Category Archives: Live

Tracey Colliston’s Owls’ Nest and George Mackay’s Eejits win Festival of Licensing’s License This! competition

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The winners of this year’s all virtual License This! competition have been declared, with the grand prizes being handed to the Lancashire-based Tracey Colliston in the Brand & Design category, and George Mackay from Caithness in Scotland in Character & Animation.

It was Colliston’s sentimental Owls’ Nest illustrations of British woodland creatures that won over the judges of the Brand & Design category, celebrating the designs that can currently be found on a line of gifts and greetings cards. Mackay’s Eejits brand took the win in Character & Animation for turning heads with its menagerie of misfortunate misfits born in the Highlands of Scotland.

Tracey Colliston’s Owl’s Nest greetings cards and handmade gifts are currently stocked in over 80 independent retailers across the UK and she would love to see her illustrations licensed across many more categories. 

Tracey Colliston’s Owls’ Nest took home the Brand & Design win

“Winning License This! feels fantastic!,” said Colliston. “I absolutely love what I do, and it means so much to me that the hard work developing Owl’s Nest into a brand has been recognised. I’m very excited about the opportunities this may bring, and I’m keen to develop Owl’s Nest into lots of other products; stationery, ceramics and homeware, baby and nursery and more gift products. The versatility of Owl’s Nest and its collectability will hopefully open up many avenues. It’s so exciting!”

Mackay’s Eejits also currently feature on greetings cards and the creator has equally big ambitions for reaching a much bigger audience. 

“An eejit is an idiot, a fool, a gormless ignoramus,” he explained. “Born in the Highlands of Scotland, these weird and wonderful creatures are even rarer than the famous haggis. Due to their incredibly stupid nature and natural curiosity, they have now been collected together for their own safety. A curious collection of creatures gathered together for the world to see.

“The eejits are primarily aimed at seven to 12 year olds, as well as big kids (like me). Their quirky nature, the charming art style and sometimes slightly self-deprecating humour is a draw to kids, and I think they would be ideal for a wide range of products such as soft plush or vinyl toys, but the ultimate dream would be to see the brand feature in hilariously humorous animated shorts. That’s the BIG goal of mine. Seeing the eejits brand on screen would be simply awesome.”

This year’s two License This! winners will receive a free exhibition stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2021, one year’s membership of industry trade association Licensing International, PR support, and invaluable advice from the panel of industry experts.

In addition, all finalists will receive legal consultation from competition sponsor Wynne-Jones. 

This year’s judges were: 

  • Kelvyn Gardner, Managing Director, Asgard Media (Chair Of The Judging Panel)
  • Sarah Ward, CEO, The Giftware Association 
  • Kirsty Barr, Grapevine PR
  • Sonia Amrar, Trademark Attorney, Wynne-Jones

Character & Animation award

    • Dan Grant, Licensing Director, Danilo Promotions
    • Clare Piggott, Managing Director, Larkshead Media
    • Ben Woodman, Commercial Manager, GB Eye Ltd            
    • Ian Downes, Director, Start Licensing
    • Nico Franks, Editor, C21 Kids 

Brand & Design award

  • Stuart Cox, owner, I Like Birds
  • Vicki Thomas, owner, Vicki Thomas Associates  
  • Sarah Lawrence, director, This is Iris  
  • Jehane Boden Spiers, founder, JEHANE Ltd
  • Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888

Character & Animation judge, Ben Woodman said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this year’s judging panel. It’s always exciting to see new properties and brands. I would like to wish George the very best of luck and I certainly hope that we can see him make that transition into the mainstream consumer market.”

 Brand & Design judge, Will Stewart added: “I thoroughly enjoyed being invited to judge the License This! competition again this year. Despite all the challenges of lockdown, the quality of the entries was outstanding once again. This competition provides a huge opportunity for anyone to pivot their career to focus on something they are passionate about: imagine making a living out of something you love!”

 Last year’s winners – Rosie Brooks and Drew Bristow (Carrot & Toast) – are both exhibitors at BLE 2020 and can be found online at www.festivaloflicensing.com.  

