Students Benefit from DiversityOrg BLE Partnership

Together with DiversityOrg, Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) created a space and opportunity for low-income, minority students to connect with leaders in the brand licensing industry.

In total, 60 students attended BLE on the final day, Oct. 6, which was the show’s dedicated Day of Purpose. Students were in attendance from Dormer Wells High School, Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust, while 20 fashion management/buying/merchandising students also attended from University of the Arts London. They were introduced to the licensing industry and the career options and pathways it could hold for them through a careers panel, networking panel and a show tour with stop-offs at Natural History Museum, Paramount, Hasbro, Penguin Ventures and Beanstalk. 

Informa Markets, the global events company behind BLE, says the collaboration proved to provide, “Invaluable knowledge and experience.”

Support and appreciation were received from the students in attendance, as well as the exhibitors and panelists that took part on the day.

Some comments of what attendees found most useful, taken from the student feedback survey include:

“Going around and understanding the concept and ideas of licensing and networking.”

“Learning about the different ways of networking and how to do it effectively.”

“That we got to hear different experiences from everyone. I also got an insight into how I’m able to be successful and gain connections.”

“I was able to make a lot of very successful LinkedIn connections and I was able to step outside my comfort zone by talking to more people.”

“It’s really diverse and welcoming, can’t wait to see myself within this incredible space.”

“The fact that I have never been to an event such as this one made it more memorable and feel like just another step in my development.”

Brand Licensing exhibitors and participants who joined the event were given a voluntary survey to share their experience. Every one of the respondents highlighted their desire to continue participating in events with Informa Markets and DiversityOrg as an exhibitor. All said they feel like they made a positive impact on the students they engaged with and that events such as this heighten the exhibitor experience.