Tag Archives: lead

WildBrain CPLG rebrands lifestyle division as ASPIRE

Posted on by

Entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has rebranded its rapidly growing Lifestyle division under the new name “ASPIRE”, with an expanded mandate to accelerate growth of the agency’s Corporate & Lifestyle brands portfolio.

The dedicated group and new brand, flying under the WildBrain CPLG banner, reflect the agency’s commitment to growing meaningful opportunities for existing and new partners in the Corporate and Lifestyle space. ASPIRE will focus on building long-term strategic partnerships for leading global brands across such categories as art and heritage institutions, FMCG, fashion and lifestyle, hardware and automotive. As part of the rebrand, the agency has today unveiled a dedicated logo for the ASPIRE division.

Under the continued leadership of Victoria Whellans (pictured), who takes on a new role as Commercial Director for ASPIRE (previously Group Brands Director, Lifestyle), the rebranded division will aim to develop innovative, relevant and authentic brand extensions, creating new consumer touchpoints and opening incremental revenue streams for partners. Whellans will work closely with Jasen Wright, VP North America, to drive the global strategy for ASPIRE, with a focus on North America as a key territory of initial expansion.

The ASPIRE group will grow with new hires in key locations worldwide, including New York, Europe and APAC, supported by international and local sales teams.

Whellans says: “The launch of ASPIRE underlines our commitment to delivering dedicated, best-in-class global partnerships to harness the huge opportunities we see in the growing Corporate and Lifestyle sector. Since we launched our Lifestyle division two years ago, we have generated new revenue streams for multiple licensor brands, extending them into new areas through our global reach and leading capabilities in licensing and brand management. We look forward now to building on this strong foundation with the ASPIRE brand.”

Jasen Wright adds: “The licensing of Corporate and Lifestyle brands continues to see meaningful growth as brands explore new paths outside of their core use to reach consumers at retail. We see significant opportunity to expand this part of our business and look forward to opening up new avenues for our partners to help build their brands for the future.”

ASPIRE’s diverse Corporate & Lifestyle brand portfolio includes recently signed partners such as Sauber Motorsports and its Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, The Master Lock Company, the University of Southern California and internationally renowned artist Romero Britto. Its partners also continue to launch innovative collections, with recent highlights from OSPREY LONDON X Sitting Spiritually, who have launched a premium garden furniture range this month; a new OSPREY LONDON Spring-Summer footwear collection from 33 Joints; a Karcher role play toy range in development from Simba Dickie Group; and a Yale University apparel and accessories collection launching at Reliance Fashion Lifestyle, India’s largest fashion retailer.

Additional new deals across the portfolio include University of Southern California and Truecare Kids in India for apparel and accessories, and Kikkoman and Park Agencies for apparel, nightwear, accessories and home gifting for UK, Eire, Germany, Poland, Denmark and France.

Find out more at  www.cplg.com/aspire

 

First Paramount Global NFT collection to drop with Star Trek on 9 April

Posted on by

Paramount Global and RECUR have announced that Star Trek  will be the first NFT digital collection to drop from their multi-year partnership to bring Paramount’s entertainment brands and characters to the metaverse.

Fans will be able to access Star Trek digital collectibles starting 9 April through Paramount.xyz, the online portal to access Paramount’s iconic IP and franchises in the form of NFTs.

Through this fan-focused platform, Paramount and RECUR have created a unified environment where fans can buy, collect and trade NFTs as digital collectibles across Paramount’s leading portfolio of brands, including Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, CBS, Showtime Networks Inc., and more.

Star Trek is the first franchise to launch and will be followed with collectibles from Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures.

Paramount.xyz allows fans to build a community, engage with peers, and unlock new, innovative and interactive experiences with properties and brands they love.

“Fans should be able to engage with our content wherever they are, including the metaverse,” says Pam Kaufman, President, Consumer Products and Experiences, Paramount. “Paramount.xyz will offer one seamless digital collectable experience for fans across our key franchises, starting with Star Trek,  an iconic franchise that is forward-thinking, innovative and multi-generational. We are thrilled to have a space that is accessible to everyone and allows another expression of fandom.”

