Category Archives: Live

Audience tickets now available for Brands & Retail UK Summer Conference

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The booking site is now open for licensees and retail buyers wishing to attend the Brands & Retail UK Summer Conference, taking place at the British Library (London) on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022.

Retail buyers and licensees can book their free tickets at www.BrandsRetail.uk

“The list of brands taking part is really growing and I am delighted to announce that The V&A, Pink Key Licensing, Retail Monster, Ashmolean Museum Oxford/Start Licensing and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have been added to the line-up of great brands presenting,” says event director Ryan Beaird.

“Retailers are also showing their support and I can confirm as of today that ASDA, Tesco, Primark, the Entertainer, Character.com, Studio Retail, and Boots are bringing their buying teams”.

Brands confirmed to present at the event are:

TeamGB – (Day 1 and Day 2)

The Victoria and Albert Museum – (Day 1)

Mattel – (Day 2)

Paramount – (Day 1 and Day 2)

Acamar Films – (Day 2)

Kelebek Media – (Day 2)

MGA Entertainment – (Day 2)

Penguin Ventures – (Day 2)

Warhammer – (Day 2)

The V&A – (Day 1)

Pink Key Licensing – (Day 1)

Retail Monster – (Day 1)

Ashmolean Museum / Start Licensing – (Day 1)

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – (Day 1)

With only eight unreserved 15-minute pitching slots left for Day One (6 July) for Lifestyle, Commercial, Heritage, Charity and Sports brands and only five 15-minute pitching slots left for the Character and Gaming brands on Day Two (7 July), interested parties are encouraged to email Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk to secure their slots as soon as possible.

The B&RUK Summer Terrace Party will held on the British Library terrace on the last day (7 July) from 5pm till 11pm and is open only to the licensees and retailers attending either day of the conference. Tickets are available for the special early-bird rate of £45 each.

 

 

TOPCAU launches emoji-branded Easter eggs

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TOPCAU has teamed with emoji – The Iconic Brand for a new collection of Easter treats. 

Products will be available across multiple sales channels in the Brazilian market, including specialised store chains, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores and small retailers, covering nationwide distribution.

There are two delicious milk chocolate options in the collection. The highlight is a 90g Easter egg, which includes a fun cup. An 80g egg, with comes with a tattoo, is also available.

“Having TOPCAU as a year-long emoji brand licensee in Brazil in this highly important product category is both exciting and important for the emoji company,” says Celso Rafael, CEO of Lotus Global Mkt, responsible for the brand licensing in Brazil. “Easter is such an important date in Brazil and due to the excellent nationwide distribution TOPCAU offers emoji, products reach consumers in more than 200 cities across the entire country.”

 

Speakers confirmed for European Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit

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Iconic British retail brands Liberty and Sainsbury’s, and global entertainment powerhouse Hasbro, are just three of the speakers confirmed for the second European Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS), taking place 21 June at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Liberty, Sainsbury’s and Hasbro join an already packed agenda of speakers including Penguin Random House, The Smiley Company, Abysse Corp, Difuzed, MDR Brand Management, TrendBible, The Point.1888, KidsKnowBest, Hunter Price and ASDA.

The event’s agenda, focused on Shaping the Future of Licensing and Retail, can now be viewed online where tickets can also be purchased. Special rates are available for Licensing International and Products of Change members, as well as delegates booking a two-day pass for B&LIS and SiLC, which is co-located on 22 June.

“Retail disruption. Supply chain challenges. SVOD. Metaverse. Influencers. NFTs. Representation. Changing consumer trends. Meaningful retail experiences. Our industry is going through a transformation like we’ve never seen before, all led by an increasingly complex and demanding customer,” says Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

“The European Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit brings together 300+ brand licensing leaders and delivers thought-provoking content and networking opportunities to help drive the industry forward and get the business insights to address some of these critical topics.”

B&LIS sessions will run from 0930 – 1730 on 21 June, followed by a drinks reception in the evening. The current programme is as follows:

08:00          Registration Opens

 

09:20          Introduction from Global Licensing Group

 

09:30          Evaluating the Modern Brand Landscape

Start the day by setting the scene on some of the key trends coming through in licensing with exclusive insight delivered by License Global and other knowledge partners.

