Tag Archives: Brands Retail UK

Brands & Retail UK summer conference to wrap up with ‘Meet the Buyers’ Networking Party

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of Brands & Retail UK, has announced a new format for the summer conference taking place at the British Library (London) on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022.

The ‘Meet the Buyers’ Networking Party – sponsored by Fabacus – is a speed networking ticket event closing the conference on Day Two (5pm onwards, 7 July).

“After many discussions with retailers it became apparent they want to see as many licensees and brands as possible at events, and if their buying teams are small they can struggle to catch up with everyone.

“Based on the research, we have re-worked the closing party to give retailers VIP booths in the atrium of the British Library terrace so they can meet the audience in 10-minute informal speed networking meetings.

“Canapes and drinks will be served to their tables, giving them a VIP experience. The brands taking part and the licensees that are attending the conference will now get the chance to catch up with major retailers one-to-one… a perfect way to end the summer conference.”

Buying teams that have signed up for VIP booths so far include Tesco, ASDA, Boots, Character.com, ebay and Toys”R”Us.

Brands & Retail UK are also delighted to announce Fabacus are once again exclusive sponsors of the summer conference.

Andrew Xeni, CEO of Fabacus, says: “After an incredible debut conference this February, Fabacus are delighted to again be sponsoring such an important event in the licensing calendar that brings all parties in the industry together, offering licensees and retailers the chance to see upcoming plans of some of the best-known brands in the market.

“The summit aligns perfectly with our mission to facilitate deeper connectivity, visibility and trust across the value chain, as we are enabling partnerships to be based on a foundation of accurate master data and insight.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with a number of client partners we’re already working alongside, as well as using this opportunity as sponsors to meet new faces to showcase our technology, its benefits, and how we’re committed to transforming brand licensing through the power of data.”

There are only six 15-minute pitching slots left for Day One (6 July) for Lifestyle, Commercial, Heritage, Charity and Sports brands, and only three 15-minute pitching slots left for the Character and Gaming brands on Day Two (7 July). If you are a brand and would like to take part, contact Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk.

Licensees can book their FREE tickets for the conference and purchase their ‘Meet the Buyers’ party tickets on the conference website, www.BrandsRetail.uk

Brands & Retail Pitch Smarter Summer Conference set for 6 & 7 July

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Following huge support for the Winter Pitch Smarter Conference from the UK’s consumer product and retail industry, Ryan Beaird, Event Director for Brands & Retail UK, has announced there will be a Summer Conference in July.

Taking place on 6–7 July 2022, again at the British Library, the event will close with a Summer Terrace Party for over 200 industry executives at the end of Day 2.

“The support from licensors, licensees and retail buyers has been phenomenal for the Winter Conference and demand was so high I had a reserve list of licensors wanting to book pitching slots, which meant I had to expand the show,” says Beaird.

“I am delighted that Acamar Films, Mattel and ViacomCBS are supporting the new summer event, having taken the first three slots on Day 2, and I will be announcing more great brands who have reserved slots very shortly.

“I now want to open the event up to sports, charity, publishing, heritage, commercial/lifestyle brands, so planning is going into bringing these licensors into the conference and giving them the opportunity to share their updates and their fantastic brands to a room full of licensees and retailers.

“I am working with the British Library events team on holding the conference party on their amazing Roof Terrace which will be welcome news to those reading this. I think we are all longing for sunshine and being outside again.

“I am also delighted to confirm that the conference price for the audience will stay the same – 100 per cent FREE.”

Free registration for the Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter Summer Conference will go live on 25 February 2022.

For more information about taking part, visit www.brandsretail.uk or contact Ryan Beaird at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk.

Twenty tickets (at time of press) are still available for the Winter party at the Ivy Club on 24 February. Priced at £75 each, they are available from the website.

 

Keynote speaker and expert panel revealed for Brands & Retail Pitch Smarter Conference

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the Brands & Retail UK conference – sponsored by global technology business Fabacus – has confirmed the retail buyer panellists and keynote speaker who will close the event, which takes place at the British Library on 20 January 2022 (9am till 6pm).

“I am delighted to have the support of a great group of prominent licensing retail buyers,” says Ryan. “To confirm, we have Karen Hewitt, co-founder of character.com, Ruth Golightly from George at ASDA and, to round off the panel, David Lucas from Studio Retail. They will all bring a huge wealth of experience to the audience Q&A – and I look forward to hearing their thoughts on the retail industry for licensed products.

“I am also very grateful that Stephen Phipson CBE, the CEO of MAKEUK.org – the UK manufacturers organisation – will be the conference keynote speaker and will close the event. MAKEUK.org is the leading voice for UK manufacturers and I am sure the licensees attending will be interested to hear his speech.

“To confirm, the event is 100% taking place. We will adhere to the current government rules and for peace of mind for the attendees I have reduced the audience from 250 to 150, allowing people to spread out in the theatre if they wish – but as a result I now have a very limited amount of seats left.”

Brands Retail UK politely requests that all those coming take a Covid test before the conference and, in line with government guidance, masks will need to be worn inside the theatre during screenings.

The after-event party takes place from 6pm till 9pm at the Ivy Club. The Club is asking that attendees provide proof of a negative Covid test on entry and that masks are worn when entering the premises.

“I have put aside some tickets for consultants, service providers and agents that wish to do some networking in the evening and invite them to come along to watch the panel and keynote from 4:30pm. Tickets cost £75 each for the party, which runs from 6pm till late,” says Ryan.

“I want to thank all the brands taking part and also the event sponsor Fabacus for their continued support.”

The event is free for licensees and retail buyers. Limited tickets are available at www.BrandsRetail.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information visit www.BrandsRetail.uk or email Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk