Tag Archives: Licensing Expo 2022

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development to oversee global licensing and merchandising for Netflix film My Father’s Dragon

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Cartoon Saloon Brand Development, the ancillary rights division of five-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon, will spearhead the global licensing and merchandising strategy for the 2D animated family feature, My Father’s Dragon, a Netflix Film, to premiere in 2022. 

The announcement was made today by Brian Tyrrell, General Manager of Cartoon Saloon Brand Development, who will be attending Licensing Expo for in-person meetings.

My Father’s Dragon is inspired by the Newbery Honor Book of the same name by Ruth Stiles Gannett about a young boy who, struggling to cope with a move to the city with his mother, runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. It was first published in 1948 and has since been published in over 20 languages.

My Father’s Dragon is the first book of a trilogy whose other titles are Elmer the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. All three were published in a 50-year anniversary edition in 2011 as Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon.

“My Father’s Dragon is a timeless and classic story with inspirational qualities which has been pleasing kids and adults alike across the globe for over 70 years, and will for years to come,” says Tyrrell. “Discussions are already well under way with key potential licensees and we look forward to presenting this evergreen property to a wider audience at the upcoming Licensing Expo.”

Directed by Cartoon Network’s Nora Twomey (Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, The Breadwinner), My Father’s Dragon is written by Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur), with story by Meg LeFauve and John Morgan, who are also executive producers, along with Tomm Moore, Gerry Shirren, Alan Maloney, and Ruth Coady. Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn of Mockingbird Pictures (Raymond & Ray, Heart of Stone, and Albert Nobbs) are producing together with Cartoon Saloon’s Paul Young.

The talented voice cast includes Jacob Tremblay, Gaten Matarazzo, Golshifteh Farahani, Dianne Wiest, Rita Moreno, Chris O’Dowd, Judy Greer, Alan Cumming, Yara Shahidi, Jackie Earle Haley, Mary Kay Place, Leighton Meester, Spence Moore II, Adam Brody, Charlyne Yi, Maggie Lincoln, Jack Smith with Whoopi Goldberg and Ian McShane.

 

Cartoon Saloon Brand Development to oversee global licensing and merchandising for Netflix film My Father’s Dragon

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Cartoon Saloon Brand Development, the ancillary rights division of five-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon, will spearhead the global licensing and merchandising strategy for the 2D animated family feature, My Father’s Dragon, a Netflix Film, to premiere in 2022. 

The announcement was made today by Brian Tyrrell, General Manager of Cartoon Saloon Brand Development, who will be attending Licensing Expo for in-person meetings.

My Father’s Dragon is inspired by the Newbery Honor Book of the same name by Ruth Stiles Gannett about a young boy who, struggling to cope with a move to the city with his mother, runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. It was first published in 1948 and has since been published in over 20 languages.

My Father’s Dragon is the first book of a trilogy whose other titles are Elmer the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. All three were published in a 50-year anniversary edition in 2011 as Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon.

“My Father’s Dragon is a timeless and classic story with inspirational qualities which has been pleasing kids and adults alike across the globe for over 70 years, and will for years to come,” says Tyrrell. “Discussions are already well under way with key potential licensees and we look forward to presenting this evergreen property to a wider audience at the upcoming Licensing Expo.”

Directed by Cartoon Network’s Nora Twomey (Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, The Breadwinner), My Father’s Dragon is written by Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur), with story by Meg LeFauve and John Morgan, who are also executive producers, along with Tomm Moore, Gerry Shirren, Alan Maloney, and Ruth Coady. Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn of Mockingbird Pictures (Raymond & Ray, Heart of Stone, and Albert Nobbs) are producing together with Cartoon Saloon’s Paul Young.

The talented voice cast includes Jacob Tremblay, Gaten Matarazzo, Golshifteh Farahani, Dianne Wiest, Rita Moreno, Chris O’Dowd, Judy Greer, Alan Cumming, Yara Shahidi, Jackie Earle Haley, Mary Kay Place, Leighton Meester, Spence Moore II, Adam Brody, Charlyne Yi, Maggie Lincoln, Jack Smith with Whoopi Goldberg and Ian McShane.

 

Falcon’s Beyond to showcase revolutionary LBE technologies at 2022 Licensing Expo

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Entertainment company Falcon’s Beyond Global, LLC will showcase multiple proprietary technologies at the 2022 Licensing Expo, which takes place May 24–26, 2022 in Las Vegas.

