BLE closes applications for Retail Mentoring Programme after record intake

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has officially closed applications for its Retail Mentoring Programme (RMP) for the first time in its 12-year history, following a record uptake with 82 buyers from 19 different retailers. 
The annual programme kicked off last week when 78 RMP delegates attended Licensing International’s Licensing Essentials course in central London. This year’s programme will culminate at BLE after a day hosted by a brand owner or agent, and another licensing for retail conference in September. Hosts this year are selected from BLE exhibitors and include Acamar, Beanstalk, Bulldog, Bravado, Hasbro, NHM, TSBA, The Point 1888, Warner Brothers and Wildbrain CPLG.
This year’s RMP participants are as follows, including first timers Next, Pets at Home, DFS and New Look:
1.      Asda George
2.     Character.com
3.     DFS
4.     Fat Face
5.     John Lewis
6.     M&Co
7.     Marks & Spencer
8.     Matalan
9.     Moonpig
10.   Morrisons
11.     New Look
12.    Next
13.    Paultons Park
14.   Pep & Co
15.    Pets at Home
16.   Sainsbury’s
17.   Tesco
18.   The Entertainer
19.   Truffle Shuffle
Truffle Shuffle Brand Director Aby Sollitt-Davis says: “After 10 years working in licensing there is always something new to learn. Even if it is how to get a better deal. You have to know what to look and ask for in the deal memo to be able to make it work best for you. Business is a two-way street, and all agreements require both sides to understand what is at stake for both parties to come to a happy agreement. Finding creative freedom in a world of rules needs a course like the Retail Mentoring Programme to allow creative minds and business sense to come together in a fun and relaxed environment.”
A further 27 delegates, the majority RMP alumni from retailers including Tesco, Selfridges, The Very Group, Sainsbury’s, Groupon, character.com, Pep & Co, Marks & Spencer and The Entertainer, were also in London on 12 May to attend the first ever Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy masterclass.
BLRA is a joint partnership between BLE and Licensing International and attendees heard sessions on children’s licensing from experts including:
·       Jenny Kieras, Chief Revenue Officer and Matthew Smith, Head of Industry Foresight at Insights Family
·       Gary Pope, Co-Founder and CEO at Kids Industries
Plus, a panel on toys featured Andrea Gornall, Sales and Licensing Director, 8th Wonder; Melanie Beer, Licensing Director EMEA, Amscan International and Richard Hollis, Licensing Consultant.
Head of Retail, Licensing at Global Licensing Group, Laura Freedman-Dagg says: “We’re delighted with the range of retailers on the Retail Mentoring Programme this year. It’s the biggest group we’ve ever had, and the buyers have already shown such enthusiasm for licensing. The Licensing Essentials Course was the perfect start to the programme, and I know that the licensor host days will once again be a highlight.
“It was also exciting to host the first Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy, which we launched in partnership with Licensing International earlier this year. The majority of the academy delegates have previously completed our mentoring programme so it’s fantastic to be able to provide ongoing learning opportunities in the lead-up to BLE. I’d like to thank all of the retailers who took the time to attend – we know how difficult it can be to secure time out of the office, but I hope they returned to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to discover their next big licensing opportunities.”

BLE confirms first roster of exhibitors for September event

Brand Licensing Europe – Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, organised in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International – has announced the initial list of companies confirmed to exhibit at the 2022 event, which runs from 20-22 September at ExCeL London.

Reflecting the event’s truly European nature, the list boasts a large number of companies already confirmed from Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, including The Smurfs, Chefclub, Gallimard Jeunesse, GO-N, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle Group, Planeta Junior, Sophie La Girafe, Spain Licensing Pavilion, Asterix, AC Milan, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation Europe, Tour de France & Dakar, Alpha Group, Ferly, Mediatoon Licensing, Roadsign, Millimages, Sagoo, Xilam Animation, Rights & Brands and many more. See the full list here.

Brand new to the show this year are Van Gogh Museum, License This! winners Sophie Jonas-Hill and Joel Mercer of Seed Folk, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Chefclub, Outfit7 and Nelly Jelly World.