Speakers include:

  • Ben Roberts, Senior Content Strategist, License Global

10:10          Leaders Panel: Building a Post-Pandemic Retail & Licensing Strategy

A panel of industry leaders will air their expectations, hopes and fears for a post-Covid future as it relates to retail.

Speakers include:

  • Daniel Avener, CEO, MDR Brand Management
  • Jeremy Orriss, Director of Licensing, Difuzed
  • Marianne James, VP EMEA and Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro
  • Jalil Rahman, Director of Brand Partnerships & Licensing, Liberty

10:50          Following the Money: How the New Age of Consumers Spends

The panel will focus their discussion on Gen Z and millennials.

Speakers include:

  • Sian Rider, Strategy Director, KidsKnowBest
  • Allana Holmes, Head of Sales, Hunter Price

11:45          Everything You Need to Know About Web 3.0

This dynamic session will explore some of the hottest topics in our industry right now, including NFT, Metaverse, IoT, AR, VR…

Speakers include:

  • Trevor George, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Recur

12.45          Networking lunch

13:45          Think Tank: Can the Licensing Process be Rebuilt?

From supply chain challenges to the need for faster speed to market, does the licensing process need to be reviewed?

 Speakers include:

  • Ruth Golightly, Leading Womenswear Clothing / Footwear / Accessories, ASDA
  • Emily Fawcett, Head of Global Licensing, Abysse Corp
  • Moderator: Susan Bolsover, Global Licensing and Consumer Products Director, Penguin Random House UK

14:30          Forecasting the Future of Retail through Consumer Trends

Understand how emerging and future consumer behaviours influence the retail space. Speakers include:

  • Hannah Craggs, Head of Subscription, TrendBible
  • Abi Wison, Buying & Design Manager – Celebrations, Sainsbury’s

15:45          Category Breakout Sessions

To provide additional depth around emerging categories, join our interactive roundtables as they spotlight them in more detail. Hear a case study and take part in a Q&A discussion with a choice of four categories soon to be confirmed.

16:30          The Good Fight: How Purpose Breeds Success

What is purpose and why is it important to businesses and customers?

Speakers include:

  • Nicolas Loufrani, Founder and CEO, The Smiley Company
  • Helena Mansell-Stopher, Founder & CEO, Products of Change
  • Moderator: Will Stewart, Founder & CEO, The Point.1888

17:30          Closing Remarks followed by evening drinks reception

B&LIS one day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit Europe. SiLC one day tickets are priced at £275 and can be purchased from Sustainability in Licensing Conference. POC and Licensing International members can enjoy a 20% discount on these rates (non-cumulative). Alternatively, two-day tickets can be purchased from either site for the discounted rate of £525.

Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022: The finalists

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The finalists in the Product, Property and Retail categories for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022 have officially been unveiled.

The B&LLAs attracted a strong number of entries, from companies large and small. Each and every entry was judged by a panel that comprised of retail buyers from right across the spectrum, including Selfridges, TJ Morris, The Entertainer, The Very Group, Asda, Liberty London, TruffleShuffle, Character.com, Matalan, Tesco, Waterstones, John Lewis, BM Stores, Morrisons and Moonpig among others.

“Our judges were certainly faced with a tricky task when it came to choosing this year’s finalists; the quality of entries was superb and we have ended up with an absolutely stellar shortlist,” commented Ian Hyder, ceo of Max Publishing, which owns and organises the B&LLAs. “The brand and lifestyle licensing industry is going from strength to strength and we cannot wait to celebrate with everyone on the 27th April.”

The winners will be crowned in a glittering afternoon ceremony on Wednesday 27th April at the Hilton Park Lane, London. For tickets, visit:  https://www.max-subscriptions.net/tickets/.