The Toy Association outlines plans to move New York Toy Fair to May 2021

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The Toy Association has laid out its plans to host the annual New York International Toy Fair in May 2021. In a President’s letter issued by the association and penned by Steve Pasierb, it has underlined its mission to ‘bring the industry back together as soon as it is safe to do so.’

The Toy Association has therefore set the date of the 2021 International Toy Fair as May 1st to 4th 2021 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

“We have been presented with a window in the opening days of May and we are willing, ready, and able to put resources toward the show and any other projects that will continue to help members grow their businesses,” said Pasierb in the group’s official statement.

“When the time was right to provide a digital solution, we did just that by leveraging our existing technology to build and offer Toy Fair Everywhere digital market weeks. When the time was right to provide companies with private virtual preview opportunities with key retailers – Target, Toys“R”Us Canada, and Meijer – we did.

And when the time is right for a return to in-person meetings, we will make it happen.”

In his open letter to the international toy community, Pasierb said the following:

While none of us can be certain what the nation and world will look like some seven months in the distance, we all need the promise of a future for the toy and play industry, a return to a degree of business normalcy, and to reclaim some aspects of our collective pre-COVID-19 lives.

The Toy Association’s trade events effectively and efficiently help members and the industry do more business more often, whether large- or small-scale. We canvassed our primary audience of retail buyers and toy sellers to determine whether they want us to plan for a May 2021 tradeshow. They said yes! We heard from them that the first few days of May have high potential, and the timing is relevant to specialty, long-lead, and mass market retailers. May serves specialty in time for Q4 2021; is well-timed for long lead and mass to conduct or complete Spring/Summer 2022 line reviews; and may even offer some early views for Q4 2022.

There is also a healthy slate of toy, entertainment, and licensed properties targeted for 2022 that need to be acted upon. As always, Toy Fair New York is a key opportunity for influential brand owners, licensors, licensees, retailers, and manufacturers to connect in the media and financial capital of the world, New York City. To be certain, this not the Toy Fair NY we have traditionally known as we anticipate smaller footprints, a different exhibitor mix, less extravagant if not workmanlike displays, and simply a focus on making the human and product connections that Zoom and similar substitutes have not been able to offer.

Protecting everyone’s health and safety remains paramount. We are right now working closely with every entity connected to Toy Fair, including federal, state, and city officials; contractors; and support teams, to ensure a safe environment. The show will be designed to reflect these proven approaches and will follow every prescribed health and safety protocol.

We understand that not everyone will be comfortable in an in-person environment, which is why we continue to expand our other digital engagement opportunities: Toy Fair Everywhere, which is rolling out its year-round version later this year, and the aforementioned private preview program with key retailers.

What if the situation does not turn in our favor in spring of 2021? If at any time we feel that Toy Fair NY 2021 cannot be produced in a safe manner, we will cancel the show. If the event needs to be canceled, as is the long-standing show policy, any monies paid will shift toward Toy Fair New York in February 2022, when it returns to the newly expanded and state-of-the-art Javits Center. In fact, almost all 2021 exhibitors had already shifted to 2022, so May again presents a more immediate opportunity.

Our community made it clear they did not want Toy Fair NY 2021 to simply become virtual. Rather, the connections, ability to experience products first-hand, and return to some form of human connection in doing business have proven to reign supreme. Together looking toward May with optimism reflects the very nature of the toy and play community – resilience, tenacity, confidence, and a willingness to find new ways forward.

The immediate next steps are the one-on-one conversations our account executives are having with exhibitors and the conversations our team is having with retailers and other members of the show’s audience. Much more news and specificity are to come. For now, mark your calendar and together we will do whatever we can to make good things happen in a safe, healthy, and business-building manner.

Banijay, Sanrio, and Diageo make up final keynotes for Festival of Licensing Live Stage

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Festival of Licensing has revealed the final three keynotes to take its Live Stage – this year sponsored by Crunchyroll – as it welcomes Banijay, Sanrio, and Diageo to the fold. The three firms will take up the European, Asian, and Americas keynotes respectively.