Marijn Veraart, Licensing Manager, Van Gogh Museum, says: “We are tremendously excited to connect with our industry peers in real life again and look forward to showcasing opportunities to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary together in 2023. You will find us at BLE, where we invite you to explore the inspiring world of Vincent van Gogh through his world-famous art and life story

Thomas Riviere, Brand Manager, Le Petit Prince, says: “The Little Prince is back at BLE! On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince in 2023, we’re inviting BLE visitors to come and meet The Little Prince Licensing team on Stand C150 to discuss new licensing opportunities. An anniversary celebrated all over the world: exhibitions, shows, new products, new licenses, new 2D animated TV series!”

The event sees many familiar names return this year, showcasing some of the world’s biggest brands and capturing the breadth of the industry with a wide variety of names confirmed across all key sectors of licensing ranging from entertainment to sports, and gaming to heritage. Exhibitors include:

  • Character & Entertainment: Aardman Animations, Acamar Films, Animaccord, BANDAI NAMCO Europe, Banijay Brands, Bulldog Licensing, Caroline Mickler, Crunchyroll, Cyber Group Studios, Hasbro, Le Petit Prince, Mattel, NBCUniversal, NECA, Penguin Ventures, SEGA, Sanrio, Rocket Licensing, Rainbow, The Pokémon Company, The Smurfs, Warhammer, Studio 100, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation, Walker Books, Wildbrain CPLG, WWE, and more.
  • Brand & Lifestyle: Admiral Sportswear, art ask agency, Imperial War Museums, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery, Tour de France & Dakar, V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), Yale University, Beanstalk, Tinderbox, TSBA, Pink Key Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle, AC Milan, Metrostar, Dorna Sports, Roadsign, Brandgenuity, Golden Goose, and more
  • Art, Design & Image: Caroline Mickler, Vicki Thomas Associates, Scatterbrain Studios, Sophie Jonas-Hill and more. 

The event returns to London this September with a new fashion theme, which will include a world-renowned keynote, daily themed catwalk shows, product showcases and conference sessions.

Companies wishing to find out more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please email greg.mcdonald@informa.com or cassius.anderson@informa.com

Visitor registration is open now at www.brandlicensing.eu

BLE confirms first roster of exhibitors for September event

Brand Licensing Europe – Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, organised in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International – has announced the initial list of companies confirmed to exhibit at the 2022 event, which runs from 20-22 September at ExCeL London.

Reflecting the event’s truly European nature, the list boasts a large number of companies already confirmed from Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, including The Smurfs, Chefclub, Gallimard Jeunesse, GO-N, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle Group, Planeta Junior, Sophie La Girafe, Spain Licensing Pavilion, Asterix, AC Milan, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation Europe, Tour de France & Dakar, Alpha Group, Ferly, Mediatoon Licensing, Roadsign, Millimages, Sagoo, Xilam Animation, Rights & Brands and many more. See the full list here.

Brand new to the show this year are Van Gogh Museum, License This! winners Sophie Jonas-Hill and Joel Mercer of Seed Folk, Le Petit Prince Licensing, Chefclub, Outfit7 and Nelly Jelly World.

Marijn Veraart, Licensing Manager, Van Gogh Museum, says: “We are tremendously excited to connect with our industry peers in real life again and look forward to showcasing opportunities to celebrate the Van Gogh Museum’s 50th anniversary together in 2023. You will find us at BLE, where we invite you to explore the inspiring world of Vincent van Gogh through his world-famous art and life story

Thomas Riviere, Brand Manager, Le Petit Prince, says: “The Little Prince is back at BLE! On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of The Little Prince in 2023, we’re inviting BLE visitors to come and meet The Little Prince Licensing team on Stand C150 to discuss new licensing opportunities. An anniversary celebrated all over the world: exhibitions, shows, new products, new licenses, new 2D animated TV series!”

