Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International Announce Licensing U Program Details

Digital content to go live on Aug. 29, with in-person passes limited to 250.

License Global

August 24, 2022

(From T to B, L to R): Esther Jolley, Sophie Bloomfield, Steve Manners and Susan Bolsover.Licensing International

Industry trade association, Licensing International, and

Brand Licensing Europe

have revealed further details for this year’s

Licensing U program

, which will be available online starting Aug. 29.

The reimagined 2022 program features both pre-show and at-show content to educate anyone new to licensing with everything they need to know about the $315-billion licensing industry.

Complementing the pre-show content will be orientation sessions and show tours at BLE in the License Global Theater, concierge support for booking meetings ahead of the event and in-person speed networking and mentoring with industry experts and key players in licensing.

View the online agenda for timings and locations.

Six pre-show online sessions (each supported with complementary downloadable materials) go live in the BLE Event Platform on Aug. 29, allowing those new to licensing who have purchased a pass to improve their understanding ahead of the event:

Licensing 101:
The Basics of Licensing: Understanding licensing, how it works, the terminology and process, with Susan Bolsover, founder and managing director, Lightbulb Licensing
The Legal & Financials of Licensing:
What you Need to Know: What to consider when negotiating a licensing deal and understanding the key contractual terms and financial obligations, with Esther Jolley, internal auditor director, Brand Extension at Stobbs
Style Guides – How to Present your Brand to the Market:
What is a Style Guide Used For? The essential components and understanding the importance of the creative process with Sarah Swindell, managing director and owner, and Gemma Aveling, studio manager, Watermelon Creative
Trend Forecasting:
The purpose and process of trend forecasting in relation to consumer products, with Sophie Bloomfield, founder and chief executive officer, SBC

A Global Market Overview:
As the retail value of licensing exceeds $315 billion for the first time, learn the key markets and product categories that are driving the growth and the likely trends to consider, with Steve Manners, head, global marketing and U.K. managing director, Licensing International
Top Tips for a Successful Visit to BLE:
Licensing U delegates will also receive access to Concierge Matchmaking for BLE to help them pre-book meetings with key exhibitors who are relevant to their business objectives. Anna Knight, senior vice president, licensing at Informa Markets, will explain more.

“This Licensing U program will provide professionals

at the beginning of their licensing journey with all of the information and tools they need as they prepare for BLE, ensuring they can be as successful as possible at the event,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “The in-person offerings will build on that knowledge, creating opportunities to put those new skills into action through extended networking and mentoring opportunities.”

“Having access to really valuable information, advice and tools about how licensing works before attending meetings at BLE will be hugely beneficial to the many new faces in both the industry and at the show,” says Knight. “We’re delighted to partner with Licensing International, who have drawn from their extensive expertise to curate an inclusive and practical program for Licensing U this year.”