The Star Trek collectibles will be housed in “Star Trek Continuum”, an experiential hub that will be the space for this first and future seasons of Star Trek NFTs. Here, fans will have the opportunity to own a piece of their favorite franchise while embarking on an entirely new journey.

The Star Trek Continuum sale will take place for 24 hours only on 9 April, 2022, starting at 11am ET. The cost per pack will be $250. There will never be more of these designs created and the minting window will only be open for 24 hours.

The Season 0 drop on 9 April will feature algorithmically-generated starships, and no two will be the same. The starships will be unveiled today, 8 April, at 1:45pm CT during Star Trek: Mission Chicago, where RECUR will be hosting a star-studded panel with talent from the franchise. Fans around the world can tune in to RECUR’s YouTube channel to view a live streamed unveiling of the coveted digital collectibles.

The journey continues later this year as fans can collect crew in Season 1 and go on voyages around the galaxy to seek out new planets and get digital collectible rewards. Season 0 starship owners will be rewarded with a crew member NFT leading into Season 1, and in Season 2 fans can use their crew to go on missions in a play-to-earn game.

“Fans are looking for new ways to engage with their favourite shows and franchises, and our innovative ecosystem gives them a community to be a part of for years to come,” says Zach Bruch, CEO of RECUR. “Through the introduction of Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz, we’re providing fans with a unique way to embark on a journey to boldly go into the metaverse.”

Pre-registration for “Star Trek Continuum” opens today at StarTrek.xyz. Through this launch, RECUR and Paramount will be dropping 20,000 Star Trek  digital collectibles with an additional 2,000 in reserve. Continuum holders will get access to exclusive perks, events and the expanding content available to the NFTs digitally and in-real life.

For more information, visit Paramount.xyz and StarTrek.xyz.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

Posted on by

WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

Posted on by

WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.

San Diego Comic Convention appoints IMG as first-ever licensing agency

Posted on by

San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), organisers of the annual Comic-Con event, the iconic brand known for celebrating all things comics and related aspects of popular arts and culture, has announced that it has appointed global licensing leader IMG as its first ever exclusive licensing representative. Through this affiliation, IMG will work in partnership with SDCC to extend the reach of the non-profit’s mission of promoting comics and related popular art forms and engaging with their respective fan communities.

Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG, says: “Over 50 years ago, the Comic-Con founders simply wanted to draw attention and recognition to the comics and other art forms they loved. In doing so, they discovered a shared interest in this and related Sci-Fi, fantasy, and genre content wider than they could have possibly imagined. Today, that comic culture is mainstream entertainment culture thanks in large part to Comic-Con’s championing of this art form and its brilliant creators, and Comic-Con is the leading curator brand and guide in this space, allowing it to secure consumer attention and deliver consumer value in more ways.”

While originally focused primarily on comic books, film, and science fiction, Comic-Con has since come to encompass and celebrate related art and fantasy content, as well as anime, interactive multimedia, costuming and so much more in all its formats, with an ever-increasing menu of forums, screenings, exhibits, and workshops at the San Diego Convention Center. More than 135,000 people attend its annual convention, along with countless thousands who trek to San Diego each summer to take part in the many outside activations and activities.

IMG will be working with SDCC to identify partners who can develop products, retail destinations and experiences for the millions of fans not able to partake in the annual Comic-Con convention experience.

David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for SDCC, says: “We began talking to IMG around six months ago and in the course of those discussions, it hit home to us that we could use our expertise to serve the ever-growing fan community in more ways, places and times than ever before. In 2021, we embarked on the new Comic-Con Museum and now, with IMG’s expertise working with specialist partners to deliver authentic brand experiences, we can pursue an exciting new phase for the Comic-Con brand.” 

Ricardo Yoselevitz, Senior Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “Through its annual conventions, it’s clear that Comic-Con has become a powerful consumer brand without even trying. We are honoured to now be working with them to identify products and destinations that create new ways and avenues to engage this passionate community, while further reinforcing Comic-Con’s position as the leading curator of this form of popular art and culture.”