Banijay recently became the world’s largest international content producer and distributor, following its recent acquisition of Endemol Shine Group, Sanrio is a global lifestyle brand best known for it pop icons like Hello Kitty, and Diageo is a powerhouse behind beverage, spirit, and beer brands such as Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Guinness, Captain Morgan, and more.

The three latest additions joins a roster that already boasts the likes of Smiley, Alibaba, and Authentic Brands Group among others.

A month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry running from October 6 to 29th, Festival of Licensing incorporates three regional events linked to the world’s biggest markets – Europe, Asia and the Americas – and culminates with the global C-suite and executive-level virtual conference, Licensing Leadership Summit. 

The live presentations will take place as follows: 

  • Europe Keynote – Powered by Brand Licensing Europe on Thursday, 8 October, 9am BST:

The Role of Licensing in Building Global Brands
Speakers: Jane Smith, Group Director Brand Licensing and Gaming, Banijay/Endemol Shine

  • Asia Keynote – Powered by Licensing Expo China and Licensing Expo Japan on Thursday, 15thOctober, 2pm CST 

Small Gift, Big Smile: Evolving a Global Heritage Brand While Maintaining Core Values
Speaker: Linh Forse, Senior Director, Sales and Business Development, Sanrio Inc.

  • Americas Keynote – Powered by Licensing Expo on Thursday, 22ndOctober, 9am PST 

How Diageo Leverages Licensing to Fuel Growth in an Ever-changing Marketplace 

Speakers: Declan Hassett, Senior Licensing Manager, Diageo, and Shane Grogan, Senior Licensing Manager, Diageo

“Banijay, Sanrio and Diageo are huge brands and home to some of the world’s most creative and successful licensing programmes, which have – unsurprisingly – captured the hearts and loyalty of their fans and consumers. We are delighted to have them join us on the Festival of Licensing Live Stage next month,” said Anna Knight, vice president of licensing, Informa Markets.  

“Crunchyroll has been the world’s best home for anime for over 10 years and is also an established licensor and distributor worldwide, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with Festival of Licensing as the Live Stage sponsor and we’re really looking forward to enjoying the programme, along with thousands of other visitors across Europe, Asia and the Americas,” added Waell Oueslati, director of acquisitions and licensing at Crunchyroll SAS (EMEA).

Meanwhile, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, which is sponsoring the Festival of Licensing Community & Wellbeing Programme, has also added fresh details to its well-being workshop content, which is available to view, download and start grooving to from Tuesday, 6 October at 7am BST.

Community & Wellbeing Programme:

  • GET UP AND MOVE WITH NICK JR

Take a break from the day and invite your kids to join as your favourite Nick Jr. friends guide you through family friendly dance moves, yoga poses and stretching exercises.

  • BIKINI BOTTOM YOGA

Take a trip to Bikini Bottom for a SpongeBob-themed yoga class. Hosted by yoga enthusiast Adanna Paul, viewers will experience a calming yoga practice, set to tropical music and ocean sounds, providing a healthy break to stretch and relax.

  • RETRO MTV WORKOUT

Get up and move in between business sessions with fitness influencer Sydney Cummings, who will lead viewers through an MTV-themed workout. Don’t worry about skill level, there are options and modifications for everyone! 

Festival of Licensing is organised and produced by the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets.

Visitors can register for free at www.festivaloflicensing.com. 

DreamToys 2020: Date confirmed for all digital event

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The DreamToys committee and the Toy Retailers Association have confirmed the new date of this year’s all-virtual DreamToys event as October 28th, a date that coincides with the October half term.

Organised by the Toy Retailers Association, DreamToys is billed as ‘the most authoritative predictive list of what will be the hottest products this Christmas.’ The list itself is selected by a panel of retailers and industry experts. The list celebrates that it is ‘fiercely independent to toy manufacturers and makers.’

For those interested in attending the all virtual DreamToys event this year, you can do register your interest by clicking here.