Here are the finalists…

PRODUCT AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Brand Licensed Fashion Accessories or Lifestyle Product or Range

Coca-Cola Gel-Quantum 90 Footwear from Asics

Farah Smart Watch from Peers Hardy

Jelly Belly Sneakers from Reebok

Joules Luggage from Pelham Group

Joules Optical Eyewear from Mondottica

Osprey London Footwear from 33 Joints

Penn Footwear from Vans

Royal Airforce Red Arrows Chronomat Watch from Breitling

V&A Alice in Wonderland Bag Collection from Olympia Le-Tan

 

Best Brand Licensed Food or Beverage Product or Range

Del Monte Frozen Fruit Range from Iceland

English Heritage Potato Crisps from Made for Drink

Gordon Ramsay Italian Collection from Benchmark Drinks

Guinness & Smoky Steak Slice from Ginsters

Harry Ramsden’s Frozen Range from Iceland

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Frozen Desserts and Cup Cakes from Iceland

Hotel Chocolat x MyProtein Layered Bars from The Hut Group

Slush Puppie Confectionery and Freezables Range from Rose Marketing

TfL The Spirit of the Underground Single Malt Whisky Collection from Bimber Distillery

TGI Fridays Frozen Appetizers and Desserts from Iceland

 

Best Brand Licensed Health & Beauty Product or Range

Alice Scott Health and Beauty Gift Range for Tesco from H&A

Amy Winehouse Frankly Amy Beauty Box from Illamasqua

Chupa Chups Personal Care Range for Boots from Corsair

Hawaiian Tropic Pearlescent Fragrance Mists from Designer Parfums

Kellogg’s Lip Balms from CrackerJack

RHS Home Grown Range from Heathcote & Ivory

Sara Miller Underwater Spa Collection from Heathcote & Ivory

Superdry Gifting Collections for Superdrug from SLG Brands

Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop from Floral Street Fragrances

 

Best Brand Licensed Adult Apparel Product or Range

Amnesia Ibiza for ASOS from Poetic Brands

Charlotte Posner Collection from Never Fully Dressed

Haribo Collection from Puma

Morris & Co. Apparel Collection from Next

Natural History Museum The Epic Dinosaur Collection from Desmond & Dempsey

Playboy x Tezenis Collection from Calzedonia

RHS Collection from Oasis

Scion Living Apparel and Nightwear from Next

Smiley SS21 Collection from Ellesse

 

Best Brand Licensed Gifting Product or Range

Battersea Pop Up Cards from Cardology

Bouffants and Broken Hearts by Kendra Dandy Gifting Collection for Boots from SLG Brands

Frida Kahlo Homeware Accessories from Sass & Belle

Heinz Gift Range from Kimm & Miller

Hershey’s Gift Range from Kimm & Miller

Joules Crafting Range from A2V

National Gallery Delicious Art Range for Boots from IG Designs

National Trust Explore & Treasure from Toasted Crumpet

Sara Miller Orchard Gift Collection from Portico Designs

Sophie la Girafe Crochet Baby Collection Kits from Stitch & Story

 

Best Brand Licensed Homewares, Kitchen & Tabletop Product or Range

Eleanor Bowmer Collection from Captivate Brands

Emma Bridgewater Rainbow Toast Collection from Elite

Joules Country Cottage Collection from Pure Tabletop

House Beautiful Islington and Camberwell Kitchens from Homebase

House Beautiful Tableware Collection from Homebase

Laura Ashley Collection from Blueprint Collectables

Meg Hawkins Tableware from Widdop and Co

Morris & Co. Tea Collection from Spode

Sara Miller Orchard Collection from Elite

V&A Reflect Series from Richard Brendon

 

Best Brand Licensed Children’s Product or Range

Barbie Kidswear Collection from River Island

Laura Ashley Childrenswear Range from Next

National Geographic Ultimate Dig Kits from Bandai

Natural History Museum Childrenswear Collection for John Lewis from Bro Global Group

Natural History Museum Dinosaur Childrenswear Collection from Marks and Spencer

Nerf Collection for Tesco from Blues Clothing

RHS Collection from George@Asda

Team GB Scooters and Helmets from Microscooter

TfL London Underground Electric Train Set from The London Toy Company

 

Best Brand Licensed Electrical &/or DIY Products or Range

Braun Pulse Oximeter from Helen of Troy

Coca-Cola The Unity Collection from Casetify

Goodyear Dash Cam from Avron

Goodyear Digital Compressor from ABC Parts

National Trust Lighting Collection from Anglepoise

Royal Observatory Greenwich Firstscope 76 from Celestron

Tetris Tetrimino Waffle Maker from Fizz Creations

 

