The economic disruption caused by COVID-19 has fundamentally shifted business for everyone in the licensing community. As we adjust to our “new normal,” leaders in the field are adapting and coming up with novel solutions to issues we’ve never quite seen before.

To kick off the month-long Festival of Licensing celebration, thought leaders from across the European licensing sector are set to present a variety of keynotes and on-demand information sessions. Keynotes this year include presentations from industry pioneers from Smiley, Formula 1 and Banijay/Endemol Shine.

In order to get you ready for the jam-packed week ahead, License Global has broken down some of the must-attend keynotes that will be available for anyone attending this year’s Festival of Licensing.

FREE: Register to attend and book meetings at Festival of Licensing by clicking here.

Keynote Presentation: Putting Purpose into your Licensing Program – Tuesday Oct. 6, 9AM BST
Speakers: Nicolas Loufrani, founder and CEO, The Smiley Company; Dacher Keltner, Professor of Psychology, University of California; and Speakers from Loewe, Eastpak, Pull&Bear and Herring.

Smiley has always been a steadfast symbol of defiant optimism in challenging times, but for almost fifty years it has also stood as a beacon to somewhere better. As many brands are faced with the challenge of reaffirming a more meaningful purpose, join The Smiley Company CEO Nicolas Loufrani on 6th October 2020 at Festival Of Licensing for a spirited discussion about why we have always believed in the power of positivity, creativity, and connection for companies and customers.

Keynote Panel: How the Sports Industry Swerved the Biggest Brand Disruption of Recent History – Wednesday Oct. 7, 9AM BST
Speakers: Joan Carrera Lopez, Senior Manager, Retail & CPG Licensing, Formula 1®; Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director, Team GB.

COVID-19 turned the live events space on its head. As social distancing and new hygiene standards turned things to a standstill, areas such as sport were particularly hit with unique challenges. This keynote will highlight the methods and flexibility that drove players in the space over the last many months. Hear from industry leaders from Formula 1 and Team GB as they highlight how sports licensing kept the pedal to the metal in spite of the global shutdown.

Keynote Panel: The Role of Licensing in Building Global Brands – Thursday, Oct. 8, 9am BST

Speakers: Jane Smith, Group Director Brand Licensing and Gaming, Banijay/Endemol Shine.

Following its merger with the Endemol Shine Group, Banijay became one of the world’s largest international content producer and distributor. During this insightful keynote from Jane Smith, Group Director Brand Licensing and Gaming, Banijay/Endemol Shine, hear how the massive company manages its global portfolio of brands and stays on top of global trends shaping the entertainment space.