The event’s organisers confirmed earlier this year that the usual DreamToys offering would be taking place on a virtual platform this year, in accordance to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. DreamToys is celebrated each year as a key list of the most wanted products for Christmas, gaining national media coverage.

When all the world’s a stage: Festival of Licensing and lessons in staying global

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In a year that has so far witnessed brands the world over pushing the envelope of innovation in a bid to maintain a foothold
in a rapidly shifting ground underfoot, it is perhaps the events and hospitality space that has had to do the most legwork.

Industry-wide, the usual calendar of events and trade shows has well and truly been through the grinder, but when it comes to making the best of a bad situation, the organisers of Brand Licensing Europe are looking to re-write the rule book.

It came as little surprise to many that the annual trade show would not be taking place in its physical form this year, opting instead for the virtual platform to best facilitate the yearly event with digital interactivity that will allow the show’s usual crowds to enjoy Brand Licensing Europe’s usual fodder -minus a drink or two at The Hand and Flower – from the comfort of their own homes.

But why on earth would it want to stop there? And, with a global audience of licensing industry bods surfing the digital interface over face-to-face meetings, why indeed would it stop short? Well, it hasn’t. And so it was that Brand Licensing Europe announced over this summer that it will be but one week of a four-week long Festival of Licensing covering the European, Asian, and Americas markets, culminating with its Licensing Leadership Summit in the fourth and final week.

Licensing.biz catches up with Anna Knight, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group Vice President, to talk about Festival of Licensing, and how it could be setting a new precedent for trade shows to work across the physical and the digital as part of the world’s search for the ‘new normal’.

So, Anna – The Festival of Licensing sounds very grand and exciting. For those who haven’t heard yet, can you tell us about the premise? Why did you guys decide to turn this into a four-week licensing bonanza?

Well thank you for saying so, ToyNews. The premise of Festival of Licensing is that it’s a celebration of the global licensing community, and that’s why we’ve turned it into a four week ‘bonanza’. When we organised Licensing Week Virtual after postponing Expo, we quickly realised it’s not possible to host a global event on one time zone, and yet our brands have global coverage and resonance.

By launching Festival, we can have regional specific events that really work for those markets and the customers they serve, and
it means we can host live content specific to each market’s time zone. So, we have Europe in Week One, Asia in Week Two, and the Americas in Week Three. And when we were looking at postponing the Licensing Leadership Summit in New York, we realised it actually made perfect sense for this to become the fourth event and a great way to round up Festival.

What can visitors expect in terms of the layout and experiences? How will you guys be translating what we know of the physical BLE experience – and its brand immersion – onto the virtual platform?

If you’ve been to BLE before – either as an attendee or an exhibitor – you will find everything that you’re used to, and more. So, the focus will be on doing European licensing deals and we’re facilitating meetings in as many ways as we possibly can.

There will be daily live keynotes, live exhibitor showcases and live ‘after hours’ performances, which we’re hoping will blow people away. There will also be tons of content to view on demand, and a Community and Wellbeing offering that will include careers advice and business mentoring. And, for retailers, there will be exclusive content, too, including ask the expert sessions.

How will Festival of Licensing encourage and facilitate visitor engagement and interaction with exhibitors? Likewise, how will it help exhibitors connect with visitors?

We really want exhibitors to make the most of what virtual offers. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, but the virtual environment really does make the impossible possible. So instead of making a standard sizzle or product-focused PowerPoint, we want exhibitors to think about doing live store or design studio walk rounds, for example, to really wow attendees.

In that same vein, how do you best replicate the networking opportunities of a physical event within the confines of the virtual sphere? All attendees will get access to our Matchmaking service from September 8th, and they’ll be able to use this to pre-schedule meetings. We will have showcase pages for all of our exhibitors, which will be built to show off their IP, products and services and we will encourage attendees to view these and request meetings.

We’re also encouraging exhibitors to post videos that, again, will drive meetings. During the event, attendees will be able to go on to an exhibitor page and activate “drop-in” video meetings, which are similar to how a walk-on meeting would function at the physical event.

