Trend-driven content agenda announced for B&LIS North America

Following Licensing Expo’s return to in-person events in Vegas this May – which welcomed a record number of retailers – the Global Licensing Group is shifting its focus to the Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) North America, which aims to deliver thought leadership on trends as well as forecasts, retailer insights, spotlights on growth categories, and deep dives into digital and content innovation.

B&LIS North America trails the successful European launch held last year and is confirmed to make its debut on November 8-9 at Convene in New York City. The in-person conference is designed to connect senior-level brand licensing leaders and decision-makers for a two-day conference focusing on the future of consumer products, the changing retail landscape, and the importance of transformation.

More than 200 licensing, manufacturing and retail executives will gather at B&LIS for a content-rich agenda structured to incite peer-to-peer dialogue and inspire action to propel the $300+ billion global licensing industry forward.

“The licensing and retail industries are undergoing disruptive change, from navigating supply chain challenges, the rising cost of living impacting consumer spend, to unprecedented levels of content consumption,” says Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. “There is so much to discuss amongst the industry as societal behaviors continue to shift and B&LIS is the perfect platform to do this. While it’s an exciting time that presents a huge amount of opportunity for the licensing industry, adapting to these changes comes with challenges that require cross-industry discussion. With B&LIS, we’re initiating this much-needed conversation and providing a platform to bring new approaches into play that will shape how people view, shop for, and engage with brands.

“We look forward to re-convening the industry at B&LIS in New York following a well-attended and productive Licensing Expo held last month in Las Vegas, where thousands met in person for the first time since 2019 to renew relationships with customers, sign new partners, and discover the hottest new IPs. Our large-scale trade shows are designed to facilitate deal-making and trend discovery and are perfectly complemented by the thought-leadership-driven nature of B&LIS. The licensing industry’s leading change-makers have the opportunity to apply their learnings from Licensing Expo at B&LIS for two days of trend-driven education, discussion, and debate that will inspire the next new ideas and creative approaches to brand extension strategies.”

Content for the 2022 edition is highly curated to reflect the industry’s leading challenges and explore new growth opportunities. The focus of the conference sessions, workshops, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities will touch on major issues impacting business today and into 2023. Themes of the agenda include:

  • Market Trends – Join market leaders exploring the dynamics shaping licensed products, current trends in consumer behaviour, and what those changes mean for the future. Through presentations and panels, decipher how to spot emerging trends and where the next opportunity lies.
  • Retail Disruption – Explore ideas and strategies that are changing the face of retail, from direct-to-consumer tactics to the impact of retailtainment and more.
  • Digital Advances – New technological advances such as NFTs and the metaverse have opened up new opportunities for licensed consumer products. Discover what these opportunities are and how to create these experiences. Reaching consumers has greatly transferred to the digital space and recognising the right platform to use is critical for business growth.
  • Sustainability – Through a series of panels and presentations, understand how to practically realise environmentally sustainable business practices in your organisation and what roadblocks you may encounter along your journey.

“B&LIS provides the rare chance to learn from industry greats and brainstorm amongst notable retailers and licensors to drum up new approaches that may become the next viral idea,” concludes Knight.

CLICK HERE to sign up for updates about B&LIS: receive an alert when registration opens to secure an Early Bird All Access Pass and enjoy a discounted pass; plus, be the first to know when the content schedule is announced and discover new networking opportunities.

Brand Licensing Europe announces fashion as main theme for 2022

This year’s theme for Brand Licensing Europe, taking place on 20-22 September at ExCeL London, will be fashion. Visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy interactive features showcasing some of the biggest fashion licensing deals over the past year.

 

The fashion theme will weave its way throughout the event, including:

  • High-end product showcases on display close to the catwalk and in the main entrances, featuring products modelled in the catwalk shows
  • The License Global Theatre is moving back to the show floor for 2022 and will include several sessions and two keynotes dedicated to fashion
  • Products of Change make a very welcome return to Brand Licensing Europe and will be a powerful driver behind communicating the importance of sustainability in fashion

Ten 15-minute fashion shows will hit the central catwalk across three days, themed around key licensing categories. Retailers, designers and manufacturers can expect professional, expertly made-up and choreographed models (covering both kids and adult ranges) to be featured as brands’ collections are displayed on the catwalk.

The catwalks will cover multiple categories, including: Collabs, Food & Beverage, Footwear, Kids, Sports & Athleisure, Sustainability and Culture & The World.