The event sees many familiar names return this year, showcasing some of the world’s biggest brands and capturing the breadth of the industry with a wide variety of names confirmed across all key sectors of licensing ranging from entertainment to sports, and gaming to heritage. Exhibitors include:

  • Character & Entertainment: Aardman Animations, Acamar Films, Animaccord, BANDAI NAMCO Europe, Banijay Brands, Bulldog Licensing, Caroline Mickler, Crunchyroll, Cyber Group Studios, Hasbro, Le Petit Prince, Mattel, NBCUniversal, NECA, Penguin Ventures, SEGA, Sanrio, Rocket Licensing, Rainbow, The Pokémon Company, The Smurfs, Warhammer, Studio 100, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, TF1 Licensing, Toei Animation, Walker Books, Wildbrain CPLG, WWE, and more.
  • Brand & Lifestyle: Admiral Sportswear, art ask agency, Imperial War Museums, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, The National Gallery, Tour de France & Dakar, V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), Yale University, Beanstalk, Tinderbox, TSBA, Pink Key Licensing, Perfetti Van Melle, AC Milan, Metrostar, Dorna Sports, Roadsign, Brandgenuity, Golden Goose, and more
  • Art, Design & Image: Caroline Mickler, Vicki Thomas Associates, Scatterbrain Studios, Sophie Jonas-Hill and more. 

The event returns to London this September with a new fashion theme, which will include a world-renowned keynote, daily themed catwalk shows, product showcases and conference sessions.

Companies wishing to find out more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities, please email greg.mcdonald@informa.com or cassius.anderson@informa.com

Visitor registration is open now at www.brandlicensing.eu

Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International launch Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy

The all-new Brand Licensing Retailers’ Academy is a series of six masterclasses specifically designed for experienced retailer professionals.  The year-round programme, developed by licensing industry experts Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International, will feature leading licensing executives sharing their expertise, including how licensing drives enhanced customer engagement, key consumer insights behind licensed product purchase intent, and exclusive access to the data behind emerging industry trends.

The series will kick off with an in-person half-day event in central London on 12 May.

The BLRA programme, which includes a membership to Licensing International, is exclusively for retailers but space is limited, and participants are encouraged to enrol now.

“We are excited to launch this complimentary masterclass series developed specifically for senior retail professionals. Licensing International is rooted in retail and merchandising, and these classes are a natural extension,” says Maura Regan, president of Licensing International.

“This joint programme with Licensing International builds on our commitment to engage with retailers year-round and support them as they continue to develop their licensing expertise,” adds Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. “It is the perfect complement to our Retail Mentoring Programme, and we’re excited to further enhance our roster of opportunities for retailers to engage with the world of brand licensing.”

Interested retailers can register here.

Brand Licensing Europe opens applications for its Retail Mentoring Programme

Retailers are being invited to apply for a delegate place on Brand Licensing Europe’s popular Retail Mentoring Programme (RMP).

Applications are open now until Friday 22 April 2022.

The free-to-attend, CPD-accredited course is delivered through a series of seminars, workshops and 1-2-1 consultancy sessions between May and September 2022. It is now in its 12th year and boasts hundreds of alumni from the likes of Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Selfridges, Halfords, Asda George, Ann Summers, River Island, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Toymaster, The Entertainer and Morrisons.

RMP delegates also benefit from:

  • Insight from best-in-class retailers, agents and brand owners on how successful licensing partnerships are delivered across a range of categories from apparel to homeware
  • Practical insights into building robust, timely and commercially viable licensing programmes
  • Understanding critical legal, technical, financial and licensing terminology
  • An invitation to join Li, an introduction to all of the key aspects of the licensing industry
  • Licensor sessions where retail delegates spend a day with leading brands to better understand what goes into a successful licensing partnership
  • Brand discovery sessions – find out who owns what brands and how to build relationships
  • Visual merchandising workshops – learn how to make consumer products stand-out online and in-store
  • Introductions to leading licensors and agents representing a huge range of the world’s most popular and well-known brands
  • Invitations to networking and social events within the licensing industry

Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “In theory, brand licensing, and the opportunities it offers to retailers, is a really simple proposition. In reality, it can be quite a complex business to get under the skin of. Through the BLE RMP, we help European retailers to better understand our business and provide them with the information and introductions they need to successfully introduce or expand their store’s licensing programme.