The Festival programme line up seems very exciting, with lots to engage with over the course of the four weeks. How will you guys be maintaining the momentum and atmosphere, and the general buzz of show, for the stretch of a month?

So, Festival takes place over a month, but it’s not 30 days of content, because that would be way too much for everyone. Each event is live for two to three days and we are suggesting that visitors only attend what’s right for them. There is absolutely no pressure to attend every event, or every day. So, if you’re interested in doing deals with European licensors, then come to BLE.

We’re acutely aware of time pressures on everyone, and that’s why we have restricted how much live content there is to just three hours per day, plus the evening performances. Everything else (and all of the lives once broadcast) will be available on demand for five weeks after each event has come to an end, so visitors really can take their time to take it all in.

In terms of the general buzz, we’ve some great ideas and mini events for keeping everyone enthused, including our wellbeing workshops and our global charity fundraiser, that we’re hoping to announce shortly, and which will of course include a leader board that will keep everyone tuned in.

How will the show’s main components be presented to visitors and exhibitors? How can the toy industry, for example, best navigate the Character & Entertainment zone?

Much in the same way BLE works, there will be multiple ways of searching the Festival exhibitor list, including by category, which will really help visitors to identify which companies to contact. Also, we can’t emphasise enough how important it is to populate your Matchmaking profile with as much information as possible. The more you put in, you will receive more and better targeted suggestions of companies to meet.

To what extent do you think Festival of Licensing can set a new precedent for trade shows going forward? What do you think the future of trade shows will look like in the years following this pandemic – are we looking at a transition to virtual-physical hybrid?

Licensing is such a relationship-based industrythat I am 100 per cent confident that physical trade shows – BLE, Expo, and soon – will return in 2021. However, I also believe that – moving forward – all trade shows should include a hybrid element.

We reached new audiences – exhibitors and attendees – during Licensing Week Virtual because it was virtual. And this is brilliant news for Brand Licensing Europe and for the industry as a whole, so it would be remiss of us to then exclude these people from future events.

We want to be inclusive and educate more and more people about the power of brand licensing. Licensing is also a very creative industry and virtual allows, stimulates and encourages innovation, which is a great thing for everyone.

Any food for thought to leave us all with?

The only thing I would like to add is that we appreciate that virtual is new and for first time attendees it can feel intimidating, so we do recommend everyone registers in advance (from August 17), plans their diary, and reaches out to us if they have any questions at all. We’re here to help and we’re happy to do so.

Mythological Japanese IP Samurai Animals prepares for 10th anniversary with licensing showcase

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The global licensing award-nominated character franchise, and popular Japanese IP, Samurai Animals is preparing to celebrate its tenth anniversary next year, with an 11-month run-up of launches, including a new online platform, promotional video, and a series of trade show exhibit initiatives.

Samurai Animal is a mythical Japanese saga that pits armies of animal samurai against each other in a fight for justice. The IP was created and launched by the pop-culture specialist Kensin, a major name in the region, known for its design and manufacture of character figures, statues and artwork reproductions that includes a number of manga classics.

In the run up to the property’s tenth anniversary, Kensin has launched a dedicated website www.samuraianimals.jp that showcases the Samurai Animals concept, individual character introductions, e-books and licensing information.

The firm has also created a promotional video that captures the essence of Samurai Animals. A curated selection of traditional Japanese sumi-e drawings featuring Samurai Animals characters have been combined into a rich visual tapestry. The curated soundtrack is the world-famous cantata, “Carmina Burana” featuring the first and last section of the piece, “Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi” and starting with the iconic “O Fortuna”.

The two-and-a-half-minute promotional video, along with a shorter version, is now available on the artofwarkensin YouTube channel.

Finally, Kensin will mark ten years of Samurai Animals by exhibiting at the 10th LICENSING JAPAN – Character & Brand Licensing Trade Show taking place from 21st to 23rd October at Tokyo Big Sight.

The Samurai Animals website and promotional video will form key features of the booth. A range of Samurai Animals merchandise will be showcased.

