Beginning 6th October, Festival of Licensing incorporates three regional events linked to the world’s biggest markets.
Festival of Licensing – the month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry running from 6th-29th October – has announced its retail programme, packed with exclusive content and expert advice for retailers at all experience levels.
Three trusted industry partners will deliver on demand, never-before -seen content including:
The Trend Bible Mini-Series
Trend Bible’s mini-series at the Festival of Licensing will enable retailers to learn how to use trends to spot the early signs of change and ensure they are in the best position possible to engage future consumers with relatable messages and the right products and services at the right time.
Buyers Eye, led by Julia Redman
Retail and licensing expert, Julia Redman, will draw on her wealth of experience at some of the UK’s biggest names to outline the licensing opportunity open and available to retailers.
Kids Industries, led by Gary Pope
Kids Industries Co-Founder Gary Pope will present five short mini-documentaries that deliver insights and include the unveiling of primary research specifically undertaken for Festival of Licensing that explores consumer attitudes to the new retail landscape from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK.
Festival of Licensing is also hosting ‘Ask Me Anything’ live sessions enabling retailers to ask a panel of experts anything they need to know about brand licensing and retail. European experts include:
- Julia Redman, Retail Expert, Buyers Eye, Buying and Sourcing Consultancy
- Ruth Golightly Asda, Head of Buying – Children’s Clothing, Asda/George
- Angeles Blanco, Licensing Executive
- Dave Collins, co-founder PowerStation Studios
- Bethan Garton, Commercial Director, The Point.1888
The one-hour sessions will run as follows:
- Europe: Tuesday 6th October & Thursday 8th October from 11-12pm BST
- Americas: Tuesday 20th October & Thursday 22nd October from 11-12pm PST
Retailers already registered to attend Festival of Licensing include Asda, Zara, Target, C&A, Selfridges, Tesco, Walmart, Forbidden Planet, Pottery Barn, Calzedonia, Oasis, Cath Kidston, Hamleys, Moonpig, Next and The Entertainer.
European retailers from Ann Summers, Asda George, Bubblegum, character.com, Dreamland, El Corte Ingles, Halfords, Joanie Clothing, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons Nutmeg, Sainsbury’s Argos, Sainsbury’s Tu, Selfridges, Tesco, The Entertainer, The Very Group and Vendula London are also taking part in the 2020 Retail Mentoring Programme.
Anna Knight, VP, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, said: “When it comes to educating, informing and supporting European retailers who work across the licensing category, we take that role very seriously and, given the challenges many retailers are facing as a result of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to play our part by sharing useful content and valuable advice that can help them in their jobs and careers.”
Meanwhile, The Smiley brand, Alibaba and Authentic Brands Group (ABG), are the first keynotes revealed for the Festival of Licensing Live Stage agenda, sponsored by Crunchyroll. Going live at 0900 BST on 6th October, The Smiley Co. will open the festival and kick off the event’s Europe content. Alibaba will take the centre stage for the first day of the Asia week. ABG will headline day one of the Americas week, and Live Stage sponsor, Crunchyroll, will keynote the America’s second day of content with a lively discussion around anime.
Festival of Licensing will also include educational content from event sponsor Licensing International, trade association for the global licensing industry.
View the agenda here. Register to attend for free at www.festivaloflicensing.com.