“Licensing means retailers can introduce branded consumer products onto store shelves, attracting more customers and increasing margins. It also means retailers can consider turning their own brand into a license, allowing it to expand into different product categories and demographics; something which Ted Baker, for example, has achieved successfully with accessories and health and beauty.”

To take part, retailers are asked to sign up on the BLE website and fill out the form or contact Keith Pashley on keith@thekeithpashleyproject.co.uk for more info.

 

Q&A: Natasha Dyson, co-founder of ARTiSTORY

A specialist in cultural IP licensing, ARTiSTORY was co-founded a year ago by industry trailblazers Yizan He and Natasha Dyson. Over the past 12 months the company has secured major partnerships with some of the world’s leading cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, London; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Dunhuang, China, and the Brooklyn Museum, New York.

We caught up with Natasha ahead of the company’s appearance at Brand Licensing Europe this week to talk about how arts and culture licensing works in practice, and the company’s plans for 2022.

You’re a fairly new business. Can you give us a bit of background on you and Yizan and why you founded ARTiSTORY? 

We are indeed, we’re celebrating our 1st birthday at BLE.

Both Yizan and I have been working in the licensing industry for many years, gaining experience that compliments the other. I have a varied background working for agencies and brand owners, as well as my own consultancy, covering all sectors and age groups for the EU market. In fact, this year is my 20th anniversary in licensing.

Over the last 18 years Yizan has developed award-winning licensing programmes across Greater China and North America. He was voted one of the top 250 IP Strategists in 2011 by Intellectual Asset Management Magazine and regularly sits on the judging panel of the Premier Asian Licensing Awards and China Licensing Awards.

There are two key reasons that Yizan and I decided to set up ARTiSTORY. Firstly, art and culture licensing is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global licensing space at the moment.  Secondly, Yizan has spent the previous five years building multimillion dollar licensing programmes for the V&A, British Museum, National Galley, MFA and the MET in China, but his dream was to expand globally. When Yizan and I reconnected just before the start of the Covid pandemic, the idea to set up a business in Europe was born. This rapidly expanded into becoming the global business that we are today.

Can you explain how ARTiSTORY operates? What are your core areas of business? 

ARTiSTORY is a master licensee for our museum partners.  Our license provides us with an extensive range of product categories, everything from fashion to home goods, through topop-up stores and themed hotels, which we can sub-license to retailers, brands and manufacturers.

There are three core pillars to our business: creative development, licensing, and content developer.

ARTiSTORY invests in developing usable artwork that transforms “Artefacts to Merchandise” and appeals to our core target audience: Gen Z and Millennials, art fans and overseas audiences. We have an extensive team of creatives including researchers, designers, content writers and immersive experts, who not only create beautiful designs but ensure that we tell the story of each artefact or artwork though the content we develop.

Once the creative assets have been developed, we license these to global retailers, brands and manufacturers. Our licensing partners have access to exclusive pre-approved artwork that is delivered as layered files to allow customisation, and can immediately be used on products and packaging, thus reducing the time that licensees need to spend on the design and approval process.

Finally, we support our licensees by creating various forms of content such as narrative, live streaming from museums, short-form videos and social media challenges on TikTok. Licensees and retailers can break down the content to use for packaging, swing tickets, in-store POS and for digital marketing purposes. We also work with retailers and brands to create in-store immersive experiences.

Why do you think heritage licensing is such a strong sector at the moment? 

A key appeal to brands and retailers is the longevity and security that art and cultural licensing provides. The global pandemic has sped up the digitalisation of the museum and cultural sector and this digital shift is changing the way that younger demographics engage with art and culture. At ARTiSTORY we are designing digital, sharable tools and engagement strategies which are opening up the cultural world to entirely new audiences.

ARTiSTORY produces twice-yearly theme launches. Can you give us a sneak peek of what’s up and coming next year?

We have four trend led themes for next year:

Botanical Affairs – Taking inspiration from flora and fauna, the harvests from our land; bringing the outdoors in, we engage all senses, to appreciate the natural world around us.

Gathering of the Greats – With over 8,000 years of history within our museums, we catch a glimpse of some of the most creative, innovative makers of the art world.