Product to date includes digital books, jewellery, apparel, laser figure crystal stands, mobile phone accessories, wall panels and craft beer. Samurai Animals is a past finalist at the prestigious LIMA (Licensing International) International Licensing Awards in the Character or Toy Brand Program category.

Yutaro Sakakibara, founder and president of Kensin, said: “As Samurai Animals approaches its tenth anniversary, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for the brand. We want to continue building the brand awareness all around the world and I am confident the new website and promotional video will help audiences to understand the world view and vitality of Samurai Animals and its possibilities. I am also optimistic that this new visualization will help realize my long-term goal of a Samurai Animals movie.”

Samurai Animals online: https://samuraianimals.jp 　

Forbidden Planet partners BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise on ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merch project ever’

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Geek pop culture and hobby retailer, Forbidden Planet has partnered with BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise to launch an exclusive apparel and giftware range for Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious, in what it has billed its ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever.’

Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious is a multi-platform adventure that tells its one story across a range of books, magazines, audio, comics, vinyl, games, escape rooms, immersive theatre, figurines and t-shirts.

The first announced retailer special is a variant edition of Titan Comics’ Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious #1. This exclusive design combines the Daleks and the iconic Forbidden Planet rocket logo and is available now via the Forbidden Planet website.

It is limited to just 500 copies and is part of the celebration for the 42nd anniversary of Forbidden Planet in 2020 – a milestone number with some significance to fans of British science-fiction and fantasy.

There is also an exclusive glow in the dark Brian the Ood t-shirt, featuring text written by James Goss. This narrative ties into the overall Time Lord Victorious story, offering fans the chance to learn who Brian really is, and how to hire him. Alongside this one of a kind t-shirt is further apparel featuring the Dalek Emperor, as well as Lee Binding’s Time Lord Victorious Iconic image.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “The most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever, finds a home at Forbidden Planet. Fans are excited, and we’re delighted to offer them the entire range of releases in one easy to navigate home – the Time Lord Victorious microsite at ForbiddenPlanet.com. Thanks to James Goss and the team at BBC Studios for making this happen.”

ForbiddenPlanet.com will act as an official retailer, stocking all items and offering exciting first looks at merchandise. It will feature strictly limited edition comic books and merchandise specifically created for the retailer.

More exclusive reveals coming soon to ForbiddenPlanet.com, highlighting characters and concepts from across the Time Lord Victorious journey. 

For more information please visit: https://forbiddenplanet.com/promotion/doctor-who-time-lord-victorious/. 

ViacomCBS Consumer Products brings yoga and an MTV workout to Festival of Licensing’s Community & Wellbeing programme

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If you thought that the all-virtual nature of this year’s Festival of Licensing meant simply sitting in front of a computer screen, you’d better think again, because ViacomCBS  – sponsors of the event’s Community and Wellbeing programme – is challenging you to don the yoga pants, dig-out the neon headbands, and take a break from the serious stuff with its most iconic brands.

This October will see ViacomCBS Consumer Products swap the usual networking session for a perhaps more cathartic programme of three complementary sessions when Festival of Licensing kicks off its four-week run, delivering a Family Friendly Dance and Yoga session that will draw from its library of Nick Jr. exercise videos, encouraging festival goers to take a break from business and have fun and exercise with the kids.

If you’re in need of something a little more high-energy however, the firm is also hosting a Retro Workout Class, featuring iconic MTV products in a workout class complete with an MTV soundtrack taken straight from the ’80s and ’90s. ViacomCBS will round it all off with a special self care session directly from the ViacomCBS Wellness studio itself.

On top of all of this, the programme will also feature Business mentoring and advice clinics in which festival goers can take advantage of the advice clinics offering legal, financial, and career advice, as well as speed networking sessions for those looking for new job opportunities.

The programme will be concluded with the Global charity fundraiser in support of The Light Fund, Magic Wheelchair, and Licensing International Small Business Global Grants Fund.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside ViacomCBS to bring valuable – and much needed – community and wellbeing content to Festival of Licensing attendees from all the over the world,” said Anna Knight, VP Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. 

