Global Licensing Group, Licensing International Launch Virtual Licensing WeekGlobal Licensing Group, Licensing International Launch Virtual Licensing Week

Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group has joined forces with trade association Licensing International to launch Licensing Week – five days of virtual keynotes, educational and topical seminars, matchmaking, networking and a digital exhibition – taking place June 15-19, 2020. 

“Doing business within the licensing industry is simply not possible without connections – whether that be making new ones or reinforcing and nurturing existing ones,” says Anna Knight, vice president, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “We know from speaking to our colleagues that it’s business-critical for them to have the chance to connect in early summer, which is why we have pulled out all the stops to create this new event in June.”

The week-long virtual event will bring the global licensing industry together, connecting licensing businesses with retailers, manufacturers, experts and media at a time when physical networking and deal-making is proving impossible.

It will complement and supplement the flagship Licensing Expo (Aug. 11-13 in Las Vegas, Nev.) and Brand Licensing Europe events (Oct. 6-8 in London), and help to bridge the gap between opportunities for real-life industry engagement.

Reflecting the experiences and content found at Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Week will spotlight Brands & Lifestyle, Character & Entertainment and Art, Design & Emerging Categories, as well as host Licensing International’s Licensing University, a live Pitch the Brands event, an exhibit hall and a matchmaking service.

Three keynote addresses – held at 9:00 a.m. PST and 17:00 p.m. BST on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – have been scheduled at times that are convenient for both U.S. and European audiences.

“The global licensing industry is creative, innovative and robust but, like many others, it has been battered by the COVID-19 storm,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “It’s our job at Licensing International to help the industry not only weather that in the short term, but to also work together to adapt to this new normal, understand what it means for all of us and help to rebuild the industry long term. By pooling our reach and resources with Anna’s team at the Global Licensing Group, we believe Licensing Week will mark the start of that journey, and I look forward to welcoming the entire industry online.”

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