Let’s Play – Theatre tickets ready, parties to celebrate, dancing across the floor and imagination galore… Entertainment is back, the 2020s can begin, Let’s Play!

Dunhuang – A UNESCO World Heritage site where spices were traded for knowledge, silks for imagination.

What would you like to achieve from BLE this year?

We’ve taken a stand (B219) to ensure we are visual to those who have read about us, but not yet met us. Our focus is on securing licensing partners, retailers and brands that can not only benefit from our having access to our exclusive designs, but also the content we provide for digital marketing.

We’ll be announcing our first licensing partners in the next month or so. I can’t give away too much now, but I can tell you these are multi-territory partners for us across apparel and home electronics. And we have some exciting new artist collaborations coming soon, so watch this space!

Brand Licensing Europe partners with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate testing needs for international attendees

Brand Licensing Europe has partnered with ExpressTest by CignPost to facilitate all testing requirements for international attendees. Anyone needing to take a day two test to enter England will be able to purchase a ‘click and collect’ testing kit to be picked up at ExCeL. The tests can be self-administered in any location with results uploaded online. Those requiring a ‘fit to fly’ test for re-entry into their country of origin will also be able to benefit from an onsite service with tests carried out by CignPost staff in secure private meeting rooms at the venue.

The test booking service will open during the first week of November and information will be communicated via the BLE website, social media channels and direct communications with event customers. Attendees are also reminded to join the next BLE webinar at 2pm (BST) Tuesday October 26, where the team will provide information on this new partnership as well as the show’s health and safety plan. Attendees can register for the webinar here.

ExpressTest by CignPost is one of the leading UK testing providers, an ABTA partner and a UK government listed COVID-19 screening service, which provides fast, accurate and reliable testing. They said: “We are delighted to be working with Brand Licensing Europe as official testing partner, providing both gold-standard PCR and lateral flow tests for exhibitors and delegates alike.  ExpressTest has been at the forefront of testing to help businesses operate through the pandemic.”

This latest partnership is just one of the many measures in place to help the safe return to live events by organiser Informa Markets. In addition to requiring proof of vaccination, negative test or natural immunity to enter ExCeL and an extremely comprehensive list of other safety measures, organisers are now also requiring that masks are worn by attendees. Medical exemptions will apply, as well as allowing for the removal of masks when eating and drinking. The team is also asking attendees to be respectful of each other during business meetings and wear a mask if their meeting partner requests it.

The full BLE health and safety plan can be found here and ExCeL London’s safety plan can be found here.

“As a safe event organiser, BLE is committed to going above and beyond UK government guidelines with a robust set of safety measures and the facilitation of required testing for international attendees,” said Anna Knight, VP Licensing, Informa Markets.

“We are all looking forward to the return of Brand Licensing Europe and the bringing together of the licensing industry. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that we do this as safely as possible and remove any challenges related to international travel for a significant contingent of our audience. I’m pleased to be announcing our partnership with CignPost and to reiterate our commitment to attendee safety as we approach the final countdown to BLE 2021.”

Just 4 days left to enter the Kelvyn Gardner License This! competition at BLE

There are just four days left for designers, illustrators, animators and inventors to enter this year’s Kelvyn Gardner License This! competition at Brand Licensing Europe. It’s an incredible opportunity to get a foot in the door of the $292 billion global licensing industry.

There are three award categories available to enter this year:

  • Character & Animation
  • Brand & Design
  • Product Design using Aardman Animations’ Morph as inspiration

The competition is totally free to enter, and the three winners will receive promotional space at Brand Licensing Europe 2022, valuable advice from industry experts, and annual membership of trade association Licensing International and sustainability education hub Products of Change.

Entries close on 11 October.

BLE 2021 brings Licensing International’s Licensing U to European audiences for the first time

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is launching Licensing U for Europe, a ‘one-stop-shop’ education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals.

Licensing U will take on a fully virtual format with the content being available to view on demand for three months from 22 November 2021 allowing delegates to engage with and return to the content at a time that best suits them. Early bird discounts are available from now until 8 October.

The content, which has proved to be a popular staple of Licensing Expo’s programme over the past few years, will bring the same three tracks to its UK debut in November, offering insight into the topics and trends impacting the brand licensing universe.