Best Brand Licensed Home Decor Product or Range

Good Housekeeping Sofa Collection from DFS Trading

Joules SS 21 Collection from Bedeck

Lego Wooden Collection from Nordic Houseware Group

Mrs Hinch Homewares from Tesco

National Trust Tile Collection from Sarsen Stone Group

RHS Decoupage Papers Collection from Annie Sloan Interiors

Sara Miller 2021 Collection from Ashley Wilde Group

Scion Living Collection from Next

V&A Brompton Collection from Sofas and Stuff

 

Inspired Innovation Brand Licensed Product or Range Award

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Dog Ice Cream from Jude’s Ice Cream

Bob Marley x AFC Ajax from Adidas

Country Living Outdoor Buildings from Homebase

Eve Sleep CBD Oil from Sana Lifestyle by Sana Life Science

Goodyear G9 E-scooter from Clickerland

Joules Pet Sofas from DFS Trading

National Trust Camping Collection by Vango from AMG Group

Tetris Tetrimino Waffle Maker from Fizz Creations

William Morris at Home Canine Companion Dog Walkers Kit from Heathcote & Ivory

 

The Sustainability Brand Licensed Product or Range Award

Discovery Animal Planet Magazine from DC Thomson Media

DuraOcean Furniture from LifestyleGarden

Eden Project Canopy Collection from LSA

Eden Project Nespresso Compatible Coffee Pods from Fresh Coffee Shop

Grand Designs Sofas for DFS from DFS Trading

Marine Conservation Society Sea Change 2022 Calendar from Carousel Calendars

Natural History Museum The Epic Dinosaur Collection from Desmond & Dempsey

Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop from Floral Street Fragrances

WWF x F&F Kids and Baby Collection from Tesco

 

RETAIL AWARDS CATEGORIES

Best Fashion Retailer Of Licensed Brands

ASOS

FatFace

H&M

Missguided

Primark

Pull&Bear

River Island

Urban Outfitters

Zara

Best Department Store or Mixed Retailer Of Licensed Brands

Argos

B&M

John Lewis

M&S

Next

TK Maxx

WHSmith

 

Best Supermarket Of Licensed Brands

Asda

Iceland

Morrisons

Ocado

Sainsbury’s

Tesco

Waitrose

 

Best Specialist Retailer Of Licensed Brands

Boots

DFS

Dunelm

Homebase

Lakeland

Superdrug

Waterstones

 

PROPERTY AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Licensed Heritage Or Institution Brand

Open to: All licensed heritage or institution brands (including museum, gallery, heritage, charity or visitor attraction brands) that have executed licensing activity (including in the UK) in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Eden Project

Historic Royal Palaces

Morris & Co

The National Gallery

Natural History Museum

National Trust

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Van Gogh Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

 

Best Licensed Lifestyle Brand

Open to: All licensed FMCG non-food brands (including those brands hailing from automotive/travel, home goods, electricals, DIY, media, toy and sports goods’ brands) that executed licensing activity (including in the UK) in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Country Living

Discovery

Goodyear

House Beautiful

NERF

Playboy

Team GB

Transport for London (TfL)

Xbox

 

Best Licensed Design-led Lifestyle Brand

Open to: All licensed brands from design-based properties that executed licensing activity (including in the UK) in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Alice Scott

Bouffants & Broken Hearts by Kendra Dandy

Emoji

Harlequin

Laura Ashley

Me to You

Scion

Smiley

 

Best Licensed Food Or Beverage Brand

Open to: All licensed food, confectionery, beverage, restaurant or eating places brands that executed licensing activity (including in the UK) in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Barratt

Chupa Chups

Coca-Cola

Guinness

Hershey’s

Jelly Belly

Kellogg’s

Slush Puppie

TGI Fridays

 

Best Licensed Fashion or Talent Brand

Open to: All licensed fashion or talent brands (including celebrities and ‘name’ brands from the world of sport, music, cookery, art/design or icons) that executed licensing activity (including in the UK) in the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Amy Winehouse

Emma Bridgewater

Frida Kahlo

Joules

Meg Hawkins

Mrs Hinch

Nadiya Hussain

Sara Miller London

 

For tables and tickets for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022, contact Clare at Createvents on clare@createvents.co.uk or call 0118 334 0085, or you can reserve and pay online at the Max Publishing Digital Box Office.

You can also follow the B&LLAs on Twitter at @LicensingAwards and #BELLAS22.