Three Falcon’s Licensing products, developed inside Falcon’s X-Lab at its Orlando headquarters, will be exhibited:

  • SpectraVerse™ attraction systems harness breakthrough projection, optics, and positional tracking custom engineered to display multiple unique real-time interactive experiences on the same screen, at the same time. In a mixed-reality environment, participants are individually tracked and perspective-matched with their own stereoscopic content, all while still being able to see and interact with each other in the real world. Physical objects allow participants to seamlessly interact in 3D space with the immersive content on screen.  As an attraction system, SpectraVerse technology provides innovative interactive walkthrough adventures that can either be configured in multiple rooms for a linear scene-by-scene narrative (SpectraVerse Odyssey™) or as a single free-roaming arena (SpectraVerse Quest™).
  • Falcon’s Vision® augmented reality headsets bring immersive interactive experiences into physical spaces with incredible capability. The headsets have been custom designed and fabricated to be an intuitive, functional, durable, and hygienic solution with minimal operational friction for high-throughput location-based entertainment venues. Each headset displays real-time interactive content across the entire field-of-view in a stereoscopic format running at 120 frames per second, per eye. The headsets are also equipped with stereo-channel localised audio and haptic feedback.
  • ON!X™ interactive theatres integrate real-time content, feedback and responsiveness all within a 5D theatre format, producing immersive and dynamic multiplayer video game experiences. Participants are equipped with haptic-enabled physical objects that are 3D tracked to dimensionally interact with the content in real time. Directly harmonising with the real-time interactive experience and performance of the participants, premium SFX motion seats provide smooth yet accurate movement in multiple degrees-of-freedom, and feature visceral wind, light, olfactory, discrete audio, and mechanical special effects to engage all the senses.

“We have already helped many of the world’s most iconic brands expand into new forms of entertainment that deepen connections with existing fans and attract new audiences,” says Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond. “We are proud and excited to showcase some of the most innovative, sophisticated technologies in the themed attractions industry that have the power to not only elevate experiential design and immersive storytelling, but also transform location-based entertainment as we know it.”

 

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

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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

 

Licensing International announces 2022 Excellence Awards finalists

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Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Licensing International Excellence Awards, dedicated to recognising outstanding achievements and innovation in the licensing industry around the world.

This year’s Excellence Awards feature 165 finalists from 20 countries in 25 categories. More than 150 judges from 21 countries chose this year’s finalists from nearly 800 submissions.

Licensing International members can vote for the winners beginning on Monday, April 11. Each member company will receive one ballot to vote on all 25 categories and voting will end on Friday, April 22.

The winners will be announced during the Licensing International Excellence Awards at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 23 at 5:30pm PST at The LIGHT Vegas Nightclub. Licensing Expo will take place from May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

More information about all of the finalists is available online. Finalists were presented by Alifish, InSpirit Designs, Jazwares, and participants in Licensing International’s Accelerator Program, including Bedrock Collectibles, Holy Joe, LIBREX, Park Star Media, and Somos Arte.

The full list of nominees can be viewed online here or seen below.

Best Licensing Product — Apparel or Accessory for a Corporate Brand

  • Couture Kingdom – Streets Jewelry
  • Don’t call me Jennyfer – Chupa Chups Collection
  • Mad Engine Global – McDonald’s Apparel and Accessories Line
  • PUMA – BMW M Motorsport Line
  • Reebok – Jelly Belly Sneakers
  • Ripple Junction – Keith Haring Apparel

Best Licensed Product — Apparel or Accessory for an Entertainment Property

  • Blackmilk – The Legend of Zelda Collection
  • Eastpak – Peanuts Backpacks
  • OnePlus – Harry Potter Smartwatch
  • Pair Eyewear – Sesame Street Kids Glasses
  • Persol – La Casa de Papel Glasses
  • Zara – Barbie 1959 Collection
  • Zara – Playmobil Line

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for a Corporate Brand

  • Arcade1 Up, Tastemakers – Polaroid At-Home Instant Photobooth
  • Brizo – Frank Lloyd Wright Bath Hardware
  • Ecoffee Cup – Van Gogh Reusable Coffee Cup
  • Fizz Creations – Tetris Wafflemaker
  • Fizz Creations – Tetrix x Samsung Fridge Storage Stackers
  • QuietKat – Jeep E-Bike
  • Ukonic – Xbox Fridge