Each show will also be live-streamed across the show floor and in both the central boulevard and West Podium at ExCeL London.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “From Primark x Greggs, H&M x Keith Haring Mark II and Natural History Museum x Fat Face, to Selfridges opening as a fully-functioning online retailer in the Metaverse and amazing in-store experiences popping up all over the world, fashion is an incredibly exciting space to be in right now. The impact it can have on brands, and brands can have on it, is endless.”

For more details, enquire here.

 

Day 2 Licensing Expo keynote to focus on location-based entertainment

Licensing Expo 2022, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, has lined up senior executives from Falcon’s Beyond, Robert L. Ward, and Moonbug as 2022 keynote panellists confirmed to speak at the Day 2 keynote.

Slated to be held on the expo floor in the Licensing U Theatre at 12-12:45pm on May 25 and accessible to all free of charge, the expert-led panel, moderated by Bay Laurel Advisors, brings together some of the most respected names in the industry for a trend-driven presentation titled “From Dream to Reality: The Power of Brand Licensing for Location-Based Entertainment.” To tune in to the keynote panel, register for Licensing Expo for free here.

Day 2 keynote presenters include:

  • Cecil D. Magpuri, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Falcon’s Beyond
  • Robert L. Ward, President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert L. Ward, Inc.
  • Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events and Location-based Experiences, Moonbug
  • George Wade, President, Bay Laurel Partners (moderator)

“It will be an honor to join my esteemed peers on-stage at Licensing Expo as a keynote moderator speaking to a topic that I’m incredibly passionate about,” says George Wade, President, Bay Laurel Partners and keynote moderator. “LBE tells stories through experiences and has the unique ability to bring people together, transcending generations and fanbases. It’s really a remarkable and expressive way for brands to build long-lasting relationships with their audience and reach new consumers – I hope the panel ignites new ideas and spurs continued innovation! I look forward to the keynote and reconnecting with the licensing community this May for much needed face-to-face conversation.”

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “We could not be more excited to share the first 2022 Keynote details with the Licensing Expo community. Keynotes are a cornerstone of Licensing Expo; our expert-led presentations bring to light new ways of doing business in a way that taps into consumer trends and arms the audience with inspiring ideas that will drive business forward in a meaningful way.”

This year’s keynote presentations are strategically designed to arm the licensing industry with actionable insights into the latest trends shaped by changing consumer habits and preferences and how brand licensing can be more strategically used as a marketing tool. The Day 1 keynote will be announced shortly.

In addition to keynote presentations, Licensing Expo and Licensing International offer robust educational programming to provide newcomers and experienced licensing professionals insights into the $292 billion licensing industry, with sessions geared toward arming attendees with new tools to drive business forward. The Licensing U agenda, now live and accessible here, spans a range of topics from the basics of licensing – the new rules of retail, to an exploration into the promising world of NFTs.

Only six weeks away, the event continues to attract new registrants daily – new and notable attendees include Fanatics, Kohl’s, Alibaba Group, Burlington Stores, Kimberly-Clark, Gamestop, Moleskine, Coppel, Hot Topic, Walmart, Hybrid Apparel, Mad Engine, Hallmarks Cards, Bioworld and more.

Learn more about Licensing Expo at www.licensingexpo.com

 

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.

Licensing Expo heads to Las Vegas with 170+ exhibitors and growing

Licensing Expo is gearing up to host what promises to be the consumer product industry’s most productive in-person get together in three years, with a growing roster of brands signing on daily to exhibit at the in-person event to be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 24-26, 2022.

Produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, the event continues to lock in cross-category brands from around the world, from sports to gaming, entertainment, corporate brands and artists, with 17 countries represented to-date.

With 40 new companies confirmed in the past four weeks alone, the event now comprises more than 170 exhibitors signed on to date. The exhibitor list is now available online and is accessible here.

“Licensing Expo returns in-person for the first time since 2019, and excitement among the industry is palpable,” says Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets. “This is a business-critical time in the calendar for brands, manufacturers and retailers alike – they’re coming with a pen in hand ready to ink new deals and discover the new trends that will line their shelves in the coming years, but also to reconnect in-person possibly for the first time since the pandemic.”

Commenting on Licensing Expo’s return, Knight also remarked: “The licensing industry is built on relationships, and we’re delighted to be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to reconnect, strengthen existing partnerships, celebrate successes and do business at scale face-to-face for the first time in three years. We’re also extremely excited to showcase Location-Based Experiences as the event’s theme, creating even more opportunities for brands to engage and inspire attendees in new ways.”