Octonauts activity trail set to make waves at SEA LIFE centres

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Silvergate Media and Merlin Entertainments have announced their new activity trail, Octonauts: The Great Gup Rescue, which has just been unveiled at SEA LIFE at Mall of America before beginning its voyage to SEA LIFE centres around the world.

Expanding on its successful global partnership with Merlin, Silvergate’s new interactive activity-based Octonauts trail will allow visitors to embark on a journey with their favourite characters by completing missions and saving the sea creatures. The Great Gup Rescue starts with an underwater storm that has caused major electrical problems leading to all the Gups (the Octonauts’ aquatic vehicles) to break down. Alongside Captain Barnacles and Dashi, preschoolers and their families will experience an activity trail throughout the site where they can help save the day and become a hero in the rescue. 

As a continuation of last year’s successful activity trails that were brought to life at 13 SEA LIFE centres and aquariums across the UK and ANZ, this exciting new adventure will educate and inspire guests about important conservation topics while attracting new visitors to SEA LIFE centres. 

The Great Gup Rescue activity trails launched initially at SEA LIFE at Mall of America on 10 March 2022 before launching at SEA LIFE locations around the world. This latest activity trail joins a strong and expanding portfolio of global live event partnerships from Silvergate and continues to build on their long-standing partnership with Merlin, including the world’s biggest Octonauts attraction at Merlin’s Changfeng Ocean World in Shanghai.

“I’m always looking for exciting experiences for our guests at SEA LIFE at Mall of America, so we are thrilled to have The Great Gup Rescue,” says General Manager Trisha Ruf. “This partnership will spark even more imagination, adventure and wonder with guests at SEA LIFE Aquariums here in Minnesota and around the globe.”

“We are thrilled to be introducing a brand-new Octonauts activity trail at SEA LIFE centres this spring. Children will have the opportunity to become truly immersed in their own Octonauts adventure and as restrictions begin to lift, it’s perfectly timed to meet rising consumer demand for live experiences that deliver on fun and education,” says Lisa Macdonald, SVP Content and Consumer Product Sales at Silvergate Media. “This activation marks the start of a busy year ahead for the brand as we build towards the highly anticipated toy line from Moose Toys and we’re delighted that our latest collaboration with Merlin Entertainments will create real life experiences for families to enjoy.”

5th Charity Film Awards, presented by Smiley Movement – winners revealed

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A powerful and heart-wrenching film by Macmillan Cancer Support featuring staff doing ‘whatever it takes’ to support those living with cancer has scooped the Grand Prix trophy at this year’s Charity Film Awards, presented by Smiley Movement. The film was among a series of winners – including productions from Surfers Against Sewage, Teenage Cancer Trust and Shelter – announced at the Awards ceremony at ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square, with more than 500 guests in attendance.

Celebrating the charities’ use of video, the winners were chosen through a combination of expert judges and public votes. The campaign generated an additional 2.5 million views on these films.

One of the best outcomes from the awards was how Smiley Movement were able to massively increase the visibility of the films across all categories, regardless of whether they were awarded. For example, Teach Happy increased their views more than five times, from about 18k to 60k.

The overall ‘People’s Choice’ Award – which received the most public votes out of all the films entered this year – went to Isha Foundation, for their film ‘Cauvery Calling: A Race To Save A River’.

Other notable winners include Safenet Domestic Abuse and Support Services I’s film ‘Behind Doors’; The Scout Association’s ‘What Made Me’; Shelter’s ‘Fight For Home’; and Surfers Against Sewage’s ‘Thank you Sea’.

More than 450,000 people live-streamed the 5th Charity Film Awards ceremony across Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and on Fundraising Everywhere’s virtual event platform.

The 2022 Award Winners are:

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, says: “Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These films that won this evening absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning and are wonderful examples of modern charity communications.

“We had more than 300 charities enter the Awards this year and generated an additional 2.5 million views across all the films. It’s a great achievement for all the charities who made it through as Finalists. Congratulations to all the winning charities.”

You can watch all the films, including the winners at smileymovement.org/awards.

Smiley Movement is a social enterprise, which was set up by Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company. This is the first year Smiley Movement has run the Charity Film Awards, which provides an easy way for the general public to support the great work carried out by these non-profit causes. By watching, voting, and sharing these films, they have not only helped raise awareness but also learned more about the missions of these charities.