Best Licensed Product — Appliances, Electronics & Housewares for an Entertainment Property

  • Bumpboxx – Jimi Hendrix Boombox
  • Gramercy Products – Nerf Dog Toys
  • Guild Guitars – Bob Marley Acoustic Guitar
  • Half Moon Bay – Peaky Blinders Drinkware
  • Just Funky – Naruto Shippoden Kitchen Appliances
  • Stern Pinball – Godzilla Pinball Machine
  • Tonies – Sesame Street ToniesBox

Best Licensed Product — Digital: Apps, Software, Video Games, NFTs

  • Lockwood Publishing – The Voice of Avakin
  • Next Games – Stranger Things Puzzle Tales Mobile Game
  • Story Toys Ltd – LEGO Duplo Marvel App
  • Tafi – Coca-Cola Friendship Box & NFT Collection
  • VeVe – Back to the Future DeLorean NFT
  • Virtual Brand Group – Forever 21 Shopcity on Roblox

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for a Corporate Brand

  • G FUEL – Tetris Energy Drink
  • Häagen-Dazs – Louvre Mooncake Ice Cream
  • Kellogg’s – HERSHEY’s Cereal
  • Kraft Heinz – HERSHEY’s Colliders
  • Namyang Dairy Products – Chupa Chups Sparkling Drinks
  • Natür Food Ventures. Tetris x Powerbeärs Gummy Snacks
  • Stewarts Enterprises – Hard Rock Hard Seltzer

Best Licensed Product — Food or Beverage for an Entertainment Property

  • Awfully Chocolate – Harry Potter Mooncakes
  • Brew Pipeline Inc – Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Seltzer
  • Kinnerton Confectionery – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Krispy Kreme Japan – Minions Doughnuts
  • Le Comptoir de Mathilde – Harry Potter Chocolates
  • Megaplex – Godzilla vs Kong Whey Protein Powder

Best Licensed Product — Health and Beauty Aids

  • Centric Beauty – Crayola Kids Bath Collection
  • Floral Street Fragrances –Van Gogh Sunflower Pop Eau de Parfum
  • Gillette – Bugatti Razor
  • Hipdot – Monopoly, Play-Doh and Ouija Cosmetics
  • Mad Beauty – Friends Soap Dish & Bath Range
  • Mad Beauty – Winnie the Pooh Bath & Body Line
  • SK II / Procter and Gamble – Andy Warhol Skin Care

Best Licensed Product — Home Décor

  • Paladone – Minecraft Building Block Lights
  • Room Copenhagen – LEGO Wooden Home Décor
  • Shanghai Yepai – Harry Potter Home Décor Collection
  • Skultuna – Moomin Brass Figurines
  • Walmart – GAP Home Line
  • Zara Home – DC Comics Homeware Collection

Best Licensing Product — Publishing, Social Expression

  • Eaglemoss – The Beatles Advent Calendar
  • Insights Editions – Jurassic World Pop-Up Book
  • RCS – Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Partworks
  • So-Net Entertainment – National Palace Museum x Peanuts Stationery
  • The Carat Shop – Harry Potter Jewelry Advent Calendar
  • Theory 11 – The Beatles Playing Cards
  • Yoto Limited – LEGO Duplo Audio Cards

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 0-8)

  • Clementoni – Harry Potter Terrarium Kit
  • Disguise – Batman & Batmobile Adaptive Costume
  • Dynacraft – Disney Princess Cinderella 24V Carriage
  • LEGO – Disney’s Encanto Madrigal House
  • Moose Toys – Bluey Toy Range
  • Spin Master – Batman Bat-Tech Batcave

Best Licensed Product — Toys, Games, Novelties (ages 8+)

  • LEGO – adidas Superstar Sneaker Set
  • LEGO – Home Alone Set
  • LEGO – Star Wars AT-AT
  • Robosen – Transformers Robot
  • XM Studios – Batman Collectible Figurines
  • Zuru – 5 Surprise Mini Brands

Best Licensed Brand — Animated Entertainment, Character, Toy Brand

  • Barbie – Mattel
  • Bluey – BBC Studios
  • CoComelon – Moonbug Entertainment
  • Encanto – Disney
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man – Disney
  • Minecraft – Microsoft
  • Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir – ZAG
  • Peppa Pig – Hasbro