The event is on track to showcase brands from all major and emerging categories, including character and entertainment, fashion and apparel, gaming and eSports, FMCG, attractions and theme parks, sports, art and design, non-profits, and museums.

Latest exhibitors confirmed include Banijay Brands, Legendary Entertainment, Hasbro, MGA Entertainment, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Epic Story Media, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, Falcon’s Beyond, TOHO, Bravado, Zag, Ubisoft, Wildbrain CPLG, NFL Players Association, Shell Oil Company, Crunchyroll, Buzzfeed, Games Workshop, Jazwares, King Features, WWE, Moonbug Entertainment, Peanuts Worldwide, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, and many more.

“Excitingly, we’re seeing a robust selection of brands represented from across the globe, including Europe, the U.K., Japan, South America and the U.S.,” Anna Knight says. “We’re taking every measure possible to ensure non-domestic exhibitors and attendees are fully equipped with the latest health and safety measures in place, in addition to providing logistical information that will simplify international travel to Las Vegas.”

Thousands of retailers and manufacturers have already secured their free ticket to attend and meet with these brands, including Amazon, AMC Theatres, Bioworld, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Concept One Accessories, Difuzed, Funko, GAP, Hallmark Cards, Hot Topic, It’Sugar, Jakks Pacific, Jazwares, Kellogg’s, Macy’s, Moose Toys, Old Navy, Pacsun, Paladone Products, Primark, Spin Master, Zulily and many more. Attendance to Licensing Expo is free and tickets can be secured here.

Laura Freedman-Dagg appointed Head of Retail, Licensing, by Global Licensing Group

Global Licensing Group has appointed Laura Freedman-Dagg to the newly created role Head of Retail, Licensing.

Prior to taking maternity leave, Laura held the position of event manager, Brand Licensing Europe, where she was integral in growing the trade show’s retail proposition, successfully attracting an increasing number of high-quality European retailers to attend the event each year.

In her new role as Head of Retail, Licensing, Laura will work across the business’s global event portfolio, including Licensing Expo, the European and North American Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits and Brand Licensing Europe, to continue to deliver incredible content and meaningful meetings for retailers and exhibitors.

“The new Head of Retail role reflects the continued investment from Informa Markets to focus on driving retail attendance at our industry-leading licensing events,” says Anna Knight, VP, Licensing.

“We know from talking to our customers that meeting and engaging with retailers is a huge priority for them, hence our introduction of many new initiatives over the last few years, including the Retail Mentoring Programme, Retail Trends Lounge with exclusive content sessions, VIP matchmaking concierge service, category specific show features (publishing, heritage and interiors and gaming) and the focus on location based experiences planned for Licensing Expo 2022.

“Equally, retailers also rely on our events to facilitate introductions between them and brand owners. As BLE event manager, Laura nurtured incredible relationships with key retailers, and I know she’ll continue to deliver ROI for them and our exhibitors and partners.”

Laura Freedman-Dagg added, “It’s brilliant to be back working with the Global Licensing Group. I loved developing the BLE retail proposition, and to be able to recreate that globally across our other event brands will be fantastic.

“One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that the retail buying calendar isn’t homogenous so it’s important that the whole portfolio of Global Licensing Group events can deliver value when – and where – it’s needed. Not only do we have world-class events already scheduled in the calendar, but we also have the reach and flexibility to innovate and introduce new, creative solutions.

“Our ethos has always been to stay close to our customers (retailers and exhibitors) so that we can understand what the market needs from us and act quickly to deliver it. This role will allow to us to do this even more effectively.”

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.

 

Licensing Expo to return to Las Vegas in May 2022

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest licensing trade show, will return to Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022, reconnecting the global licensing industry in person for the first time since 2019.

Organised by Informa Markets in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International (which has served as the exclusive Licensing Expo sponsor since its inception), Licensing Expo reconvenes following a two-year hiatus to celebrate its 40th live edition with safety very much at the heart of the experience.

“While we are still living and working during a pandemic, the health and safety of everyone attending Licensing Expo will remain our number one priority, and this year’s event has been specifically designed to account for varying levels of attendee comfort with a range of options to suit, whether that’s a preference for one-on-one interaction or to maintain physical distance,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

Robust safety measures
All Licensing Expo participants will be required to wear a face mask while indoors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) and present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. Mask wearing will be monitored by the Informa organising team, who are also recommending that participants take a Covid-19 test before leaving their destination to travel to Las Vegas. These safety rules will be in place regardless of Nevada state mandates. Onsite testing will be available off the show floor at the participants’ expense, and this can be used to enter the show or to fulfil any international or domestic pre-departure testing requirements.