“Surviving through Covid has been incredibly challenging for many – whether financially, physically or emotionally – and it’s important that Festival both acknowledges this and provides meaningful support where we can.”

Festival of Licensing runs online from 6-29 October 2020. Brands who are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities should visit www.festivaloflicensing.com. Free visitor registration is also open at www.festivaloflicensing.com.

Hasbro joins Festival of Licensing with new Peppa Pig content, PJ Masks toy plans and more

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Hasbro will be joining the Festival of Licensing virtual event – the four-week digital event that will run throughout October and replace Brand Licensing Europe this year – to present the latest opportunities across its portfolio of brands including Nerf, My Little Pony, Play-Doh, Monopoly, Transformers, and Power Rangers.

Also being showcased under Hasbro this year will be the 2020 acquisition of Entertainment One and its popular pre-school numbers Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and Ricky Zoom.

The licensor will look to highlight its continued efforts to innovate and expand the ways it brings brands to life through music, publishing, promotions, digital and location-based entertainment alongside an array of consumer products spanning key categories, including toys and games, fashion and lifestyle, homewares, health and beauty, FMCG and gifts, and increasingly, personalised products.

Milestone anniversaries, including the 35th anniversary of Transformers in 2021 and the 85th anniversary of Monopoly commencing Q4 2020, give cause for timely celebration and will be leveraged with exciting collaborations, consumer promotions and retail activations.

Meanwhile, it’s game on for Nerf  as the property is on target for rapid expansion across multiple categories. Hasbro continues to cement its position as an active lifestyle and sports brand with cross-generational appeal and huge consumer relevance as health and wellbeing trends prevail.

Next up, the world of Equestria is expanding to introduce a new generation of ponies to a new generation of fans. With more humor, heart, and music than ever before, Hasbro hopes that audiences will be swept away by the new cast of ponies and the incredible adventure that awaits them. Fall in love with My Little Pony all over again when the all-new, computer-animated theatrical feature hits theaters everywhere in September 2021.

It’s still ‘Go Go Power Rangers’ in 2021 as Season 28 of the enduring hit show debuts. Power Rangers: Dino Fury journeys back to the core roots of the brand with the action being led by the original five rangers. The popularity of the show, beloved by so many kids for so many years, is driven by Hasbro’s commitment to new content but also the vast back catalogue which is streamed on Netflix and therefore continually accessed by a huge worldwide audience.

A new global brand theme for Peppa Pig entitled Peppa’s Adventures is kicking off in 2021, as a celebration of all the places that Peppa, her family and friends have visited since the show began. With trips to the USA lined up in the future, combined with a library of existing content, Peppa’s Adventures is a way for fans to explore and discover the world around them.

New series premieres will be rolling out for Ricky Zoom throughout the year and excitement for the expansion of the brand’s consumer products programme – driven by the strength and reach of best-in-class broadcast partners across the region – will follow the phased roll-out of toys in all key markets in 2020, as secondary categories will be available from SS21.

Finally, a robust plan is in place for PJ Masks which will be boosted by Series 4, set to launch this Q4, the Disney+ roll out in multiple territories, and Series 5 global launch coming in 2021. In a first for the company, Hasbro will be launching its first toy range for the brand with a core range of exciting new products hitting retail for AW21.

London Stationery Show to work with the show’s founder on new direction and future of the annual event

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The team behind the London Stationery Show, Ocean Media has detailed a new move that will see it collaborate in partnership with the show’s founder himself, Chris Leonard-Morgan to work on the future development of the show.

Leonard-Morgan will work with the event director, Alex Butler as special advisor on the direction that the London Stationery Show goes in from this point. He is recognised as a stationery champion, well known in the industry and a Liveryman and guide at the historic Stationers’ Company in the City of London.

“The team and I are so pleased to be working with Chris,” said Butler. “We’re very much looking forward to what the future holds for London Stationery Show and know that Chris’ experience and knowledge of the market will prove invaluable in driving the show forward.”

For more information on London Stationery Show or to find out how you can get involved visit www.stationeryshow.co.uk or contact the team at stationeryshow@oceanmedia.co.uk.