Topics range from the ‘Basics of international licensing’ and ‘What you need to know about royalty rates’, to ‘Working with agents and consultants’.

The three content tracks are:

  1. Basics of Licensing: Designed for licensing newcomers and those interested in learning more about the industry, Licensing U’s ‘Basics’ track offers an introduction to how the licensing business works, contracts and other legal basics, royalty rates, style guides, retail development and more.
  2. Spotlights: Licensing professionals are invited to take a deeper dive into key industry segments with Licensing U’s ‘Spotlights’. The sessions will focus on specific areas such as art and design, corporate brands, celebrities and influencers, sports, entertainment, collaborations, and location-based entertainment.
  3. Tactics and Strategies: Aimed at the more seasoned licensing professionals, Licensing U’s ‘Tactics and Strategies’ track features more advanced sessions and will tackle some of the latest topics and trends impacting today’s licensing industry, including eSports, NFTs and more.

Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets, said: “It is always a pleasure to partner with Licensing International and we are thrilled to bring Licensing U to European delegates this November. It is such a distinctive time for our industry when continued education is paramount, providing much-needed refresher courses for practiced professionals and serving as a gateway into the exciting world of licensing for those starting their journey.”

Maura Regan, President, Licensing International, added: “Licensing U has been the content cornerstone of Licensing Expo and we are excited to bring this programming to BLE. Relevant, timely information sessions combined with recognised industry leaders offer resources to help licensing professionals at all levels of their careers. Licensing U is a trusted resource designed to serve the licensing industry.”

Attendees can take advantage of the early bird discount by booking before October 8. Licensing International members benefit from an additional 10 per cent discount.

Brand Licensing Europe supports a post-pandemic industry with What’s Next theme for 2021

As the industry collectively begins to look towards a post-pandemic future, Brand Licensing Europe, in partnership with Licensing International, is supporting the network, weaving a ‘What’s Next’ theme throughout its 2021 show.

BLE is making its return this year with a new multi-platform format taking place in-person from November 17th to 19th at ExCeL London, followed by an online event on November 30th to December 1st, giving a platform to people, ideas and practices set to change the face of brand licensing.

The What’s Next theme will focus on three distinct areas to give attendees an overview of the most important considerations for doing business in 2022 and beyond.

  • Who’s next: Attendees are invited to discover and celebrate the licensing change makers in the all-new Agents of Change gallery; the disruptors, the rising stars, the professionals and the trailblazers who are brave and savvy enough to go back to the drawing board and affect real change.

The ‘Agents of Change’ Roll of Honour gallery will be situated at the entrance of BLE, providing an aspirational welcome back to the live event for the whole community and will be taken from License Global’s Influentials list of 2021 that will feature in December.

  • Innovation in Sustainability Showcase in partnership with Products of Change. This feature area will inspire attendees on their journey towards a more sustainable future by learning how pioneering businesses from inside and outside of the licensing community are addressing the challenge of moving forward in a more ethical way.

This interactive space will tell the stories of the branded products on show – where they came from, how they were made; the partnerships and collaborations featured, as well as offering practical advice and support on how the licensing industry can unite to tackle these vital issues.

  • What’s next for retail: Visitors can explore an interactive retail space showcasing how brand licensing is leading the way in the production of unique, creative, and entertaining consumer experiences critical to the much-needed transformation of retail.

Informa Markets’ VP of Licensing, Anna Knight, said: “Identifying new trends, change makers and upcoming challenges is what makes an industry gathering like BLE unmissable. This past year has shown how adaptable we are and, as we move into a post-covid world, that pace shows no sign of slowing down. Looking towards the future has never been more vital and this is precisely what our ‘What’s Next’ theme is designed to support.

“Our hope is that this year’s theme, and all of the amazing content that envelops it, will help to take the guesswork out of strategic planning and support our attendees to drive forward their visions for the future.”

Registration for the event is now open and retailers, manufacturers and brand owners wishing to take part in this year’s event are invited to register for free at https://www.brandlicensing.eu/en/home.html to reconnect with the European licensing community in-person and online this November.