“Health and personal wellbeing remain a top priority for us all. As we continue to review and implement vigilant health protocols during this time, we’re excited for the all-important and safe return to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas,” says Licensing International President Maura Regan.

“Bringing licensing professionals from around the world back together in person affords us all opportunities for new partnerships, networking, and learning – and a critical chance to move businesses forward. We’re confident Licensing Expo 2022 will bring the industry back together for a long-awaited reunion!”

Industry support
With four months still to go, the industry is throwing its full support behind Licensing Expo, with exhibiting companies already confirmed, including ViacomCBS, Hasbro, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, NFL Players Association, Games Workshop, Peanuts Worldwide, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, BrandComply fuelled by Octane5, and TOPPS/Garbage Pail Kids.

Licensing Expo will also adopt a theme for the first time ever, with 2022 spotlighting Location-Based Experiences: immersive, interactive out of home experiences like theme parks, escape rooms, gaming arcades, amusement parks, bowling alleys, VR worlds, and much more. LBE will be the focal point for one of Licensing Expo’s two in-person keynotes, in addition to interactive LBE activations on the show floor highlighting the creativity and consumer engagement possible when brands and experiences collaborate.

“LBE really suffered during the pandemic lockdowns, but experiences have now reopened to customer delight and the sector is predicted to boom,” explains Anna Knight. “It’s been interesting to note the increasing number of collabs between brands and LBE in recent years. We’re keen to shine a light on this growing licensing category and excited to investigate its future with Licensing Expo attendees.”

Licensing Expo online platform
This year’s event will be supported by the Licensing Expo official online platform, available to all exhibitors and visitors pre, during and post-show, allowing them to browse exhibiting brands & IPs, see who’s attending, view exclusive content and schedule meetings to take place both in-person in Las Vegas and online post-event until June 3.

The platform garnered extremely positive feedback at Brand Licensing Europe in November 2021, which reunited the European licensing community in London after a two-year break.

Anna Knight concludes: “Thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers attended BLE to meet close to 200 brands, and we received really positive feedback about the importance of BLE and Licensing Expo in driving business for the licensing industry. Hundreds of deals were signed at BLE, so we’re very much looking forward to bringing back Licensing Expo in-person and welcoming everyone to Vegas in May.”

Register for free for Licensing Expo here.

 

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”

 

 

 

 

The show that keeps on giving: BLE goes digital on 30 November and 1 December

Attendees to Brand Licensing Europe, which took place at ExCeL London last week, participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many hundreds more arranged spontaneously during the three-day show, resulting in one exhibitor hailing the event a ‘triumphant return’.

BLE was back in person after more than two years away to reconnect thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees compared to 2019 (11 per cent to 15 per cent).

BLE 21 networking continues online

A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow-up online event, which takes place on 30 November and 1 December. Attendees unable to attend BLE in person, and those who did attend but want to book overflow meetings, will be able to connect with most of the in person exhibitors as well as 53 online-only exhibitors, including Mattel, The Pokémon Company, Playmobil, ITV Studios, Bavaria Media, Brigitte Bardot, Edutainment Licensing, Metrostar, Mondo TV, Princess Sam, and more.

The event’s online content programme will expand BLE’s ‘What’s Next’ theme, including three online-only ‘In Conversation’ sessions with senior executives from ViacomCBS Consumer Products; a sustainability panel with Products of Change, and Licensing U, alongside the option to watch recordings of the Team GB and ViacomCBS live keynotes, five ‘What’s Next at Retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This! final, which took place at the show. All of this content will be available to watch on demand for free until 28 February 2022.

 Online-only content includes:

‘D&I In Conversation’ sessions with ViacomCBS executives

  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Diversity in Content
  • Diversity in Products

Brands for Social Change: Join Products of Change as they talk to Yellow Octopus, Newlife, Preloved Kilo and George at Asda to discuss how they are diverting clothes from landfill and building a fully circular fashion industry.

Licensing U: Featuring 14 presentations across three tracks – Basics, Spotlights and Tactics & Strategies – Licensing U is a one-stop-shop education programme about the $292bn licensing industry for newcomers and experienced professionals. Tickets start at £145 if purchased ahead of the event, or £160 in the platform, and can be purchased when registering for BLE. (Licensing International members can enjoy a 10% discount).

Anna Knight, VP licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content. We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners.

“Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now. And then next year we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCeL London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”