Best Licensed Brand — Corporate Brand

  • Arm & Hammer – Church & Dwight
  • BMW – BMW Group
  • Discovery – Discovery Inc.
  • Girl Scouts – Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Tasty – Buzzfeed Inc.
  • Transport for London – Transport Trading Limited

Best Licensed Brand — Food, Beverage, Restaurant Brand

  • Coca-Cola, Hi-C, Sprite – The Coca-Cola Company
  • Hershey’s – The Hershey Company
  • Fruity & Cocoa Pebbles – Post Consumer Brands, Warner Bros
  • Corona – Constellation Marketing Services
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Kool-Aid – The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Streets – Unilever Australia

Best Licensed Brand — Lifestyle: Art, Design, Celebrity, Fashion

  • AC/DC – Epic Rights & Perryscope Studios
  • Amy Winehouse
  • Bob Marley
  • emoji The Iconic Brand – emoji company GmbH
  • Grateful Dead – Warner Music Experience
  • May Gibbs – The Northcott Society

Best Licensed Brand — Live Action Entertainment

  • Cobra Kai – Sony Pictures
  • Ghostbusters – Sony Pictures
  • Hot Ones – First We Feast, Complex Networks, Buzzfeed
  • La Casa de Papel – Netflix
  • MasterChef – Banijay
  • Monster Jam – Feld Entertainment
  • Space Jam: A New Legacy – Warner Bros.
  • Star Trek Universe – Paramount

Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design

  • Best Licensed Brand — Museum, Art, Design
  • Andy Warhol – Andy Warhol Foundation
    Keith Haring – Artestar
    Louvre – Louvre Museum
    National Palace Museum
    The Natural History Museum
    The New York Botanical Garden
    V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum

Best Licensed Brand — Sports, Collegiate

  • Football Greats Alliance – Pro Football Retired Players Association
  • Formula 1
  • NFLPA
  • Tokyodachi – Zephyr Headwear
  • U.S. Polo Assn.
  • WWE
  • Yale University

Best Retailer — Corporate, Lifestyle, Fashion, Sports Initiative

  • BoxLunch – McDonald’s
  • Discovery Expedition
  • GCDS – Bratz
  • PacSun – Coca-Cola
  • PacSun – Land Rover
  • Spirit Halloween & Spencer Gifts – Cheetos

Best Retailer — Entertainment, Character Brand

  • Bloomingdales – Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Big W – Minecraft
  • Dream Toy – Squid Game
  • Hot Topic – Marvel Studios
  • Hot Topic – My Hero Academia
  • Joué Club – Batman
  • Saks Fifth Avenue – Harry Potter, Wizarding World

Best Location-Based Entertainment

  • Amy Winehouse Beyond the Stage – Design Museum, London
  • Barbie Ultimate Staycation – Grand Hyatt, Kyala Lumpur
  • Harry Potter: A Forbidden Experience – Thinkwell, Unify, Fever
  • Monopoly Lifesized – Gamepath Entertainment
  • NBA Store Arena – NBA Brazil
  • Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya

Best Licensed Collaboration

  • adidas x LEGO
  • Baccarat x Pokémon
  • Brown & Friends x Furla
  • Cochinelle x Barbie
  • Jurassic Park x Reebok
  • Sprite x Fila
  • The Simpsons x Balenciaga

Best Licensed Promotion

  • Angry Bird Problem? – Geico
  • Deliveroo’s Very Hungry Caterpillar – Deliveroo
  • PAW Patrol Waze Co-Pilot – Waze
  • Plant with Peppa Reforestation – Asda, Ecologi
  • Playmobil For Every Starbucks Buddy – Starbucks, Playmobil
  • Uber Famous Rides (TMNT, SpongeBob, Scooby) – Uber Rides

Best Licensing Agency

  • IMG
  • Pacific Licensing Studio
  • The Beanstalk Group
  • The Joester Loria Group
  • The Point.1888
  • Tycoon Enterprises
  • VIZ Media
  • WildBrain CPLG

 

Details of Licensing Expo opening night party released

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Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is celebrating the event’s long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26.

A highlight of the schedule is the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS, sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY, which takes place on the first day of Licensing Expo, May 24.

The party kicks off at 6pm, and registered attendees are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited, and entrance is granted first-come, first-served. Exhibitors and attendees must be registered to participate in this year’s event and simply need to show their Licensing Expo badge for free access. Registration can be accessed here.