Research by Smiley Movement found 92% of people want to do good in the world, but are unsure how – while 82% would volunteer more if they were better informed about the charity sector, and 40% have volunteered in the past year.

They also found 99% of people believe we can solve more of society’s issues if the public engaged with charities more. To find out more about Smiley Movement and the work it does to support charities, visit smileymovement.org.

5th Charity Film Awards, presented by Smiley Movement – winners revealed

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A powerful and heart-wrenching film by Macmillan Cancer Support featuring staff doing ‘whatever it takes’ to support those living with cancer has scooped the Grand Prix trophy at this year’s Charity Film Awards, presented by Smiley Movement. The film was among a series of winners – including productions from Surfers Against Sewage, Teenage Cancer Trust and Shelter – announced at the Awards ceremony at ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square, with more than 500 guests in attendance.

Celebrating the charities’ use of video, the winners were chosen through a combination of expert judges and public votes. The campaign generated an additional 2.5 million views on these films.

One of the best outcomes from the awards was how Smiley Movement were able to massively increase the visibility of the films across all categories, regardless of whether they were awarded. For example, Teach Happy increased their views more than five times, from about 18k to 60k.

The overall ‘People’s Choice’ Award – which received the most public votes out of all the films entered this year – went to Isha Foundation, for their film ‘Cauvery Calling: A Race To Save A River’.

Other notable winners include Safenet Domestic Abuse and Support Services I’s film ‘Behind Doors’; The Scout Association’s ‘What Made Me’; Shelter’s ‘Fight For Home’; and Surfers Against Sewage’s ‘Thank you Sea’.

More than 450,000 people live-streamed the 5th Charity Film Awards ceremony across Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and on Fundraising Everywhere’s virtual event platform.

The 2022 Award Winners are:

Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley Movement, says: “Nothing captures hearts and minds like film. These films that won this evening absolutely demonstrate the importance of film for charitable campaigning and are wonderful examples of modern charity communications.

“We had more than 300 charities enter the Awards this year and generated an additional 2.5 million views across all the films. It’s a great achievement for all the charities who made it through as Finalists. Congratulations to all the winning charities.”

You can watch all the films, including the winners at smileymovement.org/awards.

Smiley Movement is a social enterprise, which was set up by Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company. This is the first year Smiley Movement has run the Charity Film Awards, which provides an easy way for the general public to support the great work carried out by these non-profit causes. By watching, voting, and sharing these films, they have not only helped raise awareness but also learned more about the missions of these charities.

Research by Smiley Movement found 92% of people want to do good in the world, but are unsure how – while 82% would volunteer more if they were better informed about the charity sector, and 40% have volunteered in the past year.

They also found 99% of people believe we can solve more of society’s issues if the public engaged with charities more. To find out more about Smiley Movement and the work it does to support charities, visit smileymovement.org.

Style Sisters head to Ideal Home Show

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Aspirational lifestyle duo Style Sisters, Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington, are heading to London’s Olympia exhibition hall this week as VIP guest speakers at the 2022 Ideal Home Show.

The Style Sisters have become well known for their expertise in home styling, interior décor and curating celebrity home transformations. Their practical hints and tips, mixed with their timeless style, have seen their brand continue to grow in popularity over the past 18 months. In September 2022, they are set to launch their own eagerly awaited Style Sisters collection, including home storage, accessories and home fragrance.

Today (Thursday 24 March) the Style Sisters will participate in three separate sessions at the Ideal Home Show on the Interiors Stage (11am and 4pm) and in the Super Theatre (12.30pm). Titled “Embrace Your Space”, the sessions will focus on giving the audience practical solutions on de-cluttering and tips on how to organise both wardrobe and home. Their sessions will also include visual demonstrations and step-by-step “How To’s” in styling and organising space around the home.

Deborah Haigh, Commercial and Retail Manager at Lisle Licensing, which represents the girls’ for their licensing strategy, says: “Gemma and Charlotte’s appearance at the Ideal Home Show is so fitting.  They’re at the UK’s most loved homes and interiors show and attendees will be able to see just how beneficial a stylish and organised living space can be to their lives.

“2022 is already shaping up to be a great year for the Style Sisters, and their own range, carefully created by the girls and our fantastic licensee partners, gives consumers everything they need to embrace their space.”

