The Banff World Media Festival (BANFF) has announced the first scheduled speakers for its events this summer, which will be in-person after virtual editions the past two years due to the pandemic.

BANFF’s 43rd edition runs June 12 to 15 in Banff, Alta., kicking off with an exclusive “In Conversation” session with pandemic expert Dr. Ashish K. Jha (pictured left), dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, and global philanthropist, entrepreneur and Lionsgate Entertainment founder Frank Giustra (pictured middle). They’ll discuss the harm of mis/disinformation and the responsibility of the media and entertainment industry to combat it.

Other confirmed attendees for the international conference and marketplace at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel include Pearlena Igbokwe (pictured right), chairman of Universal Studio Group, who will be a Summit Series keynote speaker on June 14.

Set for June 13 is the Rockie Awards International Program Competition, which involves participation from more than 55 countries annually and announces winners including the Grand Jury Prize and the Francophone Prize.

BANFF attracts creators, producers, showrunners, talent, networks, studios, streamers, press and media companies from more than 50 countries.

The festival’s other offerings including panel discussions, celebrity master classes, networking opportunities and the BANFF Spark Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media.

“BANFF is back, bigger and better than ever,” said BANFF board chair and Lionsgate Television Group chair Kevin Beggs, who was elected as BANFF chair in November.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the industry back in the Canadian Rockies this June,” added Jenn Kuzmyk, executive director, Banff World Media Festival and publisher of Playback. “The BANFF board of directors, content advisory board and our team are working to bring you the best edition of BANFF yet, and we’re thrilled to be launching this year’s content slate with the announcement of keynote conversations featuring global leaders Pearlena Igbokwe, Dr. Ashish Jha and Frank Giustra.”