First Wave of Speakers Confirmed for B&LIS Innovation North America

Registration for the November event is now live.

August 3, 2022

B&LIS logo.Global Licensing Group

Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) North America, a two-day thought leadership conference dedicated to transforming the future of brand licensing, announced the first wave of speakers confirmed for the Nov. 8-9 event at Convene New York in New York City. B&LIS North America, in partnership with Licensing International, is strategically designed to be a one-stop shop for in-depth education and trend analysis within brand licensing. 

This announcement comes alongside registration going live for the in-person event, where U.S.-based industry leaders and decision makers will come to learn and connect over the hottest topics for licensing consumer products across all categories.

Beanstalk

Brand Central

Hot Topic

, Virtual Brand Group and 

WHP Global

 are among the first wave of companies confirmed to take the stage and impart on highly sought-after insights on topics ranging from sustainability to NFTs and the metaverse, to location-based experiences.

"This year’s B&LIS North America speaker

lineup covers all the latest topics and trends impacting the business of licensing," says Anna Knight, senior vice president, Global Licensing Group, organizers of B&LIS. “As consumers emerge from the pandemic, the desire for peer connection is driving this transformative era forward. Given the uncertain times ahead, it is now more important than ever to come together to navigate these challenges, to learn from one another, and understand the opportunities available to drive success for the entire industry. This year’s conference lineup will facilitate thought-provoking conversation and help those in attendance adapt to the fast pace of change to continue to serve consumers with the brands they love in new, innovative ways. Registration for the event is now live, mark this event on your calendar as a must-attend to reconnect and network with the industry’s leading decision makers through a selection of content delivered in workshops, fireside chats, breakout sessions, panel conversations, expert-led presentations and more.”

Conference sessions and speakers confirmed to date include:

Session: Changing Retail Landscape: Retailers’ Evolving Post-Pandemic Strategies

Speakers: Maura Regan, president,
Licensing International
; Robin Motts, vice president/general merchandise manager,
Hot Topic
; Jamie Uitdenhowen, executive vice president/general manager of
Toys "R" Us
,
WHP Global

Session: Metaverse in Action: Converting Buzz to Consumer Purchase 

Speaker: Justin W. Hochberg, chief executive officer & founder, Virtual Brand Group

Session: From NFT to Dollars: How NFTs can Actually Make Sense

Speakers: Ross Misher, chief executive officer,
Brand Central
; Alex Locke, founder and managing member, Bored of Directors, and IP/technology associate, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Session: Sustainability Session

Speaker: Andrea Green, advisory and U.S. ambassador, Products of Change

Session: Economic Overview: What Challenges are Forecast for 2023?

Speaker: Simeon Siegel, chartered financial analyst, managing director, BMO Capital Markets

Session: Sustainability Panel

Speaker: Linda Morgenstern, vice president, brand management,
Beanstalk

Session: Think Tank: Can the Licensing Process be Rebuilt?

Speakers: Michelle McLaughlin, chief executive officer, brand activation consulting; Sam Hafif, chief executive officer,
Concept One Accessories
; Maya Assis, vice president, licensing,
KOMAR
; Winnie Jaing, senior director, licensing strategy & partnerships, Hot Topic

Session: Marketing 2.0: How to Reach Gen Z and Alpha