 AM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
The Chosen Adventures — Behind the Scenes
Join world builder Samuel Michlap and character designer Thomas Fluharty, affectionately known as the “Sons of Thunder,” for an inside look at the making of the animated series, The Chosen Adventures.
11:00 AM -
12:00 PM
Swang 110
How can I take my art to the next level in this trying time?
A discussion on ways to stay motivated / inspired and channel that into learning and growing creatively in your free and spare time. Especially when you're not currently employed in the creative industry. With Mel Milton.
12:00 PM -
1:00 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Tails from Behind the Animation of Zootopia 2
Join Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Bert Klein as we venture back into the animal metropolis of Zootopia! Bert will discuss his professional career journey and his approach to animation, and share his creative process behind-the-scenes as an Animation Supervisor on Zootopia 2.
12:30 PM -
1:30 PM
Swang 110
Plot Twist
Talking about navigating career changes without losing your vision, because making art for a living isn’t always a straight line. In this panel, we talk candidly with working animators and artists about the tough choices, unexpected pivots, and creative survival strategies that got them here. Whether it’s diversifying income streams, shifting disciplines, or finding unconventional projects, hear directly from artists who’ve navigated the real economics of staying creative in a changing industry. This isn’t about compromising your vision; it’s about the practical, sometimes messy decisions that let you keep making art on your own terms. With panelists: Jude Galle and Randall Saba from Armada, Brock Starnes from Shining Isle, Rodrigo Gomez from MTSU, and Chris Sonnenberg from Emberscope.
1:30 PM -
2:30 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Introducing the TAA - Tennessee Animation Association!
Tennessee’s animation industry is on the rise — and gaining momentum as the next major hub for animation in the Southeast. Join studio leaders, producers, and university partners for a dynamic conversation about how we can work together to grow a thriving statewide animation ecosystem and position Tennessee as a leading hotspot and employer of creative talent.
2:00 PM -
3:00 PM
Swang 110
The 40th Anniversary of “An American Tail.”
with animation legend, John Pomeroy, Phil Glasser the voice of Fievel, and a surprise guest!
3:00 PM -
4:00 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Disney In-Between and After-Move over Mickey!
How Basil and Fievel saved animation! Animation Director Stephen Anderson (Meet the Robinsons, Winnie the Pooh) and Journalist Neil O’Brien (NBC News) explore the hidden history of the Disney dark ages as told through their books Disney In-Between and After Disney. Join these two historians - plus animators Andreas Deja and John Pomeroy - as they dive into the films that helped shape today’s billion-dollar animation industry.
3:30 PM -
4:30 PM
Swang 110
Do I still need to go to art school?
This panel brings together academic leaders in animation and creative media to explore the evolving role of arts education. Together, we will examine what higher education uniquely offers in an age of digital abundance—mentorship, creative community, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical formation, and the development of your artistic voice.
Moderated by: Mike Fernandez, Dean of the College of Entertainment and the Arts, Lipscomb University
- Gary Buchler - Outreach Recruiter, Gnomon
- Kevin McNulty - Animation Program Coordinator, MTSU
- Mike Meredith - Department Chair, Animation & Interactive Media, Lipscomb University
- Mars Quiroz - Student Success Coach, Animation Mentor
4:30 PM -
5:30 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
PBS KIDS: Now More Than Ever
For nearly 60 years, PBS KIDS has been at the forefront of children’s media—pioneering educational content that is trusted by families, grounded in research, and always free. From Arthur to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to award-winning games and apps, PBS KIDS has helped generations learn and grow. In this exciting panel moderated by the President & CEO of Nashville PBS, guests will hear from the head of PBS KIDS, along with series creators, on how PBS is moving into the future after the loss of federal funding and how they’re shifting strategy to secure the future of PBS KIDS. How can you help, and what is PBS KIDS looking for in children’s content? All will be discussed!
Moderated by: Becky Magura, President / CEO Nashville PBS
With guests: Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education; David Campbell, Founding Partner / CEO, Cartoon Pizza, and co-creator of the animated series, Doug
7:00 PM -
8:30 PM
Ward Hall
“Here's the Pitch”
Special Saturday night, separately ticketed event featuring Tom Bancroft, Jon Densk, Nathan Engelhardt, and Aaron Blaise, who share their pitches for their dream projects and reveal their process for seeking funding and distribution. Hosted by Tony Bancroft.
Sunday
10:30 AM -
11:30 AM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Studios Recruiters Panel
Talent recruiters from Dreamworks Animation, Bento Box ATL, and Armada talk about what is happening at their studios, what they look for in portfolios, and the next generation of creators they hope to work with.
11:00 AM -
12:00 PM
Swang 110
How I Got Over $4 Million In Free Self-Promotion
with artist Mark Simon from NCS (National Cartoonist Society).
12:00 PM -
1:00 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
VOICE ACTIN' Y'ALL
hosted by Jason Marsden. Big time with talented people! James Arnold Taylor - Obi Wan Kenobi in Clone Wars, Ratchet in Ratchet and Clank, Eric Stuart - Brock and James in the original Pokemon, Seto Kaiba in Yu Gi Oh, and Katie Leigh - Sunni Gummi in Gummi Bears, Connie Kendall in Adventures in Odyssey.
12:30 PM -
1:30 PM
Swang 110
The Festival Advantage
Turning Short Films into Career Momentum. What do festivals actually give filmmakers in return for the time, money, and effort? This panel looks at the real upside: visibility, credibility, audience discovery, industry relationships, press opportunities, and the kind of recognition that can carry a short much further than its runtime. Featuring the teams behind The Piano, The Legend of Bill, and SnowBugs, and moderated by writer-producer Pietro Schito of Write for Animation, this conversation breaks down how a thoughtful festival strategy can help your film gain traction and stand out.
1:30 PM -
2:30 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Forevergreen
The making of an Oscar-nominated animated short with creator and co-director Nathan Engelhardt.
2:00 PM -
3:00 PM
Swang 110
“My 30 Years at Disney” with Andreas Deja
This Disney Legend talks about his vast career at Disney Feature Animation bringing to life such characters as Gaston, Jafar, Scar, Mama Odie, Tigger, King
Triton, and Roger Rabbit.
3:00 PM -
4:00 PM
Stowe Hall | Swang 108
Acting Animals: Locomotion & Performance of Animal Characters
Please join Academy Award-nominated director & animator Aaron Blaise as he demonstrates his approach to designing & animating animal characters.
He will take you through his drawing & design process, practical locomotion tips, and performance with an emphasis on creating believable animal characters that you will love.
3:30 PM -
4:30 PM
Swang 110
Character Animating in Unreal Engine
A behind-the-scenes look at Shining Isle Production’s third season of The Wingfeather Saga, animated fully in Unreal Engine 5.4. Demonstrating the unique pipeline, which enabled parallel animation and lighting while finishing all inside UE.