Licensing International and Spielwarenmesse to launch joint licensing fair

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Spielwarenmesse eG and Licensing International have announced a co-branded event that combines their skillsets to provide the German-speaking region with a licensing event of its own. Licensing-X Germany will offer the licensing sector across Germany, Austria and Switzerland a new platform and will coincide with Insights-X, the established stationery event, from 5 to 7 October 2022 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. 

“With Licensing-X Germany, we are building our portfolio in a market that shows strong growth, that we are very familiar with, and that is active in many different sectors,” says Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board, about the new launch by Spielwarenmesse eG. According to Licensing International, global sales of licensed goods and services amount to some US$ 293 billion, of which about US$ 11 billion are accounted for by the German market. This diverse spectrum includes product categories such as clothing, toys, fashion accessories, video games, home decoration, foods, footwear, cosmetics, sports and gifts.

Founded in 1985, Licensing International has had an active presence in Germany since 2001 through its LicenseMarket event. “Our primary mission is to grow awareness of the licensing industry worldwide, along with its many benefits,” says Maura J. Regan, President of Licensing International. “Licensing-X Germany will foster growth and expansion in Germany as we continue to align with key practitioners across the licensing community at large.”

Through this new licensing event, Spielwarenmesse eG is expanding its existing partnership with Licensing International. “Our shared objective is to be the leading platform for the licensing business in the German-speaking region,” says Peter Hollo, who is responsible for Licensing International’s activities in Germany.

Licensing-X Germany will build on the success of LicenseMarket and introduce new programming and networking opportunities across categories for the entire licensing industry. New trends in the market, including streaming services and NFTs, will be a focus as the event highlights licensing opportunities on the horizon.

Sesame Street Educational Play Centers come to Korea

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Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit media and education organisation, is launching its first in a series of Sesame Street-themed Educational Play Centers (EPCs), interactive location-based experiences for young children that foster playful learning. Partnering with AVECS Creative Group, a Seoul-based agency, the first EPC will open in the new LOTTE Department Store Dongtan in Gyeonggi Province on 18 March.

“Sesame Street Learn & Play” is the first of five EPCs that Sesame Workshop and AVECS Creative Group will launch across Korea over the next five years. Research has shown that children learn best through play as they are cognitively, physically and socially engaged in activities that they’re interested in, and play provides opportunities to try new things.

Classes include Cooking, Science, Art, Music & Dance, and Messy Sensory Play. Décor features Sesame Street’s much-loved colourful characters and iconic scenery, making for a welcoming and immersive experience.

“We are thrilled to be launching Sesame Workshop’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea, where Sesame Street has been a beloved and recognised brand for many years,” says Will DePippo, Senior Director of Asia Pacific, Sesame Workshop. “We know that playful learning boosts academic skills, as well as physical and social-emotional development. Combining our 50+ years of producing world-renowned educational content and themed attractions with AVECS’ industry-leading expertise in building best-in-class experiential offerings locally, we are expanding our efforts to help South Korean children become creative and engaged learners for life.”

Sesame Street is available in South Korea on free-to-air public broadcaster EBS and via Pay-TV on CJ E&M. Sesame Street content can also be seen through the LG Smart TV app as well as on Coupang Play, a major Korean streaming platform.

“We are excited to partner with Sesame Workshop to present the world’s first Educational Play Center in South Korea,” says Park Hong-bin, CEO of AVECS Creative Group. “Sesame Street Learn & Play Center is a unique multi-educational play facility for children of all ages – offering fun-filled activities, recreation and play in an environment based on the philosophy of the household education brand that all Koreans love and trust – Sesame Street.”

As location-based entertainment and demand for in-person experiences continue to grow globally, Sesame Workshop is creating a variety of in-person engagement opportunities for kids and their families. The Sesame Street EPC offers a “Learn through Play” model with activities such as skills classes, interactive play experiences, and Sesame Street character interactions, in addition to food and beverage, and merchandising possibilities.

“Our goal at Sesame Street Learn & Play is for kids to have a positive, playful learning experience, inspiring them to become lifelong learners and helping them thrive in all aspects of their growth,” comments Choi Soung-ah, Executive Vice President, AVECS Creative Group. “We want all kids to leave the center feeling like they were successful.”