As the party is held at an outside venue, masks are not required for entry. Food and beverages will be available free of charge until the allocated amount is consumed, at which point bar items will become available for purchase.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, commented: “For the first time, the Opening Night Party is free of charge for all Licensing Expo registrants to encourage everyone to reconnect in person after being apart for three long years. It’s a chance to celebrate our industry’s resilience, see familiar faces, and unwind after a busy first day back at the live event. Licensing Expo is back – we couldn’t be more excited and look forward to an evening of fun and camaraderie.”

“Bringing experiences to life is core to who we are as an industry and the Opening Night Party perfectly embodies just that,” says Kris Kojima, licensing specialist for ATLUS West. “We hope all guests registered for Licensing Expo attend the celebration and uses the party as an opportunity to enjoy being a part of such a creative and dynamic industry. Join us on May 24 at Daylight Beach Club to reconnect with old friends, meet the newest industry visionaries, and have fun!”

Recent registrants for Licensing Expo include Aldi, Aykroyd & Sons, Build a Bear, Danilo, Disguise, Jakks Pacific, Hallmark, Hot Topic, HTI Toys, Inditex, Macy’s, Mad Engine, Panini, Primark, Pyramid International, ROSMAN, Target, Walmart, Zulily and many more.

Sponsorship options are available for anyone looking to secure a space at the party; enquire here. To learn more, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

 

 

 

 

Licensing Expo previews 2022 Licensing U agenda

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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.

 

LICENSING EXPO: Networking and content timetable revealed

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A packed programme of in-person networking events and live content has been confirmed for Licensing Expo this May.

Licensing Expo, which is run in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is the world’s largest licensing trade show and takes place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022. Online registration is free and open now.

Celebrations will kick off on the evening of Monday, May 23, with the unveiling of this year’s Licensing International Excellence Awards winners. The awards will take place at Light, with free entry from 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, May 24, will see doors open at 9:00 am for the first day of Licensing Expo, with the official Opening Night Party taking place later that evening. The party will be hosted at Daylight outdoor beach club from 5:30 pm till late and is free to attend for the first time ever. Finally, exhibitors are invited to join informal drinks at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar on Wednesday evening.

Licensing Expo will also host two special in-person keynotes at midday on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday’s keynote spotlighting this year’s Location-Based Experiences theme. Attendees will also benefit from the return of Licensing International’s acclaimed Licensing U programme, sustainability sessions delivered by Products of Change and the live finale of the License This! Competition on Thursday, May 26.  Further details will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Additional content and networking opportunities will also be available via the Licensing Expo official online platform. Opening on April 11, the platform is accessible pre-, during and post-show to browse exhibiting brands and 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 licensing industry is a very sociable community and the lack of opportunity to connect face to face has had a real negative impact on our attendees’ ability to make meaningful connections and drive business. We’re planning to set this right at Licensing Expo in May and have a wonderful programme of events lined up to reconnect people,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

The extensive networking and content programme will support three days of meetings, deal-making, and trend spotting. Latest exhibitors confirmed include Bravado, Banijay Brands, Penguin Random House, Zag Studios, Jazwares, Falcon Creative, Shell, Moonbug Entertainment and many more.

After-hours and networking programme overview

Monday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 pm: Licensing International Excellence Awards sponsored by Alifish and InSpirit Designs

    • Awards from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
    • Free entrance, registration to open shortly
    • Location: Light (Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 pm-late: Licensing Expo Opening Night Party
    • First-come-first-serve attendance
    • Free to attend. All attendees MUST be registered for Licensing Expo to gain entry
    • Location: Daylight Beach Club (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Wednesday, May 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Exhibitor Drinks
    • Free to attend – available to exhibitors only
    • Location: Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar (inside the Mandalay Bay casino)

Keynote and content programme overview

  • Tuesday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 25 – 12:00-12:45 pm: Licensing Expo keynote presentations delivered in-person on the show floor.
  • Licensing U, presented by Licensing International, returns to the show floor with content available May 24 through May 26.
    • Tickets available for sale soon
  • Thursday, May 26, 11:00-12:00 pm: License This! Competition live finale

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International, says: “The licensing industry has adapted to drastic changes and our content this year is focused on the opportunities that exist to continue to move business forward. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather together in Las Vegas and we look forward to celebrating the successes of the past year and providing a platform for networking, new partnerships and learning.”

