Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit is now less than a week away, what can attendees expect to learn at this event? 

Amanda: This year’s Summit will have topics that are critical to the advancement of brand licensing. Attendees can expect to see a wide range of topics discussed, from NFTs and the metaverse, to supply chain challenges and retail disruption. Guests will have the opportunity to learn from leading brand executives and discuss what direction brands are heading in the future with their peers. 

With our agenda now fully confirmed, we have some fantastic brands signed on to speak at this year’s conference, including Beanstalk, BrandTrends, CAMP, Concept One Accessories, Hot Topic, Kellogg Company, Komar, Paramount, Urban Outfitters, Virtual Brand Group and more. 

As 2023 tiptoes on the horizon, can you speak to the leading trends that the licensing industry expects to see in the new year?  

Technology is definitely at the forefront at this year’s conference. We are seeing a range of brands jumping into the NFT and metaverse conversations. As this era of technological advancement continues to grow, companies are adapting and joining these online communities to get their brand in front of consumers.  

Additionally, we are seeing a lot of buzz around sustainability and DEI. For example, the session “Diversity & Inclusion: Walking the Talk,” will focus on how brands can work diversity conversations into tangible results. We are excited to deliver an agenda that touches upon these important topics that have the opportunity to yield real change in our industry.   

Which of these topics are you most excited to learn about at the conference?  

I am just as interested in learning about the upcoming consumer trends as the rest of the industry is. This year’s agenda features quite a few sessions on changing consumer and product trends and forecasting licensing predictions over the next few years. I am excited to see how companies are adapting to this transformative era and the dynamic ways in which brands can continue to appeal to their consumers, while also staying true to their image.  

I’m also really looking forward to the “Economic Overview: What Challenges are Forecast for 2023,” presented by BMO Capital Markets. To say it has been a challenging few years would be an understatement, but understanding what to expect from the next year will really help the industry to prepare and pivot if needed to brace itself for what could be another challenging year ahead. Access to this type of insight is invaluable so I’m excited to see what is forecasted for 2023. 

What excites you about engaging with your community in person at B&LIS? 

I am excited to reconnect with industry peers in New York and enjoy networking events, delivered in partnership with Licensing International on both days of the event. With a happy hour on Tuesday evening, including themed drinks and snacks in The Gallery space and The Living Room, and a speed networking on Wednesday, where attendees can get to know each other through guided 1-on-1 interactions within 10-minute increments, guests will be able to take part in conversations and connect all throughout the two-day event. Face-to-face was so sorely missed over the last three years and is absolutely critical for this industry; it was great to reconnect during Licensing Expo earlier this year, and it’s exciting to have more opportunities to do so. Expo is always so busy with meetings, it will be nice to catch up with industry contacts in a more relaxed setting, and see what conversations are sparked from the sessions each day. 

Additionally, we have registrants from across the licensing industry including Ralph Lauren, NFL Players Association, Paramount, Hallmark, Seltzer Licensing Group, Moonbug Entertainment, Beanstalk, Sesame Workshop, Hasbro, Crayola, Moose Toys, Warner Bros., Wildbrain CLPG, Danone, Gap and more.   

Readers of License Global can still secure their pass to attend and enjoy a 50% discount on their ticket price by using the code ‘LG202211’ at checkout.  

B&LIS will be held in New York City at Convene New York Nov. 8-9. Register for a pass to attend at

Brandlicensinginnovationsummit.com.