Comic-Con returns this year to the San Diego Convention Center July 21 – 24.

Marriott Bonvoy and Manchester United kick off ‘sleepover of a lifetime’ prize draw

Posted on by

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, along with Manchester United are offering fans the chance to win the first-ever overnight stay at Old Trafford. One lucky fan and a guest will have the chance to wake up in the legendary football stadium on match day from the comfort of a suite transformed into a Marriott Hotels guest room overlooking the pitch.

The winner of the Suite of Dreams global sweepstakes will enjoy an extraordinary one-of-a-kind prize with an overnight stay the night before the home Premier League match against Chelsea in May 2022. The winners will get the chance to take part in a number of behind-the-scenes experiences that will bring them right to the heart of Manchester United. These include watching the team train, a behind the scenes tour of the stadium, the chance to mix and mingle with club legends and matchday tickets and hospitality.

“Bringing our flagship brand, Marriott Hotels, to Old Trafford is just one of the ways we are bringing the extraordinary Marriott Bonvoy portfolio to life through our collaboration with Manchester United, one of the world’s most popular sports teams,” says Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Brand, Loyalty & Portfolio Marketing, Marriott International. “We’re thrilled to be creating this hospitality experience at this iconic location, giving a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to wake up in the home of Manchester United on the morning of a matchday.”

In its third year partnering with Manchester United, Marriott Bonvoy continues to offer exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences to football fans, travellers, and members of its award-winning travel programme, including:

  • Marriott Bonvoy’s in-stadium ‘Seat of Dreams’
  • Exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences for members of Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning travel programme
  • In- and out of-stadium activations with Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. This includes the M Club Suite at Old Trafford, designed in the style of the brand’s M Clubs, a dedicated space for Marriott Bonvoy members to relax and connect at Marriott Hotels around the world
  • Access to interviews and one-on-one conversation with players

“From the very beginning of our partnership, Marriott Bonvoy has created some truly unique experiences, and this is no exception,” says Victoria Timpson, Manchester United’s CEO of Alliances and Partnerships. “Whoever wins this opportunity will receive the same first-class hospitality as they would at any Marriott Hotels property around the world, with the added excitement of being hosted at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, one of the world’s most iconic football stadiums.”

For more information or to enter the prize draw, visit ManUtd.com/SuiteofDreams. Closing date for the competition is April 15, 2022.

Barratt expands its Iceland ice cream range

Posted on by

The popular sweet brand Barratt, owned by Valeo Confectionery, is adding a new selection of classic sweet flavours to its ice cream range, exclusive to Iceland. The range will be available instore from Monday 4 April.

Following on from the existing range of nostalgic sweet shop favourites, the new flavours arrive straight from the Pick n’ Mix aisle and include Dolly Mix, Cherry Cola Bottle, Giant Strawberries, Wham Rocket, Milk Teeth, Refreshers, and Mini Poppets Ice cream bites in mint and salted caramel flavours.

The new flavours are an expansion of the original range, created in 2020, and follow further growth to the range in 2021, where 8 SKUs were added to the ice cream range including Cola bottles, Foam Banana, Milk Bottles and Sherbet Fountain.

With over 3.4 million units of ice cream sold in 2021, the Barratt and Iceland range continues to perform, enabling the Barratt brand to expand into new categories including cheesecakes, with more to come. The success has also helped to showcase the brand and attract further licensees.

Bethan Garton, CCO at licensing agency The Point.1888, which represents the Barratt brand, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce a further 8 SKUs to the Iceland’s Barratt range. The range has gone from strength to strength over the past two years as consumers demand more products that highlight the iconic and fun flavours of Barratt sweets. Iceland have been the perfect partner for Barratt by working collaboratively to deliver truly innovative product.”

Andrew Staniland, Trading Director at Iceland, adds: “We love to bring people together and create memories over good food, and what better way than sharing a delicious, cool treat with your family in time for April’s forecasted heatwave.”