LICENSING EXPO: Networking and content timetable revealed

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A packed programme of in-person networking events and live content has been confirmed for Licensing Expo this May.

Licensing Expo, which is run in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is the world’s largest licensing trade show and takes place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 24-26, 2022. Online registration is free and open now.

Celebrations will kick off on the evening of Monday, May 23, with the unveiling of this year’s Licensing International Excellence Awards winners. The awards will take place at Light, with free entry from 5:30 pm.

Tuesday, May 24, will see doors open at 9:00 am for the first day of Licensing Expo, with the official Opening Night Party taking place later that evening. The party will be hosted at Daylight outdoor beach club from 5:30 pm till late and is free to attend for the first time ever. Finally, exhibitors are invited to join informal drinks at the Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar on Wednesday evening.

Licensing Expo will also host two special in-person keynotes at midday on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday’s keynote spotlighting this year’s Location-Based Experiences theme. Attendees will also benefit from the return of Licensing International’s acclaimed Licensing U programme, sustainability sessions delivered by Products of Change and the live finale of the License This! Competition on Thursday, May 26.  Further details will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Additional content and networking opportunities will also be available via the Licensing Expo official online platform. Opening on April 11, the platform is accessible pre-, during and post-show to browse exhibiting brands and 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 licensing industry is a very sociable community and the lack of opportunity to connect face to face has had a real negative impact on our attendees’ ability to make meaningful connections and drive business. We’re planning to set this right at Licensing Expo in May and have a wonderful programme of events lined up to reconnect people,” says Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.

The extensive networking and content programme will support three days of meetings, deal-making, and trend spotting. Latest exhibitors confirmed include Bravado, Banijay Brands, Penguin Random House, Zag Studios, Jazwares, Falcon Creative, Shell, Moonbug Entertainment and many more.

After-hours and networking programme overview

Monday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 pm: Licensing International Excellence Awards sponsored by Alifish and InSpirit Designs

    • Awards from 6:00 to 7:15 pm
    • Free entrance, registration to open shortly
    • Location: Light (Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Tuesday, May 24, 5:30 pm-late: Licensing Expo Opening Night Party
    • First-come-first-serve attendance
    • Free to attend. All attendees MUST be registered for Licensing Expo to gain entry
    • Location: Daylight Beach Club (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd)
  • Wednesday, May 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Exhibitor Drinks
    • Free to attend – available to exhibitors only
    • Location: Eyecandy Sound Lounge and Bar (inside the Mandalay Bay casino)

Keynote and content programme overview

  • Tuesday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 25 – 12:00-12:45 pm: Licensing Expo keynote presentations delivered in-person on the show floor.
  • Licensing U, presented by Licensing International, returns to the show floor with content available May 24 through May 26.
    • Tickets available for sale soon
  • Thursday, May 26, 11:00-12:00 pm: License This! Competition live finale

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International, says: “The licensing industry has adapted to drastic changes and our content this year is focused on the opportunities that exist to continue to move business forward. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather together in Las Vegas and we look forward to celebrating the successes of the past year and providing a platform for networking, new partnerships and learning.”

Licensing International appoints new Director of Content and Communications

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Licensing International, the leading trade organisation for the global licensing industry, has announced the hire of Elizabeth Foster as Director of Content and Communications. In her role, Foster will lead editorial planning and development for the organisation along with media relations, and social media strategy.

Based in Toronto, Foster has more than a decade of experience in journalism, having started her career in newspapers before making the move to magazines. She has worked at Thomson Reuters, and most recently served as Copy Chief & Special Reports Editor at Kidscreen, the leading international trade publication serving children’s entertainment professionals.

“Following a successful career in journalism, we’re proud to add Elizabeth’s talents to our organisation,” commented Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “Her expertise will be critical as we look forward to the continued growth of Licensing International’s editorial and communications departments.”

Following the recent announcement of the return of Licensing Expo to Las Vegas in May, Foster joins the Licensing International team at an exciting time. Her expertise will be invaluable to the organisation in developing data-driven content, analysis, and insights across industries to help Licensing International members grow their businesses.

“I am ecstatic to be joining the team at Licensing International and begin this new milestone in my career,” said Foster. “It will be a privilege to work alongside some of the most respected individuals in the licensing industry.”

For more information and updates from Licensing International, visit LicensingInternational.org.