Cartoons on the Bay offers sumptuous food, the Amalfi Coast and great conferences. All photos courtesy of Cartoons on the Bay.

Being that one is in Italy, one doesn't really need to discuss Cartoons on the Bay's location, food, hospitality or spirit… they are all, of course, fabulous. From the magnificent Amalfi Coast, to the seaside dining, to the staff's warmth, to the wandering, bantering presentations, stage shows and festival director Alfio Bastiancich's constant affable presence, Cartoons on the Bay is a festival unlike any other and distinctly Italian. But one area that I think is seriously overlooked at Cartoons on the Bay, is where the festival shines. Cartoons on the Bay's conferences are a great source of information and idea exchanging. Due to the high calibre of guests, the information is interesting, pertinent and definitely "from the source." While the conferences are always professional, there is a certain casualness to the setting and the intimate number of participants that leads to greater discussions and contacts.

Screenings take place in the Cartoon Village beachfront tent (left) while conferences and panels are held in the Covo dei Saraceni hotel.

The festival is split into two sections. One is the screenings, which take place in the animation “Village,” a tent set up right on the beach. The other section is the panel discussions and presentations, which take place in the lovely hotel, Covo dei Saraceni. Both venues are in very close proximity, separated by only a short walk along a beach side boardwalk lined with restaurants where you can’t go wrong with any dish you choose.

The concerts are not to be missed at Cartoons on the Bay. Musicial guests included Enzo Gragnaniello (left) and the Nuove Tribù Zulu Band.