Audience tickets now available for Brands & Retail UK Summer Conference

Posted on by

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.

 

 

Licensing Expo previews 2022 Licensing U agenda

Posted on by

Licensing Expo today revealed the 2022 Licensing U content agenda, developed and produced by trade association Licensing International to provide industry newcomers and those looking to advance their knowledge of licensing with elementary and trend-focused education on what they need to know about the $292-billion licensing industry.

Passes for Licensing U will become available on April 11. Those wishing to access the content must be registered to attend Licensing Expo and indicate their interest in the programme here to be notified once the platform opens.

For the first time, Licensing U content will be available both live and on-demand, enhancing the value of the experience for all attendees and exhibitors. First presented in-person at Licensing Expo on May 24-26, participants who have secured a Licensing U pass can enjoy the live sessions followed by Q&As and follow-ups in person with speakers. They can also benefit from a show floor tour with Licensing International to help them identify key trends and new brands, plus enjoy drinks reception at the Licensing International booth.

The on-demand content will become accessible via the online platform from May 26 to enable participants greater flexibility to engage with and revisit content at a time that best suits their schedule and prioritise meetings during the live event.

Sessions for the 2022 edition are strategically developed to advance the $292 billion global licensing industry, including:

Tuesday, May 24:

  • 9:30-10:00 am: Back to Basics

Learn everything you need to know about licensing if you’re new to the industry. This session answers all your questions about licensors, licensees, agents, and agreements.

  • 10:15-11:00 am: The New Rules of Retail

Forget what you thought you knew about the style guide because fast-fashion retailers’ desire for differentiation is all the rage. And by adapting your creative requirements, you can better respond to global and regional trends.

  • 4:00-4:30 pm: Press Play on YouTube and TikTok

The days of relying solely on linear media are long gone. YouTube and TikTok are the new juggernauts, which means it’s crucial to understand how these digital platforms capture consumers’ hearts and drive franchise development.

Wednesday, May 25:

  • 9:00-9:30 am: WTF is up with NFTs

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Metaverse are on everyone’s radar right now. But what exactly are they, and how can you take advantage of this new digital world?

  • 2:00-2:30 pm: Information Overload

More research is available than ever before, which is why it’s critical for companies to use that information effectively. Learn what part data should play in your decision-making process without stifling radical creativity.

  • 2:30-3:00 pm: The Lowdown on International Distribution Law

Product distribution in the US can be as broad or limited as the licensor permits, but the same can’t be said for the EU and the UK. Learn everything you need to know about global anti-competitive regulations and how to make the right commercial decisions for your business.

“The licensing industry must evolve at a rapid pace to stay in sync with the changing needs of consumers, making education and peer-to-peer deliberation more important than ever before,” says Maura Ragan, President of Licensing International. “We’ve never faced challenges quite like those experienced in the past few years, both as a collective industry and personally. This year’s edition of Licensing U will deliver expert-led, trend-focused education and will also serve as a creative outlet and a platform for much-needed conversation that we are proud to facilitate jointly with Licensing Expo.”

“We’re in a trend-driven industry,” says Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group. “As such, it’s crucial for licensees and licensors alike to have a pulse on the latest trends that are shaping consumer behavior to inspire and drive business forward. Our attending and exhibiting communities rely on Licensing U every year to discover new ways to creatively address current challenges and dig deeper into exciting trends to better leverage brand extension as a strategic tool.”

The speaker line-up of industry experts will be revealed in advance of the online platform opening on April 11, at which point conference passes will become available.

Licensing Expo’s continued momentum and an increasing number of exhibitors signing on daily have locked in registrations from thousands of sought-after retailers, licensees, and manufacturers. New and notable participants include American Eagle Outfitters, Target, Walmart, Zulily, Hot Topic, Mad Engine, Hallmark, Primark, Simba Dickie, Macy’s, PacSun, Pyramid International, and many more.

 

Speakers confirmed for European Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit

Posted on by

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.